Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity of QBO teleconnection to model circulation biases

The Quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO) in the equatorial stratospheric winds is known to modulate the extratropical atmospheric circulation so that an easterly QBO phase is associated with a weaker Arctic stratospheric vortex and a negative North Atlantic Oscillation in winter. The link can potentially be used to improve seasonal forecasts and is usually captured by climate models but with a smaller magnitude than that in observations. Here, the sensitivity of the QBO teleconnection to biases in model circulation is explored in an atmosphere‐only model ECHAM6 with an internally generated QBO, by contrasting simulations by an original, biased model, and a model version in which biases are artificially reduced. We find that the strength of the winter mean Arctic stratospheric vortex response is better reproduced by the bias‐corrected model. On the other hand, the response is delayed by 1 month and there is no improvement in the tropospheric response. Stronger response of the polar vortex in the bias‐corrected model is likely associated with larger magnitude of QBO winds and better‐represented stratospheric mean climate and planetary wave fluxes, but the exact mechanism remains unclear. The results of this study have implications for seasonal forecast model development.
Are Highly Motivated Learners More Likely to Complete a Computer Programming MOOC?

Computer programming MOOCs attract people who have different motivations. Previous studies have hypothesized that the motivation declared before starting the course can be an important predictor of distinctive dropout rates. The aim of this study was to outline the main motivation clusters of participants in a computer programming MOOC, and to compare how these clusters differed in terms of intention to complete and actual completion rate. The sample consisted of 1,181 respondents to the pre-course questionnaire in the Introduction to Programming MOOC. A validated motivation scale, based on expectancy-value theory and k-means cluster analysis, was used to form the groups. The four identified clusters were named as Opportunity motivated (27.7%), Over-motivated (28.6%), Success motivated (19.6%) and Interest motivated (24.0%). Comparison tests and chi-square test were used to describe the differences among the clusters. There were statistically significant differences among clusters in selfevaluated probability of completion. Also, significant differences emerged among three clusters in terms of percentages of respondents who completed the MOOC. Interestingly, the completion rate was the lowest in the Over-motivated cluster. A statistically significant higher ratio of completers to non-completers was found in the Opportunity motivated, Success motivated, and Interest motivated clusters. Our findings can be useful for MOOC instructors, as a better vision of participants’ motivational profiles at the beginning of the MOOC might help to inform the MOOC design to better support different needs, potentially resulting in lower dropout rates.
Low-complexity non-iterative hybrid precoding scheme for millimeter wave massive MIMO systems

ABSTRACT Conventional multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems operating at sub-6 GHz frequencies generally employ fully digital precoding which requires dedicated radio frequency (RF) chain for each antenna element. However, this architecture is infeasible for the millimetre wave (mmWave) massive MIMO systems due to excessive power consumption and space constraints posed by large number of RF chains. Hence, hybrid precoding architecture, which utilises small size digital precoder followed by large size analog precoder, is employed for such systems. Due to the constant-magnitude hardware constraint on the phase shifter elements of analog precoder, efficient design of hybrid precoders is a challenge. In this paper, a low-complexity non-iterative hybrid precoder/combiner design is proposed for a single-user mmWave massive MIMO system. The analog RF precoder vectors are selected non-iteratively from the set of transmit array response vectors such that they are ‘aligned’ with the optimal precoder of the channel. Then, for the fixed analog precoder, the digital baseband precoder is evaluated using least square solution. Matrix operations like singular value decomposition, correlation and inversion are required only once. A similar approach is adopted for the design of hybrid combiners of the receiver. Simulation results show effectiveness of the proposed method in terms of spectral efficiency maximisation.
Global meta‐analysis reveals incomplete recovery of soil conditions and invertebrate assemblages after ecological restoration in agricultural landscapes

Restoration of old fields in agricultural landscapes has become increasingly important for conservation of species and their habitats owing to habitat destruction and rapid environmental change. Studies examining the outcomes of old field restoration predominantly focus on plant, and sometimes, vertebrate communities. Fewer studies have systematically investigated the effects of restoration efforts on soil properties or ground‐dwelling invertebrates and there is limited synthesis of these data. We conducted a global meta‐analysis of published studies to assess the effects of old field restoration on soil properties and soil invertebrate abundance and richness. We anticipated increased vegetation cover would improve soil properties towards reference condition and in turn, this would promote invertebrate abundance and richness. Studies were included if field sites had a history of cropping or livestock grazing. We identified 42 studies (1994–2019) from 16 countries that met our criteria. More studies assessed passive restoration methods than active planting, and native species were more commonly planted than exotic species. Results showed that restoration improved soil conditions with respect to total nitrogen, magnesium, soil carbon, bulk density and porosity when compared to controls; however, conditions similar to those in reference ecosystems were generally not achieved, even 50+ years after restoration had been initiated. Moderator analyses showed few significant tends, however, bulk density improved with age, and in passively restored versus reference ecosystems. Outcomes for soil carbon and bulk density were most predominant in the top soil when compared to the degraded ecosystem. We detected no consistent trends for the effect of restoration on soil invertebrate richness and abundance compared to the control or reference ecosystems. Synthesis and applications. Our global meta‐analysis found strong evidence that old field restoration in agricultural landscapes had positive effects on soil condition but did not lead to full recovery when compared to a reference ecosystem. We detected few and idiosyncratic effects for invertebrates. Further research is needed to understand effects of restoration on soil invertebrate functional groups and to develop management interventions that accelerate the restoration of soil condition.
AGRICULTURAL WORKERS’ STANDARD OF LIVING DURING CENTRAL CHILE'S AGRARIAN EXPANSION, 1870-1930

ABSTRACT The purpose of this paper is to determine trends in the wages and living standards of male agricultural labourers in Central Chile during the agrarian expansion, c. 1870-1930. We found that nominal wages increased eightfold; this is relevant because wage labour became the main rural labour regime in this period. Nominal wages rose steadily from the early 1870s until 1910, and with significant fluctuations thereafter, before plummeting with the Great Depression. Real wages also increased, but only slightly. Furthermore, during certain short periods, agricultural labourers' real wages were similar to or higher than those of low-skilled urban workers. However, the persistent gap between agricultural and non-agricultural wages was one of the causal factors of the outmigration of rural workers.
Symbolic Meanings of Tepak Sirih in Malay Ethnic Weddings Conducted at Desa Mahato Kecamatan Tambusai Utara Kabupaten Rokan Hulu Provinsi Riau

This study aimed to analyze the symbolic meanings of Tepak Sirih in weddings conducted at Desa Mahato Kecamatan Tambusai Utara Kabupaten Rokan Hulu Provinsi Riau, predominantly by the Malay community. Descriptive qualitative methods were applied in the study. Social phenomena occurring naturally were described, with the aim of helping us to understand the world in which we live. The main theory to support this study is the theory of Semiotics. Data collection was through observation, interviews, questionnaires and documentation with 20 key informants consisting of community leaders, scholars and community members. There are seven forms of symbolic meanings in Tepak Sirih: pinang (areca nut), which symbolizes good offspring of good character, honesty and a high degree; kapur (lime), which symbolizes kindness and sincerity, but when in a predicament one will turn aggressive and angry; gambir (gambier), which symbolizes determination; tembakau (tobacco), which symbolizes a steadfast heart and a readiness to sacrifice for all things; cengkih (cloves), which symbolizes the ability to maintain a reputation; sirih (betel Leaves), which symbolizes patience, brotherhood and unity; and kacip (scoop used primarily for gouging areca nut), which symbolizes a mutual agreement in making good decisions. The seven forms of Tepak Sirih are compulsory in the wedding with the main objective being to achieve a happy, harmonious and peaceful life for the bride and bridegroom and their offspring, which is in line with the general concept of marriage. Keywords: honesty, kindness, self-determination, steadfast, reputation, patience
Effect of charge redistribution on the binding of DNA nucleotide to carbon nanotube in molecular dynamics

Abstract All-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are performed to study the binding of DNA nucleotides with two carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with similar diameters but different chiralities. Two schemes for assigning partial atomic charges (PACs) are adopted: (I) using PACs obtained from isolated DNA nucleotide and CNT optimised in vacuum, and (II) using PACs obtained from optimising nucleotide-CNT hybrid in solution. The former approach is what most MD simulations have used in the study of DNA-CNT hybrids, while in the latter approach, a redistribution of the PACs has occurred upon the hybridisation. Our results show that the charge redistribution has a profound effect on the dynamics of binding. In particular, PACs obtained from (II) lead to more stable binding structures in the MD simulations. The findings suggest that care should be taken in simulating DNA-CNT interactions using the classical force field approach.
How Demographic Faultlines and Impression Management Behaviors Influence Group Affective Tone

Drawing on the social categorization perspective, we theorized that team demographic faultlines increase negative group affective tone (NGAT) through reduced group identification, while team member positive impression management behaviors enhance positive group affective tone (PGAT) via enhanced group identification. Data were collected from 523 members of 101 newly formed student teams. Consistent with our hypotheses, team demographic faultlines were positively predicted NGAT via reduced group identification, while team self-promotion and ingratiation behaviors were positively associated with PGAT through group identification. Importantly, team self-promotion and ingratiation behaviors also mitigated the social categorization processes triggered by team demographic faultlines.
Generating Airborne Ultrasonic Amplitude Patterns Using an Open Hardware Phased Array

Holographic methods from optics can be adapted to acoustics for enabling novel applications in particle manipulation or patterning by generating dynamic custom-tailored acoustic fields. Here, we present three contributions towards making the field of acoustic holography more widespread. Firstly, we introduce an iterative algorithm that accurately calculates the amplitudes and phases of an array of ultrasound emitters in order to create a target amplitude field in mid-air. Secondly, we use the algorithm to analyse the impact of spatial, amplitude and phase emission resolution on the resulting acoustic field, thus providing engineering insights towards array design. For example, we show an onset of diminishing returns for smaller than a quarter-wavelength sized emitters and a phase and amplitude resolution of eight and four divisions per period, respectively. Lastly, we present a hardware platform for the generation of acoustic holograms. The array is integrated in a single board composed of 256 emitters operating at 40 kHz. We hope that the results and procedures described within this paper enable researchers to build their own ultrasonic arrays and explore novel applications of ultrasonic holograms.
Study on dynamic characteristics of bio-inspired vibration isolation platform

Inspired by the body movement of the kangaroo, a multi-degree-of-freedom vibration isolation platform containing three units, that is, a protected object, a nonlinear energy sink, and an X-shaped structure, has been modeled, and the differential equations of the system have been given in the form of uniform relative coordinates. Furthermore, the displacement transmissibility analysis and numerical calculation are supported by the method of harmonic balance and Runge–Kutta algorithm, which shows that (a) there are nonlinear behaviors and resonant phenomenon in the time–frequency response and (b) quasi-periodic motion may be a predictor of periodic steady-state response or strong resonance, and the displacement evolution before quasi-periodic motion may be used to distinguish the two phenomena. In addition, based on the numerical method, the system energy changes in a selected frequency are discussed. Finally, the correctness of the theoretical analysis is verified by simulation data in Adams. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the dynamic characteristics are adjustable and designable of structural parameters in a specific frequency band and can provide a useful way to reduce the amplitude of resonant peaks and improve the vibration isolation performance for practical engineering applications.
Effect of high concentration of colloidal gold nanoparticles on the thermodynamic, optical, and electrical properties of 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11-hexabutyloxytryphenylene discotic liquid crystalline material

ABSTRACT In this work, colloidal gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have been dispersed in a plastic columnar discotic liquid crystal (DLC), namely 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexabutyloxytryphenylene (HAT4). Thermodynamic, dielectric, and optical properties of nanocomposites verify the incorporation of the nanoparticles (NPs) into columnar matrix. Due to addition of GNPs in the triphenylene-based DLC (HAT4), columnar hexagonal to isotropic liquid phase, transition temperature appreciably decreases; however, the crystal to columnar hexagonal phase transition temperature does not change drastically. Interestingly, the ionic conductivity of nanocomposite shows an increment by two orders of magnitude due to doping of GNPs. Dielectric permittivity measured parallel to the column axis in the homeotropic aligned sample has improved. Optical study suggests that band gap has decreased due to dispersion of GNPs.
Application of a hybrid neural network structure for FWD backcalculation based on LTPP database

ABSTRACT The road layer modulus backcalculation based on the road deflection basin obtained by the Falling Weight Deflectometer is a key issue in road engineering. Traditional Falling Weight Deflectometer backcalculation method based on Artificial Neural Network has the disadvantages of poor generalisation ability and low convergence accuracy in terms of the dynamic modulus. In this paper, a hybrid neural network structure, combined with Residual Neural Network, Recurrent Neural Network and Wide & Deep (Abbreviated as ResRNN–W&D) structure, was proposed for Falling Weight Deflectometer deflection basin backcalculation. A case study using the United States Long-Term Pavement Performance database verified that the ResRNN–W&D structure can train Falling Weight Deflectometer data on multiple roads together and achieve fast and high-precision convergence, thereby greatly improving the availability of the multi-source heterogeneous data. Moreover, two transfer learning methods for the ResRNN–W&D structure were proposed to improve the divergence issue. It was found that the ResRNN–W&D structure has stronger generalisation ability than traditional Artificial Neural Network.
To Affinity & Beyond: Exploring Sequence Selectivity of Small Molecules for the DNA Minor Groove

A common approach to treating many illnesses is through targeting a specific protein. Gene-related illnesses, however, are particularly difficult to treat and targeting the gene with small molecules for drug development is an alternative approach. This is an attractive area because it provides new and potential methods for regulating the expression of diseased-genes. Dicationic diamidines are a class of small molecules which bind in the DNA minor groove where most gene control proteins, such as transcription factors, do not interact. These small molecules can modulate various processes through allosteric interactions and provide therapeutic potential. Typically, these compounds have an inherent selectivity towards sites rich in A∙T base pairs (bps). Many synthetic efforts are used to design diamidines specific to target mixed-site sequences (G∙C-containing) but these efforts remain challenging. To overcome this obstacle, our recognition repertoire must be extended to include G∙C bps and distinguishability among A∙T bp sites. Many biophysical methods can be used to investigate small molecule-DNA interactions and the development of competition mass spectrometry, in particular, has helped do this. Competition electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) is a powerful, novel screening technique used to identify biomolecular interactions. This method identifies important information such as stoichiometry, relative binding affinity, and cooperativity and can be used for a number of analyses. It is particularly useful when applied as a competition assay to quickly and accurately pinpoint the preferred target site of a compound among many DNA sequences. Our competition ESI-MS methodology has been used to investigate the sequence specific interaction of diamidines with DNA and discover binding sites for synthetic compounds. Combining ESI-MS with other biophysical techniques has successfully identified patterns of recognition and the selectivity of DNA minor groove binding compounds. With this information, we have developed a detailed understanding of the variations in sequences and their effects on compound recognition. This will ultimately lead to more sequence specific, rationally designed compounds with fewer off-target effects. INDEX WORDS: DNA, Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), Microstructure, Minor groove binder, Minor groove recognition, Molecular dynamics (MD), Sequence specificity, Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) TO AFFINITY & BEYOND: EXPLORING SEQUENCE SELECTIVITY OF SMALL MOLECULES FOR THE DNA MINOR GROOVE
Design of p-T-x diagrams for gallium chalcogenides with the use of an ancillary component

A new null-gage method has been developed to study p-T-x diagrams of binary systems with low-fugacity compounds. This method consists of measuring the equilibrium vapor pressure, created by the selective interaction of a third (ancillary) component with one of the components of a test sample, as a function of temperature. Iodine and chlorine (in the form of GaHal 3 ) were used to study Ga-Se and Ga-S phase diagrams. At temperatures up to about ∼1080 K, the GaSe homogeneity range is 0.12 ′ 0.04 mol % and is displaced to gallium. Gallium monosulfide has a narrower homogeneity range comparable to the error in composition determination (0.04 mol %). The K e values have been calculated as a function of temperature for heterogeneous equilibria of condensed gallium chalcogenides and gallium halides, as well as the partial gallium vapor pressure of solid gallium selenides and gallium sulfides. For the equilibrium of GaSe, Ga 2 Se 3 , and vapor, the gallium partial pressure has been shown to be independent of an ancillary component. The results have been used to calculate the thermodynamic parameters for gallium chalcogenides.
New discoveries in Eastern Mediterranean mesophotic sponge grounds: updated checklist and description of three novel sponge species

Rich and diverse mesophotic sponge grounds were recently discovered along the easternmost part of the Mediterranean Sea (Israeli coast). Seven sites have been surveyed over the last decade (2009-2019) and the sponge specimens discovered and collected in these expeditions have increased the known sponge richness of the Israeli fauna by ~34%. Here we provide an updated checklist along with the distribution of the various species in seven mesophotic sponge grounds along the coast. Nine mesophotic species have been added, seven of which are new to the Israeli coast. Moreover, we describe three novel species: Hemiasterella verae sp. nov., Axinella venusta sp. nov., and Plakortis mesophotica sp. nov. H. verae sp. nov. differs from other congeneric species in both shape and color; in addition, it has thinner megascleres with more abundant oxeas and microscleres containing both oxyasters and strongylasters. A. venusta sp. nov. is a rather stiff and smooth axinellid with only a few short protruding spicules, and differs from other congeneric species mainly in shape and color. P. mesophotica sp. nov. is characterized by many folds and grooves, and molecular analysis revealed only a 96% similarity with Plakorits simplex.The discovery of these novel species highlights the importance of studying ecosystems that are not readily accessible. Further research of these mesophotic sponge grounds is needed in order to establish the community baseline data and support conservation attempts for these unique habitats.
Reaching for the stars and settling for the moon: recent trends in overeducation of US workers 2002-2016

ABSTRACT In this study we investigate the educational attainment of the labour force in the United States. Our data analysis, based on Bureau of Labour Statistics data in more than 700 occupations, produced two important findings. First, we observed that the Overeducation Ratio (share of employees that are overeducated), which began to rise in the United States as early as 1970, continued its positive trend in many occupations during 2002–2016. Second, our regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between the overeducation ratio and the median earnings of an occupation. Since a larger overeducation ratio implies that a larger share of adequately educated individuals are crowded out, this result suggests that the displacement of adequately educated individuals is more severe in better paying occupations. Third, we analysed the overflow of graduate degree holders into occupations that require a bachelor’s degree. We observe that graduate degree holders are crowding out the bachelor’s degree holders from better paying bachelor’s occupations. The bachelor’s degree holders, in turn, are crowding out high school graduates from better paying high school jobs.