Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Interaction Relationship between Land Use Patterns and Socioeconomic Factors Based on Wavelet Analysis: A Case Study of the Black Soil Region of Northeast China

Analyzing the interaction between land use patterns (LUPs) and socioeconomic factors (SEFs) could provide a basis for regional land spatial planning and management decisions in the future. In this study, population, gross domestic product (GDP) and land use intensity were selected to explain the relationship between SEFs and LUPs. The study designed a new method of sample line acquisition for wavelet analysis, and identified the interaction grid scales of LUP changes with SEFs in 1991, 2005 and 2019 by using cross wavelet transform analysis (XWT). Wavelet transform coherent analysis (WTC) was used to reveal the interaction direction and impact strength between LUPs and SEFs. The results showed that: (1) There were two ranges of 2978–5008 m and 24,400–29,738 m in which the grid scales showing interaction between LUPs and SEFs (population, GDP and land use intensity) from 1991 to 2019 were overlapping. (2) The interaction direction between LUPs and SEFs from 1991 to 2019 was almost negative on all sample lines, while the interaction directions of the middle sample line of population and GDP from 1991 to 2019, the end sample line of GDP in 2019, and the start sample line of land use intensity in 1991 were positive. (3) Dry land, grassland and construction land were most affected by SEFs, followed by paddy fields, forest land and other land, and the least affected were water areas during 1991 to 2019. The impact of population and GDP on LUPs was reduced, while the impact of land use intensity on LUPs was increased from 1991 to 2019. Overall, population, GDP and land use intensity were the important SEFs in the changes of LUPs, and were important factors for social progress and economic development.
Using Tsetlin Machine to discover interpretable rules in natural language processing applications

Tsetlin Machines (TM) use finite state machines for learning and propositional logic to represent patterns. The resulting pattern recognition approach captures information in the form of conjunctive clauses, thus facilitating human interpretation. In this work, we propose a TM‐based approach to three common natural language processing (NLP) tasks, namely, sentiment analysis, semantic relation categorization and identifying entities in multi‐turn dialogues. By performing frequent itemset mining on the TM‐produced patterns, we show that we can obtain a global and a local interpretation of the learning, one that mimics existing rule‐sets or lexicons. Further, we also establish that our TM based approach does not compromise on accuracy in the quest for interpretability, via comparison with some widely used machine learning techniques. Finally, we introduce the idea of a relational TM, which uses a logic‐based framework to further extend the interpretability.
Development of techniques for rapidly assessing the local air quality impacts of airports

The combustion of fossil fuels for aviation activity harms air quality and human health near airports through the production of PM2.5. Currently, dispersion models can assess these localscale (distances ~10 km) impacts, calculating long-term (annual) average concentrations of PM2.5. However, these models typically require hours to complete an analysis for one site, hindering their use for assessing local-scale impacts over national or global extents. In this thesis, approximations are used to develop and apply the Rapid Dispersion Modeling System (RDMS) for calculating annual average concentrations of PM2.5. RDMS accuracy and speed were compared to a preexisting dispersion model, the AMS-EPA Regulatory Model (AERMOD). Meteorological, emissions, runway, and taxiway/terminal data for simulations were obtained from various sources. The RDMS was applied to obtain local-scale PM2.5 concentrations and exposures for the year 2006 for 191 U.S. airports that accounted for 95% of U.S. air passenger traffic. The resulting local-scale PM2.5 concentrations were combined with results from the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) regional-scale model to account for primary and secondary PM2.5. Cases accounting for both landing-takeoff (LTO)-only and fullflight emissions were considered. Finally, premature mortalities at both regional and local scales were estimated by applying a concentration-response function to the combined concentrations. On average, RDMS over-predicts AERMOD concentrations by ~5% but reduces total simulation time by ~99.5% when only the rapid dispersion calculation (RDC) is considered. Including the calculation of dispersion parameters required by the RDC, RDMS saves ~95% of the simulation time required by AERMOD. Over all airports at the local scale, RDMS-modeled concentrations of PM2.5 accounted for 38-66 premature mortalities, 43-65% of total local-scale premature mortalities for the LTO case and 8-13% for the full-flight case. At the regional scale, RDMS-modeled PM2.5 accounted for 34-50% of premature mortalities for the LTO case and 47% for the full-flight case. Inclusion of RDMS-modeled local-scale variations increased localscale premature mortality estimates by 16-27% for the LTO case and 1-2% for the full-flight case. Inclusion of local-scale variations increased regional premature mortality estimates by 812% for the LTO case and 1% for the full-flight case. Thesis Supervisor: Steven R.H. Barrett Title: Assistant Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Time of flight measuring system for lakes acoustic tomography

Acoustic scalar and vector tomography appears as a promising technique for monitoring the distribution of temperature and water mass velocity in lake basins. This paper, after a brief description of the algorithm for the tomographic inversion, and the required specifications for the time of flight measuring system, describes the architecture of a synchronisation and data acquisition station realised for the LAT (lake acoustic tomography) feasibility study. The aim of this apparatus is to generate two synchronous triggers for the acoustic signal transmission from two hydrophones placed several kilometres apart. The same systems also generate the acquisition triggers for data recording of the two received acoustic pulses. Subsequent signal processing of the recorded data allows the estimation of the time of flight in the two directions and its variation.
Outer Membrane Protein F Is Involved in Biofilm Formation, Virulence and Antibiotic Resistance in Cronobacter sakazakii

In some Gram-negative bacteria, ompF encodes outer membrane protein F (OmpF), which is a cation-selective porin and is responsible for the passive transport of small molecules across the outer membrane. However, there are few reports about the functions of this gene in Cronobacter sakazakii. To investigate the role of ompF in detail, an ompF disruption strain (ΔompF) and a complementation strain (cpompF) were successfully obtained. We find that OmpF can affect the ability of biofilm formation in C. sakazakii. In addition, the variations in biofilm composition of C. sakazakii were examined using Raman spectroscopy analyses caused by knocking out ompF, and the result indicated that the levels of certain biofilm components, including lipopolysaccharide (LPS), were significantly decreased in the mutant (ΔompF). Then, SDS-PAGE was used to further analyze the LPS content, and the result showed that the LPS levels were significantly reduced in the absence of ompF. Therefore, we conclude that OmpF affects biofilm formation in C. sakazakii by reducing the amount of LPS. Furthermore, the ΔompF mutant showed decreased (2.7-fold) adhesion to and invasion of HCT-8 cells. In an antibiotic susceptibility analysis, the ΔompF mutant showed significantly smaller inhibition zones than the WT, indicating that OmpF had a positive effect on the influx of antibiotics into the cells. In summary, ompF plays a positive regulatory role in the biofilm formation and adhesion/invasion, which is achieved by regulating the amount of LPS, but is a negative regulator of antibiotic resistance in C. sakazakii.
Moderate Heat-Assisted Gene Electrotransfer as a Potential Delivery Approach for Protein Replacement Therapy through the Skin

Gene-based approaches for protein replacement therapies have the potential to reduce the number of administrations. Our previous work demonstrated that expression could be enhanced and/or the applied voltage reduced by preheating the tissue prior to pulse administration. In the current study, we utilized our 16-pin multi-electrode array (MEA) and incorporated nine optical fibers, connected to an infrared laser, between each set of four electrodes to heat the tissue to 43 °C. For proof of principle, a guinea pig model was used to test delivery of reporter genes. We observed that when the skin was preheated, it was possible to achieve the same expression levels as gene electrotransfer without preheating, but with a 23% reduction of applied voltage or a 50% reduction of pulse number. With respect to expression distribution, preheating allowed for delivery to the deep dermis and muscle. This suggested that this cutaneous delivery approach has the potential to achieve expression in the systemic circulation, thus this protocol was repeated using a plasmid encoding Human Factor IX. Elevated Factor IX serum protein levels were detected by ELISA up to 100 days post gene delivery. Further work will involve optimizing protein levels and scalability in an effort to reduce application frequency.
A Novel and Optimized Product Recommendation Method in E-commerce

The rapid growth of e-commerce has caused product overload where customers on the Web are no longer able to effectively choose the products they are exposed to. Developing an intelligent recommendation system is proposed to overcome the problem of overloaded product's information provided by the e-commerce enterprises. This paper proposes a new hybrid recommendation scheme, called NOVEL, based on CF, WebCF-AR and WebCF-PT to enhance the recommendation quality and the system performance of current recommender systems. The NOVEL method, showing a minimal qualitative improvement of 50% compared to the present methods of product suggestion, has advanced tremendously the existing ecommerce product suggestions employing costumer navigational and behavioral algorithms.
Preparing e-Learning Designers Using Kolb's Model of Experiential Learning.

To address a growing interest in the design and development of e-learning products, the Information and Learning Technologies Program at the University of Colorado Denver offers an online graduate-level certificate and an MA program in e-learning design and implementation. Many of the students who participate in our program come to us in the midst of a professional opportunity or crisis that requires that they have e-learning design knowledge and skills immediately, if not sooner. In the intake interviews that are a key part of our admissions process, we routinely hear statements like these:
Making sense of knowledge creation processes : the case of a Greek petrochemical industry

This thesis is concerned with knowledge creation processes within service organizations, specifically in relation to the maintenance function. While bearing in mind the particular context of the study, the thesis argues that maintenance service work, when seen from such a knowledge creation perspective, affords important insights into the dynamic interrelations, links and social interactions within the knowledge creation processes themselves. To date, the knowledge management and organization studies literature tends not to treat these practical topics and theoretical issues in an integrated, holistic manner. The thesis addresses this lack using an in- depth, situated case study of the maintenance division of a major Greek petrochemical refinery. The research adopts an interpretative perspective and makes sense of knowledge creation processes through the theoretical lens of the Unified Model of Dynamic Knowledge Creation (Nonaka et al. 2001), combined with the knowledge activism framework (Von Krogh et al. 1997). Nonaka's framework, which guides data collection and analysis, suggests an approach to the investigation using the so-called SECI process. This process explains how knowledge creation unfolds, utilising the Japanese concept of Ba (which represents the process context), and the concept of knowledge assets (which corresponds to the process content). The explanation of important individual and group roles within knowledge creation processes using Von Krogh's framework integrates these concepts. This use of a process view of knowledge creation helps explain a wide variety of complex and situated interrelations that demonstrate the existence of different modes of knowledge creation. Thus, the approach to process inquiry along with the research design fertilize methodological discussions about research on knowledge creation processes. The core theoretical contribution of the research concerns the provision of a process view of knowledge creation. Other theoretical implications of the research findings relate to insights on the complex nature of the knowledge creation process within a work environment, extensions to the research framework, and recommendations for further conceptual developments. The research also contributes practical implications and insights into, and specific conclusions about, knowledge creation processes and how they might be effectively managed in service organizations more generally.
A Handbook of Human Resource Management Practice

This ninth edition of the best-selling "Handbook of Human Resource Management Practice" has been fully updated to take account of the latest developments in HRM. Entailing every aspect of the human resource function, this highly comprehensive handbook considers the function in relation to the needs of the business as a whole. Recognizing HRM as a strategic process, Michael Armstrong offers clear practical advice on how companies can maximize the effectiveness of the HRM function and ensure that it makes a major contribution to organizational success. Covering a wide range of topics, this new edition is packed with all the essential information on HRM theory and best practice. In the light of new concepts of good practice and the outcomes of fresh research, the following areas have been either wholly replaced or substantially revised: HRM - characteristics, impact and context; HRM - development and issues; role of the HR function; role of the HR practitioner; strategic human resource management; competency-based HRM; how people learn; the delivery of learning and training; reward management fundamentals; job evaluation; grade and pay structures; and involvement and participation. This Handbook is an essential guide for both students taking a Master's degree in HRM, as well as CIPD students. In this edition, there are new additional chapters on: talent management; e-learning; and facilitating change.
Correlation of Pentosidine with Kidney Diseases in Iraqi Patients with Diabetic Nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a principle cause of microangiopathy and the main reason for kidney disease at the end stage in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This work aimed to study the relation of pentosidine with kidney injury in the case of diabetic nephropathy. This study included 75 patients suffering from T2DM and 75 apparently healthy subjects. The patients group was divided into three groups ((normoalbumin, microalbuminuria, and macroalbuminuria; 25 patients for each) on the basis of albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) . The level of serum pentosidine was determined using an ELISA kit. The level of pentosidine was found to be significantly higher in DN patients than in the healthy group. Also, the results revealed a strong positive correlation of pentosidine with each of creatinine and blood urea levels, while a negative correlation was recorded with eGFR. It can be concluded that pentosidine may be associated with disease progression and it may be employed as one of the most efficient markers for the prediction of renal function.
Factors for Success in SMEs: A Perspective from Tangier

Purpose It is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the importance of the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector in the economic and social development of a country. In view of their identified importance, this present study aims to develop a clearer understanding of the factors that influence success of small and medium enterprises in Tangier, as perceived by local owner-managers. Design The initial research framework, which emanated from a systematic literature review, was empirically investigated using a two-stage design, which incorporated both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The rationale behind the two-stage methodology was firstly to avoid common-method bias; and, secondly, to seek to illuminate findings arising from the survey by providing individual insights. Approaches were employed in succession with the findings from the quantitative phase informing the qualitative phase. Initially, a paper and online survey questionnaire was administered to a population of 365 industrial SMEs, identified from the official website of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and New Technologies, the 2010 directory of the Association of the Industrial Zone of Tangier as well as its official website, and the website of the Tangier free zone. This survey was used in order to validate the initial conceptual framework and gain some insights on the perceptions of owner-managers of the factors influencing the performance of SMEs. Following the quantitative phase, fifteen in-depth face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with selected owner-managers of SMEs, forming a judgmental sample, to explore their experiences, beliefs, and attitudes with respect to the drivers of success. Findings & conclusions The study found that there are three generalized influences on the success of SMEs based on the Tangier entrepreneurs' perceptions: the 'owner-manager attributes' with an emphasis on the language skills factor; partnership working with an emphasis on the financial and networking partnership; and business characteristics with a focus on the location factor, which was mainly associated with the ‘free zones’. The existence of these ‘free zones’ was a key factor in selecting Tangier as a location for this study.
Species- and age-dependent distribution of retinol and α-tocopherol in the Canidae family during the cold season

Vitamins A and E are known as nutrients involved in metabolic processes and facilitating the adaptation of animals. The metabolism of these vitamins is closely related to lipid metabolism, which has seasonal variations in animals inhabiting northern latitudes. The aim of this study was to investigate the concentrations of retinol (vitamin A) and α-tocopherol (vitamin E) in the cold season (October to February) in tissues of Canidae species that have different ecological characteristics: the blue fox (Vulpes syn. Alopex lagopus), silver fox (Vulpes vulpes), their interspecific hybrids (Vulpes×Vulpes), raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), and grey wolf (Canis lupus). In addition, age-related differences in the levels of these vitamins were determined. Results showed the distribution of retinol and α-tocopherol in the body of the canids was similar, with larger amounts being found in the liver and kidney cortex, which play a regulatory role in the metabolism of these nutrients. The higher retinol level in the liver of wolves and interspecific hybrids of blue fox and silver fox, as compared to the retinol level in the liver of other species, might be species-specific and could also be attributed to dietary differences. The blue fox and raccoon dog both have a higher capacity for α-tocopherol accumulation in the cold season, apparently due to their ability to store substantial fat reserves. Retinol and α-tocopherol levels were generally higher in the tissues of mature animals.
Correlation of Genomic and Pedigree Inbreeding Coefficients in Small Cattle Populations

Simple Summary This study aimed to evaluate the consistency of different methodologies and sources of information used to estimate inbreeding coefficients in small populations by analyzing the correlation between them in the Holstein population of Mexico and to choose the best option in order to aid breeding programs to improve the productive traits of Holstein cattle in small-specialized populations. Abstract This study aimed to identify inbreeding coefficient (F) estimators useful for improvement programs in a small Holstein population through the evaluation of different methodologies in the Mexican Holstein population. F was estimated as follows: (a) from pedigree information (Fped); (b) through runs of homozygosity (Froh); (c) from the number of observed and expected homozygotic SNP in the individuals (Fgeno); (d) through the genomic relationship matrix (Fmg). The study included information from 4277 animals with pedigree records and 100,806 SNP. The average and standard deviation values of F were 3.11 ± 2.30 for Fped, −0.02 ± 3.55 for Fgeno, 2.77 ± 0.71 for Froh and 3.03 ± 3.05 for Fmg. The correlations between coefficients varied from 0.30 between Fped and Froh, to 0.96 between Fgeno and Fmg. Differences in the level of inbreeding among the parent’s country of origin were found regardless of the method used. The correlations among genomic inbreeding coefficients were high; however, they were low with Fped, so further research on this topic is required.
POLISH PUBLICATIONS ON JUJUTSU (1906-2020): BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS

O objetivo foi realizar uma análise bibliométrica das publicações polonesas sobre jiu-jítsu com foco nos aspectos de produtividade, assuntos e colaboração. Assim, a Biblioteca Nacional da Polônia, a Base de Revistas Científicas Polonesas, Web of Science e Scopus foram consultados. Os resultados foram filtrados e exportados para o Excel 2016 para análise estatística. Os documentos poloneses sobre jiu-jítsu chegaram a 123 publicados entre 1906 e 2020. Ciências da Vida foi o campo mais representado, enquanto a colaboração prevaleceu durante a última década. Cynarski foi o autor mais produtivo, enquanto Wojdat teve a maior taxa de colaboração. Ido Movement for Culture foi o principal divulgador dessas publicações. Em conclusão, as publicações polonesas sobre jiu-jítsu mostraram durante o século XX uma predominância de livros técnicos escritos por autores individuais a partir de uma abordagem das Ciências da Vida, enquanto os artigos científicos escritos em colaboração e também representando outras abordagens dominaram o século XXI.
New data on the status and ecology of a galliform at risk of extinction: the Pyrenean grey partridge (Perdix perdix hispaniensis) in the Iberian System (Soria, Spain)

A study was conducted in 2008–2010 to gain knowledge on the status and ecology of the endangered subspecies of grey partridge (Perdix perdix hispaniensis), at its southernmost range edge. From an historic breeding range of 28,300 ha, 15 different coveys (adults with juveniles) were observed in an area comprising 5,550 ha, with an estimated minimum autumn population size of 103–113 birds and a maximum of 163–181 birds. Spring pair density was estimated at 2.3 pairs/1,000 ha, and when considering only coveys, 6.8 partridges/1,000 ha. The majority of birds were located at an altitude above 1,690 m a.s. l. , mainly in mountain shrubland (especially Calluna vulgaris and Erica spp.). Habitat loss was the most important threat for the species’ conservation. In conclusion, efforts should prioritize urgent habitat recovery and monitoring in order to change the fate of the species.