Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the estimation of nitrous oxide flux from agricultural fields of Canterbury New Zealand using micro-meteorological methods

Traditionally, agricultural nitrous oxide (N2O) emission of New Zealand has been measured using chambers or lysimeters, and micrometeorological flux measurement experiments have been very few. Since micrometerological flux measurement systems have the advantage of measuring spatially integrated flux values for longer time periods compared to measurements made using chambers, development and verification of such a system was needed for New Zealand’s agro-meteorological conditions. In this study, efficacy of such a combined flux gradient (FG) eddy covariance (EC) micrometeorological flux measurement system is verified by continuously measuring N2O fluxes from some control and mitigated agricultural plots of New Zealand. The control fields had natural N2O emission, whereas, the mitigated plots were treated with chemicals to reduce N2O emission. In this combined FG-EC method, the turbulent eddy diffusivities were estimated using the Monin-Obukhov (M-O) similarity theory based parameterization (where diffusion velocity ‘dph’ was used) and a thermal approach (where eddy diffusivity ‘k t h’ was used) from the EC measurements. These transfer coefficients (k h and d p h) along with the measured N2O concentration differences were then fitted to the traditional FG equation to compute final flux values. As the primary objective of this study, measured fluxes from two different seasons and from two approaches were compared for consistency and then verified against published results. Under this wider objective of verification of the FG-EC micrometeorological method of N2O flux estimation, this research thesis addresses three key issues: (i) assessment of error propagation in the measured flux through the eddy diffusivity to understand the random error dynamics of the system and to estimate precision of the overall method, (ii) quantification and separation of N2O source area emission rates from adjacent plots to identify the contribution of an individual plot to the measured flux when multi-plot fluxes were measured from sources with different biogenic characters, and (iii) quantification of the effect of animal grazing and mitigation on the measured flux and actual emission
Relying on Technology for Countering Academic Dishonesty: The Impact of Online Tutorial on Students’ Perception of Academic Misconduct

Over the last several decades, the issue of academic integrity has emerged as one of the major concerns of higher education institutions throughout the world. Amongst different strategies for combating academic dishonesty, educational interventions in the form of online tutorials are becoming increasingly popular. In this paper, we empirically examine, using a sample of Montenegrin students and the matching method, the relation between online tutorials and four forms of student misconduct, namely cheating, plagiarism, fabrication or falsification, and aiding and abetting academic dishonesty. In addition, we examine whether students that received the certificate after passing an academic integrity test in online tutorial perceived different forms of academic misconduct more seriously than students who participated in the online tutorial but did not receive the certificate. Our results indicate that online tutorial can be useful for enhancing students’ awareness of certain types of academic dishonesty (cheating, fabricating/falsifying, and aiding/abetting), while for others (plagiarism), it remains ineffective. Similarly, we found that getting a certificate after completing tutorial did not amplify students’ attitudes towards certain dishonest behaviors (cheating or fabrication/falsification), but it enhanced students’ perceived seriousness of plagiarism and aiding/abetting dishonesty. The result of this analysis may have important implications for university managers and policy makers when designing strategies for combating particular types of dishonesty in academia.
Towards Technology Models for MSEs in Kenya: Common Principles and Best Practices

Abstract Global business pressures generated by globalization and liberalization haveshifted emphasis from traditional factors of competitiveness (such as pricereductions) towards new forms of competitiveness (such as innovation andknowledge creation). Despite this, Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) inKenya operate within restricted levels of technology and most of them useinappropriate technology. They lack capacity for modern technological adoptionand absorption. This paper reviews the theories, existing institutionalframework and practices of technology acquisition for Kenyan MSEs and afew selected countries with the aim of developing a model for MSEs technologydevelopment. The theoretical review reveals the importance of the spatialdimension, supportive infrastructure, market forces and entrepreneurialorientation and synergy in MSEs technology development approaches. Thepaper finds that MSEs have operated in an environment that lacks a coherentand comprehensive technology and innovation policy framework. Best practicesfrom other countries highlight the need for increased public support; deepeningof market forces; promotion of inter-firm linkages; developing mentoringprogrammes for “techno-preneurs” and promoting intellectual property rights.Further, lessons indicate that MSE associations, metrology and standards,research and development are critical in technology development. On the basisof these arguments, the paper proposes a theoretical model for MSEs technologydevelopment. The model is built on a foundation of five pillars that include:the Government ; science, technology and engineering education institutions;innovation and technology markets; financial institutions; and businessenterprises. The model should be useful to MSE associations as they lobby forimplementation of MSE policies on technology.
Association of Myostatin Gene Polymorphisms with Strength and Muscle Mass in Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the MSTN rs1805086 Mutation

Polymorphism (rs1805086), c.458A>G, p.Lys(K)153Arg(R), (K153R) of the myostatin gene (MSTN) has been associated with a skeletal muscle phenotype (hypertrophic response in muscles due to strength training). However, there are not enough reliable data to demonstrate whether MSTN rs1805086 K and R allelic variants are valid genetic factors that can affect the strength phenotype of athletes’ skeletal muscles. The aim is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the association of MSTN rs1805086 polymorphism with the strength phenotype of athletes. This study analyzed 71 research articles on MSTN and performed a meta-analysis of MSTN K153R rs1805086 polymorphism in strength-oriented athletes and a control (non-athletes) group. It was found that athletes in the strength-oriented athlete group had a higher frequency of the R minor variant than that in the control group (OR = 2.02, P = 0.05). Thus, the obtained results convincingly demonstrate that there is an association between the studied polymorphism and strength phenotype of athletes; therefore, further studies on this association are scientifically warranted.
Geopolymer Concrete Performance Study for High-Temperature Thermal Energy Storage (TES) Applications

Solar energy is an energy intermittent source that faces a substantial challenge for its power dispatchability. Hence, concentrating solar power (CSP) plants and solar process heat (SPH) applications employ thermal energy storage (TES) technologies as a link between power generation and optimal load distribution. Ordinary Portland cement (OPC)-based materials are widely used in sensible TES, but their use is limited to operation temperatures below 400 to 500 °C because of thermal degradation processes. This work proposes a geopolymer (GEO)-based concrete as a suitable alternative to OPC concrete for TES that withstands high running temperatures, higher than 500 °C. To this end, thermophysical properties of a geopolymer-based concrete sample were initially measured experimentally; later, energy storage capacity and thermal behavior of the GEO sample were modeled numerically. In fact, different thermal scenarios were modeled, revealing that GEO-based concrete can be a sound choice due to its thermal energy storage capacity, high thermal diffusivity and capability to work at high temperature regimes.
What Makes Agroforestry a Potential Restoration Measure in a Degraded Conservation Forest?

Agroforestry is a win–win solution in terms of restoring forest function while benefiting the local community. This research aimed to (1) understand the regulations concerning protected area management and the restoration strategies adopted based on the history of forest degradation in the area, (2) investigate the factors driving local people to adopt agroforestry systems in the area, and (3) investigate the characteristics of the agroforestry system developed and its impacts based on farmers’ perceptions. This research was performed in Wan Abdul Rachman Grand Forest Park, Lampung Province, Indonesia, and involved interviewing 59 respondents who managed 63 agroforestry plots in the area. Several schemes had been implemented to restore the degraded forest without involving the community, and the results were unsatisfactory. Changing the regulations concerning managing conservation forests to involve the community and providing legal permits and support from the management improved forest function due to community willingness to implement the agroforestry system. About 81% of observed plots consisted of 5–12 plant species, and 16% of plots consisted of 13–16 species per plot. Theobroma cacao was the most common species in the agroforestry plots, followed by Durio zibethinus, Parkia speciosa, and Aleurites moluccana. The size of the agroforestry plot affected the number of species in the plot. The community perception demonstrated that agroforestry has positive impacts on livelihood, the environment, and biodiversity at the landscape level.
Life cycle performance goals for civil infrastructure: intergenerational risk-informed decisions

Civil infrastructure facilities play a central role in the economic, social and political health of modern society. Such facilities are susceptible to ageing, which is stochastic in nature and makes their reliabilities time dependent. Life-cycle engineering analysis and risk-informed decision tools have advanced in recent years for managing public investments in performance assurance and risk mitigation of civil infrastructure. However, certain civil infrastructure projects may be designed for service periods that are substantially longer than what has been typically expected of buildings, bridges and similar facilities, extending the potential consequences of life-cycle engineering decisions far beyond the limits for which there is practical experience. Current assessment procedures will require modification to evaluate performance of civil infrastructure facilities over extended time frames and to support sustainable and equitable decisions affecting long-term public safety. This paper considers a number of key issues that must be addressed in life-cycle reliability assessment of civil infrastructure facilities that must remain functional for service periods of several generations, and introduces perspectives on risk that are germane to ensure sustainability and intergenerational equity in risk-informed decision-making.
A salutogenesis approach to ageing with impairment: the managing and coping experiences of older people ageing with deafblindness

Abstract An understanding of the psychosocial impact of deafblindness on older people is impoverished by a dearth of research in the field. Particularly limited are studies adopting a salutogenesis perspective, in which older deafblind people's coping capacities are explored. Much research focuses on vulnerability to unfavourable outcomes, which may perpetuate negative stereotypes of deafblind people as passive and dependent. Identifying deafblind people as a vulnerable group gives rise to misunderstanding of the impairment, perceptions of incapability and neglect of deafblind people's agency. This paper draws on data from the first United Kingdom-based study of vulnerability from the perspectives of older adults ageing with deafblindness. Findings presented here relate to participants’ experiences of managing and coping with their felt vulnerability and ageing with deafblindness. The study adopted interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) as its qualitative approach. In-depth semi-structured interviews were undertaken between October 2014 and July 2016 with eight participants, aged between 48 and 83 years. Data were analysed using an iterative six-step IPA process. Three superordinate themes were identified: taking action to protect self; psychological coping strategies; and accessing and using care and support. Participants’ managing and coping strategies, and the care and support they value, respond to elements identified as generating felt vulnerability. Professionals should seek to bolster coping capacity and provide support in ways valued by those ageing with deafblindness.
A Sample of Female Adolescent Self-Identified Vegetarians in New Zealand Consume Less Protein and Saturated Fat, but More Fiber than Their Omnivorous Peers

This study aimed to describe the intake and food sources of macronutrients in vegetarian and non-vegetarian adolescent females. Cross-sectional data was collected between February and September 2019. Adolescent females, aged 15 to 18 years old, were recruited throughout New Zealand. Intakes were assessed via two 24-h diet recalls, adjusted to represent usual intake using the multiple source method. Of the 254 participants, 38 self-identified as vegetarian. Vegetarians had similar carbohydrate and fat intakes compared to non-vegetarians; however, their protein intakes were 2.1% kJ lower (95% confidence interval (CI) −3.0 to −1.1%). Vegetarians also consumed 1.1% kJ less saturated fat (95% CI –2.1 to −0.1%), 1.3% kJ (95% CI 0.7 to 1.9) more polyunsaturated fat, and 5 g/day (95% CI 1.8 to 8.0) more fiber than non-vegetarians. When consumed, bread-based dishes and discretionary foods were the highest sources of energy, fat, and carbohydrate in both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. This suggests that some adolescents, including vegetarians, were obtaining high amounts of fat and carbohydrate from food groups associated with poorer dietary quality. We recommend further research to assess how the changing food environment is influencing vegetarian eating patterns and their associations with health outcomes in the wider population.
In Search of a Comparable Measure of Generalized Individual Religiosity in the World Values Survey

Individual religiosity measures are used by researchers to describe and compare individuals and societies. However, the cross-cultural comparability of the measures has often been questioned but rarely empirically tested. In the current study, we examined the cross-national measurement invariance properties of generalized individual religiosity in the sixth wave of the World Values Survey. For the analysis, we used multiple group confirmatory factor analysis and alignment. Our results demonstrated that a theoretically driven measurement model was not invariant across all countries. We suggested four unidimensional measurement models and four overlapping groups of countries in which these measurement models demonstrated approximate invariance. The indicators that covered praying practices, importance of religion, and confidence in its institutions were more cross-nationally invariant than other indicators.
Carcass Yields and Meat Composition of Male and Female Italian Slow-Growing Chicken Breeds: Bianca di Saluzzo and Bionda Piemontese

Simple Summary Bionda Piemontese and Bianca di Saluzzo are two slow growing breeds from northwest Italy, specifically from the Piedmont region. Their low input requirements make them suitable in organic and free-range rearing contexts for both meat and egg production. This research, part of a conservation program for these two breeds, aims to define the meat properties and qualitative attributes of these two breeds, comparing them at different slaughter ages in order to identify the most profitable slaughter period. The results show significant benefits associated with slaughtering at 7 months of age, which outperformed the shorter rearing periods in terms of both better slaughter performances and meat properties. Abstract The slaughter performance and meat quality of two native Italian chicken breeds, Bionda Piemontese (BP, n = 64) and Bianca di Saluzzo (BS, n = 64), were investigated. Two-way ANOVA, considering breed, sex, and their interaction, was used to compare the properties of birds slaughtered at 5, 6, 7, and 8 months of age. Subsequently, data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and the Duncan test to evaluate the differences between slaughter ages. The BP breed produced a better carcass yield than BS at 5, 7, and 8 months of age (p < 0.05). Breast moisture and crude protein contents were influenced by gender, and were higher in males than in females (p < 0.05). By contrast, the crude fat content was higher in females than in males (p < 0.05). The saturated fatty acid content of breast meat increased as the birds aged in both breeds (p < 0.05). The polyunsaturated fatty acid content of both breast and thigh meat was higher in males than in females (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). In general, slaughtering at 7 months was associated with the best slaughter and meat quality characteristics in both breeds. Moreover, from a nutritional point of view, the characteristics of the meat from male birds were preferable to those of meat from females.
Chronic Pain and Its Association with Depressive Symptoms and Renal Function in Hypertensive Patients

Chronic pain is a common concern and is considered to be one of the major problems in patients with chronic physical disorders. We studied the effect of pain in patients with hypertension with or without chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the association between pain and symptoms of depression. The study involved 158 hypertensive individuals (59.5% male, mean age 55 years), of whom 47 (29.8%) had CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2). Pain was assessed with the pain/discomfort domain of the EuroQol-5 D, while depressive symptoms were assessed with the depression module of the Patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9). The prevalence of chronic pain in our sample was 44.3%. Women exhibited chronic pain more often compared to men (57.1% vs. 42.9%, p < 0.001). The presence of CKD was not significantly associated with a higher prevalence of chronic pain among hypertensive patients. Depressive symptoms were significantly associated with the presence of chronic pain. These findings were confirmed in the logistic regression analysis. Chronic pain is common in hypertensive individuals and the association with depression warrants further investigation and may have practical implications in managing these patients.
Incorporating nodal and zonal room air models into building energy calculation procedures

This research focuses on developing a framework and computer code for coupling detailed air models with building energy and load calculations that can be distributed as a toolkit. The complete-mixing model for room air has long been used for such calculations although there are concerns that it might be deficient when air temperature is not uniform because of buoyancy-driven airflow. Nodal models developed by Mundt (1996) and Rees (1998) were implemented, and a new momentum-zonal model developed, for testing the framework with load-calculation routines based on Pederson’s (2001) implementation of the Heat Balance Model. The Heat Balance Model has been reformulated to use an array of zone air temperatures. The coupling framework defines near-surface air temperatures for surface convection calculations and determines system flow rates using model predictions for temperature at the air system returns and a room air control location. The toolkit facilitates incorporating room air modeling into building simulation software and provides a convenient method of testing different air models with Pederson’s load routines. The toolkit contains a versatile test program that performs detailed, hourly load calculations for a single thermal zone where both network and threedimensional air flow models have been tightly coupled to the load calculation routines. In running the test program, the effect of air models on sensible load was found to be minor except where modeling involved aggressive diurnal thermal mass strategies or operative temperature controlling. Displacement ventilation nodal models, such as Rees and Haves, appear practical to implement in load and energy programs and should improve results for air system flow rate and return air temperatures. Results show increases of about a factor of four in computing time for nodal models compared to the mixing model. A momentum-zonal model was developed based on a finite-volume formulation of the Euler equation for inviscid flow and found to produce reasonable results with coupled computing time increases of about a factor of 100 or more. This research also investigates pressure-zonal air models by Lin (1999) and Inard et al. (1996) and finds that the non-linear formulations appear problematic for building simulation. Thesis Supervisor: Qingyan Chen Title: Associate Professor of Architecture
Predicting Student Performance to Improve Academic Advising Using the Random Forest Algorithm

The Covid-19 pandemic constrained higher education institutions to switch to online teaching, which led to major changes in students’ learning behavior, affecting their overall performance. Thus, students’ academic performance needs to be meticulously monitored to help institutions identify students at risk of academic failure, preventing them from dropping out of the program or graduating late. This paper proposes a CGPA Predicting Model (CPM) that detects poor academic performance by predicting their graduation cumulative grade point average (CGPA). The proposed model uses a two-layer process that provides students with an estimated final CGPA, given their progress in second- and third-year courses. This work allows academic advisors to make suitable remedial arrangements to improve students’ academic performance. Through extensive simulations on a data set related to students registered in undergraduate information technology program gathered over the years, we demonstrate that the CPM attains accurate performance predictions compared to benchmark methods.
A Critical Review of Blockchain Acceptance Models - Blockchain Technology Adoption Frameworks and Applications

Blockchain is a promising breakthrough technology that is highly applicable in manifold sectors. The adoption of blockchain technology is accompanied by a range of issues and challenges that make its implementation complicated. To facilitate the successful implementation of blockchain technology, several blockchain adoption frameworks have been developed. However, selecting the appropriate framework based on the conformity of its features with the business sector may be challenging for decision-makers. This study aims to provide a systematic literature review to introduce the adoption frameworks that are most used to assess blockchain adoption and realize business sectors that these models have been applied. Thus, the blockchain adoption models in 56 articles are reviewed and the results of the studies are summarized by categorizing the articles into five main sections including supply chain, industries, financial sector, cryptocurrencies, and other articles (excluded from the former fields). The findings of the study show that the models based on the technology acceptance model (TAM), technology–organization–environment (TOE), and new conceptual frameworks were the focus of the majority of selected articles. Most of the articles have focused on blockchain adoption in different industry fields and supply chain areas.