Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of mechanism, properties and existing problems of liquid setting accelerators

Abstract Setting accelerators play a vital role in the shotcreting of tunnel engineering because of their significant effect on the quality of shotcreting construction. Currently, several serious issues caused by improper use of setting accelerators are encountered in shotcreting, e.g. the loss of durability and strength of shotcrete, the corrosion damage to the environment and workers. Therefore, to overcome these problems induced by the use of setting accelerators, this paper develops a detailed description of the liquid setting accelerators, including the development history, classification, action mechanism, performance as well as its evaluation methods, and the current problems related to liquid setting accelerators in shotcreting. Specifically, this literature review aims to provide a comprehensive review of the action mechanism of each functional component in the liquid setting accelerators, the affect factors of the coagulation and strength properties of liquid setting accelerators, and the problems encountered when using liquid setting accelerators in practical engineering. To sum up, this review paper can provide new insights into the development of setting accelerators used in shotcreting and have constructive implications for the researchers involved.
SOCS6 Promotes Mitochondrial Fission and Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis and Is Negatively Regulated by Quaking-Mediated miR-19b

Background Mitochondrial dysfunction and abnormal mitochondrial fission have been implicated in the complications associated with I/R injury as cardiomyocytes are abundant in mitochondria. SOCS6 is known to participate in mitochondrial fragmentation, but its exact involvement and the pathways associated are uncertain. Methods and Results The expression of SOCS6 was analyzed by western blot in cardiomyocytes under a hypoxia and reoxygenation (H/R) model. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the direct interaction between miR-19b and the 3′-UTR of Socs6. In the present study, we found that Socs6 inhibition by RNA interference attenuated H/R-induced mitochondrial fission and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. A luciferase assay indicated that Socs6 is a direct target of miR-19b. The overexpression of miR-19b decreased mitochondrial fission and apoptosis in vitro. Moreover, the presence of miR-19b reduced the level of SOCS6 and the injury caused by I/R in vivo. There were less apoptotic cells in the myocardium of mice injected with miR-19b. In addition, we found that the RNA-binding protein, Quaking (QK), participates in the regulation of miR-19b expression. Conclusions Our results indicate that the inhibition of mitochondrial fission through downregulating Socs6 via the QK/miR-19b/Socs6 pathway attenuated the damage sustained by I/R. The QK/miR-19b/Socs6 axis plays a vital role in regulation of mitochondrial fission and cardiomyocyte apoptosis and could form the basis of future research in the development of therapies for the management of cardiac diseases.
Stacking-Based Ensemble Learning Method for Multi-Spectral Image Classification

Higher dimensionality, Hughes phenomenon, spatial resolution of image data, and presence of mixed pixels are the main challenges in a multi-spectral image classification process. Most of the classical machine learning algorithms suffer from scoring optimal classification performance over multi-spectral image data. In this study, we propose stack-based ensemble-based learning approach to optimize image classification performance. In addition, we integrate the proposed ensemble learning with XGBoost method to further improve its classification accuracy. To conduct the experiment, the Landsat image data has been acquired from Bishoftu town located in the Oromia region of Ethiopia. The current study’s main objective was to assess the performance of land cover and land use analysis using multi-spectral image data. Results from our experiment indicate that, the proposed ensemble learning method outperforms any strong base classifiers with 99.96% classification performance accuracy.
Optimization and experimental study on structural parameters of bio-inspired tarsus compliant end-effector to reduce the risk of fruit sliding out from end-effector for cherry tomato harvesting

High success rate of fruit picking is part of key technologies for robotic cherry tomato harvesting, which is closely related to the structure of end-effector. In order to prevent the fruit slipping from the end-effector for a high success rate of fruit picking during picking process, this paper presents a compliant end-effector with bio-inspired tarsus compliant gripper inspired by the structure and mechanics of the tarsal chain in the Serica orientalis Motschulsky. An experimental study to confirm the effect of the key structural parameters of the compliant end-effector on the angle (ESGA) formed by the extended segment tarsomere of two bio-inspired tarsus compliant grippers. Experiments were designed according to response surface methodology—box Behnken design by maintaining three levels of four process parameters—length of the offset segment tarsomere (OSL), angle of the inclined segment tarsomere (ISA), thickness of the extended segment tarsomere (EST), and length of the extended segment tarsomere (ESL). Results showed that ISA is the most important parameter, and ESL has little effect on ESGA, and ESGA was found within the range of 4.2°–17.5°. Results also revealed that the desired ESGA (12°) was obtained by the optimum conditions of OSL of 2.4 mm, ISA of 18°, EST of 4.9 mm, and ESL of 18 mm. Besides, the key structural parameters of the bio-inspired tarsus compliant end-effector are optimized by the expectation function. The reliability and feasibility of the constructed model are verified by validation experiments.
The Impact of Perceived Corporate Social Responsibility on Purchase Intention: Mediating Role of Brand Attitude and Moderating Role of Generation X & Y

This study, based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Generation Cohort Theory, attempts to examine the degree of relationship between Perceived corporate social responsibility and Purchase intention, the mediating role of Brand attitude, and the moderating effect of Generation X and Y on the relationship between Perceived corporate social responsibility and Purchase intention. The study was carried out on quantitative techniques and followed the deductive approach. The data was collected through a structured questionnaire. Stratified Random Sampling was used to gather data, and the final sample consisted of 392 individual consumers. The data was analyzed using the SPSS and Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) approaches using Smart PLS 3.0. It was found that Perceived corporate social responsibility related significantly to Purchase intention. Moreover, the relationships between Perceived corporate social responsibility and Brand attitude and Brand Attitude and Purchase Intention were significant. Therefore, Brand attitude was found to be a partial mediator and Generation X and Y to be significant moderators of the aforementioned relationship. There were a few limitations in this study which can be examined by future research. One limitation is that the findings of the research was based on one province consisting three districts. Another limitation of this study is that the qualitative and quantitative approaches of this study could have been integrated to yield the mixed method approach through which the findings could have been further clarified, thus enhancing the parameters of the findings. This is the first study empirically investigate of perceived corporate social responsibility on purchase intention: mediating role of brand attitude and moderating role of generation x & y in the Asian context. And also, important for Marketers in Sri Lanka in deciding their marketing strategies catering to different CSR implementation and purchasing patterns in between the genders.
Experimental analysis of the effect of dynamic induction control on a wind turbine wake

Abstract. Dynamic induction control (DIC) has proven to be an effective method of increasing the power output for a wind farm in both simulation studies and wind tunnel experiments. By pitching the blades of a wind turbine periodically, the recovery of the low velocity wake is accelerated, thereby increasing the energy available to downstream turbines. The wake itself of a turbine operating with DIC has not yet been studied experimentally. This paper presents a wind tunnel experiment where the wake of a wind turbine under periodic excitation is investigated. Using three-dimensional particle image velocimetry, the velocity field behind the turbine was reconstructed. Analysis of the velocity fields indicated that the available power in the wake increases when using DIC. This increase was partially due to a lower average thrust force experienced by the turbine with DIC. However, a large difference was seen between measurement results and actuator disk theory, indicating enhanced recovery of the wake is contributing to the increased energy. Instantaneous measurements visualizing the development of blade tip vortices also showed how the location of vortex breakdown, which is directly related to re-energizing the wake, shifts over time with DIC. We believe this shifting location is contributing to the enhanced wake recovery of DIC, providing more energy to downstream wind turbines.
Vegetation Structure and Regeneration Status of the Western Escarpment of the Rift Valley of the Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Vegetation structure and regeneration status of the western escarpment of the rift valley of the Gamo zone, southern Ethiopia T. Dingamo, S. Takele, Z. Woldu, S. Demissew Biodiversity Conservation and Research Center, College of Natural Science, Arba Minch University, Ethiopia, P.O. Box 21, Ethiopia Department of Biology, College of Natural Science, Arba Minch University, Ethiopia, P.O. Box 21, Ethiopia Department of Plant Biology and Biodiversity Management, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia *Corresponding author E-mail: temesgendingamo@yahoo.com, temesgendingamo876@gmail.com Received: 02.11. 2021. Accepted: 20.12. 2021.
Sociodemographic and Health Predictors of Concern about COVID-19 Infection in Cuban Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction: Concern about becoming infected is a particularly relevant psychological aspect in the context of a pandemic, as it is associated with social reactions and behavioral changes. Objectives: The present study sought to determine some sociodemographic and health factors associated with concern about COVID-19 infection in Cuban patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: 203 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, who attended nine primary care areas of four Cuban provinces belonging to different regions of the country (65.52% female, mean age 57.5, SD=19.2), selected through non-probabilistic sampling, participated in the study. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the COVID-19 contagion concern scale (PRE-COVID-19) and an evaluation of blood glucose level were applied. Bivariate associations were examined with a series of analyses of variance (ANOVA). Adjusted (multiple) regression with all predictors running simultaneously was also used. Results: Bivariate analyses showed that age, sex, education, occupation, having comorbidities, and having a family member or friend who had COVID-19 were significantly related to COVID-19 contagion concern. However, when all variables were included simultaneously, only age, technical education, having comorbidities, and having a friend or family member who had COVID-19 remained significant predictors of concern about COVID-19 infection. Conclusions: Male patients, with a technical level of education, with comorbidities and those who had infected family members or friends presented greater concern for the contagion of COVID-19. The public health policies should develop strategies to assess the mental health of people belonging to vulnerable groups and provide interventions to promote mental health in those who show concern about infection.
The Sustainability Pyramid: A Hierarchical Approach to Greater Sustainability and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals With Implications for Marketing Theory, Practice, and Public Policy

Although research has explored ways to encourage sustainable consumption, many problems of unsustainable consumption remain, suggesting a need to reconsider current approaches to managing sustainability issues. This paper introduces the sustainability pyramid, which suggests that the goal of sustainable consumption and production—that is, UN SDG12—can be accomplished to a larger extent when a hierarchical approach is adopted to promote sustainability. The pyramid proposes that marketing efforts should prioritize the triple bottom line in the order of economic (prosperity), social (people), and environmental (planet) sustainability. This priority is targeted at persuading desired behavioral change among mainstream consumers, who are “the elephant in the room” for sustainability and are more likely to act on considerations that resonate with them more closely rather than distantly. The pyramid contends that marketing messages that prioritize environmental and social before economic considerations are unappealing to consumers at large. Instead, most consumers, in reality, must be convinced about the economic value of consuming sustainably before they can be expected to demand more socially and environmentally benign offerings. Such demand should create economies of scale and incentivize firms to offer such products. Implications for marketing theory, practice, and public policy conclude the paper.
How withdrawing arable land affected the productive capacity of Haplic Kastanozems after 19 years of fallowing in dry steppes of the Ural piedmont

The fertile arable lands in the dry steppe zone of the Ural piedmont, which were intensively used for cereal production for 30 years of the last century, have been withdrawn from cultivation and abandoned for the last 20 years. The Republic of Kazakhstan's new strategy to restore the productivity of natural pasture presents a challenge to scientists when it comes to restoring the natural soil properties to the natural pastoral conditions of the dark chestnut soils studied (Haplic Kastanozems). This chapter presents the results of a project devoted to investigating the changes in the soil's physical and chemical morphology due to the past cultivation history of Haplic Kastanozem soils that have been in a fallow state for the last 19 years. Some changes in the soils' morphological characteristics were caused by the changes in the soils' physical properties due to their past long-term cultivation. The changes observed in the soils' agrochemical characteristics were due to the changes in the soils' physical properties and to the past fertilization history. A minor increase in soil salinity was observed due to the greater accumulation of soluble salts in the arable layer of fallow soil compared to its virgin Haplic Kastanozem analogue. The changes and transitions in the vegetation composition need to be investigated further, and techniques should be developed for the accelerated restoration of fallow soils in dry-steppes of Western Kazakhstan.
Teaching for conceptual change on Newton’s First Law

Teaching for conceptual change used to overcome misconceptions is a teaching that explicitly intended to facilitate students to have experience conceptual change learning. The Prerequisites for this learning are dissatisfaction, intelligibility, plausibility, and fruitfulness. It was implemented a teaching approach for this purpose on Newton’s First Law by a quasi experimental research method with pre-test and post-test control group design. The sample was selected based on convenience sampling. The instrument used was the Force Concept Inventory translated to Indonesian (Ind-FCI) for the domain of Newton’s First Law. The independent sample U-test by α = 0.05 was used to test the hypothesis. The effectiveness of shifting of students’ conceptual understandings toward the true concepts was determined by the N-gain value. The result was the mean N-gain of the experimental and control group were 49.15% and -3.85% respectively. There was a significant difference of increase in students’ conceptual understanding between those who were taught using the conceptual change approach and conventional one. Therefore, the teaching for conceptual change can be used to help students to reduce their misconceptions.
How do additional instructions change the answer? Study of pre-service physics teachers’ misconception about buoyancy

The misconceptions experienced by pre-service physics teachers are essential to know; However, these are not easy to identify, let alone to remediate. This study aims to find out how additional instruction changes pre-service physics teachers’ responses and whether or not it affects the misconceptions of pre-service physics teachers. Respondents were tested using the online Four-Tier Buoyancy Instrument (FTBI) twice, namely at Time 1 and 2. Preservice physics teachers were given additional instructions between the two measurements by reminding them of the principle of balance on a stationary object or an object moving in a straight line with constant velocity. Quantitative data from the two areas of the instrument are then analyzed and compared to determine the differences in respondents’ answers. In-depth interviews were conducted with respondents who had different answers to the instruments. The results showed that a small proportion of respondents had changed their answers to be the correct answers on several FTBI items. The interview results showed that it seems there was a tendency to change the respondents’ cognitive structure from locally coherent to global coherent. However, this change does not necessarily reduce pre-service physics teachers’ misconceptions about buoyancy significantly.
Investigating the effectiveness of adjuvant therapy for patients with hormone receptor-positive ductal carcinoma in situ

Background This study compared the recurrence risk of single versus dual adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) and hormonal therapy (HT) following breast-conserving surgery (BCS) in patients with hormone receptor-positive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Methods This retrospective cohort study used the Taiwan Cancer Registry database linking to the Taiwan National Health Insurance data from 2011 to 2016. We compared the recurrence risk between BCS-based regimens in Cox regressions and presented as adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI). Results The 1,836 study cohort with a low-to-intermediate risk of recurrence was grouped into BCS alone (6.1%), BCS+RT (6.2%), BCS+HT (23.4%) and BCS+HT+RT (64.3%) according to the initial treatments. During the follow-up (median: 3.3 years), the highest 5-year recurrence-free survival rate was in BCS+RT (94.1%) group and followed by BCS+HT+RT (92.8%), BCS+HT (87.4%) and BCS alone (84.9%). Of the single adjuvant therapies, RT was more effective than HT. Both BCS+HT (HR: 1.52, 95%CI: 0.99–2.35) and BCS+RT (HR: 1.10, 95%CI: 0.50–2.41) did not significantly increase recurrence risk comparing against the BCS+HT+RT group. Conclusion Single adjuvant demonstrated a similar subsequent recurrence risk with dual adjuvant. This study supports the proposition to de-escalate adjuvant treatments in patients with low-to-intermediate risk of DCIS recurrence.
Genetic diversity estimates for the Caenorhabditis Intervention Testing Program screening panel

The Caenorhabditis Intervention Testing Program (CITP) was founded on the principle that compounds with positive effects across a genetically diverse test-set should have an increased probability of engaging conserved biochemical pathways with mammalian translational potential. To fulfill its mandate, the CITP uses a genetic diversity panel of Caenorhabditis strains for assaying longevity effects of candidate compounds. The panel comprises 22 strains from three different species, collected globally, to achieve inter-population genetic diversity. The three represented species, C. elegans, C. briggsae, and C. tropicalis, are all sequential hermaphrodites, which simplifies experimental procedures while maximizing intra-population homogeneity. Here, we present estimates of the genetic diversity encapsulated by the constituent strains in the panel based on their most recently published and publicly available whole-genome sequences, as well as two newly generated genomic data sets. We observed average genome-wide nucleotide diversity (π) within the C. elegans (1.2e-3), C. briggsae (7.5e-3), and C. tropicalis strains (2.6e-3) greater than estimates for human populations, and comparable to that found in mouse populations. Our analysis supports the assumption that the CITP screening panel encompasses broad genetic diversity, suggesting that lifespan-extending chemicals with efficacy across the panel should be enriched for interventions that function on conserved processes that are shared across genetic backgrounds. While the diversity panel was established by the CITP for studying longevity interventions, the panel may prove useful for the broader research community when seeking broadly efficacious interventions for any phenotype with potential genetic background effects.
Impact of a virtual learning environment on the conscious prescription of antibiotics among Colombian dentists

Appropriate antibiotic prescription contributes to reducing bacterial resistance; therefore, it is critical to provide training regarding this challenge. The objective of this study was to develop a virtual learning environment for antibiotic prescription and to determine its impact on dentists’ awareness, attitudes, and intention to practice. First, the learning content on multimedia resources was developed and distributed into three challenges that participants had to overcome. Then, a quasi-experimental study was performed in which the virtual learning environment was implemented on dentists from seven Colombian cities. The median of correct answers and the levels of awareness, attitudes, and intention to practice were compared before, immediately after, and 6-months post-intervention. Wilcoxon signed-rank and McNemar’s tests were used to determine the differences. A total of 206 participants who finished the virtual learning environment activities exhibited a favorable and statistically significant impact on the median of correct answers of awareness (p < 0.001), attitudes (p < 0.001), and intention to practice (p = 0.042). A significant increase occurred in the number of participants with a high level of awareness (p < 0.001) and a non-significant increase in participants with high levels of attitudes (p = 0.230) and intention to practice (p = 0.286). At 6 months, the positive effect on the median of correct answers on awareness and intention to practice persisted (p < 0.001); however, this was not evident for attitudes (p = 0.105). Moreover, there was a significant decrease in the number of participants who showed low levels of awareness (p = 0.019) and a slight increase in those with high levels of the same component (p = 0.161). The use of a virtual learning environment designed for dentists contributed to a rapid improvement in awareness and intention to practice antibiotic prescription; however, their attitudes and information retention need reinforcement.