Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Greedy Segmentation for a Functional Data Sequence

Abstract We present a new approach known as greedy segmentation (GS) to identify multiple changepoints for a functional data sequence. The proposed multiple changepoint detection criterion links detectability with the projection onto a suitably chosen subspace and the changepoint locations. The changepoint estimator identifies the true changepoints for any predetermined number of changepoint candidates, either over-reporting or under-reporting. This theoretical finding supports the proposed GS estimator, which can be efficiently obtained in a greedy manner. The GS estimator’s consistency holds without being restricted to the conventional at most one changepoint condition, and it is robust to the relative positions of the changepoints. Based on the GS estimator, the test statistic’s asymptotic distribution leads to the novel GS algorithm, which identifies the number and locations of changepoints. Using intensive simulation studies, we compare the finite sample performance of the GS approach with other competing methods. We also apply our method to temporal changepoint detection in weather datasets.
ABO Blood Group System and Periodontal Disease Indices: A Cross-Sectional Study in Greek Adults

Introduction: Periodontal disease (PD) development has been associated with the presence of causative microorganisms, host immunity and risk factors, whereas the types of periodontal diseases are characterized by interactions between host and bacteria. Moreover, ABO blood groups are the most investigated erythrocyte antigen system. However, a small number of researches have been focused on the possible associations between ABO blood groups and periodontal diseases. Methods: A cross-sectional, epidemiological study was carried out on 854 individuals, 404 males and 450 females, aged 45 to 77. The study sample was interviewed and underwent an oral and dental clinical examination. The assessment of the possible associations between several indices of PD, such as Probing Pocket Depth (PPD), Clinical Attachment Loss (CAL) and Bleeding on Probing (BOP) as dependent variables and ABO blood groups A, B, AB, and O as independent ones was carried out by using a multiple regression analysis model. Results: Individuals with blood group A [OR= 2.94, 95% CI = 1.27-3.96] and B [OR= 2.66, 95% CI = 1.11-3.87] were significantly associated with the risk of developing deeper periodontal pockets (PPD) and worse values of attachment loss (CAL) [OR= 2.42, 95% CI= 1.37-3.85] and [OR= 2.31,95% CI=1.25-3.68], respectively. However, no significant associations were recorded between ABO blood groups and BOP [OR= 1.04, 95% CI= 0.92-1.18]. Conclusion: A significant association was revealed between A and B blood groups and deeper periodontal pockets and worse attachment loss, whereas no associations were observed between ABO blood groups and bleeding of probing.
Crystal structures and investigation of the third-order nonlinear optical properties of four coordination polymers by using the Z-scan technique

The present paper reports the structures and the third order nonlinear optical properties of four coordination polymers prepared by hydrothermal methods using nickel acetate or cobalt acetate, bisimidazolyl ligands and different aromatic carboxylic acids, namely [Co(H2O)2(1,2-BIB)2][Co(DBS)(1,2-BIB)]2·7H2O (1), [Ni(H2O)2(1,2-BIB)](CBA)·H2O (2), [Ni(1,2-BIB)(SDA)]·4H2O (3) and [Ni(H2O)(1,2-BIB)(HBTA)]·2H2O (4) (1,2-BIB = 1,2-bis((1H-imidazol-1-yl)methyl)benzene, H2DBS = sodium 3,5-dicarboxybenzenesulfonate, H2CBA = 2-(carboxymethyl)benzoic acid, H2SDA = 4,4′-sulfonyldibenzoic acid and H3BTA = benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid). Compound 1 has a one-dimensional structure, containing a polymeric cationic chain and a polymeric anionic chain. In compound 2, the Ni(II) ions are alternately linked by 1,2-BIB ligands and CBA ligands to form a joint-like chain structure. In compound 3, the metal ions are connected by 1,2-BIB to form a ladder-like structure, and SDA ligands are located on both sides of the chain. In compound 4, the Ni(II) ions are alternately connected by 1,2-BIB and BTA ligands to form a two-dimensional structure. We investigated the third-order nonlinearity of the compounds by a single-beam Z-scan technique. Interestingly, the compounds exhibit different third-order nonlinearities. Compound 1 has a saturable absorption (SA) and a self-defocusing effect with the nonlinear absorption coefficient β being −12.4 × 10−7 m W−1 and the nonlinear refractive index γ being −8.51 × 10−14 m2 W−1. Compound 2 presents only a self-defocusing effect with the nonlinear refractive index γ being −128.87 × 10−14 m2 W−1, while compounds 3 and 4 show a reverse-saturation absorption (RSA) effect with the nonlinear absorption coefficient β being 4.42 × 10−7 and 2.97 × 10−7 m W−1, respectively. We calculated the band structure and the total (TDOS) and partial density of states (PDOS) of the four compounds. The calculated results are satisfactory for explaining the experimental results. This shows that intramolecular MLCTs or LMCTs have a significant impact on the third-order nonlinearity of the compounds.
The Attractiveness 0f Sharia Financial Institutions for MSMEs in Pontianak City, The Province of West Kalimantan, Indonesia

The development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) requires support from financial institutions, both banking and non-banking, in providing working capital loans. This support includes ease of procedure, easy installment payments, and services. The contribution of Islamic financial institutions in the Province of West Kalimantan, Indonesia, cannot be ignored. This study aims to investigate determinants of the behavior in the selection of sharia financial institutions in Pontianak by MSMEs. The research samples were the perpetrators of MSMEs spread in six districts in Pontianak City, 20 MSMEs per district. The data in this study were the primary data obtained from a questionnaire survey. The data analysis technique used was Probit Regression Analysis. The results of this study indicate that the profit-sharing system that is considered not burdensome to customers, the simplicity of procedures that save time and cost, and the number of products offered in accordance with the customer needs significantly influence the probability of choosing Islamic financial institutions. The variable of the suitability of the operational rules of Islamic financial institutions with Islamic rules has no effect on customers’ decision in choosing a financial institution. This is an opportunity for Islamic financial institutions to develop their businesses by offering their products to non-Muslim customers.
Empathy and Video Game Addiction in Adolescents: Serial Mediation by Psychological Resilience and Life satisfaction

In this study, it was examined whether empathy is related to video game addiction and whether psychological resilience and life satisfaction mediate this relationship. The sample comprised 324 Turkish adolescents (aged between 11 and 15, mean of age was 13.01), who completed measures of empathy, psychological resilience, life satisfaction, and video game addiction. The results of the serial multiple mediation analysis demonstrated that empathy had a significant direct effect on video game addiction. Psychological resilience had a mediating effect on the association between empathy and video game addiction. Also, life satisfaction had a mediating effect on the association between empathy and video game addiction. Psychological resilience and life satisfaction, serially (in combination) mediated the relationship between empathy and video game addiction. The results of the present study are discussed within the related literature. It is suggested that video game addiction interventions should focus on increasing empathy, psychological resilience, and life satisfaction.
The Role of Stress During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Future Career Anxiety of Final-Year Students

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic is very closely related to anxiety. From the growing number of unemployment the existence of economic recession, the high potential for job losses, and the decrease in wages caused by restrictions on activity, COVID-19 has reinforced the emergence of future career anxiety. Particularly, future career anxiety among final-year students needs to be researched, as students have to face pressures and adjustment as future workers in order to meet the needs of their life after graduating from college whilst facing the COVID-19 situation. Hence, the purpose of this study is to empirically test the role of stress during the COVID-19 pandemic against future career anxiety in final year students. This study is done through non-experimental quantitative method, which applied some measuring instruments, such as the COVID-19 Stress Scale (CSS) and Career Anxiety Scale. The data obtained in this study is analyzed through the SPSS application version 25 with simple linear regression analysis technique. The study subjects involved 432 final year students with an age range from 19 to 30 years old. The results indicate that stress during the COVID-19 pandemic has a significant role to play in the future career anxiety of final year students.
Experimental Evaluation of Aging Indicators for Lithium–Iron–Phosphate Cells

Degradation mechanism of batteries has to be carefully studied when considering their utilization in electrical power systems. This paper presents the results of an extensive experimental campaign, through which three different lithium–iron–phosphate (LFP) cells were subjected to different electrical cycling stresses. The purpose of the campaign was to evaluate the cells’ aging, as well as to try to find parameters on the cell behavior before its end of life, able to act as state-of-life (SOL) (or aging) indicators. The considered stress consists of the cyclic repetition of fixed-duration discharge steps, followed by full charge phases. The three cells under study were subjected to the very same stress pattern but with three different discharge and charge power levels: low, medium, and high. The results showed that the end-of-discharge voltage and the cell internal resistance can be used as good SOL indicators. However, both are significant functions of the cell conditions, such as the state of charge (SOC) and the cell temperature.
Aqueous Geochemical and Microbial Variation Across Discrete Depth Intervals in a Peridotite Aquifer Assessed Using a Packer System in the Samail Ophiolite, Oman

The potential for molecular hydrogen ( H2 ) generated via serpentinization to fuel subsurface microbial ecosystems independent from photosynthesis has prompted biogeochemical investigations of serpentinization‐influenced fluids. However, investigations typically sample via surface seeps or open‐borehole pumping, which can mix chemically distinct waters from different depths. Depth‐indiscriminate sampling methods could thus hinder understanding of the spatial controls on nutrient availability for microbial life. To resolve distinct groundwaters in a low‐temperature serpentinizing environment, we deployed packers (tools that seal against borehole walls during pumping) in two 400m ‐deep, peridotite‐hosted wells in the Samail Ophiolite, Oman. Isolation and pumping of discrete intervals as deep as 108m to 132m below ground level revealed multiple aquifers that ranged in pH from 8 to 11. Chemical analyses and 16S rRNA gene sequencing of deep, highly reacted Ca2+−OH− groundwaters bearing up to 4. 05μmol⋅L−1H2 , 3. 81μmol⋅L−1 methane ( CH4 ) and 946μmol⋅L−1 sulfate ( SO42− ) revealed an ecosystem dominated by Bacteria affiliated with the class Thermodesulfovibrionia, a group of chemolithoheterotrophs supported by H2 oxidation coupled to SO42− reduction. In shallower, oxidized Mg2+−HCO3− groundwaters, aerobic and denitrifying heterotrophs were relatively more abundant. High δ13C and δD of CH4 (up to 23.9‰VPDB and 45‰VSMOW , respectively) indicated microbial CH4 oxidation, particularly in Ca2+−OH− waters with evidence of mixing with Mg2+−HCO3− waters. This study demonstrates the power of spatially resolving groundwaters to probe their distinct geochemical conditions and chemosynthetic communities. Such information will help improve predictions of where microbial activity in fractured rock ecosystems might occur, including beyond Earth.
Sharing of Misinformation during COVID-19 Pandemic: Applying the Theory of Planned Behavior with the Integration of Perceived Severity

ABSTRACT This study investigates the behavioral intention to verify information before sharing during COVID-19 pandemic. The sample consisted of 210 Library and Information Science (LIS) students from three LIS departments. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) constructs and the perceived severity construct were used to check respondents’ behavior. The results of the data analysis revealed that respondents showed high levels of perceived behavioral control and attitude toward intention to verify information before sharing. However, Subjective norms and perceived severity appeared to have insignificant effect on respondents’ information sharing behavior. The findings of the study highlights the importance of information literacy skills to overcome chaos of misinformation spreading on social media platforms.
Mechanical properties of Glued-laminated timber made up of mixed tropical wood species

ABSTRACT This paper deals with an innovative experimental study performed on glued-laminated timber (GLT) beams, machined and made with three tropical hardwood species. Defect-free beams were obtained by combining alternatively the lamellas taken from the densest to the least dense species, to have TRIO and DUO specimens. Then, static 3-point bending tests were performed on these beams, to assess their mechanical properties and their reliability. Finally, the shear strength tests of the various glue joints are done to understand the failure mode of the beams observed during the bending tests and their impact on the mechanical behaviour of the GLT beams tested. The results show for the two types of GLT (DUO and TRIO’s beams) studied here that: (i) comparatively to the combinations of two lamellas (DUO’s beams), by taking into account the solid woods and homogeneous beams as references, beams with three lamella combinations (TRIO’s beams) present the best mechanical characteristics; (ii) There is a significant influence of the individual lamella’s position or the type of lamella on the global behaviour of the GLT’s beams. Moreover, the advantages of this type of timber beam material are investigated and shown herein.
Conventional versus Ritual Slaughter–Ethical Aspects and Meat Quality

Social pressure on increased protection and welfare of animals results mainly from the initiative of people living in the urbanized parts of the world. The respect for the right to freedom of religion, which is indisputably one of the fundamental liberal rights, must be taken into account. The right to freedom to religion also includes the right to follow a religion’s dietary recommendations. The aim of the literature analysis was to systematize the knowledge on the ethical aspects and quality of meat obtained from carcasses of animals subjected to conventional and ritual slaughter. Consistent with the importance of ritual slaughter for humans of two major faiths (Islam and Judaism), it is important that scientists be objective when evaluating these practices from an animal welfare and meat quality point of view. To evaluate the welfare of the slaughtered animal, it is necessary to openly discuss ritual slaughter and the improvement of its methods. The quality of meat and the degree of bleeding of animals do not always correlate with the ritual slaughter method used.
Joint Capacity Investment, Collecting and Pricing Decisions in a Capacity Constraint Closed-Loop Supply Chain Considering Cooperation

In this paper, a closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) consisting of one manufacturer and one supplier is considered. The capacity of the manufacturer is limited, the manufacturer can increase capacity by investing in capacity, and there are different cooperation contracts among the supply chain members. This paper pushes collecting activities upstream, assumes that the collecting activity can be completed by the supplier, and accepts that there is cooperation between the members, which increases supplier involvement. Dynamic game models among CLSC members are formulated. The optimal decisions of pricing, capacity investment, and collecting channels of the CLSC members are obtained, and the impacts of some important factors, for example, the capacity investment cost coefficient and the cost-sharing factors, on optimal decisions are investigated. The results reveal that the supplier collecting mode performs better in some scenarios; therefore, the management enlightenment desired by the supplier can be obtained. Additionally, the coordination between the manufacturer and the supplier sometimes fails to increase the closed-loop supply chain’s sustainability, which is a finding quite different from some current research results.
Instilling Trust Among China’s Online Customers On E-Commerce Platform

In recent years, business-to-consumers (B2C) e-commerce platforms has developed rapidly in China triggered numerous attentions from the government, enterprises, consumers and even the academician. Due to the unpredictability nature of the e-commerce environment, trust has become significant factor in determining one’s competitive advantage. However, existing customer’s attitude and safety awareness are not optimistic towards the online shopping and e-commerce enterprises. Such lack of trust has caused the buyers and sellers to experience communication breakdown. Hence, it is very meaningful to investigate the factors which can enhance customer’s trust on B2C websites. In this study, a quantitative approach was applied to examine the relationship between the influencing factors and trust among 384 respondents from China. The results indicated that all the factors were positively correlated to consumer trust and product quality has the highest influence on customer trust. This is followed by website quality, company brand reputation, after-sales service and the customer attitude towards risk in the B2C e-commerce in China. Thus, it is expected that the B2C e-commerce will continuously improve their product and website quality in order to remain competitive in the market.
Using Artificial Intelligence to Estimate Nonlinear Resilient Modulus Parameters from Common Index Properties

The Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) considers a hierarchical approach to determine the input values necessary for most design parameters. Level 1 requires site-specific measurement of the material properties from laboratory testing, whereas other levels make use of equations developed from regression models to estimate the material properties. Resilient modulus is a mechanical property that characterizes the unbound and subgrade materials under loading that is essential for the mechanistic design of pavements. The MEPDG resilient modulus model makes use of a three-parameter constitutive model to characterize the nonlinear behavior of the geomaterials. As the resilient modulus tests are complex, expensive, and require lengthy preparation time, most state highway agencies are unlikely to implement them as routine daily applications. Therefore, it is imperative to make use of models to calculate these nonlinear parameters. Existing models to determine these parameters are frequently based on linear regression. With the development of machine learning techniques, it is feasible to develop simpler equations that can be used to estimate the nonlinear parameters more accurately. This study makes use of the Long-Term Pavement Performance database and machine learning techniques to improve the equations utilized to determine the nonlinear parameters crucial to estimate the resilient modulus of unbound base and subgrade materials.
On-farm assessment of the phosphorus balance of paddy soil fertilized with cow dung compost in mixed crop–livestock systems and with rice straw in conventional practice in Yamagata, Japan

ABSTRACT Rice straw (RS) and cow dung compost (CDC) are good sources of phosphorus (P) to support rice production. Our previous research found that CDC application in mixed crop-livestock systems supplied more total P to the paddy soil than RS, but available P did not differ significantly between the CDC and RS fields. To explain these results, we investigated the soil total P and soil P balance in RS and CDC fields. From the 79 paddy fields managed by farmers in Mamurogawa, Yamagata, Japan, which were investigated in previous research, we selected 10 pairs of adjacent RS and CDC fields, then measured soil total P, P inputs (RS or CDC and fertilizer), and P outputs (plant uptake and leaching), and calculated the resulting soil P balance. The result showed that soil total P did not differ significantly between treatments. The higher P input from CDC would let farmers apply less fertilizer P in CDC fields than in RS fields, but there was no significant difference in total P input between treatments. Plant P uptake and leaching did not differ significantly between treatments. The soil P balance was positive (i.e., net P accumulation) and did not differ significantly between treatments. The lack of differences in the total P input, total P output, and soil P balance between treatments explains the non-significant differences in soil total P and available P.
BOARD INDEPENDENCE AND CAPITAL STRUCTURE OF NIGERIAN NON-FINANCIAL LISTED FIRMS: THE MODERATING ROLE OF INSTITUTIONAL OWNERSHIP

The Nigerian corporate environment has the potentials for high information asymmetry and less disclosure due to the weak institutional structure and an ineffective market for corporate control. These instances may undermine the monitoring capacity of independent directors in the boardroom. Thus, signifying the need for a complementary corporate governance mechanism to boost investors’ confidence. This research views that institutional investors have the incentives to strengthen board governance, given their sophisticated financial expertise and management skill. Therefore, this paper measures the moderating role of institutional ownership on the relationship between board independence and firms’ capital structure. The study analysed the balanced panel data of 56 Nigerian non-financial listed companies for seven years (2012-2018) using the random effects technique. This study presents evidence that higher levels of institutional ownership strengthen the effect of board independence on the firms’ leverage and vice versa. Hence, the result implies that managers may face stringent monitoring when institutional investors and independent directors interact. Such superior monitoring may compel managers to take on higher leverage to boost firm’ value. Our finding has an important policy implication on enhancing sound corporate governance practices, particularly for firms operating in developing countries where the market for corporate control is ineffective.