Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT IN HIGHER EDUCATION : APPLICABILITY OF LKMC MODEL IN SAUDI UNIVERSITIES

This paper stresses on the need of using Knowledge Management (KM) in the higher education institutions of Saudi Arabia. The paper is based on the literature review and personal experience of the author in the education sector. The paper aims at highlighting the importance of KM for the educational institutions particularly for developing countries. It also reviews the readiness of Saudi Arabia for KM application by illustrating different development initiatives taken by the Saudi government in different sectors. However, the literature also identifies many barriers on the way. Keeping the importance of KM for the higher education institutions in view, this paper proposes to adopt the model of Library Knowledge Management Center (LKMC) with needed modifications for Universities of Saudi Arabia. This LKMC model was proposed by Parker, Nitse, and Flowers (2005) for the small business corporate for providing the Knowledge Management (KM) and Competitive Intelligence (CI) services. The paper discusses different components of the LKMC model and their relevance to the education sector.
Evaluation of Long-term Deep Visual Place Recognition

In this paper, we provide a comprehensive study on evaluating two state-of-the-art deep metric learning methods for visual place recognition. Visual place recognition is an essential component in the visual localization and the vision-based navigation where it provides an initial coarse location. It is used in variety of autonomous navigation technologies, including autonomous vehicles, drones and computer vision systems. We study recent visual place recognition and image retrieval methods and utilize them to conduct extensive and comprehensive experiments on two diverse and large long-term indoor and outdoor robot navigation datasets, e.g., COLD and Oxford Radar RobotCar along with ablation studies on the crucial parameters of the deep architectures. Our comprehensive results indicate that the methods can achieve 5 m of outdoor and 50 cm of indoor place recognition accuracy with high recall rate of 80 %.
Parallel-Computing Two-Way Grid-Nested Storm Surge Model with a Moving Boundary Scheme and Case Study of the 2013 Super Typhoon Haiyan

This study presents a numerical tool for calculating storm surges from offshore, nearshore, and coastal regions using the finite-difference method, two-way grid-nesting function in time and space, and a moving boundary scheme without any numerical filter adopted. The validation of the solitary wave runup on a circular island showed the perfect matches between the model results and measurements for the free surface elevations and runup heights. After the benchmark problem validation, the 2013 Super Typhoon Haiyan event was selected to showcase the storm surge calculations with coastal inundation and flood depths in Tacloban. The catastrophic storm surges of about 8 m and wider, storm-induced inundation due to the Super Typhoon Haiyan were found in the Tacloban Airport, corresponding to the findings from the field survey. In addition, the anti-clockwise, storm-induced currents were explored inside of Cancabato Bay. Moreover, the effect of the nonlinear advection terms with the fixed and moving shoreline and the parallel efficiency were investigated. By presenting a storm surge model for calculating storm surges, inundation areas, and flood depths with the model validation and case study, this study hopes to provide a convenient and efficient numerical tool for forecasting and disaster assessment under a potential severe tropical storm with climate change.
Mercury Exposure and Its Health Effects in Workers in the Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) Sector—A Systematic Review

Gold is one of the most valuable materials but is frequently extracted under circumstances that are hazardous to artisanal and small-scale gold miners’ health. A common gold extraction method uses liquid mercury, leading to a high exposure in workers. Therefore, a systematic review according to the PRISMA criteria was conducted in order to examine the health effects of occupational mercury exposure. Researching the databases PubMed®, EMBASE® and Web of ScienceTM yielded in a total of 10,589 results, which were screened by two independent reviewers. We included 19 studies in this review. According to the quantitative assessment, occupational mercury exposure may cause a great variety of signs and symptoms, in particular in the field of neuro-psychological disorders, such as ataxia, tremor or memory problems. However, many reported symptoms were largely unspecific, such as hair loss or pain. Most of the included studies had a low methodological quality with an overall high risk of bias rating. The results demonstrate that occupational mercury exposure seriously affects miners’ health and well-being.
Fully Mechanized Harvesting in Aged Oak Coppice Stands

Coppice is a traditional forest management system used all over the world. It takes advantage of fast early growth and the vegetative reproduction of the respective trees. Coppice forests provide firewood and many other products and services, especially to rural communities. In Central Europe, regular periodic cutting and management of coppice forests was abandoned due to socioeconomic changes in recent decades, resulting in aged stands that have gradually lost their coppice characteristics. Today, coppice forests are recognized again not only for their growth potential but also for their benefits for biodiversity and nature conservation. Together with the rising demand for energy wood, this recognition could result in a renaissance of the traditional coppice management system. Several stands grow on relatively easily accessible terrain where fully mechanized systems (harvester, forwarder) could be used. However, there is no current information regarding the technical feasibility and productivity of moder.
Enabling School Bureaucracy, Psychological Empowerment, and Teacher Burnout: A Mediation Analysis

Teacher burnout is a psychological phenomenon affecting teachers’ effectiveness and wellbeing across the globe. Thus, education researchers have investigated its antecedents to identify approaches to alleviate teacher burnout. However, many of the existing studies tend to underline the effects of psychological factors but overlook the effects of structural factors on teacher burnout. Thus, the aim of this study is to fill the research gap by investigating how teacher burnout is affected by enabling school bureaucracy as a structural factor and psychological empowerment as a psychological factor based on empowerment theory. By using the self-administrated questionnaire survey, the study investigated 322 primary and secondary schoolteachers from China. It finds that structural empowerment and psychological empowerment are negatively associated with teacher burnout. Moreover, the relationship between structural empowerment and teacher burnout was mediated by psychological empowerment, especially its dimensions of meaning and competence.
Measuring and modelling forward light scattering in the human eye

BACKGROUND: Intraocular scatter is an important factor when considering the performance of the human eye as it can negatively affect visual performances (e.g. glare). However, and in contrast to other optical factors that also affect vision such as high order aberrations, there is currently no efficient method to measure accurately and objectively the amount and the angular distribution of forward light scatter in the eye. Various methods and instruments exist to assess forward light scatter (FLS) but the relation between these methods has rarely been quantified. In addition, FLS measurements obtained with existing instruments cannot be related to any physiological factors due to the absence of a valid model. PURPOSE: To investigate the relations between some of the main methods to measure forward light scatter, and to develop an experimental set -up for the objective measurement of forward light scatter that could be ideally related to physiological parameters.METHODS: After a short review of intraocular light scatter, the three main methods used to assess forward light scattering are compared. In this sense, the C-quant (CQ) straylight meter is compared to the van den Berg (VDB) straylight meter and the Hartmann-Shack spot pattern analysis obtained from the Hartmann-Shack aberrometer. The potential of the new Oculus Pentacam functionalities for providing information on backward light scatter (BLS) are also investigated. Finally, an innovative prototype for objective assessment of intraocular light scattering together with a scatter model of the eye is presented. RESULTS and DISCUSSION: Although no significant relationship was found between the different instruments considered (VDB straylight meter, CQ, Pentacam), our results allowed us to clarify some possible confusion introduced by previously published results and to illustrate the fact that existing commercial instruments such as aberrometers and the Pentacam cannot be used to measure FLS without at least some major modifications (hardware or software). Preliminary results with the prototype built in this study suggest that it could be used for the objective measurement of intraocular light scatter. Relating this measurement to physiological parameters stays however elusive, a fact that widens the future scope of this research.
Sustainable potable water production using a solar still with photovoltaic modules-AC heater

AbstractSolar energy as a sustainable energy source can be harnessed to produce potable water using solar stills. In this work, effort was made to evaluate the performance of a double slope solar still integrated with a 500 W heater to produce potable water. The heater was powered by six photovoltaic modules, which can produce 1.5 KWp and then connected to four batteries with capacity of 150 Ah each. The experiments were conducted over several days in the tropical climate of Malaysia. A black painted steel trough with length 90 cm, width 45 cm, and depth 8 cm was used as the basin of the glass covered double slope solar still. A comparison of the cumulative water production between the conventional solar still (CSS) and solar still with PV-Heater (CSSPVH) was done. The CSSPVH was found to be more effective; producing about six times the amount of water produced by the CSS. Mathematical models derived based on energy balance studies of CSSPVH, were used to carry out simulations to verify the experimental f.
Recent Developments in Laser Fading of Denim: A Critical Review

ABSTRACT The utilization of denim dates back to ancient times, and still, it is one of the most utilized fabrics around the globe. Special considerations are given to its fading effects. There are many ways for the said fading associated with pros and cons. The laser fading process is a competitive alternative compared to the conventional physical and chemical methods used for getting the aged and worn look on denim fabrics concerning environmental load. This paper critically reviews the laser-based fading of denim fabrics, its effect on physical, mechanical properties, and fading as it influences the material’s appearance, comfort, and life. Furthermore, the key features of laser fading, the influence of various laser parameters on the final physio-mechanical properties, and color fading of denim have been discussed in detail with the recent literature. Laser fading is a more sustainable and green choice.
Association of Burden and Prevalence of Arthritis With Disparities in Social Risk Factors, Findings From 17 US States

Introduction Social risks previously have been associated with arthritis prevalence and costs. Although social risks often cluster among individuals, no studies have examined associations between multiple social risks within the same individual. Our objective was to determine the association between individual and multiple social risks and the prevalence and burden of arthritis by using a representative sample of adults in 17 US states. Methods Data are from the 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Respondents were 136,432 adults. Social risk factors were food insecurity, housing insecurity, financial insecurity, unsafe neighborhoods, and health care access hardship. Weighted χ2 and logistic regression analyses, controlling for demographic characteristics, measures of socioeconomic position, and other health conditions examined differences in arthritis prevalence and burden by social risk factor and by a social risk index created by summing the social risk factors. Results We observed a gradient in the prevalence and burden of arthritis. Compared with those reporting 0 social risk factors, respondents reporting 4 or more social risk factors were more likely to have arthritis (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.92; 95% CI, 1.57–2.36) and report limited usual activities (AOR, 2.97; 95% CI, 2.20–4.02), limited work (AOR, 2.72; 95% CI, 2.06–3.60), limited social activities (AOR, 3.10; 95% CI, 2.26–4.26), and severe joint pain (AOR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.44–2.41). Conclusion Incremental increases in the number of social risk factors were independently associated with higher odds of arthritis and its burden. Intervention efforts should address the social context of US adults to improve health outcomes.
Reliability Analysis of Noncoherent Systems by Logical Differential Calculus and Binary Decision Diagrams

the concept of the system structure function and noncoherent systems, the usefulness of the Logical Differential Calculus in the reliability analysis and the use of the BDD for the representation of the structure function. In the section III, the evaluation of the system reliability of the noncoherent system is considered using the BDD. Finally, the ideas of the Importance Analysis of the noncoherent systems are presented in the section IV. Using the Logical Differential Calculus, the universal definition of the Structural Importance Measure for the noncoherent system and
Empirical analysis of near-fault forward-directivity effects in the 2010-11 Canterbury earthquakes

In this paper, the characteristics of near-fault ground motions recorded during the Mw7.1 Darfield and Mw 6.2 Christchurch earthquakes are examined and compared with existing empirical models. The characteristics of forward-directivity effects are first examined using a wavelet-based pulse-classification algorithm. This is followed by an assessment of the adequacy of empirical models which aim to capture the effect of directivity effects on amplifying the acceleration response spectra; and the period and peak velocity of the forward-directivity pulse. It is illustrated that broadband directivity models developed by Somerville et al. (1997) and Abrahamson (2000) generally under-predict the observed amplification of response spectral ordinates at longer vibration periods. In contrast, a recently developed narrowband model by Shahi and Baker (2011) provides significantly improved predictions by amplifying the response spectra within a small range of periods surrounding the directivity pulse period. Although the empirical predictions of the pulse period are generally favourable for the Christchurch earthquake, the observations from the Darfield earthquake are significantly underpredicted. The elongation in observed pulse periods is inferred as being a result of the soft sedimentary soils of the Canterbury basin. However, empirical predictions of the observed peak velocity associated with the directivity pulse are generally adequate for both events.
Diversity of soil bacteria in some sacred patches of Purba Bardhaman District, West Bengal, India

Sacred patches are remnants of prehistoric land that some local populations preserve as a holy place. The diversity of bacterial population was studied from soil samples of five different sacred patches of Purba Bardhaman district in West Bengal. The sites explored were Baba Borthakur Tola at Paraj, Buro Raj Tola at Bhaghason, Dighi Par at Rayna, Maer Tola at Mohindar and Sahadol Tola at Narugram. The aerobic heterotrophic, starch-hydrolyzing, phosphate and lipid solubilizing, spore-forming, Gram negative, nitrate-reducing bacterial populations ranged from 4.66 to 6.79× 10 6 , 1.57 to 7.19× 10 6 , 2.76 to 5.14× 10 6 , 2.30 to 5.65 × 10 6 , 1.18 to 5.31 × 10 6 , 0.22 to 2.30 × 10 6 and 1.69 to 4.26 × 10 6 cfu/g dry soil respectively. The physical properties of soil samples from the study sites were also evaluated. The organic carbon content, available nitrate nitrogen and phosphate was found to vary from 0.38% to 0.75%, 34.08 to 213.02 mg/kg and 102.25 to 477.18 mg/kg respectively. The bacterial population was found to vary significantly (p < 0.05) among the soil samples from the sacred patches studied as was shown by the results of one-way ANOVA. Three components with Eigenvalues of 2.893, 1.503 and 0.548 respectively were extracted from principal component analysis (PCA). Hierarchical classical clustering between the different groups of soil bacteria aided in deciphering the similarities between them. The Rényi diversity profiles helped to understand the diversity, richness and evenness of the soil bacterial population in the sacred patches. The results showed that Buro Raj Tola was the most diverse while Baba Borthakur Tola was the least diverse. The Berger-Parker index was, however, highest for Maer Tola (0.2553) indicating that the dominant species account for the majority of the total bacterial population in the area. The variations observed was probably because of the differences in the microhabitat in the different sacred patches studied.
Anti-Septic Functions of Cornuside against HMGB1-Mediated Severe Inflammatory Responses

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is acknowledged to have critical functions; therefore, targeting this protein may have therapeutic effects. One example is potential antiseptic activity obtained by suppressing HMGB1 secretion, leading to the recovery of vascular barrier integrity. Cornuside (CN), which is a product extracted from the fruit of Cornus officinalis Seib, is a natural bis-iridoid glycoside with the therapeutic effects of suppressing inflammation and regulating immune responses. However, the mechanism of action of CN and impact on sepsis is still unclear. We examined if CN could suppress HMGB1-induced excessive permeability and if the reduction of HMGB1 in response to LPS treatment increased the survival rate in a mouse model of sepsis. In human endothelial cells stimulated by LPS and mice with septic symptoms of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), we examined levels of proinflammatory proteins and biomarkers as an index of tissue damage, along with decreased vascular permeability. In both LPS-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and the CLP-treated mouse model of sepsis, we applied CN after the induction processes were over. CN suppressed excessive permeability and inhibited HMGB1 release, leading to the amelioration of vascular instability, reduced mortality, and improved histological conditions in the CLP-induced septic mouse model. Overall, we conclude that the suppressed release of HMGB1 and the increased survival rate of mice with CLP-induced sepsis caused by CN may be an effective pharmaceutical treatment for sepsis.
Evaluating the Feasibility and Acceptability of an Artificial-Intelligence-Enabled and Speech-Based Distress Screening Mobile App for Adolescents and Young Adults Diagnosed with Cancer: A Study Protocol

Simple Summary Adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients diagnosed with cancer are at a higher risk of psychological distress, which requires regular monitoring throughout their cancer journeys. Paper-and-pencil or digital surveys for psychological stress are often cumbersome to complete during a patient’s visit, and many patients find completing the same survey multiple times repetitive and boring. Recent advances in mobile technology and speech science have enabled flexible and engaging ways of monitoring psychological distress. This paper describes the scientific process we will use to evaluate an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled mobile app to monitor depression and anxiety among AYAs diagnosed with cancer. Abstract Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with cancer are an age-defined population, with studies reporting up to 45% of the population experiencing psychological distress. Although it is essential to screen and monitor for psychological distress throughout AYAs’ cancer journeys, many cancer centers fail to effectively implement distress screening protocols largely due to busy clinical workflow and survey fatigue. Recent advances in mobile technology and speech science have enabled flexible and engaging methods to monitor psychological distress. However, patient-centered research focusing on these methods’ feasibility and acceptability remains lacking. Therefore, in this project, we aim to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled and speech-based mobile application to monitor psychological distress among AYAs diagnosed with cancer. We use a single-arm prospective cohort design with a stratified sampling strategy. We aim to recruit 60 AYAs diagnosed with cancer and to monitor their psychological distress using an AI-enabled speech-based distress monitoring tool over a 6 month period. The primary feasibility endpoint of this study is defined by the number of participants completing four out of six monthly distress assessments, and the acceptability endpoint is defined both quantitatively using the acceptability of intervention measure and qualitatively using semi-structured interviews.
In vivo calcium imaging identifies functionally and molecularly distinct subsets of tongue-innervating mechanosensory neurons

Mechanosensory neurons in the mouth provide essential information to guide feeding and speech. How classes of oral mechanoreceptors contribute to oral behaviors is not well understood; in particular, the functional properties of lingual mechanoreceptors remain elusive. Previous work identified putative mechanosensory endings in the tongue with novel morphologies; how these fit into current knowledge of mechanosensory neuron classification is not known. To identify functional classes of lingual mechanosensory neurons, we used in vivo calcium imaging of trigeminal ganglia. We first investigated calcium responses of tongue-innervating trigeminal neurons to thermal and mechanical stimulation (e.g., pressure, fluid flow, temperature changes). We found that around 17% of neurons responded to pressure, and that these pressure responders were significantly larger than neurons that only responded to temperature changes. To further investigate the cadre of functionally distinct mechanosensory neurons, we tested responses to brushing and sustained pressures and found that brush-sensitive neurons comprise the majority of tongue-innervating mechanosensory trigeminal neurons. Qualitatively, mechanosensory neurons responded to pressure with distinct kinetics, suggesting the presence of multiple classes of mechanoreceptors. To determine the number of classes, we developed an unbiased multi-layer hierarchical clustering approach to classify calcium response characteristics to pressure stimulation. This approach revealed that mechanosensory neurons displayed five distinct stimulus-response profiles to pressure. Classes include neuronal populations with sustained, transient, high-threshold, and negative responses to force as well as neurons that responded only to brushing. Analysis of cluster representation in transgenic animals with only subsets of labeled neurons reveals molecular markers of clusters and end organ structures. These studies are amongst the first to determine the functional properties of low-threshold mechanosensory neurons innervating the mouse tongue.