Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Attitude towards mobile learning among resident doctors involved in undergraduate medical education at a government medical college in Delhi, India

BACKGROUND: There is growing recognition of the role of mobile learning (M-learning) for undergraduate (UG) academic education and teaching purposes, but teacher attitudes toward it can be variable. OBJECTIVE: To determine the attitudes toward the incorporation of M-learning methods for UG medical education among resident doctors at a government medical college in Delhi, India. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted for 3-months duration (2019) among 60 final year junior and senior resident doctors. The participants were selected from all the preclinical and paraclinical department, and one clinical department selected randomly based on the probability proportion to size method. The data was collected using self-administered instruments including the modified 20-item M-learning Perception Scale (MLPS). RESULTS: Social media (36.7%) and instant messaging platforms (85%) were routinely used by the participants for exchanging academic (medical) and health-related information. The mean score for all the MLPS item responses was >3, indicating positive attitudes toward M-Learning. The participants expressed maximum agreement with the views stating M-Learning can “supplement traditional teaching,” was “reliable for personal use,” and “improves the quality of lessons. ” The responses of those participants having preexisting familiarity with health information and education portals, and those aware of massive open online courses correlated significantly with higher MLPS scores. CONCLUSION: M-learning is visualized as an increasingly relevant teaching and learning medium by early-career resident doctors involved in UG medical education in India.
Perceptions on the Competence of Science Teachers along Instruction in a State University in the Philippines

This study hinges on the theory of evaluation. Frequent, continuous and impartial evaluation of academic performance is vital not only for the growth of the institution but also for the growth of the individual. The perceptions of students, teachers and supervisors were evaluated to determine the competence of science teacher along instruction in Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU-NLUC), College of Education, Philippines. This research utilized a mixed descriptive-quantitative method of investigation. Using a structured survey questionnaire, the demographic profile and competence of the science teachers were measured. It was found that science teachers with less than ten training points significantly reduced their competence in terms of their personal character, teaching efficiency, general class atmosphere, and substantiality of teaching and evaluation skills. Other personal and professional demographic profiles were also found to have an influence on the competence of science teachers along instruction. These include the number of children, sex, educational attainment, length of service and workload preparation. In conclusion, it is apparent the science teachers' competence is affected by both demographic background of the educators and their personal and professional trainings. This study reveals that knowledge of specific factors that affect science teachers' competence is necessary in improving the mode of instruction, pedagogy and trainings for science teachers to ensure quality teaching.
Research on Compound Coordinated Control for a Power-Split Hybrid Electric Vehicle Based on Compensation of Non-Ideal Communication Network

To improve the mode switching quality of the power-split hybrid electric vehicle (PS-HEV), a compound torque coordinated control strategy is proposed. Aiming at the problem of engine dynamic response lag, the engine real-time torque estimator is designed, and then the torque ripple at the output end of the power coupling mechanism is reduced through the basic motor torque compensation. On this basis, considering the existence of non-ideal communication networks in actual vehicle control systems, the tremendous impact of communication network time delay and interruption on the mode switching stability and vehicle fuel consumption has been deeply revealed. Then the compound coordinated control strategy including the BP-smith predictive controller, motor torque change rate limiting module, network transmission mechanism with fixed communication priority and fault-tolerant torque coordinated control module is put forward and verified by simulation and hardware-in-the-loop test. The results show that the compound coordinated control strategy could still guarantee the system stability, mode switching smoothness and vehicle fuel economy under the interference of stochastic communication delay and interruption.
L-Leucine In Ovo Administration Causes Growth Retardation and Modifies Specific Amino Acid Metabolism in Broiler Embryos

L-Leucine (L-Leu) in ovo administration was demonstrated to afford thermotolerance and modified amino acids metabolism in post-hatched broiler chicks under heat stress. This study aimed to investigate the changes in embryonic growth and amino acid metabolism after in ovo injection of L-Leu. Fertilized broiler eggs were subjected to in ovo injection of sterile water or L-Leu on embryonic day (ED) 7. The weight of embryos and yolk sacs were measured on ED 12, 14, 16, and 18. Plasma and livers were collected on ED 14 and 18 for free amino acid analysis. The weight and relative weight of embryos were significantly lowered by in ovo administration of L-Leu, but those of yolk sacs were not altered. Moreover, L-Leu in ovo injection significantly reduced the plasma proline concentration during embryogenesis and increased the plasma concentrations of tyrosine (Tyr) and lysine (Lys) in ED 18. Hepatic Lys concentration was also significantly increased by L-Leu in ovo injection. Interestingly, Leu concentrations in the plasma and liver were not affected by L-Leu administration. These results indicated that in ovo administered L-Leu was metabolized before ED 14 and affected embryonic growth and amino acid metabolism during embryogenesis.
A DOUBLE COMMON FACTOR MODEL FOR MORTALITY PROJECTION USING BEST-PERFORMANCE MORTALITY RATES AS REFERENCE

Abstract We construct a double common factor model for projecting the mortality of a population using as a reference the minimum death rate at each age among a large number of countries. In particular, the female and male minimum death rates, described as best-performance or best-practice rates, are first modelled by a common factor model structure with both common and sex-specific parameters. The differences between the death rates of the population under study and the best-performance rates are then modelled by another common factor model structure. An important result of using our proposed model is that the projected death rates of the population being considered are coherent with the projected best-performance rates in the long term, the latter of which serves as a very useful reference for the projection based on the collective experience of multiple countries. Our out-of-sample analysis shows that the new model has potential to outperform some conventional approaches in mortality projection.
Mechanism and Controller Design of a Transfemoral Prosthesis With Electrohydraulic Knee and Motor-Driven Ankle

This article presents a robotic transfemoral prosthesis that consists of an electrohydraulic knee and a motor-driven ankle. The electrohydraulic knee includes a controllable hydraulic damper to provide stance control and an electrical actuator to provide swing assistance. The motor-driven ankle provides damping adaptation for different terrains. The embedded finite-state-based controller enables the knee–ankle prosthesis to facilitate the amputee's ambulation on five different terrains. The proposed knee is lightweight and compact, with low electrical energy consumption. Experimental results demonstrate the potential advantages of the proposed transfemoral prosthesis compared with the hydraulic prosthesis daily used by the subject.
Carbon Isotope Fractionation during Anaerobic Biodegradation of Toluene: Implications for Intrinsic Bioremediation

Carbon isotope fractionation produced by anaerobic biodegradation of toluene was evaluated in laboratory experiments under both methanogenic and sulfate-reducing conditions. A small (∼2‰) but highly reproducible 13C-enrichment in the residual toluene at advanced stages of microbial transformation was observed in both cultures. The maximum isotopic enrichment observed in the residual toluene was +2.0‰ and +2.4‰ for the methanogenic and sulfate-reducing cultures, respectively, corresponding to isotopic enrichment factors (e) of −0.5 and −0.8. Because the accuracy and reproducibility associated with gas chromatograph−combustion−isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS) is ±0.5‰, delineating which of these two terminal electron-accepting processes (TEAP) is responsible for the biodegradation of toluene at field sites will not be possible. However, the potential does exist to use compound-specific isotope analysis (CSIA), in conjunction with other methodologies, as a means of validating advanced stages of in.
Are investors desires for dividend increases stronger than dividend initiation

: This study aims to explore whether information asymmetry premium (IAP) as the foundation of the investors’ desire in the dividend increases decision is stronger than the dividend initiation decision. This study finds that IAP can significantly complement the dividend increases decisions and substitute dividend premium for dividend initiation. The results of the study support Li and Lie (2006) and Chazi et al. (2018), who fleshed out Baker and Wurgler (2004b). The findings of this study show that the investor’s desire towards dividend increases reflects investor sentiment on dividends, explained through the level of information asymmetry between dividend payers and non-payers. Further analysis shows that irrational investor behaviour in expecting dividend increases to be paid continuously is significant compared to dividend initiation. This research contributes to behavioural finance research in bonding dividend catering incentives and dividend signaling theory.
Military role in democratic transition and succession: Lessons from the Kingdom of Lesothos

Abstract This study examines military institution and prevailing roles in the Lesotho government to determine transition and succession formations, this is accomplished by articulating how Lesotho’s democracy failed by understanding the existing military roles. From a qualitative standpoint, this study relied mainly on non-empirical research design: Systematic review, data restricted to 1965–2017 (52 years’ projection), which included periodicals and other archival documents that provided required information for this discourse. Critical and logical analysis of data attested that the military play a role of distractive force in Lesotho’s democratisation process. This military institution presented acted as a false custodian of democratic principles by initiating the “Coups. ” Other emerging findings further suggest that the military democratic principles and arrangements are faulty and inadequate for sustainable democratic governance to succeed. This military institution function as a partisan organisation where various acts performed were unlawful. This study concludes that military has been more of a distractive than consolidation force of democratic transitions. This study further concludes that in the period 1970 to 1986 the military acted as guarantors of civilian election power under conditions of civilian dictatorship and politicians used to ensure their survival (politicisation of the military). From the independence of Lesotho in 1965 to 2016 by as adopted by politicians to fight their political battles, and withal to overthrow the regime.
A systematic approach to the study of multicomponent polymerization kinetics: the butyl acrylate/methyl methacrylate/vinyl acetate example, 2. Bulk (and solution) terpolymerization†

A systematic study of the terpolymerization of butyl acrylate/methyl methacrylate/vinyl acetate (BA/MMA/VAc) is being conducted. In the second stage of this study, bulk (and solution) terpolymerizations of BA/MMA/VAc were performed. The polymers produced were characterized for conversion, composition and molecular weight. The terpolymerizations exhibited behaviour similar to vinyl acetate-containing copolymerizations, that is, a “double gel effect” was observed. During the first period of the reaction the acrylic monomers virtually “copolymerized” and thus the reaction exhibited the characteristics of a “solution” copolymerization of the acrylic monomers with the vinyl acetate acting as the “solvent”. Typical “solution” polymerization behaviour, i. e. , a dampened autoacceleration or gel effect, was in evidence for this first period of the reaction. After the virtual deplection of the acrylic monomers, the remaining vinyl acetate polymerized and exhibited its own characteristic gel effect. Estimates of the copolymerization reactivity ratios obtained previously were found to accurately predict terpolymer composition up to high conversion levels. Molecular weight results indicated that branched polymers were being produced at high conversions in the bulk experiments.
Efficient Power Flow Algorithm for AC/MTDC Considering Complementary Constraints of VSC's Reactive Power and AC Node Voltage

For a hybrid ac/dc power system incorporating voltage source converter-based multi-terminal direct current (VSC-MTDC) grids, it is essential to solve the power flow problems efficiently for reliable operation. This paper presents an efficient ac/dc power flow algorithm considering the complementary constraints of VSC's reactive power limit and ac node voltage. It can be distinguished from the existing works in terms of both modeling and algorithm aspects. First, the VSC model is formulated, in which the interactions between the reactive power limit and the ac node voltage of VSC are viewed as complementary relations. The complementary relations are expressed using a smooth Fischer-Burmeister function. Then, power flow models of the ac grid and dc grid with a constant Jacobian matrix are formulated based on the VSC model, respectively. To efficiently solve the power flow of an ac/dc grid, the structure characteristic of the Jacobian matrix of ac/dc power flow computation is analyzed. It shows that the Jacobian matrix can be approximated as a block-upper triangular one. Based on this characteristic, a decoupled ac/dc power flow computation algorithm is provided. Test results on two hybrid ac/dc systems under different scenarios validate the correctness, convergence, and efficiency of the proposed power flow algorithm.
Non-Destructive Identification of Internal Watercore in Apples Based on Online Vis/NIR Spectroscopy

HighlightsA custom-designed online Vis/NIR spectroscopy system was used for real-time detection of watercore in apples.Watercore severity index (WSI) was applied for watercore severity assessment.Higher than 95.0% accuracy was obtained for total samples in classifying sound apples from watercore groups using kNN, BPNN, SVM, and 1D CNN at a detection speed of 3 apples s-1.Linear kernel SVM achieved the best classification accuracy of 96% for samples in the prediction set.Abstract. Watercore, an internal physiological disorder affecting apples, can be characterized by water-soaked, glassy regions near the fruit core. It is used as an indicator of full ripeness, storage suitability, and price of apples in many countries. Therefore, fast and non-destructive detection of watercore plays an important role in improving the commercial value of apples and reducing postharvest costs. In this study, an online visible/near-infrared (Vis/NIR) spectroscopy system was proposed for real-time detection of watercore in ‘Fuji’ apples (Malus pumila Mill.). A total of 318 samples harvested during harvest season in the same orchard were analyzed for both watercore severity index (WSI) and soluble solids content (SSC). According to the USDA watercore classification standard, all samples were classified into one of four classes (sound, slight, moderate, or severe) based on the affected area of watercore. Results showed that, although there was a positive correlation between spectral intensity and affected area of watercore, no significant relationship between affected area size and SSC could be obtained by Pearson test (correlation coefficient ~0.094). Generally, >95.0% accuracy was obtained for total samples at a detection speed of 3 apples s-1 in classifying sound from watercore groups using k-nearest neighbors (kNN) algorithm, back-propagation neural network (BPNN), support vector machine (SVM) classification, and one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN). The best classification result was achieved by linear kernel SVM, with an accuracy of 96% for total samples. These classification algorithms showed preliminary feasibility for online screening of apples with watercore using Vis/NIR spectroscopy in industrial applications. Keywords: Apple watercore, Machine learning, Online detection, Vis/NIR spectroscopy, Watercore severity index.
ULTRASONICATION-ASSISTED SYNTHESIS OF CALCIUM CARBONATE NANOPARTICLES

ABSTRACT This article presents a batch carbonation method with ultrasonication to synthesize monodispersed nanoparticles of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). The synthesis processes with and without ultrasonication were compared. The results showed that the application of ultrasonication into the synthesis caused a supersaturation of Ca2+ ions in the synthesis, leading to a rapid nucleation of calcium carbonate and improved the solute transfer as well as. It was also found that the effect of ultrasonication on the grain size of the nanoparticles synthesized was related to other synthesis conditions, such as initial temperature for carbonation, mass fraction of Ca(OH)2 suspension, and CO2 flow rate. The initial temperature applied for the carbonation was increased by at least 5°C when ultrasonication was applied. The nanoparticles formed in the presence of ultrasonication became smaller with a narrower particle size distribution at 6–12 wt. % of Ca(OH)2 suspension or at 1.28 l/h of CO2 consumed by per gram of Ca(OH)2 or more.
Closed-Loop Sign Algorithms for Low-Complexity Digital Predistortion: Methods and Performance

In this article, we study digital predistortion (DPD)-based linearization with a specific focus on millimeter-wave (mmW) active antenna arrays. Due to the very large-channel bandwidths and beam-dependence of nonlinear distortion in such systems, we present a closed-loop DPD learning architecture, lookup table (LUT)-based memory DPD models, and low-complexity sign-based estimation algorithms such that even continuous DPD learning could be technically feasible. To this end, three different learning algorithms—sign, signed regressor, and sign–sign—are formulated for the LUT-based DPD models such that the potential rank deficiencies, experienced in earlier methods, are avoided while facilitating greatly reduced learning complexity. The injection-based LUT DPD structure is also shown to allow for low numbers and reduced dynamic range of the involved LUT entries. Extensive RF measurements utilizing a state-of-the-art mmW active antenna array system at 28 GHz are carried out and reported to validate the methods, incorporating very wide channel bandwidths of 400 and 800 MHz while pushing the array close to saturation. In addition, the processing and learning complexities of the considered techniques are analyzed, which, together with the measured linearization performance figures, allows to assess the complexity–performance tradeoffs of the proposed solutions. Overall, the results show that efficient mmW array linearization can be obtained through the proposed methods at very low complexity.
A unified model of transport phenomena in gas metal arc welding including electrode, arc plasma and molten pool

This paper presents a theoretical model for describing globular transfer in gas metal arc welding. The heat and mass transfer in the electrode, arc plasma and molten pool are considered in one unified model. Using the volume of fluid method, the transport phenomena are dynamically studied in the following processes: droplet formation and detachment, droplet flight in arc plasma, impingement of droplets on the molten pool and solidification after the arc extinguishes. The simulation of heat and mass transfer in the arc plasma considers the developing surface profile of the electrode and molten pool and also the effect of the flying droplet inside the arc plasma. Furthermore, the heat inputs to the electrode and the molten pool result from the simulation of the arc plasma. In addition, a He–Ne laser in conjunction with the shadow-graphing technique is used to observe the metal-transfer process. The theoretical predictions and experimental results are shown to be in good agreement.
Reactivity and Structural Aspects of Cesium and Oxygen States at Cu(110) Surfaces: An XPS and STM Investigation

Structural and reactivity aspects of Cu(110)−Cs and Cu(110)−Cs/O overlayers have been investigated by XPS and STM. The development of cesium-induced structures at a Cu(110)−Cs overlayer has been followed as a function of cesium coverage at 295 K and the reactivity of the overlayer first to oxygen and subsequently to ammonia and carbon dioxide studied. For cesium concentrations up to 1.3 × 1014 cm-2 an incommensurate pseudo square structure is observed which is in registry with the copper substrate in the 100 direction. This coexists, at 1.3 × 1014 Cs adatoms cm-2, with a structure consisting of 110-orientated rows which are not atomically resolved but have a spacing in the 100 direction of 1.1 nm. At a cesium concentration of 1.5 × 1014 cm-2, patches of structure with an inter-row spacing of 0.7 nm are present, and at a cesium concentration of 1.9 × 1014 cm-2, only the latter spacing is observed. An increase in cesium concentration to 2.1 × 1014 cm-2 results in an increase in the inter-row spacing to 1.1 nm. Exposure of cesium-modified surfaces to oxygen results in the development of new terraces superimposed upon the cesium-modified surface with the latter structurally unchanged by the formation of the oxygen adlayer, although there is a change in the XP binding energy of the Cs(3d) peaks. The new terraces consist of 100-orientated chains similar to those observed at unmodified Cu(110) surfaces; however, at low cesium concentrations these chains are arranged in (3 × 1) as well as (2 × 1) domains and at high cesium concentrations a c(6 × 2)O structure develops with an exposure of oxygen as low as 10 L. The adsorption of cesium at partially preoxidized surfaces results in the formation of a c(2 × 4) structure and also structures which have no simple relationship with the substrate lattice and which we assign to strained Cu−O (2 × 1) structures. At a surface with a complete monolayer of oxygen present the cesium forms 110 chains with a minimum interchain spacing of 0.5 nm and alternate chains showing well-resolved maxima with a spacing of 0.5 nm. The adatoms in between the chains are less well-defined suggesting a degree of mobility in the 110 direction. In comparison with oxygen at unmodified Cu(110) surfaces, oxygen states at the cesium-modified surface are unreactive to ammonia at 295 K, reaction only occurring after exposures of 300 L at 490 K. However, the cesium surface is reactive to carbon dioxide chemisorption at 295 K resulting in a surface carbonate with extensive migration of cesium and the emergence of areas of the underlying copper surface.