Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Influencing Factors on the Acceptance of Digital Payment Among Universiti Malaysia Kelantan Students

The purpose of this study was aims to investigate the relationships between each of the elements in the Technology Acceptance Model TAM2 which are the influence of users' Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, and Subjective Norm on the acceptance of digital payment among Universiti Malaysia Kelantan students. A set of questionnaires were distributed to students from Universiti Malaysia Kelantan. Both dimensions have strongest relationship with digital payment acceptance in this university. This study extends the boundary of knowledge by investigating Universiti Malaysia Kelantan students which is not widely covered towards fee collection among Malaysian students. This allows practical implications from the point of view of the methods to be suggested in order to increasethe use of digital payment. It includes specifics on how the study will contribute, such as what and who will gain from the study especially for managerial contribution, society's perception, researchers and practitioners.
High resolution FTIR and diode laser spectroscopy of trifluoromethylacetylene and tetrafluoromethane in a supersonic jet expansion

We report high resolution infrared spectra in the CF stretching fundamental ranges of trifluoromethylacetylene (CF C≡C-H, 3,3,3-trifluoropropyne) and of tetrafluoromethane (CF , R14, PCF-14, Halocarbon14). For the experiments a diode laser setup combined with a supersonic jet expansion is described, achieving approximate rotational temperatures between 5 and 10 K for CF , using a pulsed slit nozzle providing effective optical path lengths of 3 to 4 cm in a single pass. Slightly higher rotational temperatures (near 30 K) for CF CCH greatly simplify the rotational-vibrational structure of the spectra for this molecule, for which we report also high resolution Fourier transform (FTIR) spectra at room temperature with nearly Doppler limited resolution (instrumental bandwidth 0.001 cm ) using the Zürich prototype spectrometer ZP 2001 (Bruker IFS125). The analysis of the CF -symmetric stretching (A ) fundamental provides accurate spectroscopic parameters of the ground and excited vibrational states with a band centre = (1253.4985 ± 0.0015) cm from a least squares adjustment to more than 1100 line data with a root mean square deviation less than 0.0003 cm . The low temperature spectra of the degenerate (F ) fundamental of CF show a very simple structure of line clusters which can be analysed with an approximate term formula. The spectra are essentially instrument limited with a smallest effective line width near 0.002 cm . The assignment of the P(1) line at 1283.33693 cm in the supersonic jet spectra (about 10 K) provides a band centre in terms of the vibrational energy of the ( = 1, J = 0, F ( F )) level at (1283.7193 ± 0.002) cm . Also the assignment of the isolated R(0) line at 1283.48420 cm provides the energy of the well defined ( = 1, J' = 1, A ( A )) level. The results are discussed in relation to the data from the HITRAN tables, earlier FTIR data, and new frequency comb based data for CF . We also discuss possible studies of nuclear spin symmetry conservation in CF , for which lower temperatures would be required, and a concept to study parity violation in CF by a level crossing experiment using molecular beam spectroscopy. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Validations of CROPWAT Based Irrigation Practice for Tomato Productivity in Lowland Hot Humid Area of Ethiopia

The efficient management of applied water volume and wise water application is accomplished by irrigation scheduling. Microclimate is the most important factor affecting the irrigation schedule, which determines when and how much irrigation water will be used. The objective of this experiment was to validate the experimental effects of CROPWAT irrigation practice compared to farmer’s practice on crop and water productivity of tomato. The CROPWAT Penman–Monteith method was used to calculate crop water requirement and irrigation scheduling of tomato as compared to farmers irrigation practice. The total water applied were 1087.5mm and 1275.5mm for 2020 and 895.3mm and 1242.6mm for 2021 respectively for CROPWAT and farmers’ practice. The obtained validated result revealed that farmers' irrigation practices for marketable tomato fruit were 25.8% lower when based on CROPWAT irrigation practice, while those for unmarketable tomato fruit were 46.18% lower. In contrast to farmers' irrigation practices, the CROPWAT irrigation system can reduce loss by 46.1 percent for the production of tomato fruit. Similarly for tomato water productivity, CROPWAT-based irrigation systems received an incremental 37.5 percent advantage over farmers' practices. As a result, this study came to the conclusion that CROPWAT-based irrigation practices are crucial for field crop irrigation scheduling and crop water requirements. The study will contribute to bettering tomato fruit productivity and water resource management. This study might serve as a guide for making choices regarding upcoming planning.
Aqueous Extraction, Purification and Characterization of Galactomannans from Aren Sugar Palm (Arenga pinnata) Fruits

The effect of different aqueous extraction conditions on the crude gum extraction yield of Aren sugar palm ( Arenga pinnata ) fruit was evaluated. A water-soluble polysaccharide was extracted from the endosperm of A. pinnata fruit with water at different extraction conditions. The results indicated that water to seed ratio, alkaline pH and temperature were significantly ( p <0.05) effect the extraction yield of the crude gum. The ideal extraction conditions (W/S ratio: 20:1, pH: 10 and temperature: 80˚C) led to the highest yield (5.50%) of the A. pinnata fruit gum. The purified gum was characterized as white, thread-like precipitate and become a powder-like substance after being freeze dried. It had relatively low protein content (1.15%) and partially solubilised at ambient (50.93%) and at elevated temperature (71.00%). The gum had a high water holding capacity but lower oil-holding capacity which was 150.00 g water/100 g and 103.33 g oil/100 g of gum respectively. The viscosity of the purified gums increased with the increase of solution concentration. This revealed that A. pinnata gum is suitable for applications as stabilizer for oil-in-water emulsion or as food additives due to its capability to hold water molecules and form a viscous solution at low concentration.
Characterization of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Initiating Single-Inhaler Long-Acting Muscarinic Antagonist/Long-Acting β2-Agonist Dual Therapy in a Primary Care Setting in England

Purpose Treatment pathways of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) receiving single-inhaler dual therapies remain unclear. We aimed to describe characteristics, prescribed treatments, healthcare resource use (HCRU) and costs of patients with COPD who initiated single-inhaler long-acting muscarinic antagonist/long-acting β2-agonist (LAMA/LABA) dual therapy in primary care in England. Patients and Methods Retrospective study using linked data from Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum and Hospital Episode Statistics datasets. Patients with COPD with ≥1 single-inhaler LAMA/LABA prescription between June 2015 and December 2018 (index) were included. Demographic and clinical characteristics, prescribed treatments, HCRU and costs were evaluated in the 12 months pre-index. Data are presented for patients not receiving concomitant inhaled corticosteroids at index (non-triple users). Results Of 10,991 patients initiating LAMA/LABA, 9888 were non-triple users, of whom 21.3% (n=2109) received aclidinium bromide/formoterol, 18.1% (n=1785) received indacaterol/glycopyrronium, 12.0% (n=1189) received tiotropium bromide/olodaterol and 48.6% (n=4805) received umeclidinium/vilanterol. Demographic and clinical characteristics were similar across indexed therapies. LAMA monotherapy was the most frequently prescribed respiratory therapy at 12 (18.4–25.8% of patients) and 3 months (23.9–33.7% of patients) pre-index across indexed therapies; 42.5–59.0% of patients were prescribed no respiratory therapy at these time points. COPD-related HCRU during the 12 months pre-index was similar across indexed therapies (general practitioner consultations: 62.0–68.6% patients; inpatient stays: 19.3–26.1% patients). Pre-index COPD-related costs were similar across indexed therapies, with inpatient stays representing the highest contribution. Mean total direct annual COPD-related costs ranged from £805–£1187. Conclusion Characteristics of patients newly initiating single-inhaler LAMA/LABA dual therapy were highly consistent across indexed therapies. As half of non-triple users were not receiving respiratory therapy one year prior to LAMA/LABA initiation, there may be an opportunity for early optimization of treatment to relieve clinical burden versus current prescribing patterns in primary care in England.
Can attending farmers’ markets lead to unplanned deviant visitor behavior?

Farmers’ markets can enhance local food tourism experiences, as well as benefit regions and businesses that operate within these markets. With the impact of COVID-19 reducing international travel, domestic and local tourism is predicted to increase due to a desire to support local economies. While it has been established that visitors who shop at farmers’ markets do so for pro-social reasons, the current study examines the unintended consequences of these pro-social behaviors. We apply ‘moral licensing’ and regulatory focus theory to explain how a person’s pro-social behavior gives a temporary boost to their positive self-image which subsequently gives them a ‘licence’ to act in a deviant manner. We examine the effect of licensing and consider individual differences in promotion focus to test whether some visitors are more prone to deviant behavior than others. This research assists in identifying the unintended outcomes for the local food tourism sector through licensing and provides suggestions on how to diminish this behavior.
Performance Comparison of Different Modulation Formats for a 40 Gbps Hybrid Optical CDMA/DWDM System against ISI and FWM

This paper carries out a numerical simulation investigating three different modulation formats: carrier suppressed return to zero (CSRZ), modified duobinary return to zero (MDRZ) and return to zero (RZ). The purpose of this investigation is to find the optimum modulation format for the hybrid optical code division multiple accesses–dense wavelength division multiplexing (optical CDMA/DWDM) system with the implementation of an electro-optic phase modulator (EOPM) at a data rate of 40 Gbps per channel, with a transmitted power of 22 dBm and transmission distance of 105.075 km. The results revealed that CSRZ was superior to MDRZ and RZ and was more tolerant to optical fiber nonlinearity. Furthermore, unlike the DWDM systems, the performance of the proposed hybrid system based RZ format was better than the performance of MDRZ. Hence, the CSRZ modulation format is the best candidate for the optical CDMA/DWDM with EOPM module due to its high performance.
An analysis of protective and risk factors associated with no formal contact with the criminal justice system in a nationally representative sample of males and females

ABSTRACT Criminological research is largely focused on understanding the causes, correlates, and pathways to criminal behavior and contact with the criminal justice system. An equally important issue that has received comparatively less attention is a focus on understanding the correlates and causes of abstinence from criminal behavior and contact with the criminal justice system. The current study was designed to analyze the potential protective and risk factors associated with having no contact with the criminal justice system – that is, abstaining from criminal justice system contact. To do so, the authors analyzed data drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health). The results revealed that about 72 percent of respondents abstained from contact with the criminal justice system. Moreover, religion and intelligence were associated with increases in the odds of abstinence while low self-control, delinquent peers, and victimization were associated with reductions in the odds of abstinence for both males and females. We conclude by discussing the limitations of the study and directions for future research.
The appropriation of African Indigenous Knowledge System in WASH activities by Women at Tongogara Refugee Camp, Zimbabwe

Abstract Migrations, whether forced or voluntary, are often characterised by cultural insecurities for immigrants, refugees and displaced persons. This study focuses on the appropriation of African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIKS) in the implementation of water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) activities by women at Tongogara Refugee Camp (TRC), Zimbabwe. It argues that despite the impact of modernist predispositions on personal and collective identity, refugee women continually tap from their indigenous epistemic cultural memories in the context of their place-based social amenities and alternatives supplied by refugee camp authorities. Informed by a Feminist Political Ecology (FPE) theoretical framework; and drawing from a qualitative research method, the study used interviews, focus group discussions and participatory observations as the major data collection tools. The study established that in the face of resource scarcity in the camp, women creatively utilized strategies anchored on AIKS to enhance water sanitation and hygiene. In addition, the research noted that very little is being done towards the promotion of AIKS in the camp as the prevailing structures favour western innovation and technological advancements in WASH activities. The study concludes that it is praiseworthy and fundamental to resuscitate AIKS and blend it with modern scientific knowledge to resolve the vicissitudes of refugee women in the era affected by Cyclone Idai and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Structural Equation Modelling with Latent Variables - Evidence from a Monte Carlo Study

Die Schatzung von Strukturgleichungsmodellen mit latenten Variablen erfolgt klassischerweise mit dem Maximum Likelihood Verfahren (ML). Erst in den letzten Jahren wurde in betriebswirtschaftlichen Bereichen vermehrt die Partial Least Squares Methode (PLS) angewendet. In der Literatur findet man eine Vielzahl von Implikationen, wann die eine Methode der anderen vorzuziehen ist. Allerdings stost man in diesem Zusammenhang auf eine Reihe von Widerspruchen; Starken und Einschrankungen von PLS werden derzeit regelrecht kontrovers vorgebracht. In dieser Arbeit werden die bekannten Verfahren ML und PLS grundlegend eingefuhrt und bisherige Simulationsstudien zusammengefasst. Zudem wird ein Ansatz dargelegt, wie mit der Kleinste-Quadrate Methode (KQ) geschatzte Gesamteffekte in Schatzungen fur die Pfadkoeffizienten zerlegt werden konnen. Den Kern der Arbeit bilden Monte Carlo Simulationen. Es wird eine Vielzahl von systematisch variierenden Strukturmodellen spezifiziert, die alle formative Indikatoren umfassen. Fur diese Modelle werden die Qualitat der Schatzer sowie die dazugehorende statistische Inferenz (Macht sowie Fehler 1. Art) fur alle drei Verfahren, ML, PLS und KQ, untersucht. Die Simulationen zeigen, dass ML die prazisesten Schatzungen liefert, unabhangig von der Stichprobengrose, der Anzahl an Indikatoren oder der Verteilungsannahmen. Die KQ Schatzer sind ahnlich prazise wie die ML Schatzer. Bei extrem kleiner Stichprobe und stark korrelierten formativen Indikatoren sind die PLS Schatzer im Mittel am wenigsten verzerrt, wobei auch sie extremen Schwankungen unterliegen. Der Test auf Signifikanz der Pfadkoeffizienten liefert bei PLS eine konsequente Uberschreitung des Fehler 1. Arts. In den formativen Messmodellen liefert ML zu konservative Testentscheidungen.
EGRET Observations of High-Energy Gamma-Ray Emission from Blazars: An Update

The Energetic Gamma Ray Experiment Telescope (EGRET) on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO) has so far detected 51 blazars during phases 1, 2, and 3, and cycle 4 of the CGRO mission. We present here a summary of these observations, including flux variations and spectra of the blazars. The high luminosities and time variations seen in the gamma-ray data indicate that gamma rays are an important component of the relativistic jet thought to characterize blazars.
Teacher Learning Communities and Leadership: Insights from A DEIS Urban Second-Level School

This article explores the connection between teaching effectiveness and participation in teacher learning communities (TLCs) in the context of a second-level co-educational urban school. In particular, it examines the role of educational leadership in their development and concomitantly toward the enhancement of teaching and learning. Seven teachers contributed to the research across two existing TLCs at the site school. It emerged that relationships and respect amongst the participants are pivotal to their effectiveness. It also transpired that both learning communities that were the focus of this study are characterized by a democratic style of leadership. Such however was possibly largely on account of the leadership style that this study found to be present in the school. Particular importance was attached to the significance of “professional relationships” for effective TLCs. It is recognized that further research on the nature of these relationships in the context of a constantly developing and changing education system will be beneficial and of the concomitant leadership styles that will provide the optimum context for these relationships to flourish.
‘How come they struggle with such simple work?’: parents’ perceptions of language teacher identity and teaching practice

ABSTRACT This paper reports the results of a qualitative study that explores the perspectives of one group of parents on English language teachers’ identity and practice in primary schools in Vietnam. Grounded in mixed identity theories (self and others), this study uses in-depth interviews to reveal how these parents position English language teachers and teaching in these schools. The results suggest that two discourses underpin a hierarchical relationship between different primary school English language teachers, which, in turn, establishes and perpetuates a deficit view of those identified as ‘Vietnamese teachers’ of English. It is argued that calls for greater community involvement in language education policy must be accompanied by opportunities for all stakeholders to discover and critically examine the discourses that underpin their positioning of language teaching and teachers. Implications for designing and implementing language education policy to achieve such problematisation in practice are discussed and suggestions for future.
Technology for Improving Street Dog Welfare and Capturing Data in Digital Format during Street Dog Sterilisation Programmes

Simple Summary Humane Society International (HSI) facilitates dog sterilisation programmes internationally, which includes population surveys of street dogs to gain basic demographic information and to set a baseline for future monitoring operations. HSI has developed a web and mobile application suite called ‘HSIApps’ with custom tailored workflows to improve the efficiency (lower programmatic cost) and improve the welfare of dogs in care throughout the sterilisation process. The Android-based mobile app is simple and easy to use for teams in the field. The web app has data dashboards, record views, and reports for monitoring and evaluation purposes. The use of such digital applications can improve dog population management programme implementation, ensure positive outcomes for dogs postoperatively, and facilitate programmatic monitoring and evaluation. We describe here the use of this application and insights gained through its use in HSI’s street dog monitoring, evaluation, and impact assessment (MEIA) programmes in India. Abstract Street dogs survive on food handouts provided by individuals, or the wider community yet typically receive limited to no veterinary care. They can also carry a variety of zoonotic diseases such as rabies, posing a significant risk to human and dog population health. Dog sterilisation is one of the most humane and effective methods available to control street dog populations. Dog sterilisation programmes, particularly those operating at a large-scale, often face a variety of challenges including limited resources, staffing, and less-than-ideal facilities. Recordkeeping is often a challenge as well, which can complicate the return of a sterilised dog to their location of capture. Street dogs are territorial, and the return of a dog to an incorrect location is fraught with various welfare issues, as well as an increased risk of postoperative complications, including death. Humane Society International developed a mobile phone-based application called ‘HSIApps’ drawing on years of field experience and data collection in street dog location recording, as well as clinical and postoperative treatment. HSIApps facilitates the return of dogs back to their exact captured location, which ensures dog welfare, and generates reports of a variety of useful data variables to maximise the efficacy and reliability of sterilisation programmes.
Multidecade Trends of Sea Surface Temperature, Chlorophyll-a Concentration, and Ocean Eddies in the Gulf of Mexico

This study characterizes the spatial patterns of the overall and monthly trends in sea surface temperature (SST) and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) of the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) to investigate the seasonal variations in oceanic climate trends. We also investigate the trends in mesoscale eddies using three parameters to identify ocean-eddy-related energetic features in their area, strength, and intensity. Multidecadal remote-sensing-based observations of monthly SST, Chl-a, and sea surface height are used to detect trends at both basin and grid scales. Prominent warming trends are found in most regions of the GoM in all months, with the largest trends in the northern GoM. Winter cooling trends are also detected along the Texas and Florida coast. The overall summer warming trend (~0.22 °C/decade) is larger than the winter trend (~0.05 °C/decade), suggesting seasonal variations of increase in SST with warming. Chl-a trends and variations are confined on the continental shelf and slope in the northern GoM. The largest increase trends are found near the Mississippi River Delta. No obvious Chl-a trend is detected in the deepwater of the GoM, consistent with previous studies. Small but significant changes are found in eddy characteristics, indicating the eddy activities might be slowly affected by climate change in the GoM. The detailed monthly trends at per-grid scale are valuable for regional resource management, environmental protection, and policy making in the GoM.
Early Prediction of Project Duration: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract Using earned value management (EVM) protocols, numerous innovative models for the critical task of predicting project duration have been proposed in recent years. Due to the nature of EVM, these models, however, appear to be useful only after the project’s construction phase begins. The objective of this study is to examine the longitudinal relationships between completed project time and project variables’ performance prior to the construction phase and to model those useful relationships to predict completed project duration. The research results confirm the significance of scope, team, communication, risk, and innovation performance prior to the construction phase and reveal reasonable estimation accuracy and a relatively small difference in prediction rates between in-sample (88.13%) and out-of-sample (85.49%) data.