Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of a Task-Based Approach to Public Speaking Instruction

Abstract The effects of a task-based learning (TBL) approach on learner progress in L2 public speaking are investigated through questionnaires, a case study, and student evaluations. The 34 completed questionnaires showed that all of the students made generic preparations for their flrst individual speech, but relevant and unique improvements for the second one. Speeches given in English by two Chinese undergraduate students in the same Public Speaking course were analyzed in detail to identify phonological improvements in accuracy and fluency. The paper concludes that task-based instruction supports learner-initiated learning opportunities outside the classroom, thus encouraging greater learner improvements.
Intelligent Reflecting Surface Enhanced Wireless Powered Mobile Edge Computing

Wireless powered mobile edge computing (MEC) has been a promising solution to improve the computation performance of the wireless networks. However, wireless devices (WDs) can not harvest sufficient energy and the link used for offloading tasks is hostile due to the doubly attenuation. Fortunately, the efficiency of wireless power transfer and spectrum can be improved significantly by intelligent reflecting surface (IRS), which can steer the incident signal collaboratively. This paper proposes a wireless powered MEC network assisted by the IRS, where the WDs follow a binary offloading rule. Our objective is to maximize the system computation rate by jointly optimizing the downlink and uplink passive beamforming of all IRSs, computing modes of the WDs and time allocation for wireless power transfer (WPT) and task offloading. The block coordinate descent (BCD) method is introduced to decompose the original problem into three sub-problems. The major difficulty is caused by the combinatorial nature of the WDs' computing mode selection. To solve this problem, we propose a duplex coordinate descent with dictionary (DCDD) method to obtain a sub-optimal solution with high efficiency. Numerical results show that the proposed scheme can achieve significant performance gains over the benchmark schemes without IRS.
Fault detection for switched positive systems under successive packet dropouts with application to the Leslie matrix model

In this paper, the problem of fault detection filter design is dealt with for a class of switched positive systems with packet dropouts on the channel between the sensors and the filters. The phenomena of packet dropouts are governed by a Bernoulli process, and a stochastic switched positive system is established based on the augmented states of the plants and filters. Two criteria are developed to evaluate the performance of the fault detection for the system under investigation. Sufficient conditions are established on the existence of the desired filters for the mean‐square stability with an L1 disturbance attenuation level, and an index for the L− fault sensitivity is also derived through constructing a switched Lyapunov function in term of linear programming. Two illustrative examples, one of which is concerned with the Leslie matrix model, are provided to show the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevalence and determinants of induced abortion among reproductive-aged women in Aykel town North West, Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study

Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of induced abortion among women of the reproductive age group in Aykel town North West, Ethiopia. Method: Community based cross-sectional study was employed in Aykel town North West Ethiopia, from August to September 2018. A systematic random sampling technique was used to recruit a total of 422 reproductive-aged women during the study period. Binary logistic regression model fitted to identify factors associated with induced abortion. Adjusted odds ratio with 95%CI used to explore the strength of association between outcome and independent variables. Result: The prevalence of induced abortion was 14.5% with 95% CI (11.2 to 18.17). Age group of 15-24 years [AOR=3.10, 95%CI (1.116-8.543)], pregnancy status unwanted [AOR=3.1; 95%CI (1.292-7.322], not ever used contraceptive [AOR = 3.96; 95%CI (1.612-9.709)], parity [AOR= 0.37, 95%CI (0.164-0.823)], knowing induce abortion complication [AOR=2.24, 95%CI (1.104-4.551],partner primary educational level [AOR = 3.68, 95%CI (1.082-12.528)] were determinants of induced abortion among reproductive age women. Conclusions: This study revealed that the magnitude of induced abortion was high. Younger age, pregnancy status unwanted, had not ever used contraceptive, knowing induced abortion complication, and partner education level was positively associated with induced abortion. In contrast, parity negatively associated with induced abortion. Therefore, induce abortion intervention like contraception provisions need to focus young age group.
Activation Policies in Switzerland

This report examines the performance of public employment services and the effectiveness of activation strategies in Switzerland. It covers the role of the key actors in labour market policy, the placement function of the Public Employment Service (PES), the structure of out-of-work benefits and the related incentives and disincentives for taking up work, and discusses the main features of active labour market programmes (ALMPs).
Grid-connected transformerless single-phase photovoltaic inverters: an evaluation on DC current injection and PV array voltage fluctuation

A number of political, environmental and technical factors have resulted in the increase of implementation of renewable technology including grid connected photovoltaic inverters. As a result, new topologies for grid connected inverters providing higher efficiencies and lower manufacturing costs have been developed. In particular, designs utilising transformerless topologies have steadily increased. While there are clear associated advantages of implementing these new transformerless topologies, new potential issues such as DC current injection and capacitive leakage currents are introduced. Part A of this report presents a clearly defined test circuit setup and procedure for testing DC current injection for grid-connected single-phase photovoltaic inverters implementing both transformerless and high frequency transformer topologies. The results demonstrated that the test circuit setup and testing procedure is suitable for inclusion in a future amendment to AS4777.2. It is however proposed that before these amendments are recommended, further investigation is required to determine what power levels all inverters are required to be tested at and how many tests per inverter are required. Part B of this report defines and models a variety of transformerless inverter topologies, switching schemes and output filter configurations and clearly defines their operation. All of these various models have been simulated to determine which designs are suitable for applications in regards to reducing capacitive leakage currents in an effort to eliminate potential risks to users and to ensure electromagnetic compatability. Two commercially available and one anonymous Grid-connected Transformerless Single-phase Photovoltaic Inverter models utilising a selection of the simulated topologies and switching schemes were experimentally tested to verify simulated results.
The effect of a baffle on the heat transfer in underground auxiliary ventalitation systems

This paper presents a computational fluid dynamics simulation to examine the effects of the baffle on the air flow field and the heat transfer rate in a space located beneath a ventilation channel. The computational model consists of a two-dimensional channel equipped with a thin baffle hanging from the top wall and a cavity located underneath simulating the underground space. Air flows trough the channel at a uniform velocity, uc , and temperature, Tc . The cavity base is assumed to be heated at a constant temperature, Th , while the vertical walls of the cavity are well-insulated. The top wall of the channel is maintained at a constant temperature, Tc . The continuity, momentum and energy equations are solved numerically using the control-volume approach to examine a combination of natural and forced convection flows. The results show that even though the existence of the baffle improves the cavity ventilation performance at low Richardson numbers, it has a negative impact at high Richardson numbers.
Effect of Cadmium Exposure among workers in Iron-Steel Industries

Cadmium is a highly toxic metal with a very long half-life of 20-30 years in humans and accumulates in soft tissues, kidneys, and the liver.Aim of the study:The study aimed to assess the possible influence of occupational exposure to cadmium as well as smoking cigarettes on renal and liver functions in iron steel manufacturing. This cross-sectional study evaluated liver, kidney function, oxidative stress and lipid per oxidation among smoker and non smoker workers in iron-steelmanufacturing(mean age, 35 years) in Egypt.We measured the plasma levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), albumin, creatinine, uric acid (UA), urea, cu/zn superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), blood hemoglobin and β2microglobulin in urine, adjusting for smokingand the amount of cigarette smoked. Subjects were stratified into direct and indirect exposure according to their place of exposure. Our results show positive associations between exposure to cadmium and adverse effect on Hb, reductase GSH, cu/zn SOD and GGT. Hamdy A.Mahdy El-Bassel, wafaa M. Ismael Amal H. Abd El-Razek and EL-Sayed A.E. Hassanin 62 The outcomes due to acute and prolonged chronic cadmium exposure are oxidative stress, anemia, renal and liver dysfunctions. Cadmium, Renal toxicity, hepatotoxicity, Smoking
Fecal Microbiome Transplantation for Recurrent Clostridioides difficile Infection: Treatment Efficacy, Short and Long-term Follow-up Results from Consecutive Case Series.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Many studies have shown a high effectiveness of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in treatment of recurrent or refractory Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). Nevertheless, data on long term outcomes and complications after FMT are still lacking. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy, the peri- procedural safety profile and the long-term efficacy and safety of FMT for recurrent CDI during a median follow up period of 24 months. METHODS Our study included 60 consecutive patients that were treated from 2015 to 2019 for recurrent CDI. In all patients FMT was performed through the nasoenteric tube placed during gastroscopy. Fresh donor feces were used for FMT from unrelated donors. Pre-FMT preparation included CDI treatment with oral vancomycin 500 mg q.i. d. for at least five days and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) administration before FMT. Follow up data included information about recurrent CDI episodes, early and late complications, health status at 3, 12 and 24 months after FMT. RESULTS FMT was performed for 60 patients (median age 72.5 years) with recurrent CDI. Clinical improvement after the first FMT procedure was observed in 48 patients (80%). Ten of 12 initially non-responding patients had a clinical resolution after a second FMT leading to an increased overall cure rate of 96.7 %. The remaining two patients needed a third FMT with a final overall cure rate of 100%. Nine of 60 patients were under immunosuppressive therapy. Six immunosuppressed patients were in the group of initial responders and the remaining three in the initially non-responder group. We observed a very low rate of adverse events in the short and long-term after FMT. During the first eight weeks after the FMT procedure, the death of three patients occurred, but they were not related to the FMT procedure. Patients were followed up for a median of 20 months, with the range from 12 to 55 months. During the follow-up period no long-term serious adverse events (SAE) were documented. CONCLUSIONS Our study confirms excellent efficacy rates of FMT in the treatment of recurrent CDI. In addition, this study shows that it is possible to avoid short term SAE when FMT is administered via a nasoenteric tube by following a very stringent peri-procedural patient follow-up protocol. Our study also demonstrates good safety with a low rate of long-term adverse events after FMT.
FACTORS WHICH EFFECT EQUILIBRIUM RELATIVE HUMIDITY OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS

The equilibrium relative humidity (ERH) of rough rice, brown rice, corn kernels, corn cobs, soybeans, and red beans was measured at temperatures ranging from 5 to 50°C. Four ERH models and their estimated parameters were evaluated for goodness-of-fit. Hysteresis effect was found for the ERH properties of rough rice, corn kernels, and corn cobs. Drying temperatures of samples had a significant effect on the ERH properties. Comparing results of this study with previously published data, the effect of the ERH determining method did not influence ERH properties. Varietal and growing location differences did affect the ERH property for some grains.
Conditions for networked co-production through digital participatory platforms in urban planning

ABSTRACT Contemporary urban development is increasingly characterized by collaboration and co-production between ‘experts’ and the ‘public’ in urban planning processes. Recently, local planning actors have adopted digital participatory platforms (DPPs) which are specifically built for networked engagement and collaboration purposes. However, the knowledge on embedding DPPs in wider planning dialogues is still limited and scattered. The aim of this paper is to provide a better understanding of the organizational conditions for the successful adoption and implementation of such networked co-production. Through a set of semi-structured interviews with representatives from public agencies and platform companies, we have analysed how organizational conditions for networked co-production manifest themselves in seven cases of DPP implementation. The analysis shows that these conditions are co-constitutive and co-evolutive rather than concurrent or sequential, with strong links between the compatibility of public agencies, attitudes to co-production, organizational cultures and incentives for co-production. The results critically emphasize the need to adopt holistic approaches to networked co-production, allowing for extensive experimentation and ‘learning by doing’.
Using Documentary to Make the Teaching of Environmental Literacy Engaging among Market Communities in the Three Senatorial Districts of Ogun State

This study aimed at assessing the deplorable state of environmental degradation and waste disposal compliance in markets across the three senatorial districts in Ogun State. This study investigated the literacy level of waste disposal among the traders in the markets in relation to the principles of sustainable development. In doing so, this work considered the use of documentary mode of teaching in making environmental literacy more engaging and realistic through environmental education. This will help in formulating guidelines on how positive attitude towards waste disposal can be achieved through environmental literacy as a vehicle to realize the educational agenda of sustainable development which cannot be over-emphasized. The research employed a mixed-method research. Focus groups were selected from the markets within the sampled three districts of the state. 270 traders of different groups of interest were selected into the focus groups and 16 market heads were also interviewed. Result showed that the market users have to be educated of the various possible dangers of the degradations they engage in unconsciously. Government is therefore expected to partner market communities, cooperate bodies and non-governmental agencies with interest in healthy and safe environment to raise the awareness level of the market communities in environmental management.
Assessing influence of conductivity in heart modelling with the aim of studying cardiovascular diseases

The bidomain/monodomain equations have been widely used to model electrical activity in cardiac tissue. Here we present a sensitivity study of a crucial parameter in the bidomain model, the tissue conductivity. This study is necessary since there is no general agreement on the actual values that should be employed, mainly due to inconsistencies between the few sources of empirical information existent in the literature. Furthermore, estimates of this parameter from either imaging techniques or from experiments on isolated cardiac tissue have been inconsistent. For this study, a 3D biventricular model built from Multi-Detector Computer Tomography was used with the most relevant electrical structures, such as myocardial fiber orientation and the Purkinje system, were included. Specific ionic models for normal myocardium and for the Purkinje system were taken into account. Finite Element methods were used to solve the monodomain equation for a number of different conductivity settings. Comparative results using isochronal maps are shown in combination with statistical tests to measure changes in the sequence of electrical activation in the myocardium, conduction velocities (CV), and local activation times (LAT).
Fluid‐Mediated Mass Transfer Between Mafic and Ultramafic Rocks in Subduction Zones

Metasomatic reaction zones between mafic and ultramafic rocks exhumed from subduction zones provide a window into mass‐transfer processes at high pressure. However, accurate interpretation of the rock record requires distinguishing high‐pressure metasomatic processes from inherited oceanic signatures prior to subduction. We integrated constraints from bulk‐rock geochemical compositions and petrophysical properties, mineral chemistry, and thermodynamic modeling to understand the formation of reaction zones between juxtaposed metagabbro and serpentinite as exemplified by the Voltri Massif (Ligurian Alps, Italy). Distinct zones of variably metasomatized metagabbro are dominated by chlorite, amphibole, clinopyroxene, epidote, rutile, ilmenite, and titanite between serpentinite and eclogitic metagabbro. Whereas the precursor serpentinite and oxide gabbro formed and were likely already in contact in an oceanic setting, the reaction zones formed by diffusional Mg‐metasomatism between the two rocks from prograde to peak, to retrograde conditions in a subduction zone. Metasomatism of mafic rocks by Mg‐rich fluids that previously equilibrated with serpentinite could be widespread along the subduction interface, within the subducted slab, and the mantle wedge. Furthermore, the models predict that talc formation by Si‐metasomatism of serpentinite in subduction zones is limited by pressure‐dependent increase in the silica activity buffered by the serpentine‐talc equilibrium. Elevated activities of aqueous Ca and Al species would also favor the formation of chlorite and garnet. Accordingly, unusual conditions or processes would be required to stabilize abundant talc at high P‐T conditions. Alternatively, a different set of mineral assemblages, such as serpentine‐ or chlorite‐rich rocks, may be controlling the coupling‐decoupling transition of the plate interface.
Reversing RAFT Polymerization: Near-Quantitative Monomer Generation Via a Catalyst-Free Depolymerization Approach

The ability to reverse controlled radical polymerization and regenerate the monomer would be highly beneficial for both fundamental research and applications, yet this has remained very challenging to achieve. Herein, we report a near-quantitative (up to 92%) and catalyst-free depolymerization of various linear, bulky, cross-linked, and functional polymethacrylates made by reversible addition–fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Key to our approach is to exploit the high end-group fidelity of RAFT polymers to generate chain-end radicals at 120 °C. These radicals trigger a rapid unzipping of both conventional (e.g., poly(methyl methacrylate)) and bulky (e.g., poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate)) polymers. Importantly, the depolymerization product can be utilized to either reconstruct the linear polymer or create an entirely new insoluble gel that can also be subjected to depolymerization. This work expands the potential of polymers made by controlled radical polymerization, pushes the boundaries of depolymerization, offers intriguing mechanistic aspects, and enables new applications.
A family of matrix-tree multijections

For a natural class of r × n integer matrices, we construct a non-convex polytope which periodically tiles R n . From this tiling, we provide a family of geometrically meaningful maps from a generalized sandpile group to a set of generalized spanning trees which give multijective proofs for several higher-dimensional matrix-tree theorems. In particular, these multijections can be ap- plied to graphs, regular matroids, cell complexes with a torsion-free spanning forest, and representable arithmetic matroids with a multiplicity one basis. This generalizes a bijection given by Backman, Baker, and Yuen and extends work by Duval, Klivans, and Martin.
Direction-finding of coherent sources via 'particle-velocity-field smoothing'

A new 'particle-velocity-field smoothing' (PVFS) algorithm is proposed to decorrelate up to three coherent sources for azimuth-elevation direction-finding using vector-hydrophones in the underwater acoustic medium. The coherency among the incident sources would reduce the data correlation matrix's rank to below the number of incident sources, but this proposed algorithm restores the rank by summing the individual particle-velocity-field component's data correlation matrices. This scheme uses identically oriented underwater-acoustic vector-hydrophones, its locations may be arbitrary. Each underwater-acoustic vector-hydrophone consists of two or three collocated but orthogonally oriented velocity-hydrophones, and a pressure-hydrophone. In contrast to the customary 'spatial smoothing' technique, this proposed PVFS algorithm does not reduce the array's spatial aperture and does not require any 'virtual array interpolation' even for an irregularly shaped array grid. Monte Carlo simulations verify this proposed scheme's efficacy.
Removing Snow from a Single Image Using a Residual Frequency Module and Perceptual RaLSGAN

Removing snow particles from an image is a complicated task due to the shape, size, and color of the particles. The latest snow removal methods remove snow from a single image but still retain some snow and salt-and-pepper particles. Some approaches, while trying to remove snow from a single image, produce blurry artifacts. In this paper, we solve these problems by designing a network model that consists of a residual generative network, a snow-free image generative network, and a perceptual relativistic discriminative network. In both generative networks, we assign the residual frequency network (ReFNet) as our bottleneck module. Our network model learns to map two relationships. First, the input snowy image is trained to map the snow mask image in the dataset. Then, a retained image resulting from subtraction between an input image and the estimated residual image is concatenated with the input snowy image and mapped to the desired snow-free ground truth. Moreover, we use a perceptual identical-paired adversarial network based on a relativistic discriminative network to make our training results more robust. Our results achieve greater performance than state-of-the-art methods on both synthetic and real-world snowy images.