Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Minimum Analytical Nodules and lithic activities at site W2, Hunter Valley, New South Wales

Abstract Individual lithic discard activities from an open site in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales, were identified by using conjoining and minimum analytical nodules (MAN). Activities identified included core flaking associated with backed artefact production, other types of core flaking, tool use and retouching of transported tools. Artefacts made or used elsewhere were also discarded on site. Core flaking associated with backed artefact production resulted in high artefact discard rates, while other kinds of activities were more common, but were associated with lower discard rates. The assemblage associated with backed artefact production had a restricted range of raw material types, was dominated by small artefacts, and had higher proportions of elongate flakes, as well as faceted and focal platforms. The assemblage created from other activities included diverse raw material types, large artefacts, few elongate flakes, and a higher proportion of cortical platforms. The results from this study have implications for how artefact discard rates and assemblage attributes may be interpreted at other sites in the Hunter Valley.
The Building Blocks for Creativity in Virtual Teams

Organizations across the globe, and the leaders that guide them now recognize that they do not have a monopoly on all knowledge and wisdom. These same leaders also realize that business innovation, which is increasingly becoming more complex, is and will continue to be critical for company survival. To address these challenges, and strive for continual creativity and innovation in a competitive market, managers, leaders, and employees are becoming aware of the need for new forms of collaborative work structures that require working with others who cross time, geographic, and cultural boundaries. aBstraCt
Lockdown Fatigue and University Students: Exploring the Factors That Play Significant Roles in the Level of Lockdown Fatigue Among University Students in the Era of COVID-19

Background Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the educational sector has undergone a series of changes which have affected both learners and students alike. As a result, the distortion of the students’ daily routine, isolation, social distancing and potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus changed almost all of the aspects of student life which has led to exhaustion of students, with both psychological and emotional challenges. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to determine the factors that have a significant impact on the level of lockdown fatigue among university students in the era of COVID-19. Methods A cross sectional was undertaken for this study. A questionnaire was designed and then shared electronically with the respondents of this study. The respondents were 819 students from tertiary institutions in Iraq. Some of the scales used in ranking the responses of the participants are the Lockdown Fatigue scale, Brief Resilience Scale and Coping Behaviours questionnaire. Data analysis was. Results Overall, the students had a high level of fatigue due to lockdown-measurement. Emptiness was one of the dominant feelings experienced by the students, along with concern for the safety and well-being of their own families. There was general agreement that students take a long time to return to normal routines after stressful events. The students also indicated that they cope with the lockdown through a variety of activities, ranging from making jokes about the situation to putting their faith in a higher power. Male student were less likely to suffer from lockdown-fatigue, however, studying in public university, being from urban areas, and studying in science field are the most significant factors that increase the level of lockdown. However, lower levels of lockdown fatigue were linked to significantly higher levels of personal resilience and coping abilities. Conclusion High level of lockdown fatigue among students is noticed, and several factors have been identified. Therefore, it is helpful for students to consistently work on reinforcing positive habits which would help them to build resilience when they are subjected to stressful conditions and scenarios.
Reassessing Local Candidate Effects

Abstract In a seminal article published in 2003, Blais et al. demonstrated that local candidates mattered for about 5 per cent of voters in the 2000 Canadian federal election. This study's reliance on a single election raises external validity concerns. We replicate Blais et al.'s original analyses on four elections from 2000 to 2008 using a decade's worth of data from the Canadian Election Study. The local candidate effect first uncovered by Blais et al. is not specific to a single election. Local candidates are a decisive consideration for about 5 to 8 per cent of voters outside Quebec and for about 2 to 5 per cent of voters in Quebec.
The Effects of Consumer Preference and Peer Influence on Trial of an Experience Good

This research examines the interaction effect of two dimensions of preference on social contagion: preference similarity between a consumer (i.e., who seeks recommendation) and a peer (i.e., who potentially provides recommendation) and the fit of an experience good with the consumer's preference. For empirical analyses, the authors collected rich information from Last.fm, a music social networking website, including individual users’ music play histories, friendship information, social tags (i.e., user-generated keywords associated with artists and songs), and new song profiles. The results show that consumers’ trial of a song that fits less with their preference is influenced more by peers with similar preferences. By contrast, consumers’ trial of a song that fits more with their preference is influenced more by peers with dissimilar preferences. This research enriches the understanding of the nuanced role of preference in social contagion and offers managerial implications to better leverage social dynamics.
Sarcocystis bovifelis in Raw Hamburgers Marketed in Hamadan City, Western Iran

Background: We aimed to evaluate Sarcocystis contamination in conventional and industrial raw beef burger samples from butcheries and retail stores in Hamadan, western Iran. Methods: Overall, 80 samples including 30 conventional and 50 industrial hamburgers were randomly obtained from different butcheries and supermarkets. All specimens were studied by digestion method following microscopic examination. Samples‘ genomic ribosomal DNA were amplified and nucleotide sequences were analyzed by BLAST for comparison with the sequences in the gene bank of the NCBI. Results: Sarcocystis bradyzoites were detected in 46 of 80 (57.6%) samples. Positive specimens were included as 46 (57.6%) and 30 (37.5%) by digestion and molecular method, respectively. Differences between two studied (digestion and molecular) methods was statistically significant (P=0.00). Twenty-six (86.5 %) of 30 conventional beef burgers and 20 (40%) of 50 industrial burgers were positive for Sarcocystis sp. by digestion method. There was a significant difference between Sarcocystis infested conventional and industrial beef burgers (P=0.01). Conclusion: The parasitic contamination of beef burgers implied a high level of infection in cattle. Felids as the definitive hosts for S. bovifelis urged on the improvement of the hygienic conditions of keeping and feeding livestock in order to reduce the infection. Molecular techniques confirm species in meat products with high sensitivity and distinguish it from human species.
Corneal Densitometry and In Vivo Confocal Microscopy in Patients with Monoclonal Gammopathy—Analysis of 130 Eyes of 65 Subjects

Background: Corneal imaging may support an early diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathy. The goal of our study was to analyze corneal stromal properties using Pentacam and in vivo confocal cornea microscopy (IVCM) in subjects with monoclonal gammopathy. Patients and methods: In our cross-sectional study, patients with monoclonal gammopathy (130 eyes of 65 patients (40.0% males; age 67.65 ± 9.74 years)) and randomly selected individuals of the same age group, without hematological disease (100 eyes of 50 control subjects (40.0% males; age 60.67 ± 15.06 years)) were included. Using Pentacam (Pentacam HR; Oculus GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany), corneal stromal light scattering values were obtained (1) centrally 0–2 mm zone; (2) 2–6 mm zone; (3) 6–10 mm zone; (4) 10–12 mm zone. Using IVCM with Heidelberg Retina Tomograph with Rostock Cornea Module (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany), the density of hyperreflective keratocytes and the number of hyperreflective spikes per image were manually analyzed, in the stroma. Results: In the first, second and third annular zone, light scattering was significantly higher in subjects with monoclonal gammopathy, than in controls (p ≤ 0.04). The number of hyperreflective keratocytes and hyperreflective spikes per image was significantly higher in stroma of subjects with monoclonal gammopathy (p ≤ 0.012). Conclusions: Our study confirms that increased corneal light scattering in the central 10 mm annular zone and increased keratocyte hyperreflectivity may give rise to suspicion of monoclonal gammopathy. As corneal light scattering is not increased at the limbal 10–12 mm annular zone in monoclonal gammopathy subjects, our spatial analysis provides evidence against the limbal origin of corneal paraprotein deposition. Using IVCM, stromal hyperreflective spikes may represent specific signs of monoclonal gammopathy.
Research Progress of Natural Small-Molecule Compounds Related to Tumor Differentiation

Tumor differentiation is a therapeutic strategy aimed at reactivating the endogenous differentiation program of cancer cells and inducing cancer cells to mature and differentiate into other types of cells. It has been found that a variety of natural small-molecule drugs can induce tumor cell differentiation both in vitro and in vivo. Relevant molecules involved in the differentiation process may be potential therapeutic targets for tumor cells. Compared with synthetic drugs, natural small-molecule antitumor compounds have the characteristics of wide sources, structural diversity and low toxicity. In addition, natural drugs with structural modification and transformation have relatively concentrated targets and enhanced efficacy. Therefore, using natural small-molecule compounds to induce malignant cell differentiation represents a more targeted and potential low-toxicity means of tumor treatment. In this review, we focus on natural small-molecule compounds that induce differentiation of myeloid leukemia cells, osteoblasts and other malignant cells into functional cells by regulating signaling pathways and the expression of specific genes. We provide a reference for the subsequent development of natural small molecules for antitumor applications and promote the development of differentiation therapy.
The Need for Private Dam Safety Assurance Policy - a Demonstrative Case Study

Dam safety management in Australia falls on the owner of the dam and under common law he has to take reasonable care of dams according to current prevailing standards to avoid liability for possible failure consequences. The Australian National Committee on Large Dams sets the standard for modern acceptable practice in dam safety management in Australia and provides Recommended Design Flood standards based on a 3-level hazard rating system.
Compliance with Building Energy Code for the Residential Sector in Egyptian Hot-Arid Climate: Potential Impact, Difficulties, and Further Improvements

Building energy codes are considered to be an effective policy tool for energy reduction worldwide. However, their application and effectiveness are still limited in developing countries. In Egypt, the residential sector is promising for energy savings, as most of the existing residential buildings are aged with low thermal performance and non-conformance with energy codes. This study aims to raise the awareness of promoting the Egyptian residential energy codes among construction parties, especially end-users, by quantifying the environmental impacts, in terms of energy savings and thermal comfort enhancement. Moreover, it attempts achieving a nearly zero energy building by integrating several energy-efficient measures with renewable energy sources. Thus, in this study, a typical residential building in Cairo was chosen for simulation. The simulation results revealed that applying energy code instructions for building envelope, lighting enhancement and increases in cooling set-points, from 24 °C to 25 °C, saved 37.85% of annual electrical energy and resulted in a cooling reduction of 50.53%. Furthermore, the photovoltaic system incorporation succeeded in transforming the building into a nearly zero energy building. Concerning thermal comfort, the application of passive energy-efficient measures significantly influences indoor thermal comfort, with a 30% reduction in discomfort hours during the cooling season, which represents the main concern in hot climate regions.
PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT OF MODEL PREDICTIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS

Abstract This paper aims at to propose a benchmark MPC controller to be used in the performance assessment of existing industrial MPC systems. The basic questions are how the performance could be evaluated in a realistic basis and how to judge the performance of a controller that is already in operation by comparing it with another controller that could be really implemented in the same system. Here, it is assumed that the ideal controller will inherit the structure, input constraints and tuning parameters of the controller whose performance is to be evaluated. This means that the design of the ideal controller is standard and there is no need to tune the performance assessment algorithm. It is proposed a controller that preserves closed loop stability for any adopted tuning parameters. This is requisite for any performance evaluation procedure that is expected to operate in an on-line scheme. The proposed controller is compared by simulation with other benchmark controllers proposed in the control literature.
An Overview of Fractal Geometry Applied to Urban Planning

Since computing advances in the last 30 years have allowed automated calculation of fractal dimensions, fractals have been established as ubiquitous signatures of urban form and socioeconomic function. Yet, applications of fractal concepts in urban planning have lagged the evolution of technical analysis methods. Through a narrative literature review around a series of “big questions” and automated bibliometric analysis, we offer a primer on fractal applications in urban planning, targeted to urban scholars and participatory planners. We find that developing evidence demonstrates linkages between urban history, planning context, and urban form and between “ideal” fractal dimension values and urban aesthetics. However, we identify gaps in the literature around findings that directly link planning regulations to fractal patterns, from both positive and normative lenses. We also find an increasing trend of most literature on fractals in planning being published outside of planning. We hypothesize that this trend results from communication gaps between technical analysts and applied planners, and hope that our overview will help to bridge that gap.
Examining the Position of Wright’s Fallingwater in the Context of His Larger Body of Work: An Analysis Using Fractal Dimensions

Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the world’s most famous architects, produced several masterworks in his career, possibly the most celebrated of which is the Kaufmann House, better known as Fallingwater. One of the common arguments historians make about this house is that it is unique in Wright’s oeuvre, as it is not similar to other designs he produced in the three major styles that dominated his career: the Prairie, Textile-Block and Usonian styles. In this paper, the derived fractal dimensions (D) using the standard architectural variation and application of the box-counting method are developed for the elevations and plans of Fallingwater. Using the measurements derived from a set of 15 Prairie, Textile-Block and Usonian houses, this paper tests whether Fallingwater is indeed an outlier in his body of work, as some historians suggest. The results indicate that, contrary to the standard view, Fallingwater has D measures that are broadly similar to those of his other styles, and on average, Fallingwater has formal parallels to several aspects of Wright’s Usonian style.
The Relevance of Demographic Factors to the Use of Web 2.0 Applications among Science Teachers

This study aims to identify whether there are differences in teachers' evaluation of the effectiveness of Web 2.0 applications in teaching and learning (T&L) based on demographic factors. This quantitative study utilised a survey method. A total of 217 Science teachers were selected as respondents randomly. Data were collected using a questionnaire containing 21 question items. The data of this study were analysed descriptively and inferentially using SPSS version 26. Overall, the study's findings showed significant differences between teachers' evaluations of the effectiveness of the use of Web 2.0 applications in T&L based on age. However, there were no significant differences between teacher assessments based on gender, location, and teaching experience. The implications of this study provide input to school leaders of age factors influencing teachers’ evaluation of the effectiveness of the use of Web 2.0 applications. Therefore, teachers need to be given exposure such as courses or workshops on implementing Web 2.0 applications to be more confident in integrating teaching and learning. For further studies may want to explore how teacher can adopt the 21st century teaching learning methods.
Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment of Listeria monocytogenes and Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli in Yogurt

Listeria monocytogenes can survive in yogurt stored at a refrigeration temperature. Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) has a strong acid resistance that can survive in the yogurt with a low pH. We estimated the risk of L. monocytogenes and EHEC due to yogurt consumption with @Risk. Predictive survival models for L. monocytogenes and EHEC in drinking and regular yogurt were developed at 4, 10, 17, 25, and 36 °C, and the survival of both pathogens in yogurt was predicted during distribution and storage at home. The average initial contamination level in drinking and regular yogurt was calculated to be −3.941 log CFU/g and −3.608 log CFU/g, respectively, and the contamination level of both LM and EHEC decreased in yogurt from the market to home. Mean values of the possibility of illness caused by EHEC were higher (drinking: 1.44 × 10−8; regular: 5.09 × 10−9) than L. monocytogenes (drinking: 1.91 × 10−15; regular: 2.87 × 10−16) in the susceptible population. Both pathogens had a positive correlation with the initial contamination level and consumption. These results show that the foodborne illness risk from L. monocytogenes and EHEC due to yogurt consumption is very low. However, controlling the initial contamination level of EHEC during yogurt manufacture should be emphasized.
Probiotic Characterization of Enterococcus spp. Isolated from Raw Goat Milk

: The aim of this research was to determine the probiotic potential and safety of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from raw goat milk. Gram positive and catalase negative bacteria were isolated from raw goat milk (n = 61) and identified as LAB. LAB isolates were screened for antimicrobial, probiotic and technological characteristics. LAB isolates showed antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella Typhimurium) and high survival rate at pH 2 (93.54-100.38% after 4h), in the presence of 0.3% bile salts (100.85-108.96% after 4h) and simulated gastric fluid (74.16-80.13% after 3h). Three LAB isolates (1, 3 and 13) with high antimicrobial activity against all foodborne pathogens and probiotics characteristics were subjected to 16S rRNA sequencing and identified as Enterococcus faecium strains. Enterococcus spp. exhibited milk coagulation potential, amylolytic activity, susceptibility to antibiotics and no evidence of hemolysis. Enterococcus spp. isolated from goat milk showed probiotic and technological characteristics and can be used as a starter culture after further safety evaluation.
Collapse of UOE manufactured steel pipes

The manufacturing method (seamless, UO, UOE) has a con-siderable influence on the collapse pressure of steel pipes. For UOE manufactured pipe, a significant reduction in collapse strength has been observed compared to not expanded pipe. A research program has been carried out to investigate the effect of the manufacturing process on the collapse and local buckling behaviour. The results of collapse tests on three 20-inch UOE manufactured pipes and one seamless pipe are presented. The D/t ratios were 45, 27, 22 and 29. The paper also contains the results of finite element calculations, carried out to obtain more information on the parameters governing the collapse resistance of UOE manufactured pipes. The influence of the Bauschinger effect on the collapse resistance was determined. The results of probabilistic calculations with relevant experi-mental data related to collapse of pipes have been collected in a database and compared with the available design formulae. Design formulations for collapse with appropriate safety factors, calibrated against experimental and numerical models using probabilistic methods, have been selected for the practical range of design situations
Perceptions of Inequality and Political Participation: The Moderating Role of Ideology

While much research has been devoted to the effects of inequality on political participation, little attention has been paid to how different kinds of subjective perceptions of social inequality affect citizens’ political behaviour. This is important since these perceptions shape the message that reaches political decision-makers when addressing concerns over social inequalities. This article differentiates between sociotropic and egocentric perceptions of social inequality and explores to what extent individuals’ perceptions of such inequality affect engagement in institutionalized and non-institutionalized political participation between elections. Engagement was evaluated with a survey among a segment of the Finnish population (n = 1673). Our results indicate that citizens with sociotropic concerns are more likely to get involved in both institutionalized and non-institutionalized forms of political participation, whereas egocentric perceptions have less of an impact. Furthermore, the associations are moderated by left–right ideology: sociotropic concerns are more strongly expressed among left-wing voters, whereas right-wingers are more likely to be propelled to action by egocentric concerns.