Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Structure of low‐level jet streams ahead of mid‐latitude cold fronts

Several case studies are presented showing the structure of ana-cold fronts over the British Isles. One of the cases is analysed in detail using data acquired on the Isles of Scilly to avoid any confusing effects due to topography. All of the fronts described are characterized by a narrow band of shallow but vigorous convection at the surface cold front; this convection is essentially two-dimensional and is termed line convection. In each case the line convection is bounded on its forward side by a low-level jet reaching 25 to 30 m s−1; behind the line convection the winds decrease abruptly. The low-level jet is embedded within a ‘convective boundary layer’, reaching its maximum velocity at 900 to 850 mb, and it consists of a tongue of anomalously warm, moist air, which has had a trajectory over an even warmer sea. It is shown that the line convection can be regarded as part of a mesoscale ‘right-hand corkscrew circulation’ within the low-level jet. The line convection constitutes one flank of the jet; it is characterized by very strong cyclonic shear and is fed by frictional convergence of air from beneath the jet core within the lowest 100 mb. Some of the air which ascends within the line convection subsequently flows forward and gently subsides within the upper part of the low-level jet as part of the corkscrew circulation; however, most of the air which ascends within the line convection is extruded from the boundary layer and ascends in a rearward direction as slantwise convection above the inclined cold frontal zone. Precipitation grown in the slantwise convection falls into the cold air behind the surface cold front and the heat sink resulting from the partial evaporation of this precipitation probably accentuates the sharpness of the boundary of the low-level jet at the surface cold front.
Risk factors of Diabetes and its Comorbidities Among Elderly in India: Evidence from Longitudinal Aging Study (LASI)

Context/Background: Chronic diseases like diabetes are at risk of developing heart disease. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the high-risk population, which would help policymakers and interventionists focus on vulnerable groups. This study aims to determine the prevalence, risk factors, and coexistence of other diseases with diabetes. Methodology: Secondary data from Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI), Wave 1 (2017-18) was used for the study. A sample of 65,562 men and women aged 45 years and above have been included in the analysis. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate statistical analysis was used for the analysis. Results: Overall, (12.4%) of Indians have self-reported diabetes. The prevalence of diabetes is (12.9%) among men and (11.9%) among women. Geographic variations were observed with higher rates in south India. Depression, lack of physical activity, obesity, increase in age, family history of diabetes, higher level of education, and wealth quintile were all significant risk factors for diabetes among men and women. Diabetes is associated with other chronic conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, and diseases of the bones and joints. Conclusions: Although self-reported data underestimate the disease burden, it is evident that the prevalence of self-reported diabetes is high. India should address the risk of diabetes by promoting and encouraging a healthy lifestyle.
A field evaluation of the SoilVUE10 soil moisture sensor

The U.S. Climate Reference Network (USCRN) has been engaged in ground‐based soil water and soil temperature observations since 2009. As a nationwide climate network, the network stations are distributed across vast complex terrains. Due to the expansive distribution of the network and the related variability in soil properties, obtaining site‐specific calibrations for sensors is a significant and costly endeavor. Presented here are three commercial‐grade electromagnetic sensors, with built‐in thermistors to measure both soil water and soil temperature, including the SoilVUE10 Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) probe (hereafter called SP) (Campbell Scientific, Inc.), 50 MHz coaxial impedance dielectric sensor (model HydraProbe, Stevens Water Monitoring Systems, Inc.) (hereafter called HP), and the TDR‐315L Probe (model TDR‐315L, Acclima, Inc.) (hereafter called AP), which were evaluated in a relatively nonconductive loam soil in Oak Ridge, TN, from 2021 to 2022. The HP manufacturer‐supplied calibration equation for loam soils was used in this study. While volumetric water content data from HP and AP were 82–99% of respective gravimetric observations at 10 cm, data from SP were only 65–81% of respective gravimetric observations in the top 20‐cm soil horizon, where soil water showed relatively large spatial variability. The poor performance of the SP is likely due to poor contact between SP sensor electrodes and soil and the presence of soil voids caused by the installation method used, which itself may have caused soil disturbance.
Low-Resolution MMSE Equalization for Massive MU-MIMO Systems

Finite-alphabet equalization that represents a spatial equalization matrix with low-resolution coefficients is a promising technique to reduce the power consumption, processing delay, and circuit area of baseband processing in the context of all-digital massive multiuser multiple-input–multiple-output uplink systems. However, to minimize the performance loss caused by a coarse-resolution spatial equalization matrix, its coefficients must be carefully designed in the minimum mean-square error sense to achieve the desired bit error rate (BER) performance, which unfortunately constitutes an NP-hard optimization problem. To tackle this problem, we first reformulate the finite-alphabet equalization design problem as an unconstrained optimization on a smooth Riemannian manifold. Then we propose an algorithm based on Riemannian manifold optimization (RMO) to solve the reformulated problem. Based on simulation results, the proposed 2-bit RMO-assisted equalizer outperforms its state-of-the-art counterparts while maintaining the same asymptotic complexity. In addition, the proposed 2-bit RMO-assisted equalizer exhibits a loss of only 1.47 dB at a BER of $10^{-4}$ compared to an unquantized linear minimum mean squared error equalizer.
Teacher self-efficacy and pupil achievement: much ado about nothing? International evidence from TIMSS

ABSTRACT Bandura’s influential theory has been used to argue that teachers with high self-efficacy will be more effective at increasing pupil achievement—and a voluminous empirical literature has repeatedly documented associations consistent with this claim. However, few studies have considered whether these correlations reflect an underlying causal relationship. In this paper we utilise across-subject, within-pupil variation in teacher self-efficacy in the Trends in Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2015 data to provide new evidence on this question. By focusing upon relative differences in teacher self-efficacy and pupil achievement within pupil-teacher pairs, our estimates control for more potential confounders than much of the existing literature. Contrary to that literature, we find no evidence of a relationship. Instead, this paper presents clear and consistent findings of null effects.
Complete Closed-Form and Accurate Solution to Pose Estimation From 3D Correspondences

Computing the pose from 3D data acquired in two different frames is of high importance for several robotic tasks like odometry, SLAM and place recognition. The pose is generally obtained by solving a least-squares problem given points-to-points, points-to-planes or points to lines correspondences. The non-linear least-squares problem can be solved by iterative optimization or, more efficiently, in closed-form by using solvers of polynomial systems. In this letter, a complete and accurate closed-form solution for a weighted least-squares problem is proposed. Adding weights for each correspondence allow to increase robustness to outliers. Contrary to existing methods, the proposed approach is complete since it is able to solve the problem in any non-degenerate case and it is accurate since it is guaranteed to find the global optimal estimate of the weighted least-squares problem. Simulations and experiments on real data demonstrate the superior accuracy and robustness of the proposed algorithm compared to previous approaches.
A New Second-Order Iteration Method for Solving Nonlinear Equations

We establish a new second-order iteration method for solving nonlinear equations. The efficiency index of the method is 1.4142 which is the same as the Newton-Raphson method. By using some examples, the efficiency of the method is also discussed. It is worth to note that (i) our method is performing very well in comparison to the fixed point method and the method discussed in Babolian and Biazar (2002) and (ii) our method is so simple to apply in comparison to the method discussed in Babolian and Biazar (2002) and involves only first-order derivative but showing second-order convergence and this is not the case in Babolian and Biazar (2002), where the method requires the computations of higher-order derivatives of the nonlinear operator involved in the functional equation.
Sheath and presheath in a collisionless plasma with a Maxwellian source

Bissell and Johnson [Phys. Fluids 30, 779 (1987)] have calculated the electrostatic potential variation in the sheath and presheath regions of a collisionless plasma in which the source of ions is assumed to be Maxwellian. To do this, they imposed the generalized Bohm criterion as a boundary condition. In this paper the plasma equation is solved numerically without imposing the Bohm criterion as a boundary condition. The results compare well with their results. In addition, the ion distribution function throughout the plasma region is calculated. Because of this particular source model, the ion distribution at the center of the plasma has a spiked non‐Maxwellian shape.
Guaranteed cost distributed fuzzy observer‐based control for a class of nonlinear spatially distributed processes

The guaranteed cost distributed fuzzy (GCDF) observer-based control design is proposed for a class of nonlinear spatially distributed processes described by first-order hyperbolic partial differential equations (PDEs). Initially, a T–S fuzzy hyperbolic PDE model is proposed to accurately represent the nonlinear PDE system. Then, based on the fuzzy PDE model, the GCDF observer-based control design is developed in terms of a set of space-dependent linear matrix inequalities. In the proposed control scheme, a distributed fuzzy observer is used to estimate the state of the PDE system. The designed fuzzy controller can not only ensure the exponential stability of the closed-loop PDE system but also provide an upper bound of quadratic cost function. Moreover, a suboptimal fuzzy control design is addressed in the sense of minimizing an upper bound of the cost function. The finite difference method in space and the existing linear matrix inequality optimization techniques are used to approximately solve the suboptimal control design problem. Finally, the proposed design method is applied to the control of a nonisothermal plug-flow reactor. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 2366–2378, 2013
An efficient algorithm for translationally invariant finite-size periodic lattice systems in one spatial dimension

We develop an efficient algorithm to find a matrix product state representation of the ground-state wavefunctions for translationally invariant finite-size periodic lattice systems in one spatial dimension. This is based on the observation that the efficient computation of the ground-state energy per site only needs to retain a certain number of the largest eigenvalues of the transfer matrix for a matrix product state, without any sacrifice of accuracy. The computational cost is independent of the system's size, and scales as χ3 with χ being the truncation dimension. The algorithm is tested for the critical quantum Ising model in a transverse field on a finite-size lattice, with the size as large as 4800 for the truncation dimension 200.
On the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck Operators on Wiener-Riemannian Manifolds

Abstract In this paper, we study the properties of infinite-dimensional Ornstein-Uhlenbeck operators on submanifolds in Wiener spaces. We establish the hypoellipticity of the Laplacians acting on the space of tensors. By using this, we show the essential selfadjointness of the Laplacians acting on the space of 0-forms, i.e., function spaces.
First-Generation College Students’ Motives to Start University Education: An Investment in Self- Development, One’s Economic Prospects or to Become a Role Model?

In this article, we engage with the emerging literature that studies the increased enrolment of first-generation college students (FGCS), that is, students from households where neither parent has obtained a bachelor’s /master’s degree. Our article answers two research questions. First, data from 2,338 first-year students are used to investigate the extent to which FGCS differ from continuing-generation college students (CGCS) concerning the reason why one enrols in university education. Second, to what degree do these motives explain differences in study choice? Our results show that FCGS, compared to CGCS, more strongly endorsed the economic investment motive and what we call the social investment motive, that is, the motivation to become a role model for one’s community. In addition, our findings reveal that the choice for more economically rewarding fields of study is related to these motives to start a university education. In the conclusion, we discuss the implications of our findings.
Impact of HPWS on Job Satisfaction: A Study of Public and Private Sector Universities of Bahawalpur with Moderating Effect of Perceived Organizational Support

This study intends to investigate how the relationship between high-performance work systems and job satisfaction is influenced by perceived organizational support. The relationship between high-performance work systems and employee job satisfaction was investigated based on the social exchange perspective, and the moderating impact of perceived organizational support was examined. The claim that High-Performance Work Systems will increase social relationships between employers and employees was backed by theory. Data was collected from faculty members, and administrative staff of three public institutions and two private universities in Bahawalpur.326 was the total study sample for this study. For the collection of data, a survey research questionnaire approach was used. It was a cross-sectional study. IBM SPSS Statistics 29.0.0. 0(241) is used for the purpose of Data Analysis. Cronbach Alpha and Regression were calculated. According to the results, high-performance work systems are more likely to have a beneficial effect on employees' Job Satisfaction through Perceived Organizational Support. University staff are urged to take into account the significance of implementing High-Performance Work Systems so as to increase employee satisfaction in light of the paper's findings. Evidence from the study supports the idea that Perceived Organisational Support has a moderating effect on the association between Job satisfaction and the High Performance of Work Systems that employers have implemented.
Further evidence for rotational modulation of the light from T Tauri stars

Observations photometriques UBVRI de cinq etoiles T Tauri: BP, DN, GK, GI et RY Tau. Informations sur les regions d'emission chaudes qui produisent apparemment plus de variabilite de type T Tauri et etude de la possibilite de trouver des modulations induites par rotation dans les variations lumineuses d'etoiles de ce type
The numerical solution of two generalizations of the neumann moving interface problem into two dimensions

We present numerical solutions for the following Stefan problems. The half-space z > 0 is initially filled with liquid at its fusion temperature. The boundary z = 0, taken to be the x axis, is maintained at a constant temperature, less than the fusion temperature, for x 0, the first problem considers the case of an insulated boundary, and the second problem considers the case of the boundary maintained at the fusion temperature. This gives rise to a solid-liquid interface curved in the (x, z) plane.
An evolutionary optimized nonlinear function to improve the linearity of transducer characteristics

This paper proposes a nonlinear optimal-function-based algorithm which can be utilized to replace electronic circuitry traditionally employed to linearize the characteristics of commonly used temperature transducers such as resistance temperature detectors, thermistors and thermocouples. The function exploits ratiometric-logarithmic operation for linearization. The optimal parameters of the function are determined using a covariance matrix adopted evolutionary strategy (CMAES) algorithm. Transducers' input–output data are derived from the Yokogawa handy calibrator model CA 150 and subjected to the proposed algorithm to evaluate the performance of the method. The performance measures such as full-scale error and mean square error are considered to compare the performance of the proposed technique with other methods reported for transducers. The present linearization algorithm was implemented using LabVIEW 7.1 Professional Development System in a personal computer that provides the facility to interface with the National Instruments data acquisition module NI DAQCard PCI-6221. Experimental results reveal that the proposed evolutionary optimized nonlinear function based software linearizer does its job efficiently in a better way than that of the conventional hardware and software methods. Also, the results obtained using the CMAES algorithm are compared with the results of a real-coded genetic algorithm. The comparison shows that the CMAES algorithm is more consistent in determining the best solution for the proposed ratiometric-logarithmic function with reasonable computation time.
The 2018 Pennsylvania Midterm Election

This article uses pre-election survey, post-election survey, voter registration, and election data to interpret the outcomes of the 2018 midterm elections for governor, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House of Representatives in Pennsylvania. This analysis shows that the results of the 2018 midterm races in Pennsylvania were nationalized. Feelings about the president’s performance drove voter interest and turnout, and also factored into the choices that voters made in the gubernatorial, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House races. Voter preferences in each race followed the same pattern: even after accounting for partisanship and ideology, those who were dissatisfied with President Trump’s performance were more likely to vote for a Democratic candidate. The results suggest that the 2018 midterm results were a repudiation of the Trump presidency, but not a return to the state’s pre-2016 politics.
The Collateral Channel Versus the Bank Lending Channel: Evidence from a Massive Earthquake

We examine for the existence of the collateral and the bank lending channel simultaneously and compare the economic significance of the two channels. For this purpose, we identify the exogenous shock to a firm’s tangible assets and a bank’s net worth caused by the massive Tohoku earthquake in 2011. We obtain the following findings: (1) damage to a firm’s tangible assets and to the net worth of its primary banks led to a deterioration in the firm’s credit availability, providing evidence of the existence of both the collateral and the bank lending channel; (2) firms that faced a tighter credit constraint after the earthquake reduced the amount of borrowing outstanding and saw a fall in the level of production and sales activities; (3) in aggregate, the damage caused by the earthquake and transmitted through the collateral and bank lending channels substantially decreased output in the region; and (4) some of the financial support measures such as investment subsidies and earthquake insurance payouts alleviated the negative impact. JEL classifications: E22, G18, G21, H84
Examination of Customers Intention to Adopt Digital Banking Services: Moderating Role of Perceived Risk in Banking Sector of Pakistan during COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic poses a huge challenge for the Pakistani financial industry, leading to an increase in digital banking as it has become a necessity for users of financial services. The research seeks to empirically test the impact of customer perceptions on the adoption of digital banking during COVID-19. In addition, this study investigates the impact of performance expectancy, Effort Expectancy, and Social influence on customer’s intentions to adopt digital banking services with moderating effect of perceived risk. The population of the study consist of all the customers of banks which are providing digital banking services in Pakistan. A survey was conducted and 254 responses were analyzed with the help of structural equation modeling. Study concludes that Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy and Social Influence as independent variable and Perceived Risk as moderating variable has a significant impact on the perception of customers of digital banking applications. Study further contributes that Perceived Risk moderates the relationship between Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Social Influence and the intention of customers of digital banking applications to adopt digital banking services.
Causes and Effects of Variations on Civil Engineering Construction Projects in Nigeria

- Variations have been highlighted as a crucial factor responsible for time overrun, cost overrun, poor quality, loss of value, project abandonment, claims and disputes in construction projects. Variation contributes to the criticism that the construction sector is faced with and has reduced the contribution of the sector to sustainable growth and infrastructure provisions. Despite this, variations have not been given adequate attention especially in civil engineering projects in Nigeria. This study aims to assess the causes and effects of variation in civil engineering construction projects in Imo State, Nigeria. A well-structured questionnaire was adopted to gather data from construction professionals engaged by clients, consultants and contractors organizations using snowball sampling techniques via electronic means. Appropriate descriptive statistical tools were used to analyze the gathered data. The study revealed that experts have a high level of experience in the management of variations and that the major causes of variations are poor and unabridged communication gap, lack of proper monitoring and evaluation, replacement of materials or procedures, technology change, and weather conditions. Also, the effects of variation on civil engineering projects are increasing of construction time, total project abandonment, increasing of construction cost, project failure and logistics delays. The study recommends effective communications among the clients, consultants, and contractors to bridge the communication gaps.