Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors that influence the use of E-Government monitoring systems in Brazil

Objective: To understand the factors that influence the use of e-Government monitoring systems in Brazil. Method: A structured questionnaire was applied to 377 Brazilian accountants using the Public Digital Bookkeeping System (SPED). The model by Chen, Chen, Huang and Ching (2006) was used for support, which appoints factors that influence the use of e-Government in the United States and China. Results: The results confirm that, as verified in those countries, in Brazil, the use of SPED is subject to aspects that directly interfere in the users’ level of difficulty, namely infrastructure factors (access to network and network economy), cultural (national culture) and social factors (availability of information). Contributions: With the myriad changes in the universe of e-Government technologies, understanding the behavior of its users provides support to companies, professionals, and governments to decide on investments in tools and improvements necessary in those systems.
OPTH_A_258205 1735..1740

Medical School of the University of the West of Santa Catarina (Universidade do Oeste de Santa Catarina – UNOESC), Joaçaba Campus, State of Santa Catarina, Brazil Purpose: To evaluate whether Accelerated CXL for 10 minutes is as effective as standard CXL for 30 minutes for the treatment of progressive keratoconus. Patients and Methods: Eighty-two eyes of 62 patients with keratometry examinations performed before and 6 months after surgery were studied. A total of 39 eyes underwent standard CXL with UVA irradiation of 3 mW/cm for 30 minutes and 32 eyes underwent Accelerated CXL UVA irradiation of 9 mW/cm for 10 minutes. The eyes of all patients had corneal thicknesses of at least 450 microns (400 microns after epithelium removal). Results: The means of the keratometry measurements in the preoperative period for the eyes subjected to standard CXL were 46.27 dioptres (D) on the flat axis (K1) and 48.93 D on the steep axis (K2). Postoperatively, K1 was 46.21 D and K2 was 48.97 D, a difference without statistical significance (p = 0.47 and p = 0.48, respectively). In the Accelerated CXL protocol, the preoperative measurements were 44.55 D and 46.19 D for K1 and K2, respectively. In the postoperative period, K1 was 43.37 D, and K2 was 46.64 D (p = 0.38 and p = 0.27, respectively). In the standard group, the mean maximum keratometry (Kmax) preoperatively was 55.87 D, with no statistical significance (p = 0.29). In the preoperative period, the Kmax of the Accelerated group was 51.15 D, with no statistical significance (p = 0.32). Conclusion: Based on the keratometry results, the accelerated protocol was as effective as the standard protocol for keratoconus stabilization.
Riparian Zone Nitrogen Management through the Development of the Riparian Ecosystem Management Model (REMM) in a Formerly Glaciated Watershed of the US Northeast

The Riparian Ecosystem Management Model (REMM) was developed, calibrated and validated for both hydrologic and water quality data for eight riparian buffers located in a formerly glaciated watershed (upper Pawcatuck River Watershed, Rhode Island) of the US Northeast. The Annualized AGricultural Non-Point Source model (AnnAGNPS) was used to predict the runoff and sediment loading to the riparian buffer. Overall, results showed REMM simulated water table depths (WTDs) and groundwater NO3-N concentrations at the stream edge (Zone 1) in good agreement with measured values. The model evaluation statistics showed that, hydrologically REMM performed better for site 1, site 4, and site 8 among the eight buffers, whereas REMM simulated better groundwater NO3-N concentrations in the case of site 1, site 5, and site 7 when compared to the other five sites. The interquartile range of mean absolute error for WTDs was 3.5 cm for both the calibration and validation periods. In the case of NO3-N concentrations prediction, the interquartile range of the root mean square error was 0.25 mg/L and 0.69 mg/L for the calibration and validation periods, respectively, whereas the interquartile range of d for NO3-N concentrations was 0.20 and 0.48 for the calibration and validation period, respectively. Moreover, REMM estimation of % N-removal from Zone 3 to Zone 1 was 19.7%, and 19.8% of N against actual measured 19.1%, and 26.6% of N at site 7 and site 8, respectively. The sensitivity analyses showed that changes in the volumetric water content between field capacity and saturation (soil porosity) were driving water table and denitrification.
Spatiotemporal Quantification of In Vitro Cardiomyocyte Contraction Dynamics Using Video Microscopy-based Software Tool

Stem cell derived cardiomyocytes provide a platform for a variety of studies. The typically performed electrophysiological measurements do not describe the primary function of these cells, contraction and its biomechanics. Video microscopy-based analysis of motion has become a feasible option for these studies. Here, we demonstrate methods for spatiotemporal quantification of stem cell derived cardiomyocytes, implemented in an in-house developed MATLAB-based software tool. The tool is capable of characterizing cardiomyocyte contraction with minimal user bias. The results show that automatic segmentation using a power spectral density -based measure enables segmentation based on contractile function. Further, based on segmented boundaries, we introduce automatically calculated parameters for quantification the contractile function and its propagation through the cell culture based on timings of different contraction phases. The methods presented here form a basis for quantifying and understanding the contraction dynamics and the propagation of contraction in cultures involving cardiomyocytes.
Identifying Destination Attractiveness of Kuala Terengganu Perceived by Domestic Tourist

The mission of Terengganu Tourism Department is to attract and increase tourists so that they will spend on the increased attractiveness and delivery of high-quality services, create an unforgettable experience, and make Terengganu a great destination. However, the last statistics proved that Terengganu is among the states that received a small number of domestic tourists, including tourism receipts, as compared to other states. Terengganu was ranked in the ninth place of visited domestic tourists and receipts in 2018. Therefore, this study aims to identify the underlying factors of destination attractiveness of Kuala Terengganu: assuring that the advertising strategies will use the best strategy which has been formulated to attract the groups of domestics’ tourists to visit Kuala Terengganu. Data collection has been carried out using a Google Forms online questionnaire. A total of 90 respondents who had experience visiting Kuala Terengganu were involved in this study. The method of Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) divided destination attractiveness construct into three factors namely 1) recreation, leisure and amenities; 2) accessible and; 3) attractions. The findings of this study are very useful to marketing practitioners in designing promotional campaigns of destination attractiveness towards Kuala Terengganu.
IMPACT OF ORGANIC AND INORGANIC NITROGEN FERTILIZERS ON WASHINGTON NAVEL ORANGE TREES. I. VEGETATIVE GROWTH, YIELD AND SOIL PROPERTIES

Poultry manure has a salutary effect on soil fertility, increase plant nutrients and improving the soil conditions for citrus growth, productivity and ensure economic yield with a good quality. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted during 2017 and 2018 seasons on 20 year old Washington navel orange trees grown in a private orchard in Kafr El Sheikh Governorate, Egypt. This study aims to evaluating the effect of poultry manure and ammonium sulphate alone or in combination on soil chemical properties, vegetative growth and yield of Washington navel orange trees. The treatments consist of T1 (100% inorganic nitrogen), T2 (66.6% inorganic nitrogen + 33.3% organic nitrogen), T3 (50% inorganic nitrogen + 50% organic nitrogen), T4 (33.3% inorganic nitrogen + 66.6% organic nitrogen) and T5 (100% organic nitrogen). Results indicated that, combined application of organic and inorganic nitrogen fertilizer especially T4 (203.8 kg/feddan ammonium sulphate + 3.64 ton/feddan poultry manure) and T3 (305.8 kg/feddan ammonium sulphate + 2.73 ton/feddan poultry manure) resulted in significant increase in NH4+ N, NO3N, organic matter and Zn; and decreased pH, cadmium, lead and electrical conductivity of soil. Moreover, the treatments increased leaf content values of N, P, K, Ca, Fe, Mn and Zn in both seasons. Data also indicated that application of 305.8 kg/feddan ammonium sulphate + 2.73 ton/feddan poultry manure (T3) and application of 203.8 kg/feddan ammonium sulphate + 3.64 ton/feddan poultry manure (T4) gave the highest values of tree size and vegetative growth in terms of shoot number/branch, shoot length, leaves number per shoot and leaf area of Washington navel orange trees compared to mineral nitrogen fertilizers only. As for yield and fruit quality, treatment of T3 (50% inorganic nitrogen + 50% organic nitrogen), T4 (33.3% inorganic nitrogen + 66.6% organic nitrogen) produced the highest yield and improve fruit quality in terms of fruit weight, fruit size and fruit firmness. This treatment also increased SSC%, SSC/acid ratio and vitamin C and reduced acidity, nitrate and nitrite in fruit juice. In general, combined application of 305.8 kg/feddan ammonium sulphate + 2.73 ton/feddan poultry manure (T3) was recommended for improving soil chemical properties and the best growth, yield, fruit quality and nutritional status of Washington navel orange trees.
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF FLIPPED CLASSROOM IN EFL CLASS: A TAIWAN CASE STUDY

This article reports on a case study designed to examine the implementation of flipped classroom in the EFL classroom in Taiwan. In addition, students’ perception of flipped classroom was also investigated. Sixty-one senior high school students participated in this study; data were gathered from students’ English midterm exam score and questionnaire. The data then were quantitatively analyzed by using T-test and descriptive statistics. The results show that students’ English proficiency in flipped classroom was not significantly different with students in traditional classroom. However, the results reveal that students’ perception of flipped classroom were generally favorable. Students’ contended that flipped classroom enhanced their motivation in learning English, as they liked the self-pace through the course and they stated that flipped classroom gave them more class time to practice English. The results presented here may facilitate improvements in the implementation of flipped classroom in EFL class. Furthermore, suggestions for further research are also presented.
Assessment of Serum Electrolytes in Subclinical Thyroid Disorders

Introduction and Aim: Thyroid hormones have different functions in the human body. They regulate body metabolism, body temperature, and electrolyte homeostasis. They regulate electrolyte balance by affecting renal blood flow, the glomerular filtration rate, and tubular function. Many studies investigating serum electrolytes in thyroid disorders are performed in subjects with overt hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of thyroid hormones on serum electrolytes in subclinical thyroid dysfunction. Methods: We measured thyroid hormones and serum electrolytes in forty patients with subclinical hypothyroidism and forty patients with subclinical hyperthyroidism. We also evaluated age, sex, and body mass index-matched forty healthy controls. Results: The potassium and phosphorus levels of the three groups were similar (p > 0.05). The mean calcium level was statistically significantly higher in the subclinical hyperthyroid group (9.7 ± 1.2 mg/dL) as compared to that in the subclinical hypothyroid group [(8.6 ± 2.6 mg/dL) p = 0.03] and healthy controls [(8.7 ± 2.1 mg/dL) p = 0.01]. The mean sodium was statistically significantly decreased in the subclinical hypothyroid group (128.4 ± 3.4 mg/dL) as compared to that in the subclinical hyperthyroid group [(140.9 ± 4.6 mg/dL) p < 0.001] and healthy controls [(138.3 ± 2.0 mg/dL) p < 0.001]. Conclusion: Our study suggests that even in subclinical states, thyroid disorders may affect serum electrolytes. Subclinical hypothyroid and hyperthyroid patients should be regularly checked for serum electrolytes.
Hydrogen etch resistance of aluminium oxide passivated graphitic layers

Graphene inherently possesses defect sites and grain boundaries that are vulnerable to chemical etching by hydrogen radicals. In this study, an etch-mitigation method is presented to selectively passivate these sites using atomic layer deposition (ALD) of a H etch-resistant material. First, as a reference experiment, pristine exfoliated graphitic layers are exposed to H radicals to determine the lateral etch rate from defect sites. Next, these samples are compared to graphitic layers in which the defects are selectively passivated by Al2O3, in the same exposure conditions, using atomic force microscopy at every step in the experiment. The results show that etching is slowed down by local deposition of Al2O3 ALD at sites vulnerable to H radical etching.
Current limits of CO2 compressors working in integrated mechanical subcooling cycles

CO2 systems used in refrigeration are becoming more complex with the aim of improving their energy performance. The integrated mechanical subcooling system is being studied to enhance the COP and the cooling capacity of the plants as one of the possible solutions for hot climates in the last years. Last studies determined their optimum working conditions where the COP is maximum. However, the compressor of the integrated mechanical subcooling cycle works out of the range of operation in some cases. This work presents the main technical limitations of this compressor in an experimental plant. The main objective is to determine what these limits are and to highlight the need to develop new compressors for these applications. Improving the operation of these compressors will further increase the energy performance of the overall system.
Electron density at F1-layer heights in the last solar minimum (2007–2009)

We present the results of the analysis of annual variations in daily electron density (N) at heights 140–160 km for the last solar minimum (2007–2009) obtained from digisonde measurements at the ionospheric station Irkutsk (52° N, 104° E). New coefficients of the known semi-empirical model (SEM) describing the connection between N and thermospheric characteristics are calculated to identify regularities of these variations. We have revealed that a characteristic feature of the annual N variations during the solar minimum is a change in their phase by 180° in a relatively narrow altitude interval (170–180 km). These results and the new SEM coefficients are original and important for atmospheric and ionospheric physics.
Strong coupling of Bloch surface waves and excitons in ZnO up to 430 K

We report on the investigation and observation of Bloch surface wave polaritons, resulting from the interaction between excitons in ZnO and a Bloch surface wave supported by a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR), for temperatures up to 430 K. The samples were fabricated using pulsed laser deposition and consist of a DBR made of 6.5 layer pairs of yttrica-stabilized zirconia and Al2O3 with a ZnO surface layer. We measured the reflectivity of transverse electric modes using a SiO2 prism in Kretschmann–Raether configuration, giving access to high in-plane momenta. Whereas the lower polariton branch was clearly observable, the upper polariton branch was not visible, due to the strong absorption in ZnO above the excitonic resonance. By employing a coupled oscillator model for the interaction between the bare surface mode and exciton, we derived a corresponding Rabi splitting between 100–192 meV at 294 K, which decreases with increasing temperature.
Mechanisms of Connexin Mimetic Peptides

Gap junctions (GJ) and connexins play integral roles in cellular physiology and have been found to be involved in multiple pathophysiological states from cancer to cardiovascular disease. Studies over the last 60 years have demonstrated the utility of altering GJ signaling pathways in experimental models, which has led to them being attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. A number of different mechanisms have been proposed to regulate GJ signaling, including channel blocking, enhancing channel open state, and disrupting protein-protein interactions. The primary mechanism for this has been through the design of numerous peptides as therapeutics, that are either currently in early development or are in various stages of clinical trials. Despite over 25 years of research into connexin targeting peptides, the overall mechanisms of action are still poorly understood. In this overview, we discuss published connexin targeting peptides, their reported mechanisms of action and the potential for these molecules in the treatment of disease.
SECOND HARMONIC GENERATION (SHG) FROM THERMALLY POLED Zn-Bi-Te-O-F GLASSES WITH VERY LONG RELAXATION TIME

Second harmonic generation (SHG) was observed from a thermally poled Zn-BiTe-O-F glass system measured by Maker-Fringe pattern using Nd: YAG high power pulse laser. Both Bi and F were necessary for the generation, otherwise no SHG was observable from the glasses without Bi or F. The intensity of the generation depended on the F content. In the SHG from poled glasses, short relaxation time has been neck of the practical use. Although the generation of the common thermally poled glasses relaxed within 3 days, for those of the present glasses, the generation was maintained over 1 month. This is considered to be explained by the interaction of the dipoles between the large Bi ions binding the F ions inside of glasses. HIROYUKI NASU et al. 12
Research note: Understanding offline Covid-19 conspiracy theories: A content analysis of The Light “truthpaper”

This article explores the ways in which offline conspiracist material concerned with Covid-19 is presented and structured through a content analysis of The Light, a newspaper produced and distributed by activists in the U.K. Our analysis shows that conspiracy theories related to Covid-19 are included alongside a range of other, non-conspiracist content and that readers encounter these ideas in a format which closely resembles a conventional newspaper. We also find evidence that The Light includes content that is aimed at prompting participation and activism amongst adherents of conspiracy theories, rather than simply presenting information. These findings have implications for policymakers aiming to mitigate the effects of Covid-19 misinformation and provide a corrective to the focus of recent research on online dissemination of conspiracist material.
ECG Classification Combining Conventional Signal Analysis, Random Forests and Neural Networks - a Stacked Learning Scheme

This year's Physionet Challenge focused on the question how many leads are required to develop a high-quality ECG classification algorithm. We (team name: easyG) propose a stacked learning scheme combining conventional signal analysis, random forests and neural networks. Highly specialized regression random forest models were trained with classical ECG processing where features were derived for each channel of each signal. The outputs were then used in a neural network to achieve a 1D regression vector, which was used to optimize classification thresholds. We present offline validation results for each lead set and class-specific classification scores to allow for insights into the question how many leads are sufficient. Due to technical issues, we only achieved a score of -0.46 (all-lead) in the official leaderboard (rank 37). We have found that lead reduction leads to a minor loss in overall performance. However, variation in class-specific performance with lead reduction exists. Some classes were recognized better with more leads, but in rare cases, the opposite was true. The results suggest that the optimal number of used channels is depending on the setting and goals of the classification.
Seaweed Extract and Indoleacetic Acid Foliar Application in Relation to The Growth Performance of Sweet Pepper Grown Under Net House Conditions

Sweet pepper plants (Capsicum annuum L.) grown worldwide in various distinct colours and shapes, and favors for consumers, especially those grown under protected houses. The attention of growers is directed toward enhancing or improving the growth, yield and quality of their fruits via safe agricultural practices using seaweed extract (SWE) as a biostimulant and plant growth regulators as the auxin IAA as safe alternatives for inorganic fertilization and their negative impacts. Therefore, two field experiments were carried out during two successive seasons of 2017 and 2018, to determine their influences on both vegetative and reproductive growth of sweet bell red pepper cv. 'Strick F1' grown under net house conditions. Treatments were consisted of two independent variables as foliar applicants such as seaweed extract (SWE) [Cytokan-S ] at four concentrations ( control, 500, 1000 and 2000 mg.l -1 ) in combination with five concentrations of indoleacetic acid (IAA) [control, 30, 60, 90 and 120 mg.l -1 ]. Control plants were sprayed with tap water. Pepper plants were sprayed with the assigned treatments twice, once at 15 days after transplanting, and the second one was 20 days later. Both conducted experiments were factorial experiments laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with three replicates. The obtained results showed that vegetative growth were affected significantly (p 0.05) due to the combination of SWE at either 1000 or 2000 mg/l × IAA at 120 mg/l; as number of leaves/plant, plant fresh and dry weights as compared to control plants. Respecting yield characters and its components, the interaction between both independent variables, exerted significant (p 0.05) effect on the various studied traits but without clear trends, except for fruit dry weights especially, wherein the interactions between control (SWE) 120 mg/l (IAA), and SWE at 500 mg IAA at 120 mg/l, gave rise to the highest average values during both seasons, in comparison to the interaction between control treatments of both variables; recorded, mostly, the least average values of the given traits. In terms of nutrient contents of fruits; N, P and K nutrient contents, the foliar application of the combination between SWE and IAA at 2000 and 120 mg/l, each in turn, significantly (p ;brought about the highest average values of nutrient contents of fruits compare to the other tested combinations. In brief, this investigation suggests that foliar application with combination of both SWE at 2000 mg / l and IAA at 120 mg / l twice after 15 and 20 days later of transplanting, is recommended to achieve the best vegetative and yield and quality of the given cultivar.