Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Variable-Exponent Taper Equation Based on Multilevel Nonlinear Mixed Effect for Chinese Fir in China

A variable-exponent taper equation was developed for Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolate (Lamb.) Hook. ) trees grown in southern China. Thirty taper equations from different groups of models (single, segmented, or variable-exponent taper equation) were compared to find the excellent basic model with S-plus software. The lowest Akaike information criteria (AIC), Bayesian information criteria (BIC), and -2loglikelihood (-2LL) was chosen to determine the best combination of random parameters. Single taper models were found having the lowest precision, and the variable-exponent taper equations had higher precision than the segmented taper equations. Four variable-exponent taper models that developed by Zeng and Liao, Bi, Kozak, Sharma, and Zhang respectively, were selected as basic model and had no difference in fit statistics between them. Compared with the model without seldom parameter, the nonlinear mixed-effects (NLME) model improves the fitting performance. The plot-level NLME model was found not to remove the residual autocorrelation. The tree-level and two-level NLME model had better simulation accuracy than the plot-level NLME model, and there were no significant differences between the tree-level and two-level NLME model. Variable-exponent taper model developed by Kozak showed the best performance while considering two-level or tree-level NLME model, and produced better predictions for medium stems compared to lower and upper stems.
Model generation and process optimization of microwave‐assisted aqueous extraction of anthocyanins from grape juice waste

The microwave-assisted extraction of anthocyanins from grape juice waste was investigated in this study. The optimization was implemented using response surface methodology with Box–Behnken design and genetic algorithm (GA). Anthocyanins from grape juice waste were extracted under various microwave power (100–600 W), exposure time (1–5 min) and solvent/solid ratio (10–50 ml/g). The total monomeric anthocyanin yield was considered as the response for optimization experiments. The results indicated that the quadratic model was significant for the chosen response at p < . 0001. The analysis of variance and response surface plots showed a significant interaction of all the selected independent variables over anthocyanin extraction process. The maximum anthocyanin yield of 1.31881 mg/g of grape juice waste was predicted by response surface methodology, and the prediction was improved to 1.32244 mg/g of grape juice waste by GA. A confirmatory experiment performed under optimum conditions showed anthocyanin yield of 1.3215 mg/g of grape juice waste. Hence, this model was successful in predicting anthocyanin extraction from grape juice waste under microwave-assisted extraction conditions. Practical application Anthocyanin pigments find a broad range of implementation as food colorants, antioxidants, and anticancerous agents. The waste residue obtained during grape juice production and processing is also rich in anthocyanins and can be used as an alternative source for anthocyanin extraction. This study exploits the use of grape juice waste for anthocyanin extraction, and it can be the best way of waste management and cost reduction in grape juice production units.
Interdisciplinary Service Learning as a Critical Knowledge Transaction Space in University-Community Engagement

Abstract In this article we present a framework for interdisciplinary service learning as border pedagogy grounded on Dewey’s educational philosophy and critical social theory. The project Stoa Malakopi allowed design and social science students from two universities in the US and Greece to collaborate in a necessity-driven field of inquiry through engagement with local knowledge. Evaluation showed that students embraced polyphony, reflexivity and situational problem solving as conditions for meaningful university-community partnerships.
Optimizing Thermoacoustic Characterization Experiments for Identifiability Improves Both Parameter Estimation Accuracy and Closed-Loop Controller Robustness Guarantees

ABSTRACT This article examines the degree to which optimizing a Rijke tube experiment can improve the accuracy of thermoacoustic model parameter estimation, thereby facilitating robust stability control. We use a one-dimensional thermoacoustic model to describe the combustion dynamics in a Rijke tube. This model contains two unknown parameters that relate velocity perturbations to heat release rate oscillations, namely, a time delay and amplification factor . The parameters are estimated from experiments where the system input is the acoustic excitation from a loudspeaker and the output is the pressure response captured by a microphone. Our work is grounded in the insight that optimizing an experiment’s design for higher Fisher identifiability leads to more accurate parameter estimates. The novel goal of this paper is to apply this insight in the laboratory using a flame-driven Rijke tube setup. For comparison purposes, we conduct a benchmark experiment with a broadband chirp signal as the excitation input. Next, we excite the Rijke tube at two frequencies optimized for Fisher identifiability. Repeats of both experiments show that the optimal experiment achieves parameter estimates with uncertainties at least one order of magnitude smaller than the benchmark. With smaller parameter estimate uncertainties, an LQG controller designed to attenuate combustion instabilities is able to achieve stronger robustness guarantees, quantified in terms of closed-loop structured singular values that account for parameter estimation uncertainty.
Energy conservation assessment of traditional and modern houses in Sydney

ABSTRACT This study simulates various residential housing construction scenarios, including improved and standard fibro, brick veneer, double brick and fibro with improved flooring. The total heating and cooling energy requirements for each scenario are simulated with a computer program to determine which one is most energy efficient. In the simulation models, construction types and passive solar and energy efficient design strategies (PSEEDS) were varied while other parameters such as wall and roof thickness, windows sizes and general layout were kept constant. The study shows that a standard fibro house had the highest cooling and heating energy requirements (30,721 kWh/yr). The improved reverse brick veneer house had the lowest energy requirement of 9,628 kWh/yr. Amongst all the construction scenarios, the total energy required for cooling was higher than that required for heating. The results show that improved brick veneer, reverse brick veneer and double brick houses have the lowest net energy requirements for heating and cooling compared to the corresponding standard houses. The results indicate that the thermal mass (measured by R value) and PSEEDS incorporated in the construction have significant impact on the energy consumption. Incorporating these design features in the construction of a house can reduce the heating and cooling energy requirements by as much as 69%.
Characteristics of Hydro-Oceanography in the Coastal Waters of Kura-Kura Beach, Bengkayang Regency

The waters of Kura-Kura Beach have quite a lot of human activities, one of which is tourism. The study aims to observe Hydro-Oceanographic parameters such as tidal conditions, ocean currents, and waves. The study uses field observation data and simulation results. The data is calculated to find Formzhal number based on the amplitude of tidal harmonic constants. The Flow analysis to determine the pattern and velocity of the current. The height and period of the wave to analyze characteristics of the wave. The results show that the tide in Kura-Kura Beach waters is a daily mix of a double with the highest tide at MSL and a minimum tide of 0.43 below MSL. While the current velocity obtained from the yield model has a range of (0.003 - 0.11) m/s, and the measurement results are between (0.005 - 0.14) m/s. The simulation results show that the current moves from land to sea at low tide, and it moves from sea to land at toward the tide. For the height of the ocean waves that are formed in a period of 10 years (2009 - 2019) ranges from (0.09 - 154) m and the wave period (1.86 - 5.73) seconds. Based on the calculation results, the largest wave energy occurs in the second intermediate period, namely 184.21 Joules/m with height and wave periods of 1.21 m and 4.39 seconds. In contrast, the smallest wave energy occurs in the first intermediate period with minimum wave height and period 0.18 m and 3.08 seconds. In general, based on the simulation of the current velocity model, the forecasting of wave height and wave energy in Kura-Kura Beach waters is still relatively small. So, it can be concluded that the location is still categorized as safe for coastal tourism and other activities.
Evolving uses of artificial intelligence in human resource management in emerging economies in the global South: some preliminary evidence

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in human resource management (HRM) in the Global South. Design/methodology/approach: Multiple case studies of AI tools used in HRM in these countries in recruiting and selecting as well as developing, retaining and productively utilizing employees have been used. Findings: With AI deployment in HRM, organizations can enhance efficiency in recruitment and selection and gain access to a larger recruitment pool. With AI deployment in HRM, subjective criteria such as nepotism and favoritism are less likely to come into play in recruitment and selection of employees. AI deployment in HRM also has a potentially positive impact on the development, retainment and productive utilization of employees. Research limitations/implications: AI is an evolving technology. Most HRM apps have not gained enough machine learning capabilities with real-world experience. Some of them lack a scientific basis. AI in HRM thus currently affects only a tiny proportion of the population in the GS. Practical implications: The paper explores the roles of AI in expanding recruitment pools. It also advances our understanding of how AI-based HIRM tools can help reduce biases in selecting candidates, which is especially important in the Global South. It also delves into various mechanisms by which AI helps in the development, retainment and productive utilization of employees. Originality/value: We provide details of various mechanisms by which AI brings input and output efficiencies in recruitment and selection in these countries.
Weightlifting: An Applied Method of Technical Analysis

ABSTRACT Weightlifting is a highly technical sport that is governed by interactions of phases to optimize the load lifted. Given the technicality of the snatch and the clean and jerk, understanding key stable components to identify errors and better prescribe relevant exercises are warranted. The aim of this article is to present an applied method of analysis for coaches that considers the biomechanical underpinnings of optimal technique through stable interactions of the kinetics and kinematics of the lifter and barbell at key phases of the lift. This article will also look to discuss variable components that may differentiate between athletes and therefore provide a foundation in what to identify when coaching weightlifting to optimize load lifted while allowing for individual variances.
Arabidopsis Sucrose Transporter 4 (AtSUC4) is Involved in Root Response of High Content Sucrose-Growth Via IAA- and ABA- Dependent Manner

Source-to-sink transport of sucrose mediated by sucrose transporters (SUCs) is one of the major determinants of plant growth. However, the role of AtSUC4, the only member of Group IV sucrose transporter in Arabidopsis, was undervalued in sink organ during seedling period. In our study, the primary root length of the atsuc4 mutants was significantly longer than that of the wild-type (WT) under exogenous 4% and 6% sucrose treatment. But this phenotype could not be imitated by external application of glucose or mannitol. It means that the atsuc4 mutants were insensitive to high sucrose stress compared with WT. Meanwhile, HPLC-MS/MS results showed that the root of atsuc4 mutants accumulated less sucrose and ABA and more IAA content compared with WT on 4% and 6% sucrose supplementation. Transcriptome analysis showed that many key genes involved in IAA and ABA signals were respective stimulated and repressed in the atsuc4 mutants, respectively. Taken together, we concluded that the deficiency of AtSUC4, not only reducing the transported and uptaked of sucrose, but also as a signal, may be collaborated with IAA and ABA to regulate root growth under high sucrose stress. This study confirmed the new function of AtSUC4, and provided an promising candidate gene for improving tolerance to high sucrose stress.
Upper secondary school tracking, labour market outcomes and intergenerational inequality in Denmark

We study the relationship among family background, placements in upper secondary school tracks and labour market outcomes in the comprehensive welfare state of Denmark. We base our study on high-quality data from Danish administrative registers with a focus on the 1986 birth cohort, which allows us to examine very fine-grained measures of track placement in upper secondary schools. Our analyses show three results. First, upper secondary track placement is consequential for labour market outcomes, even after we control for the selection into tracks on pre-track academic performance and family background characteristics. Second, upper secondary track placement appears to affect labour market outcomes even net of higher education attainment. Third, educational tracking appears to play a role in intergenerational social reproduction net of family background-based skill gaps, suggesting that track choice help maintain inequalities across generations. We discuss the implications of our findings for the literature on educational tracking.Key messagesUpper secondary school tracking is relevant for labor market outcomes in Denmark.Even after we control for pre-tracking academic performance and family SES tracking effects persist.Track placement seems to affect labor market outcomes net of higher education attainment.Educational tracking appears to play a role in intergenerational social reproduction net of family background-based skill gaps.
COVID-19 in Sub-Saharan African Countries: Association between Compliance and Public Opinion

BACKGROUND: The outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has created a global public health crisis and non-compliance with public health measures to contain the infection poses a challenge to Sub-Saharan African governments. This study investigated the associations between compliance and public opinion on COVID-19 public health containment measures across selected SSA countries. METHOD: Anonymous online cross-sectional survey was administered to 1779 adults (18 years and older) during the mandatory lockdown period in most African countries (April 18 - May 16, 2020). Respondents were recruited via Facebook, WhatsApp, and authors' networks. Data on participants’ socio-demographics, their opinions regarding the precautionary measures against COVID-19, and their compliance with preventive measures were collected. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between compliance and public opinions about COVID-19. RESULTS: Respondents who did not think that public health authorities in their countries were doing enough to control the C0VID-19 outbreak were more likely to attend crowded places (aOR 1.75, 95% CI 1.30-2.35). Those who thought COVID-19 would not remain in their countries (aOR 0.48, 95% CI 0.24 - 0.96) and those who thought self-isolation is not needed during the pandemic (aOR 0.29, 95% CI 0.13 - 0.65) were less likely to encourage others to comply with the strategies put in place to prevent the spread of the disease. Participants who thought the COVID-19 outbreak was dangerous and those wearing medical masks were found to wash their hands with soap under running water. CONCLUSION: The study showed that public opinion influenced the compliance of individuals to public health measures for containment and mitigation of COVID-19. There is a need to improve compliance by the public.
Management of Isoniazid Preventive Therapy in Southern Lima, Peru: An Analysis of Health Center Characteristics

Background: Prevention of TB through the use of preventive treatment is a critical activity in the elimination of TB. Health personnel are a key element in achieving proper management of isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) for TB contacts. This study aims to determine the association between health center characteristics and indicators of TB contact care management with isoniazid preventive therapy in southern Lima. Methods: We conducted an ecological study. Through the review of medical records, we identified children and adolescent contacts of tuberculosis patients, who initiated IPT between 2016 and 2018. We assessed bivariate associations between clinic staffing and IPT initiation and completion using binomial logistic regression with robust standard errors.Results: We included 977 contacts, among whom 69% took more than a week to start IPT and 41% did not complete IPT. For those who did successfully complete IPT, 58% were not medically evaluated with three follow-up appointments. While completion of IPT and 3 clinical appointments was better among health centers with more physicians and nurses, these differences were not statistically significant. Contact sex was associated with initiating IPT (p=0.005), and contact age was associated with completion of IPT (p=0.025) and completion of clinical evaluations (p=0.041). Conclusion: There are significant gaps in IPT management in health centers of southern Lima, Peru, but insufficient staffing of health centers may not be responsible. Further research is needed to identify how IPT management can be improved, including through improving training and staffing.
Dental disorders and self-perception of oral health in patients with paracoccidioidomycosis

Paracoccidioidomycosis, a systemic fungal disease, can lead to dental disorders. As studies on dental problems in patients with paracoccidioidomycosis are few, we evaluated dental disorders and self-perceived oral health in this population. The objective is to evaluate the oral condition of patients with paracoccidioidomycosis as well as their perception of the problem through a cross-sectional study of 52 adult patients with current or previous paracoccidioidomycosis in a reference hospital in Mato Grosso do Sul between December 2017 and July 2018. Demographic data, dental history, and self-perception of oral health were obtained from the National Oral Health Survey—SB Brazil 2010. The number of permanent decayed, missing, or filled teeth; presence and intensity of gingival bleeding; dental calculus; periodontal pockets; and periodontal attachment loss were recorded. Most patients had chronic paracoccidioidomycosis (n = 50; 96.2%), with involvement of the mouth in the active phase of the disease (n = 38; 73.1%). Participants had a high number of decayed, missing, or filled teeth (median: 30 teeth). The most compromised component was “missing” teeth (median of 21 teeth), and total edentulism was observed in 17 patients (32.7%). Periodontal disease was seen in 15 of 35 patients (43.3%) who had at least one tooth. Regarding satisfaction with their oral health, 27 patients (51.9%) reported being satisfied or very satisfied. There was no association between the degree of satisfaction with the other data. Tooth loss is the major dental problem in patients with paracoccidioidomycosis, and in patients with teeth, periodontal disease was highly prevalent. A general positive self-perception of oral health observed in these patients may reduce their willingness to seek dental treatment.
Child with post COVID MISC presenting with atypical Kawasaki like features in a rural medical college

When compared to the higher mortality rates in adults and severity of morbidities, the disease manifestation of COVID-19 in pediatric population is often milder. But, a segment of cases tend to worsen out and present with pediatric multi system inflammatory syndrome which is similar to other pediatric inflammatory conditions like Kawasaki shock syndrome, toxic shock syndrome, Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)/macrophage activation syndrome (MAS). Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MISC) causes significant morbidity and mortality, hence prompt identification and early aggressive treatment is necessary to reduce the same. Globally as of 8 November 2020, there have been 49.57 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 1.24 million deaths. In India as on 8 November 2020, there have been 8.5 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 0.13 million deaths. Over here, we wish to present a case of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children following COVID-19 infection which we had encountered and successfully managed in our resource limited setting. We wish to highlight that lymphocytopenia and thrombocytosis is not always associated with MISC.
Students’ Perceived Mathematics Teacher Competence: Longitudinal Associations with Learning Outcomes and Choice of College Major

The quality of teaching and teacher plays a significant role in enhancing students’ cognitive and motivational development. The purpose of this study was to identify longitudinal trajectories of student perceptions of mathematics teachers’ professional competence, and to examine how these trajectories were related to students’ engagement and achievement in mathematics and their choice of college major. The data used for analysis were obtained from the Seoul Education Longitudinal Study, a study of 2714 secondary students who were followed up for five successive years. Results showed four heterogeneous trajectories of students’ perceptions of teacher competence, and these trajectories were associated with students’ engagement and achievement in mathematics. In addition, those who consistently perceived their mathematics teachers to be highly competent and whose perceptions of their teachers’ competence became more positive over time were more likely than other students to choose math-intensive majors. These findings imply longitudinal links between mathematics teachers’ professional competence as perceived by their students and students’ choice of college major as well as their engagement and achievement in mathematics.
Design and Implementation of a Wideband 1-Bit Transmitarray Based on a Yagi–Vivaldi Unit Cell

A novel 1-bit reconfigurable transmitarray antenna (RTA) based on a Yagi–Vivaldi unit cell for wideband and beam scanning application at the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$Ku$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-band is presented. The unit cell consists of a tightly coupled microstrip (MS) Yagi antenna and a Vivaldi antenna as the receiving and transmitting elements, respectively. To achieve a reconfigurable performance, a novel slot line to MS line phase shifter with a pair of reverse-mounted p-i-n diodes was introduced, and a 180° phase difference was achieved based on the current reversal mechanism. To improve the oblique incidence performance of the unit cell, a metasurface based on subwavelength metal crosses was loaded in front of the antenna, and the scan loss in the H-plane was improved by 2 dB. An RTA prototype with <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$16\times 16$ </tex-math></inline-formula> unit cells was designed, fabricated, and tested. The measured 1 dB bandwidth of the RTA is 14% with a maximum gain of 22.3 dB at 13.6 GHz, corresponding to an aperture efficiency of 25.6%. Good beam scanning performance has also been achieved with a scan loss better than 4 dB in both the E-plane and the H-plane at 60°.