Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Correlation between Energy Cost Share, Human, and Economic Development: Using Time Series Data from Australasia, Europe, North America, and the BRICS Nations

This paper investigates how a change in a region’s energy cost share (ECS), a ratio of a region’s energy expenditure as a fraction of its gross domestic product (GDP), affects the region’s social and economic development. Nations from four regions of the world, namely Australasia, Europe, North America, and the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) were chosen for this study. Using time series data from the period of 1978 to 2010, the annual ECS of each country was compared to the year-on-year GDP change, as well as the components of the human development index (HDI). High ECS values were seen to correlate with low economic development. The existence of an ECS threshold was found in 14 of the 15 countries, for all the regions, and for the worldwide analysis, with very strong correlation coefficients obtained for periods of high ECS. New to this field of research, this study also investigated the effects of ECS on gross national income (GNI) per capita change, as well as the effects of 0, 1, 2, and 3 year lags. This investigation found that ECS has a very strong correlation to GNI per capita change, which was much stronger than the correlation between ECS and GDP change. The effects of ECS on social and economic development occurred after varying time lags, and it is unique to each country and region. Regions with similar ECS dynamics were identified, with possible reasons for the similarities being provided.
Impact of Changing Winds on the Mauna Loa CO2 Seasonal Cycle in Relation to the Pacific Decadal Oscillation

Long‐term measurements at the Mauna Loa Observatory (MLO) show that the CO2 seasonal cycle amplitude (SCA) increased from 1959 to 2019 at an overall rate of 0.22 ± $\pm $ 0.034 ppm decade−1 while also varying on interannual to decadal time scales. These SCA changes are a signature of changes in land ecological CO2 fluxes as well as shifting winds. Simulations with the TM3 tracer transport model and CO2 fluxes from the Jena CarboScope CO2 Inversion suggest that shifting winds alone have contributed to a decrease in SCA of −0.10 ± $\pm $ 0.022 ppm decade−1 from 1959 to 2019, partly offsetting the observed long‐term SCA increase associated with enhanced ecosystem net primary production. According to these simulations and MIROC‐ACTM simulations, the shorter‐term variability of MLO SCA is nearly equally driven by varying ecological CO2 fluxes (49%) and varying winds (51%). We also show that the MLO SCA is strongly correlated with the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) due to varying winds, as well as with a closely related wind index (U‐PDO). Since 1980, 44% of the wind‐driven SCA decrease has been tied to a secular trend in the U‐PDO, which is associated with a progressive weakening of westerly winds at 700 mbar over the central Pacific from 20°N to 40°N. Similar impacts of varying winds on the SCA are seen in simulations at other low‐latitude Pacific stations, illustrating the difficulty of constraining trend and variability of land CO2 fluxes using observations from low latitudes due to the complexity of circulation changes.
Mamíferos não-voadores em áreas com predomínio de Mata Atlântica da Samarco Mineração S.A., município de Anchieta, Espírito Santo

Apesar de a Mata Atlântica ter uma alta diversidade de especies com muitas especies endemicas, no estado do Espirito Santo a fauna de mamiferos e ainda muito pouco conhecida. Este artigo teve como objetivo apresentar um inventario preliminar dos mamiferos nao-voadores em remanescentes de Mata Atlântica de propriedade da Samarco Mineracao S.A. , municipio de Anchieta, Espirito Santo. Os mamiferos foram capturados em diferentes areas (vegetacao secundaria, exotica e alagado) usando armadilhas colocadas no chao e fixadas em galhos e plataformas suspensas, ou confirmados atraves de evidencias diretas e indiretas durante censos diurnos e noturnos. Um total de 20 especies foi registrado na regiao de estudo, sendo a ordem Didelphimorphia a de maior riqueza de especies. Apesar de este numero ser relativamente alto, varias especies de grande porte parecem ja terem sido extintas nas areas, especialmente aquelas que requerem grandes areas. A conservacao de areas com vegetacao nativa pode estar permitindo o restabelecimento da fauna nas areas da empresa.
Numerical study on the bearing capacity of strip footing resting on partially saturated soil subjected to combined vertical-horizontal-moment loading

Abstract This study investigates the bearing capacity of strip footings resting on unsaturated soils subjected to combined loading using the lower-bound limit analysis coupled with the finite element discretization approach. In this regard, second-order cone programming (SOCP) is exploited to simulate the nonlinear form of the universal Mohr-Coulomb yield criterion during the process of stress field optimization. The significant influence of matric suction induced below the surface footing was accounted for by adopting the suction stress concept under the no-flow and steady-state infiltration/evaporation flow conditions. The eccentricity and inclination of the foundation loading are introduced into the equilibrium equations along the strip footing so as to render various combinations of moment (M), vertical (V) and shear (H) forces. The results stemming from the lower-bound finite element limit analysis are compared with several previous studies throughout the literature for verification of the model. The substantial contribution of suction stress to the evolution of failure loci and the distribution of subsurface stresses for the shallow foundation subjected to inclined and eccentric loadings is thoroughly discussed. A general three-dimensional failure envelope is presented for shallow foundations resting on partially saturated soils under combined vertical, horizontal and moment loadings.
Violence in the “double closet”: female same-sex intimate partner violence and minority stress in China

Abstract Intimate partner violence (IPV) has been identified as a public health issue among both heterosexual and lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ) populations. While attention has often been paid to IPV among heterosexual couples, there is limited research on the causes of and interventions for IPV confronting same-sex couples, especially those in non-Euro-American contexts. This article highlights the “double closet” nature of same-sex IPV, and, in particular, the triply marginalized position of lesbian victims of IPV due to their gender, sexuality, and experiences of violence in China. Extending ongoing discussions about minority stress faced by sexual minority people, it reveals how the daily stressors associated with identity concealment, coupled with relational selfhood and heteronormative institutional constraints, complicate lesbian relationships and violence in China. Focusing on the family-centered context provides an important window into the ways in which the perceived need to stay in the closet (hide one’s sexual identity) and rejection from the family of origin and the state influence lesbians’ experiences of IPV and inhibit many of them from disclosing violence. This article builds a dialogue between discussions of the closet and existing literature on IPV. It concludes by drawing attention to the need to break the silence around IPV and build alliances for developing culturally sensitive interventions aimed at addressing IPV.
Ameliorating effect of vermicompost on Foeniculum vulgare under saline condition

Abstract Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill) is a medicinal plant that all parts of it can be used in various industries such as food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. To investigate the effect of vermicompost (VC: 0 and 5%), as an organic fertilizer, on the morphophysiological and biochemical characteristics of two fennel landraces (Shiraz and Urmia) under saline conditions (0, 40, 80, and 120 mM NaCl), a factorial experiment was conducted in greenhouse condition. After 3 weeks of culturing, plants were irrigated with experimental treatments until 5 weeks more. The results showed that salinity stress induced a significant decrease in leaf area, biomass, photosynthetic pigments content, relative water content, membrane stability index, minerals (Fe, K, Ca, and Mg) concentration, total protein content, and gibberellin concentration of the shoot. A significant increase in malondialdehyde, total phenol, and the activity of catalase and peroxidase enzymes in the same organ was also observed. In contrast, for most of these variables, the opposite results were obtained under VC alone or its interaction with salinity stress. In comparison between two fennel landraces, Shiraz was less affected by salinity stress, while the effect of VC on Urmia was more evident. It can be concluded that VC can limit the adverse effects of salinity stress on fennel by affecting photosynthetic pigments, membrane integrity, minerals concentration, water status, protein content, gibberellins biosynthesis, and antioxidants activity.
Scopus Determining the Moderator Role of Brand Image on Brand Innovativeness, Consumer Hope, Customer Satisfaction and Repurchase Intentions

: Purpose: The aim of the study was to determine the effects of brand innovation on consumer hope, customer satisfaction, repurchase intention, and the moderator role of brand image on these effects. Design/methodology/approach: This study is a quantitative research. In the study, data were collected and analysed with quantitative methods. The expressions used in the preparation of the questions were obtained from the scales in the literature. The brands used in the research were the brands most mentioned by the participants as a result of the pre-test. The questionnaire was collected online, and 390 valid questionnaires were reached. In the research, the moderator role of brand image on consumer hope, brand innovativeness and repurchase intention was revealed through analyses and contributed to the literature. At the same time, since there are not many studies on the brand image, consumer hope, brand innovation and repurchase intention of Azerbaijani consumers, is thought that this research will shed light on the studies on the subject. Findings: In this study 7 hypotheses were developed and tested. As a result of the research, it was found that brand innovativeness affects consumer hope, consumer hope affects customer satisfaction and repurchase intention, and customer satisfaction affects repurchase intention. Practical implications: The conditions prepared based on the literature on the moderator effect of brand image on the brand innovativeness, consumer hope, customer satisfaction and repurchase intentions, that contributed to the other important contributions of the research were supported as a result of the analysis. Originality/value: There are not many studies in the literature on the moderator role of brand image on brand innovativeness, consumer hope, customer satisfaction and repurchase intention. As a result of the analysis made in this study, it has been revealed that the brand image has a moderator role on these variables. With this, there are many studies conducted in different countries, but there is no any study on consumers on the topic in Azerbaijan.
Is There a Relationship between CO2 Emissions by Sources, Electricity Consumption and Economic Growth in Côte d’Ivoire? Evidence from an ARDL Investigation

This paper investigates the impact of different sources of CO2 emissions together with electric power consumption on per capita GDP in Cote d'Ivoire with data ranging from 1970 to 2019. We found cointegration relationships between per capita GDP and the variables of interest. CO2 emissions, CO2 emissions from liquid fuel consumption, electric power consumption and investment have positive impact on per capita GDP. A simultaneous increase of electric power consumption and CO2 emissions in the long run has a negative impact on per capita GDP. Causality runs from CO2 emissions, electric power consumption and investment to per capita GDP. In the short run, electric power consumption positively impacts per capita GDP. Labor force has a negative impact on per capita GDP. Causality runs from electric power consumption to per capita GDP. Similar results are obtained when CO2 emissions from liquid fuel consumption are used in place of global CO2 emissions.
Structural Changes, Electrophoretic Pattern, and Quality Attributes of Camel Meat Treated with Fresh Ginger Extract and Papain Powder

Camel is a valuable source of meat for African and Asian countries; however, the most important problem associated with camel meat is its extreme toughness. This toughness has been attributed to its contents of connective tissue, which become more crossly linked in old animals. The toughness of camel meat decreases the consumer acceptance of this meat and reduces its chances of being utilized as a raw material for further processing into meat products. Ginger and papain were used in the current study as tenderizing enzymes, and the structural changes, electrophoretic pattern, physicochemical characteristics, and sensory scores of the treated meat were examined. The treatment of camel meat with ginger and papain resulted in marked destructive changes in the connective tissue and myofibers, and a reduction in the protein bands, with a consequent improvement in its tenderness. All the enzyme-treated samples exhibited significant increases in the protein solubility, with significant decreases in the shear-force values. Moreover, an improvement in the sensory scores of the raw and cooked meat and a reduction in the bacterial counts after the treatments were recorded. Ginger and papain induced a significant improvement in the physicochemical characteristics, sensory attributes, and bacterial counts of the camel meat; therefore, these materials can be utilized by meat processors to boost the consumer acceptance of this meat, and to increase its suitability as a raw material for further meat processing.
Impact of Heat Treatment of Spruce Wood on Its Fire-Technical Characteristics Based on Density and the Side Exposed to Fire

The paper assessed the impact of the heat treatment of spruce wood, the (radial and tangential) side of the specimens exposed to fire, and the type of material (prism—higher density, floor—lower density) on the combustion process and the rate of fire spread. Five groups of specimens were used—untreated spruce wood specimens, two groups of heat-treated spruce wood specimens from the prism (higher density specimens), and two groups of heat-treated spruce wood specimens from the floor (lower density specimens). In one group, the flame was applied to the radial side, and in the other group to the tangential side of the specimens. The effect on the combustion process was assessed based on the parameters of mass loss and mass loss rate over time. The effect on the rate of fire spread across the specimens was assessed by the parameter fire spread rate. These parameters were determined using a simple test method where the specimens were exposed to a direct flame at an angle of 45°. To complement the results and to assess the processes involved, the temperatures at the specimen surfaces were also measured during the experiment. The main achieved results of the study are the findings on how the heat treatment, the density, and the side of the wood along which the fire spreads affect the burning process of the wood. The results indicated a significant effect of the density of the spruce thermowood on its combustion process. The higher density radial specimens exhibited a higher mass loss rate, and the overall average mass loss of the higher density samples was 27% of the original mass higher than that of the lower density samples. Additionally, the results suggested that the heat treatment of lower-density spruce wood (floor) does not significantly affect the mass loss and the mass loss rate. The difference in the overall average mass loss of the thermowood of floor and untreated wood samples was less than 2%, which is statistically insignificant. It was also found that for thermowood, fire will spread faster on the tangential side, where the fire spread rate is 29% higher compared with the radial side (for the floor samples). Based on the findings of other authors in a similar field, the results confirm that heat-treated spruce wood is more easily ignitable than untreated wood, which was proven by the spontaneous combustion of most of the thermowood samples during the experiment compared with the untreated wood samples.
Microfluidics Facilitates the Development of Single-Cell RNA Sequencing

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology provides a powerful tool for understanding complex biosystems at the single-cell and single-molecule level. The past decade has been a golden period for the development of single-cell sequencing, with scRNA-seq undergoing a tremendous leap in sensitivity and throughput. The application of droplet- and microwell-based microfluidics in scRNA-seq has contributed greatly to improving sequencing throughput. This review introduces the history of development and important technical factors of scRNA-seq. We mainly focus on the role of microfluidics in facilitating the development of scRNA-seq technology. To end, we discuss the future directions for scRNA-seq.
The Effect of Organizational Commitment on Higher Education Services Quality

Relationship between employee attitudes and services quality still unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study is to uncover the relationship between organizational commitment and service quality, by investigate under which mechanism that organizational commitment effect service quality. Data were collected by means of self-administered survey, total 247 faculty staff and 1235 of their student complete responses were obtained from Aden University. The results show that, organizational commitment effect service quality by social mechanism (social exchange). More specifically, organizational commitment effect service quality by social exchange mechanism. Important implications, limitation and future studies are discussed. This study aims to investigate the direct effect of organizational commitment on higher education service quality, therefore, the data of this study was collected through questionnaire. Two survey instruments were used to test the hypotheses: first instrument to measure organization commitment, and second to measure their student perceptions about service quality. The questionnaires distributed personally to the respondents. Each respondent received envelop contains one organization commitment survey for the faculty and other surveys for students. The questionnaire hand-distributed in the classes before or after lecture. During this process, 400 questionnaire were distributed to the faculty members, and 257 questionnaires was return response was rate 61.7%, and 247 were used. In addition, distributed 2100 questionnaires to the faculty customers (students), 1250 questionnaires were return response rate was 60%.
Ion-Flow Environment of HVDC and Hybrid AC/DC Overhead Lines

For various applications, HVDC overhead lines (OHL) offer technical and economic advantages over conventional HVAC systems. Boosted by increased demand for transmission capacity, the number of HVDC systems has thus steadily risen over the past decades. Corona effects processes related to partial electric discharges caused by high electric field stresses at conductor surfaces are an important factor in the overall environmental, technical and economic performance of HVDC OHLs. They include corona losses, audible noise and the drift of ions towards ground or to other conductors. This latter aspect plays an important role in so-called hybrid AC/DC towers, in which HVAC and HVDC systems run in parallel on the same tower. This thesis investigates the fundamental effects that lead to the generation of corona discharges on DC conductors. The influence of conductor surface properties on the corona behavior during wet weather is given particular attention. Furthermore, the corona current coupling between different bundles in bipolar DC and hybrid AC/DC systems is studied in detail. A series of indoor laboratory experiments (monopolar DC, bipolar DC and hybrid AC/DC) form the basis of the presented investigations. Using simulated rainfall and novel imaging methods, the relationship between wetting behavior and corona properties is established. In bipolar DC and hybrid AC/DC measurements, the selective placement of corona sources is used to differentiate between coupling effects caused by Laplace (space-charge-free) fields and mechanisms driven by Poisson (space-charge-enhanced) fields. A key finding of this thesis is that the conductor surface type strongly influences wet weather HVDC corona losses and the drying
Analysis of the impact of ownership characteristics on the capital structure and business success of companies in the Balkan beverage industry

The aim of the research is to present the influence of ownership characteristics on the capital structure and business success of companies theoretically and empirically. The research was conducted on a sample of 96 active companies operating within the beverage industry in the Balkan countries in 2019. Empirical research was carried out by using one-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA). The paper presents two models. One is related to the analysis of the effects of foreign ownership to profitability, liquidity, asset and capital structure, while the other model analyses the impact of ownership concentration on the same variables. The results of the models evaluation confirmed the existence of a statistically significant difference only between foreign ownership and liquidity. In this regard, the ownership characteristics are considered not to affect the business success of the sampled companies, but rather, the performance is affected by other internal and external factors.
Conv-MLP: A Convolution and MLP Mixed Model for Multimodal Face Anti-Spoofing

Local features contain crucial clues for face anti-spoofing. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are powerful in extracting local features, but the intrinsic inductive bias of CNNs limits the ability to capture long-range dependencies. This paper aims to develop a simple yet effective framework that is versatile in extracting both local information and long-range dependencies for face anti-spoofing. To this end, we propose a novel architecture, namely Conv-MLP, which incorporates local patch convolution with global multi-layer perceptrons (MLP). Conv-MLP breaks the inductive bias limitation of traditional full CNNs and can be expected to better exploit long-range dependencies. Furthermore, we design a new loss specifically for the face anti-spoofing task, namely moat loss. The moat loss benefits discriminative representations learning and can improve the generalization capability on unseen presentation attacks. In this work, multi-modal data are directly fused at the signal level to extract complementary features. Extensive experiments on single and multi-modal datasets demonstrate that Conv-MLP outperforms existing state-of-the-art methods while being more computationally efficient. The code is available at https://github.com/WeihangWANG/Conv-MLP.