Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tropical Cyclone Characteristics in the MERRA‐2 Reanalysis and AMIP Simulations

This study evaluates the tropical cyclone (TC) activity in two high‐resolution data sets—MERRA‐2 Reanalysis (Modern‐Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, Version 2) and MERRA‐2 AMIP (Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project). These data sets use the same atmospheric model, the Goddard Earth Observing System Model, Version 5 (GEOS‐5) during the same period. However, while MERRA‐2 AMIP is a free‐running atmospheric simulation forced only with sea surface temperature (SST), MERRA‐2 Reanalysis uses an advanced data assimilation system to include a large variety of data sets. Thus, we analyze (1) the sensitivity of TC activity to the model forcing, (2) how well the TCs in both data sets replicate observed TC characteristics, (3) the sensitivity of these results to tracking schemes and thresholds. Standard diagnostics such as the number of tropical cyclones and their intensity distribution are very similar in the AMIP model and the reanalysis. TCs in both data sets are weaker than observed, as is typical for the spatial resolution of these global models. Overall, the use of data assimilation in the MERRA‐2 Reanalysis does not lead to a significantly better TC climatology than in AMIP. Furthermore, comparison of the MERRA‐2 Reanalysis to two other reanalysis data sets shows that MERRA‐2 generates fewer, but more intense TCs, than those reanalysis products.
A robust tracking algorithm for a human-following mobile robot

The capability of recognizing and tracking a speciﬁc human is considered a key technique for serving mobile robots. This paper proposes a real-time tracker that uses a stereo camera to track speciﬁc people in different environments. A tracker has been designed to detect the selected target from multiple people by use of block matching algorithm, human detection, and colour histogram comparison. Considering the similar colour of the objects, the predictor of the Kalman ﬁlter determines the position of the object. Finally, the mobile robot is moved according to the tracking results with a relative distance between the robot and the target. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by experiments on many video sequences and real environments.
Cell-Free Massive MIMO: Joint Maximum-Ratio and Zero-Forcing Precoder With Power Control

Cell-free massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system is a promising architecture for next generation wireless systems by deploying a very large number of distributed access points (APs), which simultaneously serve a smaller number of user equipments (UEs) over the same time-frequency resources. It guarantees uniformly good service at high spectral efficiency with simple linear precoding techniques and max-min power control. In this article, we propose a new joint maximum-ratio and zero-forcing (JMRZF) precoding scheme, where part of APs are combined to perform centralized zero-forcing (ZF), while other APs apply simple maximum-ratio transmission (MRT). Our proposed precoder offers an adaptable trade-off between the spectral efficiency and front-haul signalling overhead. A corresponding AP subset selection scheme is also proposed which is based on large-scale fading coefficients. A closed-form expression for the achievable spectral efficiency of our proposed scheme is derived, which represents a generalized result including both fully distributed MRT and fully centralized ZF cases. Based on this closed-form expression, max-min power control is formulated and solved via the second order cone and first order methods. The former can obtain the global optimal solution, but its computational complexity is very high. On the other hand, the latter technique is sub-optimal, yet, it has very low computational complexity. Hence, it is suitable for large-scale cell-free massive MIMO systems with hundreds or thousands of APs and users. Numerical results show that our proposed JMRZF scheme can substantially outperform the local precoding schemes, even when a small part of APs are combined to deploy ZF and is implementable even when each AP has very few antennas. In addition, it is shown that our max-min power controls improves the spectral efficiency significantly, compared to the uniform power control scheme.
Tethering Mission to Context? Exploring Narratives Underpinning the Competing Social and Financial Imperatives of Social Enterprise

Abstract This paper is derived from a study of the mission statements of a sample of 100 United Kingdom social enterprises. The purpose of the research was to reveal what insight such organisational artefacts provide in relation to the reconciliation of inherently dual social and financial objectives. It relies on multiple phases of qualitative analysis and draws out findings across two key themes: vocabulary clusters and the contextualisation of meaning; and, the presence of rhetoric in terms of communication and strategy.
Spectro-microscopic investigation of Fe-oxide based model catalysts and instrumental development

This work presents the investigation of Fe-oxide systems, combining microscopy (LEEM, XPEEM), diffraction (LEED) and spectroscopy (XPS), and the electron-optical development of adaptive optics and aberration corrections for an electrostatic imaging energy analyzer. Experimentally, we studied magnetite (Fe3O4) and hematite (α-Fe2O3) thin films, the most stable iron oxides phases, widely used as catalysts and as a support for catalytically active systems. Their crystal structure, stoichiometry as well as their surface termination can be tuned by special preparation procedures. Taking advantage of real time observation with microscopy, diffraction and spectroscopy, we investigated (a) the surface modifications of Fe3O4 and α-Fe2O3 thin films by Fe deposition; (b) the reversible phase transformation Fe3O4 ↔ α-Fe2O3 under different oxidation conditions; (c) the formation of the metastable γ-Fe2O3 phase and (d) the interaction of Fe3O4 and α-Fe2O3 surfaces with supported Pt nanoparticles . An algorithm was developed to simulate the LEEM image contrast for inhomogeneous 2D surfaces. The possible application to experimental data and the limitation will be discussed. Finally, the design of an energy filtering system is presented, which will be implemented in a new generation PEEM/LEEM microscope. The system bases on the same imaging principle as the magnetic Ω-filter, successfully implemented in the actual SMART microscope. The new instrument aims for the improvement of lateral and energy resolution in X-PEEM (5 nm and 70 meV, respectively) and a routine operation with easy handling. The majority of the possible second order aberrations are self-compensated by intrinsic symmetry. The effect of the other aberrations is reduced by an adequate design for the deceleration-acceleration optics in combination with optimized pass energy. Furthermore, additional hexapole multipoles compensate for the residual dominating aberrations, yielding in the lateral resolution and energy resolution better than 2 nm and 75 meV, respectively.
Embodiment, place, and stance: a collaborative exploration of graduate research and mentoring

ABSTRACT In this article, we reflect on and examine the experiences of three doctoral students, and their thesis advisor, in discussing how we adjusted our research methods and assumptions to the new conditions of life and society that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. We discuss how our understandings of the embodied presence of the researcher, the location of research and writing, and the affordances of digital technologies are becoming more prominent and often rethought as issues of stance. We approach this discussion as co-explorers in charting new conceptions of and strategies toward research, as well as the relationships and mentoring practices between graduate students and their advisor.
The Seagrass Holobiont: What We Know and What We Still Need to Disclose for Its Possible Use as an Ecological Indicator

Microbes and seagrass establish symbiotic relationships constituting a functional unit called the holobiont that reacts as a whole to environmental changes. Recent studies have shown that the seagrass microbial associated community varies according to host species, environmental conditions and the host’s health status, suggesting that the microbial communities respond rapidly to environmental disturbances and changes. These changes, dynamics of which are still far from being clear, could represent a sensitive monitoring tool and ecological indicator to detect early stages of seagrass stress. In this review, the state of art on seagrass holobiont is discussed in this perspective, with the aim of disentangling the influence of different factors in shaping it. As an example, we expand on the widely studied Halophila stipulacea’s associated microbial community, highlighting the changing and the constant components of the associated microbes, in different environmental conditions. These studies represent a pivotal contribution to understanding the holobiont’s dynamics and variability pattern, and to the potential development of ecological/ecotoxicological indices. The influences of the host’s physiological and environmental status in changing the seagrass holobiont, alongside the bioinformatic tools for data analysis, are key topics that need to be deepened, in order to use the seagrass-microbial interactions as a source of ecological information.
A Smartphone-Based Application for Scale Pest Detection Using Multiple-Object Detection Methods

Taiwan’s economy mainly relies on the export of agricultural products. If even the suspicion of a pest is found in the crop products after they are exported, not only are the agricultural products returned but the whole batch of crops is destroyed, resulting in extreme crop losses. The species of mealybugs, Coccidae, and Diaspididae, which are the primary pests of the scale insect in Taiwan, can not only lead to serious damage to the plants but also severely affect agricultural production. Hence, to recognize the scale pests is an important task in Taiwan’s agricultural field. In this study, we propose an AI-based pest detection system for solving the specific issue of detection of scale pests based on pictures. Deep-learning-based object detection models, such as faster region-based convolutional networks (Faster R-CNNs), single-shot multibox detectors (SSDs), and You Only Look Once v4 (YOLO v4), are employed to detect and localize scale pests in the picture. The experimental results show that YOLO v4 achieved the highest classification accuracy among the algorithms, with 100% in mealybugs, 89% in Coccidae, and 97% in Diaspididae. Meanwhile, the computational performance of YOLO v4 has indicated that it is suitable for real-time application. Moreover, the inference results of the YOLO v4 model further help the end user. A mobile application using the trained scale pest recognition model has been developed to facilitate pest identification in farms, which is helpful in applying appropriate pesticides to reduce crop losses.
Investor Intention in Equity Crowdfunding. Does Trust Matter?

Equity crowdfunding (ECF) is becoming a convenient alternative instrument for investing in entrepreneurs’ projects in many countries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that affect the investor’s intentions toward ECF platforms in Saudi Arabia, where they have not been introduced until very recently. This context offers a unique opportunity to test the role of investors’ perceived trust in the context of ECF. The proposed framework builds on two critical layers: (1) trust in the platform (intermediary) and (2) trust in the fundraiser. Structured equation modelling was applied to examine the factors that affect investors’ trust and intentions. The framework was analysed using survey data from 216 users of Manafa, one of the largest ECF platforms in Saudi Arabia. Our findings showed that both fundraiser and platform trust have a significant effect on the investor’s intentions. In particular, trust in the platform substantially impacts the fundraiser’s trust, showing the importance of the fundraiser’s reliance on trusted institutions. On the other hand, to build investors’ trust, fundraisers must deliver high-quality information for their projects.
Influence of Project-Based Learning Model To Increase Cadet Creativity In Politeknik Penerbangan Surabaya: Literatur Review

This article is to describe the Project-Based Learning Model that is applied to enhance the cadet creativity in Politeknik Penerbangan Surabaya. Project-based Learning (PjBL) is effective Learning applied because it emphasizes contextual Learning through complex activities. The focus of Learning lies in the concepts that involve cadets in problem-solving investigations and task activities to develop creativity, provide opportunities for cadets to work autonomously to construct their own knowledge, and reach their peak, which is to produce tangible products. The purpose of this study was to find out how the role of the PBL learning model was in increasing the creativity of the cadets in Politeknik Penerbangan Surabaya. This research is a descriptive study by collecting data through literature studies. Usage of the application of a good PjBL learning model will increase the creativity of cadets in working on projects that have been planned. The results of literature studies from various relevant journals obtained data that the PjBL learning model is effective in enhancing creativity.
Dermatoses among patients aged 60 years and above attending a tertiary referral center: A cross-sectional study from North Kerala

With the rise in life expectancy at birth, geriatric population contributes to a significant proportion of those seeking medical aid. Skin problems in the elderly are very common and vary according to region and ethnicity. It is essential for dermatologists to have a better understanding of the pathophysiology of geriatric skin disorders to formulate quality management guidelines. This study was undertaken to document the frequency and the clinical pattern of various physiological and pathological changes in the elderly skin. A cross-sectional study was carried out in 200 consecutive patients aged 60 years and above and who attended the Dermatology outpatient clinic of a tertiary referral center in North Kerala. A pre-set pro forma was used to document the patient characteristics, the comorbidities, the medications used, and the clinical findings. All the study participants (100%) had one or more dermatoses. The age of the study population ranged from 60 to 89 years (mean 67.7 ± 6.2 years). This was a female preponderant study with a female to male ratio of 1.4:1. Hypertension (36%), hyperlipidemia (27%) and diabetes mellitus (26%) were the common comorbidities observed. Graying of hair was the most common physiological change, followed by wrinkling. Pruritus was the most common presenting complaint (136, 68%). Statistically significant association was noted between xerosis and generalized pruritus. Fungal infections (30.5%) outnumbered other infections and infestations. Changes of severe photoaging were less frequent. One patient had skin malignancy (basal cell carcinoma). Significant association was noted between photoaging and male sex, smoking, and sun exposure. Study conducted in a tertiary referral center not reflecting the status in the community was the major limitation. Photoaging and skin cancers are less frequent in darker skin type. Healthy lifestyle, nutritious diet, frequent application of emollient, better skin care, and judicious use of sunscreen can delay the process of cutaneous aging. More prospective studies in different population groups may go a long way in improving the current knowledge about the less known aspects of geriatric dermatoses.
Mathematical connections from a networking of theories between extended theory of mathematical connections and onto-semiotic approach

This article presents a networking of two theories, the Extended Theory of Mathematical Connections (ETC) and the Onto-semiotic Approach (OSA). In particular, concordances and complementarities are identified in the respective conceptions of mathematical connections, as a result of applying these theoretical frameworks to a student’s response protocol when solving a task on the derivative. First the mathematical connections were identified from the perspective of the ETC and, second, an onto-semiotic analysis was carried out where the mathematical practices, the primary mathematical objects activated in them and the semiotic functions established between these objects were analysed. The main conclusion is that both theories complement each other to make a more detailed analysis of the mathematical connections. In particular, the more detailed analysis carried out with the OSA tools, visualizes a mathematical connection like the tip of an iceberg of a conglomerate of practices, processes, primary objects activated in these practices and semiotic functions that relate them, which enables a thorough analysis that details the structure and function of the connection.
Efficiency and productivity analysis of pineapple farmers in the Akwapim-South District of Ghana: A distance function approach

The study sought to analyze the efficiency and productivity of pineapple farmers in the Akwapim-South District of Ghana. The paper employs the stochastic translog distance function technique to analyze the influence of inputs on outputs whilst highlighting the technical efficiency and its determinants of the pineapple farmers. A total of 135 respondents were randomly selected using the multi-stage sampling technique. The results reveal that all the input variables (fertilizer, labour, cost of pineapple suckers and intermediate cost) are significant and have a positive influence on the productivity of pineapple production. The shadow share of other crops is estimated to be negative relative to the production of pineapple in the output mix. The mean technical efficiency score is found to be 85%. This implies that pineapple farmers in the Akwapim-South District have the potential to increase their output level by 15% using the current technology available to them. The results further indicate that age, number of extension visits, education and FBO (farmer-based organization) membership significantly and positively affect the technical efficiency of pineapple farmers. The paper recommends that government policies should ensure inputs are available to farmers at subsidized prices. Furthermore, regular education of extension agents and properly structured extension and FBO service delivery systems should be put in place to enhance the productivity of farmers.
Investigation of external sulphate attacks and moisture effects on roller-compacted concrete pavement mixes containing micro silica sand powder

External sulphate attacks (ESA) and water movement tend to produce the most deleterious effects on concrete. This study therefore aimed to investigate the durability of a roller compacted concrete (RCC) mix created with better engineering properties to be suitable for road paving. This RCC concrete has a dry consistency and low cementitious materials (cms) content. Slabs were prepared in dimensions of 380 × 380 × 100 mm by taking sulphate resistant Portland cement and replacing various proportions with silica sand powder (SSP) (5%, 10%, and 20%) on a weight-to-weight basis. Additionally, crushed stone, M-sand, filler, and water were added in appropriate proportions. The slabs were subjected to normal curing for 28 days, then sawed into prisms of 380 × 100 × 100 mm and cubes of 100 × 100 × 100 mm. Cyclic wetting at 23 ± 2°C once in 5% MgSO4 solution and then in water, followed by drying at 60°C for 30 and 60 cycles was then used to investigate the durability of the RCC specimens. Mixes with 5% SSP achieved the best results with increases of 5.46% and 35.24% for compressive (f’c) and flexural (fr) strengths, respectively, while absorption and volume of voids was decreased by 57.3% & 52.29%, respectively, after 60 cycles of MgSO4 wetting and drying, as compared to the control mix.
The validity and practicality of the student worksheet using STEM-based multiple representations in physics learning

The objective of this research was to produce a valid and practical student worksheet using Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)-based multiple representations and integrated with twenty first century learning in vibration and wave topic. This research used Research and Development (R & D) method by following 4-D model steps. 15 sample students of grade XI were taken with random sampling. Research instruments were validation sheets, student worksheet implementation observation sheets, and questionnaires. Data were analyzed descriptively and qualitatively. The result showed that the student worksheet by using STEM approach based on integrated multiple representations and integrated with twenty first century learning was: 1) valid by content with average score of 85.41 and valid by construct with average score of 83.88; 2) practical to use in vibrations and waves learning materials and it was shown by average student worksheet implementation by above 80% and 86.66% positive students’ responses to the student worksheet.
Influence of Native Language Transfer on Senior High School English Writing

English writing is one of the important ways to show the comprehensive ability of second language. The native language transfer has long been concerned by language learners since it was proposed. This study adopts qualitative and quantitative research methods to explore the influence of mother tongue transfer on senior high school students' English writing and puts forward corresponding teaching strategies. Through the research, it can be found that native language transfer errors account for a large proportion of errors in English writing error types. In addition, native language transfer has a significant influence on students’ English writing level. It is helpful for students to improve their second language writing ability by adopting comprehensible input and other teaching methods related to mother tongue transfer.
Timing of Admission to the Surgical Intensive Care Unit is Associated with in-Hospital Mortality

Background: Knowledge about the relationship between timing of admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and mortality among surgical patients admitted for acute care is limited.Objective: We aimed to investigate whether admission to the surgical intensive care unit (SICU) during after-hours (all the times when intensivists were not staffed in the ICU) was associated with in-hospital mortality.Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary academic hospital, in which we analyzed data of 571 patients admitted to the SICU whose complete medical records were available. The work-hours were defined as 07:00-19:00 from Monday to Friday during which intensivists were staffed in the ICU. The after-hours were defined as all other times during which intensivists were not staffed in the SICU. The primary outcome measurement was in-hospital mortality according to the time of SICU admission.Results: In all, 333 and 238 patients were admitted to the SICU during work-hours and after-hours, respectively. Unplanned admissions (33.3% vs. 47.1%, p<0.001), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score ≥25 (11.1% vs. 23.9%, p<0.001), ventilator support (17.4% vs. 34.0%, p<0.001), and use of inotropics (33.3% vs. 50.0%, p<0.001) were significantly higher in the after-hours group than in the work-hours group. In the multivariate analyses of the association between the time of SICU admission and in-hospital mortality, the timing of SICU admission was an independent factor for in-hospital mortality (OR=2.526; 95% CI=1.010-6.320, p=0.048). Conclusions: In this study, we found that admission to the SICU during after-hours was associated with increased in-hospital mortality.