Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Study on Astrazon Black AFDL Dye Adsorption onto Vietnamese Diatomite

In the present paper, the adsorption of Astrazon Black AFDL dye onto Vietnamese diatomite has been demonstrated. The diatomite was characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, EDS, and nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms. The results show that diatomite mainly constituted centric type frustules characterized by pores as discs or as cylindrical shapes. The adsorption kinetics and isotherms of dye onto Vietnam diatomite were investigated. The experimental data were fitted well to both Freundlich and Langmuir in the initial concentration range of 400–1400 mg L−1. The average value of maximum adsorption capacity, , calculated from Freundlich equation is statistically similar to the average value of maximum monolayer adsorption capacity calculated from Langmuir equation. The thermodynamic parameters evaluated from the temperature dependent on adsorption isotherms in the range of 303–343 K show that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. The Webber and pseudo-first/second-order kinetic models were used to analyze the mechanism of adsorption. The piecewise linear regression and Akaike’s Information Criterion were used to analyze experimental data. The results show that the dye adsorption onto diatomite was film diffusion controlled and the goodness of fit of experimental data for kinetics modes was dependent on the initial concentration.
Image-based Automatic Diagnostic System for Tomato Plants using Deep Learning

Tomato production is affected by various threats, including pests, pathogens, and nutritional de ciencies during its growth process. If control is not timely, these threats affect the plant-growth, fruit-yield, or even loss of the entire crop, which is a key danger to farmers’ livelihood and food security. Traditional plant disease diagnosis methods heavily rely on plant pathologists that incur high processing time and huge cost. Rapid and cost-effective methods are essential for timely detection and early intervention of basic food threats to ensure food security and reduce substantial economic loss. Recent developments in Arti cial Intelligence (AI) and computer vision allow researchers to develop image-based automatic diagnostic tools to quickly and accurately detect diseases. In this work, we proposed an AI-based approach to detect diseases in tomato plants. Our goal is to develop an end-to-end system to diagnose essential crop problems in real-time, ensuring high accuracy. This paper employs various deep learning models to recognize and predict different diseases caused by pathogens, pests, and nutritional de ciencies. Various Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) are trained on a large dataset of leaves and fruits images of tomato plants. We compared the performance of ShallowNet (a shallow network trained from scratch) and the state-of-theart deep learning network (models are ne-tuned via transfer learning). In our experiments, DenseNet consistently achieved high performance with an accuracy score of 95.31% on the test dataset. The results verify that deep learning models with the least number of parameters, reasonable complexity, and appropriate depth achieve the best performance. All experiments are implemented in Python, utilizing the Keras deep learning library backend with TensorFlow.
The Moderating Effect of Non-audit Services Fee on Aggressive Tax Planning: Empirical Evidence From Malaysian Listed Companies

The purpose of this study is to examine the moderating effect of non-audit services fees on the relationship between size, profitability, leverage, capital intensity, inventory intensity, financial distress and ethnicity with aggressive tax planning. This study uses a sample from companies listed on the Malaysian (Access, Certainty, Efficiency (ACE) Market from 2014 to 2018, comprising of 105 firm year-observations. The finding shows that the non-audit services fee moderate the relationship between size, profitability, leverage, inventory intensity, financial distress and ethnicity with aggressive tax planning except for capital intensity. It is hoped that the finding can assist readers in understanding the nature of companies listed on the ACE Market, particularly their behaviour towards tax planning. This study contributes to knowledge in the areas of financial accounting and taxation specifically on aggressive tax planning, by introducing the moderating variable of non-audit services fee. The uniqueness of the use of companies listed on the Malaysian ACE market will provide new avenue on the discussion on an aggressive tax planning issue, which usually more focus on big firms. The framework used in the present study could serve as a basis for research in other developing countries or regions.
Impacts of nursing work environment and burnout on turnover intentions among nurses in Ghana

Background Professional practice environment supports excellence and decent work and has the influence to entice and retain quality-nursing workforce. In high-resourced settings, significant number of studies exist to prove that professional practice environment with low levels of burnout play important role in enhancing patients’ and staff job outcomes. Appreciating the dynamics that affect turnover intention of nurses offer reasonable solutions to the challenges of nursing shortage, which directly influence quality of nursing care. Few studies undertaken on the subject in Ghana, however focused on miners, workers in the hotel industry, and worker telecommunication. There is evidently paucity of information on the impacts of nursing practice environment on turnover intentions among nurses in Sub-Saharan African. The study therefore aimed at determining the predictors of turnover intentions among nurses in Ghana. Methods A cross-sectional approach using a simple random and proportionate stratified sampling with a sample of 232 nurses completed validated instruments measuring work environment, burnout and turnover intentions. Descriptive and regression analysis were done on the various variables. Results While most nurses had positive perception about their work environment, greater number of them had turnover intentions. There was also significant associations between nursing work environment facets and turnover intention. The age of the nurse, years in nursing and the personal accomplishment of the nurse were significant predictors of turnover intentions of the nurse. Conclusion Burnout in any dimension results from unhealthy workplace; and unduly influences nurses’ turnover intention. This phenomenon can potentially affect the human resource management and the consequentially poor quality of nursing care provided to patients. Ensuring positive work setting and reduced burnout can therefore improves retention of nurses at their workplace.
Polymer addition as a solution to Nocardia foaming problems

In February 1994, The Terminal Island Treatment Plant experienced severe Nocardia foaming problems. Attempts to control foaming, such as lowering the MCRT and foam removal and wasting, met with limited success. In April 1994, a final clarifier cationic polymer injection system was used to combat poor settling activated sludge. After 3 days of polymer addition, foaming was eliminated. The effectiveness of the polymer as a Nocardia foam control agent was verified in subsequent foaming incidents by conducting the full‐scale plant tests presented in this paper. Mechanisms are suggested for the action of the polymer in eliminating Nocardia foam. These include interaction with the foam‐stabilizing surfactants present in the wastewater, and polymer flocculation of dispersed Nocardia filaments into the activated sludge floc.
Approximate Stability Dynamics of Concentric Cylindrical Metasurfaces

The conditions securing stability in configurations that employ gain media, carry vital information for the operation and functionality of the respective systems. These constraints are determined for a generic photonic setup comprising two concentric, passive or active, cylindrical impedance metasurfaces, by assuming their size small compared to the oscillation wavelength. Such an approximation, permits the analytical determination of the unstable poles across the complex frequency plane, which is otherwise a computationally cumbersome task. The absorbing and scattering response of the structure, when excited by various primary sources, unveils the dynamics behind the supported resonances and reveals the limits in its performance while respecting stability restrictions. The reported results may assist substantially the modeling and stable design of devices involving this ubiquitous cylindrical component in numerous applications spanning from radiation pattern control and angular momentum transformation to active cloaking and reconfigurable wavefront manipulation.
The influence of university brand image, satisfaction, and university identification on alumni WOM intentions

ABSTRACT This study investigates the influence of university brand image, satisfaction, and alumni’s university identification on positive word-of-mouth (WOM) intentions. The model is tested using data collected from a sample of 1000 university alumni, an important and under-researched stakeholder group. A contribution is provided by enhancing our understanding of key under-researched relationships. University brand image was found to be a key driver of alumni positive WOM intentions, due to its direct and indirect influences. The study also identified the mediating roles of alumni’s university identification and satisfaction. The influence of university brand image on alumi WOM is partially accounted for through its influence on alumni satisfaction and alumni’s university identification.
Time-resolved observation of structural change of copper induced by laser shock using synchrotron radiation with dispersive XAFS

ABSTRACT We report a single-shot nanosecond time-resolved dispersive XAFS measurement of copper foil under laser-induced shock compression. Obtained EXAFS results indicated clearly the structural evolution, though XANES spectra showed that the laser irradiation does not affect the copper electronic state. The nearest (ca. 0.22 nm) and longer (ca. 0.44 nm) Cu–Cu distances are changed at 4 and 200 ns, respectively, in the radial structure functions (RSFs). It was revealed that an average compression of 2% occurs at 4 ns and is released within 200 ns. It was found that the fragmentation of the copper begins at around 200 ns according to the increase in distance of the RSF.
Sequencing and gene expression studies for Al tolerance in contrasting genotypes of tropical maize

: The aims of this study were to evaluate the homology of the ZmMATE1 and ZmMATE2 gene sequences with those deposited in the international banks of sequences and quantify the differential expression of the genes ZmMATE1, ZmMATE2, and ZmNrat1 in germplasms of landrace and hybrid maize under aluminum (Al) stress in minimal solution. Fifty-two hybrids from different companies and 50 landrace varieties were genotyped for the genes ZmMATE1 and ZmMATE2. For studies of gene expression, the tolerant (H 44 and V 18) and the sensitive (H 22 and V 25) genotypes were exposed to minimal solution containing 4 mg L -1 of Al for different periods (0, 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, and 48 h). The results showed greater differential expression in the tolerant V 18 landrace variety of the gene ZmMATE1, indicating that exudation of citrate may be the main mechanism of Al tolerance in this genotype. device and diluted to a concentration of 10 ng mL -1 . The genomic regions surrounding the oligonucleotides that represent the genes ZmMATE1 and ZmMATE2 identified by Maron et al. (2010) were used to detect the presence of amplified fragments through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the two maize germplasms studied. The forward primer 5’CCGGATGTTTGCTGGATTTT3’ and the reverse primer 5’TGGCCAAA TCGACCATGATT3’ were used in the respective germplasms for detection of the gene ZmMATE1 . The gene ZmMATE2 was amplified using the pair of the forward primer 5’GCAGTTCGTACGTAGTGGTG3’ and the reverse primer 5’AGTACGTAGCTAGGCGATGC3’.
The effect of implementing artificial intelligence on job performance in commercial banks of Jordan

Article history: Received: December 14, 2020 Received in revised format: January 29 2021 Accepted: March 2, 2021 Available online: March 2, 2021 This study aimed to clarify the effect of artificial intelligence with its variables (ES, NN, GA, and IA) on job performance. The banking sector in Jordan is used as a study community and targeted managers at all levels, and in order to achieve the objectives of the study, a questionnaire is developed for the purpose of collecting data from the random sample. The sample consisted of (319) managers. Also, the study used the descriptive approach and the data are analyzed on SPSS. The results showed that there is a statistically significant effect of artificial intelligence that affects job performance through (GA, and IA) only. In addition, the results showed that gender, academic qualification and years of experience have a statistically significant effect on job performance in commercial banks in Jordan. The study recommends preparing future research for the same variables and the study community, but for another country, in order to generalize the results. © 2021 by the authors; licensee Growing Science, Canada
Distance learning during COVID-19 pandemic: satisfaction, opportunities and challenges as perceived by faculty members and students

Purpose This study aims to investigate and assess the first experience of faculty members and students with distance learning implemented at Al Ain University (AAU) to contain the spread of Coronavirus or COVID-19. The paper attempted to understand faculty and students’ satisfaction with institutional readiness for distance learning and perception towards opportunities and challenges of distance learning. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on data collected in March 2020 through an online survey questionnaire from the participants (students = 445, faculty members = 139). The unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) was used in formulating a conceptual framework. The collected data were analysed using several statistical techniques and partial least square structural equation modelling, to test and verify hypotheses. Findings The study found that, although faculty members and students expressed high satisfaction with the institutional readiness for distance learning and believed in its opportunities and advantages, they expressed concerns about the challenges facing distance learning. Findings of the study indicated a relationship between the status or college of the participant and perceived opportunities and advantages of distance learning. Hypotheses testing supported the study framework and UTAUT theory by identifying and confirming the impact of perceived opportunities of distance learning on satisfaction with the institutional readiness for distance learning. Originality/value The study suggested that non-distance learning institutions should keep offering courses through distance learning to prevent any shortcomings in the future.
The Management Report Usefulness in Lending Decision: Investigating Egyptian Credit Managers Perceptions

This study investigates Egyptian credit managers perceptions regarding the management report disclosures provided by firms to banks and how this represent a useful source of information for credit managers in rationalizing the lending decision. We surveyed credit managers in all banks listed by the Central bank of Egypt to determine whether disclosures are meeting the needs of this group of financial reports’ users. The final sample consists of 160 credit managers and their credit officers who work in Egyptian private and governmental banks as well as foreign banks operating in Egypt. Through hypotheses testing the main findings reveal that credit managers perceive both mandatory and voluntary disclosures as useful. Moreover, there was significant difference in some of their perceptions, these differences were explained through psychological engagement (i.e. gender, experience, educational level, and background) throughout the analysis. Some voluntary disclosures are more useful than mandatory disclosures, which clarify the existence of a gap between regulators and users’ perceptions. Moreover, the findings show that respondents consider information related to risk management, key performance indicators, and forward-looking more important than information on corporate governance and corporate social responsibility (CSR). The current study extends and enriches the ongoing academic and practical debate on the usefulness of narrative disclosures. Our findings suggest that regulators should seek more improvement to the current requirements as voluntary disclosures which were found to be more important. Our investigation touched a blind spot in the literature and provided evidence for the usefulness of MR disclosure in lending decision, as previous studies investigated the usefulness of management reports in investment decision.
Crystallization and conformation engineering of solution-processed polymer transparent electrodes with high conductivity

With the cooperative effects of pre-treatment with a polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG4000) additive and post-treatment with sulfuric acid (H2SO4), the conductivity of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) was improved remarkably. By this method, the pre-treatment PEG4000 additive would form hydrogen bonds with the PSS in PEDOT:PSS, which can effectively reduce the interactions between PEDOT and PSS. Subsequently, the post-treatment H2SO4 could efficiently wash away the intrinsic PSS together with the insulating PEG4000 additive, which not only improved the crystallization but also further optimized the conformation of the PEDOT chains. Meanwhile, the work function of the resulting PEDOT:PSS (S-PEDOT:PSS:PEG4000 (6.5 wt%)) was remarkably reduced and it became more suitable for use as a cathode, compared with pristine PEDOT:PSS. By means of these simple process technologies, a highly conductive and transparent PEDOT:PSS film was achieved. A polymer solar cell device using S-PEDOT:PSS:PEG4000 (6.5 wt%) as the cathode realized a notable power conversion efficiency of 8.1%, which was even superior to an indium tin oxide cathode based device.
Mobility Patterns of Students: Evidence from Tricity Area, Poland

Generational change is one of the vital socioeconomic forces affecting the global economic environment. In many studies, the youngest generations are presented as the ones changing the market trends. This can also be observed in areas of travel demand and mobility patterns. However, research on those topics in many countries, for many societies, is scarce. This study aimed to examine the travel behavior of Polish young adults, namely students living in the Tricity area. Factor analysis and ANOVA were used to analyze the data gathered via an online survey assessing the characteristics of mobility patterns of students born between 1981 and 1999. Factor analysis allowed grouping the attitudes towards traveling among those young adults (Y Generation, Y’s, Y Gen). Three factors were identified, and they were associated with luxury and self-expression, freedom and comfort, safety and environmental friendliness. The driver’s characteristics were the least consistent with the classic image of typical Y’s, and those using the active commute—the most. In turn, the largest group were people using public transport, which partially presented convergent opinions with drivers and users of the active commute. It turned out that the car drivers, active commuters and respondents utilizing public transport differed not only in their behavior and presentation of Y Gen characteristics but also in their attitude towards categories such as comfort, desire for luxury, economy or ecology. This study is a complex analysis of the mobility patterns of students in the Tricity area. It presents the set of variables influencing the travel demand of the chosen age group. The study also compares the presented travel choices with those declared by representatives of other nations. Finally, it indicates the next research problems to be addressed in future research.
Chinese Herbal Preparation SaiLuoTong Alleviates Brain Ischemia via Nrf2 Antioxidation Pathway–Dependent Cerebral Microvascular Protection

Stroke is one of the most devastating diseases worldwide. The Chinese herbal preparation SaiLuoTong (SLT) capsule showed outstanding therapeutic effects on stroke and its sequelae. The aim of this study was to further elucidate its therapeutic mechanism. We duplicated a permanent cerebral ischemia model in rats by MCAO and used SLT (33 and 16.5 mg/kg) to intervene. The results showed SLT dose dependently decreased infarction volumes, relieved neuron degeneration and loss, and ameliorated neurological functions, and the dose of 33 mg/kg had statistical significance (compared with the model group, p < 0.05); SLT of 33 mg/kg also significantly inhibited the elevation in brain water content and the loss in claudin-1 and occludin expressions; additionally, it significantly increased nucleus translocation of Nrf2, elevated the expression of HO-1, and raised the activity of SOD and content of GSH (compared with the model group, p < 0.05 or 0.01). These results testified SLT’s anti-brain ischemia effect and hint this effect may be related to the protection of brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) that is dependent on the Nrf2 pathway. To further testify, we cultured hCMEC/D3 cells, duplicated OGD/R model to simulate ischemia, and used SLT (3.125, 6.25, and 12.5 mg/L) to treat. SLT dose dependently and significantly inhibited the drop in cell viabilities, and activated the Nrf2 pathway by facilitating Nrf2 nucleus translocation, and increasing HO-1 expression, SOD activity, and GSH content (compared with the model group, p < 0.05 or 0.01); last, the anti-OGD/R effects of SLT, including raising cell viabilities, inhibiting the elevation in dextran permeability, and preserving expressions of claudin-1 and occludin, were all abolished by Nrf2 siRNA interference. The in vitro experiment undoubtedly confirmed the direct protective effect of SLT on BMECs and the obligatory role of the Nrf2 pathway in it. Collectively, data of this study suggest that SLT’s therapeutic effect on brain ischemia is related to its Nrf2-dependent BMECs protection.
Ventilatory limitations are not associated with dyspnea on exertion or reduced aerobic fitness in pectus excavatum

Exercise intolerance and chest pain are common symptoms in patients with pectus excavatum. To assess if the anatomic extent of pectus deformities determined by the correction index (CI) is associated with a pulmonary impairment at rest and during exercise we performed a retrospective review on pectus patients in our center who completed a symptom questionnaire, cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), pulmonary function tests (PFT), and chest magnetic resonance imaging. Of 259 patients studied, dyspnea on exertion and chest pain was reported in 64% and 41%, respectively. Peak oxygen uptake (VO2) was reduced in 30% and classified as mild in two‐thirds. A pulmonary limitation during exercise was identified in less than 3%. Ventilatory limitations on PFT was found in 26% and classified as mild in 85%. Obstruction was the most common abnormal pattern (11%). There were no differences between patients with normal or abnormal PFT patterns for the CI, VO2, or percentage reporting dyspnea or chest pain. Scatter plots demonstrated significant but weak inverse relationships between the CI and lung volumes at rest and during exercise. Multivariable linear regression modeling evaluating predictors of VO2 demonstrated positive associations with the forced expiratory volume at one second and a negative association with the CI. We conclude that resting PFT patterns have poor correlation with the anatomic extent of the pectus defect, symptomatology or aerobic fitness. Pulmonary limitations on CPET are uncommon and lung volumes during exercise are only minimally associated with the CI.