Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cold Surge Pathways in East Asia and Their Tropical Impacts

Cold surge occurrences are one of the robust features of winter monsoon in East Asia and are characterized by equatorward outbreaks of cold air from the high latitudes. Beside greatly affecting weather variability across the Far East, cold surges are of importance for Southeast Asian countries because they can propagate far to the tropics and excite convective activities. However, the tropical responses highly depend on the downstream pathways of the surges. To better understand how cold surges influence tropical weather, we investigate 160 cold surges identified using a quantitative approach during 40 winters from 1979/80 to 2018/19, and then classify them into several groups based on their prominent pathways. At the midlatitudes, we find two groups: one for surges that show clear equatorward propagation of cold air to lower latitudes and the other for surges that turn eastward and bring cold air to the North Pacific. These groups arise due to the strength difference of the Siberian high expansion controlled by cold air blocking near the Tibetan Plateau. The tropical impact is evident in the former group. We perform further classification on this group and find four types of surges based on their pathways in the low latitudes: 1) South China Sea (SCS) surges, 2) Philippines Sea (PHS) surges, 3) both SCS and PHS surges, and 4) blocked surges. They exhibit distinct precipitation signatures over the Maritime Continent, which are driven by interactions between the surges and the pre-existing synoptic conditions over the tropics, particularly the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO).
The Improvement of Crocin Stability in Rock Candy (Nabat) By Microencapsulation

In the present study, the microencapsulation technique was utilized to improve the stability of crocin in Nabat (rock candy), which is a popular confection in Iran. For this purpose, crocin was extracted from saffron, and its microcapsules were prepared through the spray drying process. Gelatin solutions with various concentrations (3%, 5%, 7%, and 10% w/v) were used as the wall material. The encapsulated crocin was added to Nabat, and the physicochemical and organoleptic properties of the samples were compared to Nabat containing pure crocin in different storage conditions. The obtained results indicated that increasing the concentration of the wall materials from 3% to 10% significantly increased the particle size of the microcapsules. The optimal efficiency of crocin microencapsulation was observed at the gelatin concentration of 5%. In addition, a significant difference was observed in the color properties of Nabat containing pure and encapsulated crocin during storage. Therefore, crocin microencapsulation could preserve the sensory properties of the samples. Considering the significant effect of light on the stability of crocin, Nabat containing this substance should be protected from direct light by hermetic packaging.
Training Regimes and Diversity: Experiences of Young Foreign Employees in Japanese Headquarters

This article investigates the capacity of Japanese companies to integrate non-Japanese employees into headquarters in Japan, following recent initiatives to recruit significant numbers of foreign fresh graduates from universities in and outside of Japan. Grounding the research in the literature on diversity in workplaces and through an interview study with young foreign employees and representatives from human resource departments, this article argues that the nature of Japanese training regimes, mismatches in expectations between employees and employers and a denial of authenticity inhibit the successful integration of young foreign employees. Based on the Japanese case, we question in general terms the complementarity between diversity and inclusion and different kinds of training regimes. The article also points to the possibility that companies use diversity initiatives instrumentally to develop their existing core labour forces with a view to stabilize rather than fundamentally change the status quo.
Seasonal Distribution of Dissolved Copper(II) Ions at Tropical Coastal Water: In Case of Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu

Seawater samples from Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu were analysed for Cu(II) speciation concentration. Samples were collected during preand post-monsoon seasons, in order to measure the concentration of dCu (dissolved Cu) and CuL (Natural Organic Cu(II) Binding Ligands) by using CLE-AdCSV (Competitive Ligand Exchange-Adsorptive Cathodic Stripping Voltammetry). High [dCu] and [CuL] were determined during pre-monsoon seasons due to a long NEM (Northeast Monsoon) period along with a strong El Niño phenomenon. Water mixing during this period was suggested to be responsible for an input of Cu from bottom sediment into the water column. The Cu(II) speciation analysis has identified the presence of strong class ligands (L1), and it controls the distribution of free Cu ions. Therefore, the presence of Cu ions is below the toxicant level and it functions more towards the bioavailability for microorganisms. Furthermore, there is no significant effect between preand post-monsoon season on the dissolved Cu(II)-speciation in the study area, except an influence from the El Niño phenomenon which is unclear as of yet.
The relationship between ideal L2 self, achievement attributions and L2 achievement

This study examines whether learners’ (high vs. low) ‘ideal L2 self’ exerts an effect on causal attributions and which of these causal attributions could predict future L2 achievement. To this end, 1006 EFL students were invited from a state university in Ankara, Turkey. The data were collected with an attribution scale composed of 29 questions and with a questionnaire containing 10 items measuring learners’ ideal L2 self. The researchers also collected the students’ achievement scores to measure the predictive power of causal attributions. The impact of high and low ideal L2 self on causal attributions was analyzed through MANOVA and the prediction power of these attributions for achievement was measured through regression analysis using SPSS 23. It was found that learners’ ideal L2 self (high vs. low) influenced causal attributions, including ability, school system, teacher, family and classroom environment. It was also found that the attribution to effort, luck and ability are the best predictors of future exam scores of learners. These predictors could provide insightful implications for EFL teachers with regard to the actions they can take in order to diagnose motivationally at risk students and to boost their motivation through effective designs of interventions embedded into the curriculum.
Investigating the Effect of Galaxy Interactions on the Enhancement of Active Galactic Nuclei at 0.5 < z < 3.0

Galaxy interactions and mergers are thought to play an important role in the evolution of galaxies. Studies in the nearby universe show a higher fraction of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) in interacting and merging galaxies than in their isolated counterparts, indicating that such interactions are important contributors to black hole growth. To investigate the evolution of this role at higher redshifts, we have compiled the largest known sample of major spectroscopic galaxy pairs (2381 with ΔV < 5000 km s−1) at 0.5 < z < 3.0 from observations in the COSMOS and CANDELS surveys. We identify X-ray and IR AGNs among this kinematic pair sample, a visually identified sample of mergers and interactions, and a mass-, redshift-, and environment-matched control sample for each in order to calculate AGN fractions and the level of AGN enhancement as a function of relative velocity, redshift, and X-ray luminosity. While we see a slight increase in AGN fraction with decreasing projected separation, overall, we find no significant enhancement relative to the control sample at any separation. In the closest projected separation bin (< 25 kpc, ΔV < 1000 km s−1), we find enhancements of a factor of and for X-ray and IR-selected AGNs, respectively. While we conclude that galaxy interactions do not significantly enhance AGN activity on average over 0.5 < z < 3.0 at these separations, given the errors and the small sample size at the closest projected separations, our results would be consistent with the presence of low-level AGN enhancement.
Longitudinal effects of stunting and wasting on academic performance of primary school boys: The North-West Child-Health-Integrated-Learning and Development study

Background: A worldwide occurrence like stunting and wasting affects both children’s health and academic performance.Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of stunting and wasting on academic performance amongst primary school boys over a period of 7 years (2010–2016) in the North West Province of South Africa.Methods: The study forms part of a longitudinal research design, the North-West Child-Health-Integrated-Learning and Development (NW-CHILD) study, stretched over a period of 7 years from 2010 to 2016. Baseline measurements and two follow-up measurements of boys (n = 181) formed part of this study. Two-way frequency tables and Analyses of variance (ANOVA) tests were used to analyse the data (p ≤ 0.05). Setting: The study was conducted in the North West Province of South Africa.Results: The prevalence of stunting (3.32% – 6.63%) and wasting (3.86% – 6.63%) increased each year from 2010 to 2016. Language, mathematics and overall average academic scores were affected statistically by stunting and wasting (p ≤ 0.05). Over a period of 7 years (overall), it was found that stunting and wasting influenced academic performance, especially concerning language and mathematic subjects.Conclusion: Stunted and wasted primary school boys in the North West Province of South Africa reported a strong negative association with academic performance, especially language and mathematic subjects. Limited data are available concerning stunting, wasting and academic performance, and further studies are therefore recommended to strengthen and support the findings of this study with regard to a better understanding of the effect.
Mobile banking usage and gamification: the moderating effect of generational cohorts

Purpose The extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2) model has been adapted and applied by scholars to gain insight into mobile banking (m-banking) usage. By combining three perspectives, UTAUT2, gamification (GM) and generational cohort theory, this study aims to investigate the factors which impact m-banking usage and examine the moderating effect of generations Y and Z on the relationship between GM and intention to use m-banking. Design/methodology/approach The adopted model was tested in a quantitative study by using partial least square structural equation modelling. A total of 380 valid questionnaires from a transition country, Albania, have been examined. Findings In the study, scientific evidence concerning the UTAUT2 model and GM elements are provided. Thus, facilitation conditions, habit and hedonic motivation were found to be significant determinants of GM. Moreover, the results revealed that age moderates the relationship between GM and behavioural intention (BI). Compared to generation Z, individuals born prior to 1996 (generation Y), exhibited a much stronger relationship. Research limitations/implications Although Albania bears similarities with other transition countries in terms of regional, economic and political environments, the generalisation of these results to another context is rather limited. Practical implications This paper offers a model integrating UTAUT2, GM and generational cohorts in the context of a transition country. The findings can be applied in the form of guidelines for a number of financial institutions. Originality/value Besides identifying the determinants of m-banking adoption and GM, this study notably reveals the importance of generational cohorts because it governs the effect of GM on m-banking BI.
Radiation trapping of the Hg 185 nm resonance line

Summary form only given. The trapped decay rate of the 6/sup 1/P/sub 1/ level at 185 nm was measured as a function of cold spot temperature (Hg density) and buffer gas pressure in cylindrical sealed fused silica cells. The decay rates were obtained using time-resolved, laser induced fluorescence after multi step laser excitation at 253.7 nm and 312.6 nm. Cold spot temperatures from 25/spl deg/C to 100/spl deg/C were studied. The Hg densities for this temperature range with no buffer gas yield the lowest possible trapped decay rates due to partial frequency redistribution. Argon buffer gas pressures of 3 and 30 Torr were also studied. The results are in agreement with the afterglow data of Post (1986) for zero buffer gas pressure. Monte Carlo simulations of radiation transport in the cell, including the effects of hyperfine and isotope structure and the effects of foreign gas broadening, agree well with the experimental data.
Earthquake Potential Hazard Analysis of Palembang City, Sumatra Island

Most of the destructive earthquakes in Sumatra are dominated by thrust mechanisms that occur due to the process of subduction and some earthquakes with strike-slip fault sources such as the Sumatra fault and northwestern Sumatra. The subduction zones along western Sumatra and Sumatran fault zones are active seismic sources of earthquake events. The seismotectonics of South Sumatra can be affected by earthquakes triggered by these seismic sources. In this study, an estimation and analysis of the potential for earthquake hazard curves were carried out in Palembang City due to the influence of subduction zone sources, strike-slip faults, and intermediate to deep earthquake sources. The algorithm of the seismicity smoothing was applied to estimate the seismicity rate for megathrust sources, active faults, and intermediate to deep earthquake sources. The results of the earthquake hazard potential curve showed that the estimated Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) in the bedrock of the subduction earthquake sources was greater than the estimated ground shaking due to strike-slip fault sources as well as intermediate to deep earthquake sources. To understand better the potential ground shaking, the evaluation of PGA at the surface was then estimated by including the amplification factor. The amplification factor was calculated using the Horizontal-Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR) method. Based on the PGA estimated at the surface of 10% probability exceedance level during 50 years, the Palembang City has a potential shaking of around 35 gal, which is likely to be caused by a megathrust earthquake source.
Large-Pore Mesostructured Silica Impregnated with Blended Amines for CO2 Capture

Mesoporous silica materials with different pore volumes were functionalized by wet impregnation with a variety of amines for the purpose of CO2 adsorption. The effects of the concentration and composition of amine blends, silica supports, and adsorption temperature on CO2 adsorption were investigated. The mechanism of an observed synergistic effect between blended amines is also discussed. The experimental results showed that in addition to the pore volume of the supports and the adsorption temperature the molecular functional groups of the blended amines play an important role and greatly affect the CO2 adsorption capacity. The silica material with the largest pores (MSU-F) had the highest CO2 adsorption capacity after impregnation with a mixture of 40 wt % tetraethylenepentamine and 30 wt % diethanolamine. For 100 kPa CO2, the adsorption capacity at 50 °C was 5.91 mmol/g.
Effects of Green Compost on Soil Biochemical Characteristics and Nutritive Quality of Leafy Vegetables

Green compost can improve the quality of fruits and vegetables through an increase in sugars and organic acids, which is extremely important because today's consumer is concerned about healthy and nutritional properties of food. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of green compost used as soil amendment on phenols and vitamin C content and on antioxidant capacity of leafy vegetables. Plants of Lactuca sativa var. acephala cultivar Red Salad Bowl and Spinacia oleracea cultivar Lorelay were grown in three soil treatments: a) 100% soil, b) 75% soil plus 25% compost c) 50% soil plus 50% compost. Results show that adding green compost to soil improved its fertility and the growth of plants. The use of compost for lettuce did not show any differences in antioxidant capacity and vitamin C content at either compost concentration (25 and 50%) while a significant reduction in phenols was evident. The Chl content decreased in spinach as a consequence of compost addition while no changes were observed in lettuce. However, the healthy properties of spinach decreased as a function of the compost concentration in the soil.
Ab initio x-ray scattering of liquid water

A direct calculation of the coherent x-ray scattering spectrum of liquid water under ambient conditions is presented using ab initio density functional theory. The experimental data are compared with the calculated x-ray scattering spectra retrieved from the trajectories of two Car–Parrinello molecular dynamics runs of about 10 ps with 32 and 64 water molecules in the simulation cell, respectively. Furthermore, the x-ray spectra obtained from molecular dynamics runs of 20 ps for 128 water molecules using empirical water models are presented. All calculations were performed with the QUICKSTEP code, which includes an all-electron implementation of the Gaussian augmented plane wave method. It is shown that by this approach one can assess how well different models describe the structural properties of water.
Effects of bioactive plant extracts on immune-related gene expression of common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

In recent years, intensive fish farming has led to an outbreak of several diseases, and the health status of fish can affect the economy of aquaculture. Since fish health and intestinal health are in correlation, it may also have an impact on immunity. Accordingly, many natural feed additives are being used to improve immune functions. In our study, carotenoids, oligosaccharides, and anthocyanins were applied at 1 m/m% in feed to investigate their effects on cytokines, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interferon regulatory factor-1 (IRF-1) in spleen and mid-intestine of 6 months old carp. Gene expression analysis was carried out to examine IL-1β, IL-8, TNF-α, and IRF-1 mRNA levels in fish spleen and mid-intestine. The gene expression level of pro-inflammatory IL-1β decreased in the mid-intestine of carotenoid-fed carp compared to anthocyanin supplemented group, but the effects of the bioactive plant extracts were not observed on the examined cytokines compared to control fish.
Effects of Sorghum Silage in Lactating Buffalo Cow Diet: Biochemical Profile, Milk Yield and Quality

The influence of replacing corn silage with sorghum silage in the diet of dairy buffalo cows on metabolic status and on milk yield, chemical characteristics and fatty acid profile was studied. Forty dairy buffalo cows were included in the trial and divided into two homogeneous groups (SS, sorghum and CC, corn). Blood was collected at the end of the trial (120 days), individual milk yield was registered daily. Samples of milk were monthly collected and analyzed for fat, protein and lactose. Moreover, fatty acid profiles of silages and milk were determined. Buffalo cows fed sorghum silage showed an average milk yield higher than group CS (kg/d 10.120 vs 9.270; P<0.05), probably due to the lower lignin content of sorghum silage (31 vs 47 g/kg dry matter, respectively for SS and CS diets) and by consequence to its energy value, higher than expected. The percentage of linoleic acid was significantly higher in milk of group CS (C18:2: 1.27% vs 2.05%; P<0.01) due to the higher content of these acids in corn than in sorghum silage. The omega 6/omega 3 ratio was significantly lower in milk from buffalo cows fed sorghum than corn silage (7.8 vs 12.9; P<0.01). Serum biochemistry showed no negative effects of the corn replacing with sorghum.
Determinants of Anemia among Pregnant Women at Public Hospitals in West Shewa, Central Ethiopia: A Case-Control Study

Introduction. Anemia is highly dominant among pregnant women due to the need for iron for women themselves and their fetuses. Nearly half a billion globally and around one-third in Ethiopia of pregnant women were affected by anemia which has both health and economic impact. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the determinants of anemia among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public hospitals in the West Shewa zone, Oromia regional state, Central Ethiopia, 2019. Methods. An unmatched case-control study was conducted at public hospitals in the West Shewa zone, Ethiopia, from February to April 2019. A consecutive sampling was used to select study participants. Data were collected by a structured questionnaire, and the collected data were entered into Epi Info version 7 and SPSS version 23 for analyses. Descriptive statistics such as tables, graphs, and proportions were used to present the data. Binary and multiple logistic regression analyses were computed to identify the determinants of anemia. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and p value <0.05 were used to determine the presence of an association. Result. A total of 426 women (142 cases and 284 controls) participated in this study with a 95.3% response rate. Family size >5 (AOR = 2.95, 95% CI: 1.34–6.50), peptic ulcer diseases (PUD) (AOR = 2.85, 95% CI: 1.14–7.13), having the previous history of abortion (AOR = 2.84, 95% CI: 1.08–7.47), birth interval <2 years (AOR = 2.61, 95% CI: 1.20–5.70), antepartum hemorrhage (APH) (AOR = 6.05, 95% CI: 1.95–18.81), and not using latrine (AOR = 3.45, 95% CI: 1.30–9.24) were the identified determinants of anemia. Conclusions. Family size, PUD, abortion, birth interval, APH, and unable to use latrine were the determinants of anemia among pregnant women. Therefore, the intervention on anemia prevention should consider the promotion of family planning methods and counseling on latrine utilization.
Profiling Indonesian Medical Tourists: A Motivation-Based Segmentation Study

In the past few decades, the number of Indonesians who travel abroad for medical tourism has increased dramatically. A literature review has indicated that research investigating the underlying motivational factors for Indonesians to travel overseas for medical treatment is still a few. Therefore, this study aimed to segment the Indonesian medical tourists based on push and pull travel motivation constructs. Exploratory factor analysis and cluster analysis techniques were applied to analyze the data. A survey was completed to 192 Indonesians who have had a medical travel experience overseas. The results of this study revealed four push motivational factors and three pull motivational factors. Based on this push and pull factors, three different medical tourist segments were identified: trendy, prudent, and opportunistic segments. The emergence of these three segments would require different approach-es and strategies for tourism stakeholders to serve each segment better.