Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Viewpoints of Older People Toward the Features of Age-Friendly Communities: Map for Charting Progress in Tabriz, Iran

Abstract The number of older people living in urban environments is growing dramatically. Adhering to a set of standards is essential to achieve a desirable living setting. In order to assess strengths and deficiencies, older people described how the checklist of essential features of age-friendly cities matches their own experiences. The descriptive study was conducted with the participation of 384 older people from Tabriz, Iran, who were selected randomly, from all over the city. The degree of conformity of city characteristics was described with the standards with a score of 0–100. The mean age of participants was 68.2 ± 0.35 years. More than half of the respondents (56.5%) were men and approximately one-third of the participants were illiterate and 80% were married respectively. The most satisfying dimension was the outdoor spaces and buildings (32.06 ± 11.94) and the least one was the communication and information (9 ± 0.27). Fragmented systems and services were a general challenge. Inadequate coordination between the public service organizations and consumers prevented the area’s wealth of resources from reaching their full potential.
CLAY MINERALOGY AND DISPERSIBILITY OF SOIL AND SEDIMENT DERIVED FROM RHODIC PALEUDULTS

Surface horizons of Rhodic Paleudults in the Tennessee Valley region of Alabama contain large amounts of clay (<2 μm) composed of quartz, kaolinite, hydroxy-interlayered vermiculite, and iron oxides. Similar clay mineralogical suites have been shown to be dispersive, which can lead to the degradation of soil physical properties. Furthermore, some studies have suggested mineralogical enrichment in dispersed colloids versus in situ soil, which can effect transport of sediment-attached pollutants. The historical utilization of conventional tillage practices without cover crops has degraded soil quality in this region; however, reduced tillage systems are becoming common. We evaluated clay dispersibility and mineralogical partitioning for fine, kaolinitic, thermic Rhodic Paleudults cropped to cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in: (i) a no-till system without a cover crop (NT), (ii) a no-till system with a rye (Secale cereale L.) cover crop (NTC), (iii) a no-till system with a rye cover crop and fall paratilling (NTCP), and (iv) a conventional tillage system (disking and chisel plowing in the fall followed by disking in spring) (CT). Water dispersible clay (WDC), extractable Fe, and soil organic carbon (SOC) were evaluated for surface (0–1 cm) samples. Particle size distribution (PSD) and clay mineralogy of in situ soil, runoff sediment, and WDC were also determined. Data indicated Fe oxides play a more significant role in clay aggregation than soil organic matter (SOM) in these high Fe systems. Higher clay amounts were recovered with dithionite extractable Fe removed (Fed) compared with SOM removal (33 ± 3% vs 25 ± 4%). The WDC quantities were related to SOC (r2 = 0.65) and negatively correlated with Fed (%) and water stable aggregates (%). Particle size and mineralogy of runoff sediment and WDC mineralogy were similar to in situ soil, suggesting models depicting erosion and sediment-attached pollutant transport can be developed using in situ soil as a surrogate for sediment characterization in these soils.
Dominant United States Cold‐Season near surface temperature anomaly patterns derived from kernel methods

Cold season (December – February) 2‐m temperatures have a far‐reaching impact on critical infrastructure; medium or long‐term predictability would thus be an invaluable asset. However, a better understanding of the most prevalent underlying temperature patterns is needed before improvements in predictability are possible. Previous studies have shown that cluster analysis preprocessed with principal component analysis (PCA) can help identify the most prevalent spatial patterns within different atmospheric datasets. Additionally, nonlinear variability can be identified when coupling cluster analysis with PCA preprocessing based on the kernel matrix from support vector machines (known as KPCA). In this study, these methods were employed to create an updated 2‐m cold season temperature climatology.Temperatures were quantified using NCEP/NCAR global reanalysis data spanning 1948–2017. Kernel and rotated PCA combined with k‐means cluster analysis was tested against cluster analysis with no PCA preprocessing to identify the fields that best characterize the underlying climatological structures within the 2‐m temperature data. Four patterns emerged from the analysis. Two patterns were primarily constrained to years early in the study period that had a strong relationship with phasing in the North Atlantic Oscillation and the Arctic Oscillation. A third pattern revealed the anomalous warming along the West Coast that has been increasingly observed in recent years, while a fourth showed a broad anomalous warm region centered on the Midwest that expanded across most of the eastern two‐thirds of the nation. These final two patterns were weakly related to phasing within the Pacific North American teleconnection and phasing of the El Niño Southern Oscillation. Most years in the final two clusters occurred post 1990, demonstrating suggesting these anomalous warming patterns are becoming more prevalent in recent decades. These patterns can be used in future work to inform medium‐ and long‐term forecasting applications.
Low-temperature heat capacities of Ni3Al

Heat capacities of two single‐crystal Ni3Al samples have been measured between 2 and 14 K. The data can be well fitted to the sum of a lattice and an electronic term, without a magnetic cluster contribution as previously reported by de Dood and de Chatel. The resulting Debye temperature values are comparable to those derived from elastic constant measurements, but the calorimetrically determined density of states at the Fermi level differs appreciably from that based on band‐structure calculations.
Folk theories of algorithms: Understanding digital irritation

This article draws on the framework of “folk theories” to analyze how people perceive algorithms in the media. Taking algorithms as a prime case to investigate how people respond to datafication in everyday media use, we ask how people perceive positive and negative consequences of algorithms. To answer our question, we conduct qualitative thematic analysis of open-ended answers from a 2019 representative survey among Norwegians, identifying five folk theories: algorithms are confining, practical, reductive, intangible, and exploitative. We situate our analysis in relation to different application of folk theory approaches, and discuss our findings in light of emerging work on perceptions of algorithms and critiques of datafication, including the concept digital resignation. We conclude that rather than resignation, digital irritation emerges as a central emotional response, with a small but significant potential to inspire future political action against datafication.
Connecting Cognitive and Behavioral Characteristics of Policy Conflict in Oil and Gas Politics

The essence of policy conflicts remains largely underdeveloped, both theoretically and empirically. We explore policy conflict and explain its cognitive and behavioral characteristics using data from a survey administered to policy actors involved in oil and gas politics in Colorado, USA. The analysis begins with a description of the cognitive and behavioral characteristics of policy actors and then combines them into a single index to depict varying intensities of conflict. Cognitive characteristics are comprised of three dimensions: disagreement on public policy, perceived threats from opponents, and an unwillingness to compromise. Behavioral characteristics include engagement by policy actors in a range of activities, from mobilizing opponents to providing information to the media. Ordered Logit models are used to associate the attributes of policy actors with cognitive and behavioral characteristics and an index of conflict intensity that combines these two characteristics. The conclusion offers questions and recommendations for future research.
Modeling the Effects of Thermal Expansion on Scalar Turbulent Fluxes in Turbulent Premixed Flames

The thermal expansion induced by the chemical reactions taking place in a turbulent reactive flow affects the velocity field so strongly that velocity fluctuations and velocity gradients can be governed by chemistry rather than by turbulence. Moreover, thermal expansion is well known to be responsible for counter-gradient turbulent diffusion and flame-generated turbulence phenomena. In the present paper, a specific description of the velocity field is used, which allows to separate the influence of thermal expansion from the effects related only to the turbulent motion. Using this description, all the usual turbulent quantities are expressed in terms of two contributions: one due to thermal expansion and one due to turbulence. The theoretical analysis shows that only the contributions due to turbulence should be resolved by transport equations in which unclosed terms do not depend on thermal expansion. Deduced from this analysis, a relatively simple closure modelis proposed and successfully validated through comparison with Direct Numerical Simulation data. Results show the ability of this model to represent the counter-gradient diffusion region of the flame as well as the region controlled by gradient transport, crucial to the propagation mechanism of the flame brush.
Mathematical Modeling of the Poly(lactic acid) Ring–Opening Polymerization Kinetics

The modeling of ring-opening polymerization of (D,L)-lactide to poly(lactic acid) (PLA) has been performed. Except some reported data on the apparent rate constant, there is lack of data in the literature on the rate constants for initiation, propagation and termination steps of PLA polymerization. Using a simple numerical technique, the individual rate constants are evaluated theoretically and the results are compared with the available experimental data for ring-opening polymerization of PLA. The proposed method works well without requiring a polymer chain length independent rate constant. It is also shown that presence of even small amount of impurity (e.g., water) in the reaction kettle can greatly limit the polymer molecular weight.
Spartina alterniflora invasion alters soil bulk density in coastal wetlands of China

Although empirical studies show that invasive Spartina alterniflora Loisel. (S. alterniflora) has reduced soil bulk density (BD), the mechanisms that underpin this response are still unclear. To explore this pattern, we used a space‐for‐time substitution approach and collected soil samples from the eastern coast of China, where S. alterniflora ecosystems were established a short period of time after initial invasion. We used structural equation modelling to test the hypothesis that S. alterniflora invasion has an indirect influence on BD through the interacting effects of soil and plant variables, including plant productivity, soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), pH, salinity, sand, and clay content. These variables, which are associated with S. alterniflora invasion, were assumed to represent multiple physicochemical and biological processes. The model showed that these processes explain 82% of the BD variation in response to S. alterniflora invasion. We observed that SOC had the most direct influence on BD, followed by salinity and soil sand content. We also found that S. alterniflora invasion had an important direct influence on the measured variables. Although plant productivity was not directly related to BD, it was indirectly associated with the impacts of plant productivity on salinity. Our results highlight the occurrence of BD variability within an interacting system of soil and plants wherein S. alterniflora invasion leads to a decrease in BD. This work also highlights that identifying the mechanisms driving BD variability in response to S. alterniflora invasion would help to improve our understanding of soil development in S. alterniflora marshes.
An extensive intrinsic association fiber system within cat area 7 revealed by anterograde and retrograde axon tracing methods

The associational connections within area 7 on the crown of the middle suprasylvian gyrus in adult cats were investigated with extracellular axon tracing techniques. Injections of wheat germ agglutinin conjugated to horseradish peroxidase or of 3H‐proline into area 7 revealed the presence of widespread intrinsic connections that extend over the rostral to caudal extent of the middle suprasylvian gyrus (up to 10 mm in one direction from injection sites). The connections have a complex organization with cell bodies and particulate label concentrated in patches. The patches are irregular in shape and do not form any obvious pattern. Although the transported label is concentrated in patches, large numbers of retrogradely labeled cells and significant quantities of anterogradely transported label are found in the spaces between patches. The long associational connections originate from cells in layers 2–6 and project to all cortical layers. Pyramidal cells are the primary source of the projections.
The Effect of Nigella Sativa on Clinical Improvement of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Patients

Background: Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) describes as retrograde reflux from gaster into the laryngopharynx because of the premature relaxation upper esophageal sphincter. The management of LPR patients includes lifestyle and dietary arrangements, medical therapy and surgical management. Nigella sativa (NS) / black cumin has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and gastroprotective effects that are expected to provide clinical improvement in LPR patients. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of NS on the clinical improvement of LPR patients Methods: This research is an intervention study using pre and post-test design methods of 34 LPR patients in Dr. Kariadi, hospital and 2 affiliated hospitals from November 2019 March 2020. Results: 24 patients with complete data while 10 patients were unable to evaluate RFS because of a pandemic. The treatment group (15 patients) were given omeprazole 20 mg / 12 hours plus NS 1000 mg / 12 hours orally and control group (9 patients) were given omeprazole 20 mg / 12 hours orally and placebo. Data were tested by Shapiro Wilk test, followed by the appropriate parametric test, and Fisher's exact test. There were no differences in clinical improvement in LPR based on RSI and RFS values between groups given additional NS and groups without NS, p 0.105. Conclusion: there were no significant differences in clinical improvement between groups given additional NS and groups without NS.
Queueing systems with different types of renovation mechanism and thresholds as the mathematical models of active queue management mechanism

This article is devoted to some aspects of using the renovation mechanism (different types of renovation are considered, definitions and brief overview are also given) with one or several thresholds as the mathematical models of active queue management mechanisms. The attention is paid to the queuing systems in which a threshold mechanism with renovation is implemented. This mechanism allows to adjust the number of packets in the system by dropping (resetting) them from the queue depending on the ratio of a certain control parameter with specified thresholds at the moment of the end of service on the device (server) (in contrast to standard RED-like algorithms, when a possible drop of a packet occurs at the time of arrivals of next packets in the system). The models with one, two and three thresholds with different types of renovation are under consideration. It is worth noting that the thresholds determine not only from which place in the buffer the packets are dropped, but also to which the reset of packets occurs. For some of the models certain analytical and numerical results are obtained (the references are given), some of them are only under investigation, so only the mathematical model and current results may be considered. Some results of comparing classic RED algorithm with renovation mechanism are presented.
Modelling and Fault Current Characterization of Superconducting Cable with High Temperature Superconducting Windings and Copper Stabilizer Layer

With the high penetration of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) in power systems, the short-circuit levels have changed, creating the requirement for altering or upgrading the existing switchgear and protection schemes. In addition, the continuous increase in power (accounting both for generation and demand) has imposed, in some cases, the need for the reinforcement of existing power system assets such as feeders, transformers, and other substation equipment. To overcome these challenges, the development of superconducting devices with fault current limiting capabilities in power system applications has been proposed as a promising solution. This paper presents a power system fault analysis exercise in networks integrating Superconducting Cables (SCs). This studies utilized a validated model of SCs with second generation High Temperature Superconducting tapes (2G HTS tapes) and a parallel-connected copper stabilizer layer. The performance of the SCs during fault conditions has been tested in networks integrating both synchronous and converter-connected generation. During fault conditions, the utilization of the stabilizer layer provides an alternative path for transient fault currents, and therefore reduces heat generation and assists with the protection of the cable. The effect of the quenching phenomenon and the fault current limitation is analyzed from the perspective of both steady state and transient fault analysis. This paper also provides meaningful insights into SCs, with respect to fault current limiting features, and presents the challenges associated with the impact of SCs on power systems protection.
Innovation Practices for Enhancing Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises’ (SMEs) Performance and Survival during Coronavirus (COVID-19) Epidemic Crisis: The Moderating Role of External Support

Global epidemic crises, such as the coronavirus (COVID-19), usually put the lives of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in danger. However, studies have demonstrated the vital role of innovation in improving enterprises’ performance and increasing the likelihood of their viability. This study aims to develop a theoretical model to provide insights about the association between innovation practices and the SMEs’ performance and survival while underlining the auxiliary role of external support in such a relationship. Online questionnaire has been used to collect the data from 259 randomly selected SME managers in Saudi Arabia, and the data was analyzed using SmartPLS3 software. The structural equation modeling (SEM-PLS) bootstrap results indicated that external support aids strengthen the positive impact of SMEs’ innovation practices on business survival. These findings have significant implications for policy makers and SME managers.
Clinical and Laboratory Findings of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Children Hospitalized in Mashhad, Northeastern Iran: A Twenty-Year Retrospective Study

Background: Over the last decade, a few cases of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) have been reported in some provinces of northeastern Iran. We aimed to investigate clinical and laboratory findings of VL among children who admitted to the pediatric ward in a referral hospital in Mashhad, northeastern Iran. Methods: A retrospective study, between 1997 and 2017, was performed on the data sheet registered for children with confirmed VL at the referral Emam Reza Hospital in Mashhad. Hematological and biochemical profiles of the patients were analyzed. Results: A total of 35 children with VL, confirmed by the presence of amastigotes of Leishmania in Giemsa stained smears of the bone marrow, had been recorded through 20 yr. The mean age of patients was 3.7±4 yr. The majority of the patients suffered from hepatosplenomegaly (100%, n=35/35), followed by prolonged fever and pallor (91%, n=32/35), weight loss (85%, n=30/35). The main laboratory findings were anemia (94.1%), leukopenia (52.9%) and thrombocytopenia (70.5%). Almost one-third (37.1%; 13/35) of VL patients inhabited in rural areas of the Bojnoord district as a known VL endemic focus in northeastern Iran. Conclusion: Our preliminary data showed that the origin of VL is still in some districts other than Mashhad, where VL just will be diagnosed.
Birefringent Glassy Phase of a Cellulose Microcrystal Suspension

We prepared a stable and highly viscous suspension of cellulose microcrystals by postsulfating the HCl-hydrolyzed cellulose microcrystals. The neutralized suspension was isotropic and showed flow birefringence at low solid content (ca. <1%). At a solid content of approximately 2−3%, the suspension was still flowing but showed intricate birefringent patterns, which remained after the flow had ceased. At high solid content (7.1%), the suspension became too viscous to flow and showed a frozen-in birefringent pattern with a microscopic crosshatch texture. These features show that this postsulfated suspension forms a “birefringent glassy phase”, similar to that observed for a boehmite rod suspension, being distinctly different from the behavior of the suspension prepared by direct hydrolysis of cellulose with concentrated sulfuric acid.
‘Eighteen just makes you a person with certain privileges’: the perspectives of Australian Sudanese and South Sudanese youths regarding the transition to adulthood

ABSTRACT How the transition to adulthood is understood by youths can be influenced by social context and cultural background/s. Employing a voice-centred relational methodology approach, underpinned by a framework of identity and belonging, this paper reports on one aspect of a larger qualitative study designed to better understand the transition to adulthood as experienced by Australian Sudanese and South Sudanese youths. The findings of this study suggest that the perspectives on the transition to adulthood held by participants were based on feelings of possessing certain character traits and values they associated with the identity ‘adult’. These findings are relatively consistent with previous research. Yet, the utility and value of this transition was also presented by participants as being inherently collective (i.e. to contribute within one’s community). However, several barriers relating to social belonging were identified by participants to influence, and in some instances, impede a successful transition to adulthood.
Corporate Social Irresponsibility and Portfolio Performance: A Cross-National Study

Abstract This study examines the impact of reputational risk, measured by corporate social irresponsibility (CSI) ratings, on shareholder abnormal returns. Based on 7,368 non-financial companies from 42 countries during 2007-2017, we find that long-short portfolios (buying no reputation risk and selling high reputation risk portfolios) earn significantly positive abnormal returns. The cross-national results indicate that the long-short portfolio returns are more pronounced (i) in the emerging market segment than in the developed market segment, (ii) in civil law jurisdictions than in their common law peers, (iii) within nations with higher confidence in corporations and, (iv) within nations with higher institutional trust.