Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prediction Approach of Negative Rail Potentials and Stray Currents in Medium-Low-Speed Maglev

The problem of negative rail potentials (NRP) appears in the line of the medium-low-speed (MLS) maglev. It is vital to forecast the NRP and the corresponding stray currents (SC), in order to prevent safety hazards. This paper proposes the prediction methods of NRP and SC in the first time for the MLS maglev. On the basis of developing a two-layer rail-earth circuit, a simplified prediction approach based on the analytical formula derivation is proposed to obtain the behaviors of NRP and SC, under different steady running scenarios. Afterwards, in order to accurately reveal the influence of vehicle-grid parameters, the AC component and energy dispersal path of the maglev system are detailed, and the precise vehicle-grid model is developed to consummate the prediction approach using MATLAB. Under the premise of verifying the scheme effectiveness using the captured data in the on-site of the Chinese Xinzhu MLS maglev line, the scheme application studies are provided to investigate the behaviors of NRP and SC while considering the AC effect and the varying velocity of load current and rail-earth conductivity.
Sex Differences Across the Life Course: A Focus On Unique Nutritional and Health Considerations among Women

ABSTRACT In the United States, women, while having a longer life expectancy than men, experience a differential risk for chronic diseases and have unique nutritional needs based on physiological and hormonal changes across the life span. However, much of what is known about health is based on research conducted in men. Additional complexity in assessing nutritional needs within gender include the variations in genetics, body compositions, hormonal milieus, underlying chronic diseases, and medication usage, with this list expanding as we consider these variables across the life course. It is clear women experience nutrient shortfalls during key periods of their lives, which may differentially impact their health. Consequently, as we move into the era of precision nutrition, understanding these sex- and gender-based differences may help optimize recommendations and interventions chosen to support health and weight management. Recently, a scientific conference was convened with content experts to explore these topics from a life-course perspective at biological, physiological, and behavioral levels. This publication summarizes the presentations and discussions from the workshop and provides an overview of important nutrition and related lifestyle considerations across the life course. The landscape of addressing female-specific nutritional needs continues to grow; now more than ever, it is essential to increase our understanding of the physiological differences between men and women, and determine how these physiological considerations may aid in optimizing nutritional strategies to support certain personal goals related to health, quality of life, sleep, and exercise performance among women.
Treatment of a symptomatic thalamic pilocytic astrocytoma with reservoir placement and laser interstitial thermal therapy: illustrative case

BACKGROUND Treatment of pilocytic astrocytomas (PAs) in children can be challenging when they arise in deep midline structures because complete surgical resection may result in significant neurological injury. Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) has provided an alternative treatment modality for lesions that may not be amenable to resection. However, many patients with PAs may be symptomatic from a compressive cyst associated with the PA, and LITT does not obviate the need for cystic decompression in these patients. OBSERVATIONS A 12-year-old male presented with left-sided weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an enhancing mass with a large cyst involving the right thalamus and basal ganglia. The patient underwent a reservoir placement for cyst drainage and biopsy of the mass, revealing a pilocytic astrocytoma. He then underwent LITT followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. Sixteen months after LITT, follow-up MRI of the brain revealed no tumor growth. LESSONS This is the first case to describe reservoir placement to treat the cystic portion of a pilocytic astrocytoma followed by LITT and targeted chemotherapy. Reservoir placement reduced the cyst’s mass effect and resolved the patient’s symptoms, allowing for treatment options beyond resection.
Screening of the Toxicity of Polystyrene Nano- and Microplastics Alone and in Combination with Benzo(a)pyrene in Brine Shrimp Larvae and Zebrafish Embryos

The occurrence of nanoplastics (NPs) and microplastics (MPs) in aquatic ecosystems and their capacity to sorb hydrophobic pollutants is nowadays an issue of great concern. This study aimed to assess the potential bioavailability and acute toxicity of polystyrene (PS) NPs (50 and 500 nm) and of MPs (4.5 µm), alone and with sorbed benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P), in the embryo/larval stages of brine shrimps and zebrafish. Exposure to pristine plastics up to 50.1 mg PS/L did not cause significant impact on brine shrimp survival, while some treatments of plastics-B(a)P and all concentrations of B(a)P (0.1–10 mg/L) resulted acutely toxic. In zebrafish, only the highest concentrations of MPs-B(a)P and B(a)P caused a significant increase of malformation prevalence. Ingestion of NPs was observed by 24–48 h of exposure in the two organisms (from 0.069 to 6.87 mg PS/L). In brine shrimps, NPs were observed over the body surface and within the digestive tract, associated with feces. In zebrafish, NPs were localized in the eyes, yolk sac, and tail at 72 h, showing their capacity to translocate and spread into the embryo. MP ingestion was only demonstrated for brine shrimps. In zebrafish embryos exposed to plastics-B(a)P, B(a)P appeared in the yolk sac of the embryos. The presence of B(a)P was also noticeable in brine shrimps exposed to 500 nm NPs-B(a)P. In conclusion, NPs entered and spread into the zebrafish embryo and PS NPs, and MPs were successful vectors of B(a)P to brine shrimp and zebrafish embryos. Particle size played a significant role in explaining the toxicity of plastics–B(a)P. Our study provides support for the idea that plastics may pose a risk to aquatic organisms when combined with persistent organic pollutants such as B(a)P.
Engaging non-essentialism as lived wisdom: a dialogue between intercultural communication and Buddhism

ABSTRACT This paper examines some philosophical groundwork underlying intercultural studies through an inter-epistemic dialogue with Buddhism. This dialogue joins resonating developments in the two fields through their common goal of overcoming essentialism and comparable methods for praxis. It also illuminates on areas for potential advancement in intercultural theory and praxis through considering how Buddhism approaches these at nuanced levels. Particularly, the paper emphasises the needs to differentiate non-essentialism from anti-essentialism, incorporate a ‘responsibility for the self’ into intercultural ethics, and develop corresponding methods for co-existing with the vulnerability of the human mind that prompts one to act essentialistically in concrete situations.
How peers’ informedness contributes to students’ person-environment fit

ABSTRACT Person-Environment fit (P-E fit), defined as the congruence between a student’s attributes and their chosen study programme, is an important indicator of students’ academic success (e.g. retention). Research has shown that students’ informedness regarding the content and conditions of study before starting their studies is vital for this congruence. However, research on the factors that strengthen students’ P-E fit after starting their studies is scarce. Students’ peer networks could serve as a potential source of information, e.g. compensating for lower levels of informedness and thus, enhance students’ P-E fit. Hence, this study investigates peer networks’ moderating role, focusing on two types of P-E fit (Needs-Supplies and Demands-Abilities). Specifically, we examined how the composition of these networks (i.e. the proportion of informed peers) moderates the relationship between students’ informedness at the beginning of their studies and their P-E fit perceptions three months later. Data were collected from 135 German university students. We identified the proportion of informed peers as a moderator between students’ informedness and both P-E fit types. Practical implications for students and universities, as well as pathways for future research, are discussed.
Geographic distribution patterns of amphibians and reptiles from the Uruguayan Savanna

We assessed the geographic distribution of amphibians and reptiles occurring in the Uruguayan Savanna ecoregion (USE) to find shared distribution patterns, in order to identify chorotypes which could inform the conflicting regionalization of the Pampa province. We compiled nearly 83,000 records of complete geographic distributions of the 58 species of amphibians and 86 species of reptiles with occurrence in the Uruguayan Savanna throughout South America. Endemicity analysis (NDM/VNDM) was implemented to identify shared geographic distribution patterns (chorotypes). We described general diversity patterns for the Uruguayan Savanna in terms of endemic species and the degree of species shared with other ecoregions. We have found five amphibians (anurans) and nine reptiles (six lizards, two amphisbaenians, and one snake) endemic to the USE, while most species from the Uruguayan Savanna ecoregion are shared with other ecoregions. We recovered 38 consensus areas from 68 individual areas resulting in 17 chorotypes after implementing a metaconsensus cluster analysis. Our results indicate a complex pattern of shared geographic distributions between Uruguayan Savanna and adjacent biogeographical units. The limits of the ecoregion coincided with some chorotypes, however, the traditional limits of the Pampa did not align with any chorotype. The tropical affinity of the USE was supported by both the number of species shared with Alto Paraná Atlantic forests, and the pattern of chorotype recovered. Species that occur in temperate pampa and the USE were widely distributed in other ecoregions.
A Criminological Analysis of Trans-Border Crimes of Illela-Birnin Konni Corridor

The paper explores the causes and effects of trans-border crime on two border communities: Illela and Birnin Konni border towns. The persistence and consistency of trans-border crime issue inspired the desire to carry out a study from which this paper emanates. The strain/ anomy theory and differential association theories were used as guides to the problem examined in the paper. Snowball and purposive or judgmental sampling procedures were adopted and a sample size of 271 respondents was chosen. This figure was arrived using Raosoft 2004 sample size of calculator by using 5% marginal error, 90% confidential level and 50% respondent distribution. Mixed methods of qualitative and quantitative were adopted. While questionnaire was designed and administered to designated respondents for the qualitative method, interview sessions were conducted with one each selected staff from the Customs, Immigration, Police Force, NDLEA and Civil Defense. There was 57.6 % response rate as 156 respondents out of 271 returned the questionnaire given to them and three (3) key informants were interviewed. The paper found smuggling of petroleum products as the major (89%) trans-border crime with poverty as the leading cause of trans-border crime as indicated by (38.3%) of the respondents. The paper then recommends that parent should instill discipline on their wards/children and proper socialization to avoid peer group influence on their children. Keywords: Trans-border Crime, Illela-Birnin Konni Border, Drug Trafficking, Human Trafficking, Smuggling.
Stewart-Inspired Posture Control for a UAV Undertaking Platform Based on Dynamic Model Predictive Control*

In order to improve the accuracy and dynamic characteristics of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) undertaking platform with Stewart mechanism, a posture control strategy based on dynamic model predictive control algorithm is proposed in this paper. First, the dynamics of the Stewart platform is analyzed, and the state space expression of the dynamic model of the Stewart platform is established. Then, the algorithm based on the dynamic model predictive control is proposed, and the model predictive controller is designed. Finally, a simulation model of the UAV undertaking platform is established, the parameters of the model predictive controller are tuned, and the undertaking platform pose control simulation experiment is carried out. Physical experiments are performed to compare the control effects of traditional PID control and dynamics-based model predictive control on the undertaking platform.The results show that the model predictive control method based on dynamics can effectively improve the control accuracy and dynamic characteristics of the UAV undertaking platform.
Roles of domain-general auditory processing in spoken second-language vocabulary attainment in adulthood

Abstract Recently, scholars have begun to explore the hypothesis that individual differences in domain-general auditory perception, which has been identified as an anchor of L1 acquisition, could explain some variance in postpubertal L2 learners’ segmental and suprasegmental learning in immersive settings. The current study set out to examine the generalizability of the topic to the acquisition of higher-level linguistic production skills—that is the appropriate use of diverse, rich, and abstract vocabulary. The speech of 100 Polish-English bilinguals was elicited using an interview task, submitted to corpus-/rater-based linguistic analyses, and linked to their ability to discriminate sounds based on individual acoustic dimensions (pitch, duration, and amplitude). According to the results, those who attained more advanced L2 lexical proficiency demonstrated not only more relevant experience (extensive immersion and earlier age of arrival), but also more precise auditory perception ability.
Stakeholder Perspectives on In-home Passive Remote Monitoring to Support Aging in Place in the Province of New Brunswick, Canada: Rapid Qualitative Investigation

Background The province of New Brunswick (NB) has one of the oldest populations in Canada, providing an opportunity to develop and test innovative strategies to address the unique health challenges faced by older adults. Passive remote monitoring technology has the potential to support independent living among older adults. Limited research has examined the benefits of and barriers to the adoption of this technology among community-dwelling older adults. Objective This study aimed to explore perceptions of in-home passive remote monitoring technology designed to support aging in place from the perspective of older adults, their family or friend caregivers, social workers, and government decision-makers in the province of NB, Canada. Methods Between October 2018 and March 2020, a rapid qualitative investigation of 28 one-on-one interviews was conducted in person or via telephone. Participants included 2 home support services clients and 11 family or friend caregivers who had used passive remote monitoring technology in their homes; 8 social workers who had worked as case managers for home support services clients; and 7 individuals who were key government decision-makers in the adoption, policy development, and use of the technology in the province of NB. The interviews focused on the following topics: decision to adopt the passive remote monitoring system, barriers to adopting the passive remote monitoring system, benefits of the passive remote monitoring system, impact on client health outcomes, and privacy concerns. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed by a team of 6 researchers. Data analysis was conducted using a rapid assessment process approach that included matrix analysis. Results Participants reported that the use of the remote monitoring system allowed older adults to live at home longer and provided caregiver relief. Stakeholders were invested in meeting the home support (home care) needs of older adults. However, when it came to the use of remote monitoring, there was a lack of consensus about which clients it was well-suited for and the role that social workers should play in informing clients and caregivers about the service (role ambiguity, gatekeeping, and perceived conflicts of interest). Conclusions Our findings highlight many benefits and challenges of the adoption of passive remote monitoring for clients, their family or friend caregivers, and public provincial health and social services systems. Passive remote monitoring is a valuable tool that can provide support to older adults and their family or friend caregivers when it is a good fit with client needs. Further work is needed in NB to increase public and social workers’ awareness of the service and its benefits.
Stock Market Stimulus

We study the stock market effects of the arrival of the three rounds of “stimulus checks” to U.S. taxpayers and the single round of direct payments to Hong Kong citizens. The first two rounds of U.S. checks appear to have increased retail buying and share prices of retail-dominated portfolios. The Hong Kong payments increased overall turnover and share prices on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. We cannot rule out that these price effects were permanent. The findings raise novel questions about the role of fiscal stimulus in the stock market.
Pakistan: a study of market's returns and anomalies

Purpose This paper aims to expand foreign investors' understanding of potential return enhancement and risk diversification advantages offered by equity market of Pakistan through comparing its performance to performances in other markets and investigating what matters for investing in Pakistan's market.Design/methodology/approachComparative analysis of Pakistan Stock Exchange is performed using data for 22 developed and 22 emerging markets over the period 1993–2019. Cross-sectional analysis is performed using data for 130 non-financial firms from Pakistan and Carhart (1997) and Fama and French (2015) models are applied. The role of liquidity with five-factor model is analyzed using turnover rate and Amihud (2002) illiquidity cost as liquidity measures.FindingsPakistan's equity offers substantial diversification benefits if added to developed market portfolios. However, observed large returns come together with inverted premia for most traditional factors indicating that investors may want to invest preferably in big stocks with low book-to-market and momentum. Finally, global investors can invest in high yielding stocks with low liquidity risk owing to positive connection between liquidity and returns.Practical implicationsThis study will provide investment model for foreign investors to enhance their portfolio returns. Policy makers in Pakistan must identify regulatory steps to facilitate foreign investments.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study which identifies efficiency gains offered by Pakistan's equity for global investors.
Continuous-Time Modeling in Econometrics and Engineering

This paper discusses a widely used discrete-time analog of dynamic continuous-time models. This analog can not be used for the estimation of models with fast adaption to shocks. This has been overlooked in the econometric literature. In the engineering literature this same analogon is defined, using other names and other notation. Here warnings can be found against the estimation of fast models. The engineering literature is ignored in the econometric literature.
Metabolic engineered E. coli for the production of (R)-1,2-propanediol from biodiesel derived glycerol

Abstract The development of the biodiesel industry with the concomitant production of glycerol as the major byproduct has had a negative impact on the glycerol market. The application of circular economy concepts has led to progress in production processes that use this residue as starting material. Propylene glycol has been identified as a potential destiny of glycerol surplus; however, the possibility of increasing this valorization from the existence of a stereogenic center has been scarcely explored. Using metabolic engineering in E. coli, a set of biocatalysts capable of biotransforming glycerol to (R)-1,2-propanediol has been designed, built, and evaluated. The simultaneous expression of a methylglyoxal reductase (Gre2p) and an aldehyde reductase (Ypr1p) both from S. cerevisiae origin, along with the overexpression of E. coli methylglyoxal synthase (mgsA), resulted in an E. coli strain capable of producing enantiomerically pure (e.e.> 99%) (R)-1,2-propanediol from glycerol, in a concentration of 209 ± 9 mg.L-1. The developed biocatalysts presented a satisfactory performance when crude glycerin obtained from biodiesel production process was used in place of glycerol.
Hardware Demonstration of SRDP Neuromorphic Computing with Online Unsupervised Learning Based on Memristor Synapses

Neuromorphic computing has shown great advantages towards cognitive tasks with high speed and remarkable energy efficiency. Memristor is considered as one of the most promising candidates for the electronic synapse of the neuromorphic computing system due to its scalability, power efficiency and capability to simulate biological behaviors. Several memristor-based hardware demonstrations have been explored to achieve the capacity of unsupervised learning with the spike-rate-dependent plasticity (SRDP) learning rule. However, the learning capacity is limited and few of the memristor-based hardware demonstrations have explored the online unsupervised learning at the network level with an SRDP algorithm. Here, we construct a memristor-based hardware system and demonstrate the online unsupervised learning of SRDP networks. The neuromorphic system consists of multiple memristor arrays as the synapse and the discrete CMOS circuit unit as the neuron. Unsupervised learning and online weight update of 10 MNIST handwritten digits are realized by the constructed SRDP networks, and the recognition accuracy is above 90% with 20% device variation. This work paves the way towards the realization of large-scale and efficient networks for more complex tasks.
Do Recall and Recognition Lead to Different Retrieval Experiences?

The relation between recall and recognition has been debated in various contexts, and researchers have asked whether these tasks lie on a single continuum depending on the type of retrieval cues or whether they represent distinctly different processes. In the current experiment, we considered the continuity hypothesis, which states that recall and recognition are different only in cue information available, and we asked whether retrieval experience during various tests can further inform the nature of this relationship. Participants studied lists of 5-letter words and were tested with either no overt cues (free recall) or with the first 2 letters, first 3 letters, first 4 letters, or all 5 letters (recognition) of a word as retrieval cues. We used the remember/know/guess paradigm and asked participants to report their retrieval experience to infer the underlying experiences of recollection and familiarity. Accuracy increased continuously as the number of letter cues increased. This continuity was reflected in experiences of recollection, but familiarity increased nonlinearly across cue conditions. Our results show some support for the continuity hypothesis; however, recall and recognition do differ in that recall relies more heavily on recollection, whereas recognition relies on both recollection and familiarity.