Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the Role of Ozone in the Stability of Rossby Normal Modes

Abstract The role of ozone in the linear stability of Rossby normal modes is examined in a continuously stratified, extratropical baroclinic atmosphere. The flow is described by coupled equations for the quasi-geostrophic potential vorticity and ozone volume mixing ratio. A perturbation analysis is carded out under the assumption of weak diabatic heating, which is generated by Newtonian cooling and dynamics–ozone interaction. An expression for the propagation and growth characteristics is obtained analytically in terms of the vertically averaged wave activity, which depends explicitly on the wave spatial structure, photochemistry, and basic state distributions of wind, temperature, and ozone mixing ratio. Calculations show that stationary internal modes, whose amplitudes are largest in the stratosphere, are destabilized by dynamics–ozone interaction and Newtonian cooling, with e-folding times on the order of 20–40 days.
Effect of Cuisenaire Rods’ Approach on Some Nigeria Primary Pupils’ Achievement in Decimal Fractions

This study determined the effect of Cuisenaire Rods’ approach on some Nigeria primary pupils’ achievement in decimal fractions. Three hypotheses guided the study. A total of 200 Primary six pupils (that is, 6th grade) from randomly selected schools in Makurdi metropolis of Benue State of Nigeria served as the sample for the study. A Mathematics Achievement Test on Decimal Fractions (MATDF) developed by the researchers and validated by three experts with a reliability coefficient of 0.89 using K-R was used for data collection. Two way Analysis of Covariance was used for analyzing the data. The results revealed that there was a significant difference between pupils taught fractions using Cuisenaire Rods’ approach and those taught fractions using conventional approach with Cuisenaire rod approach being more facilitative (F 21, = 12.231; p .05). However, there was no significant interaction effect of method and gender on achievement (F =1.424; p > 0.05). It was therefore recommended among others that teachers of mathematics should adopt Cuisenaire Rods approach in teaching mathematics in primary schools in the study area to ensure hands-on-activities and thereby contributing to enhanced understanding.
The Variable Frame Theory of Focal Points: An Experimental Study

Abstract In variable frame theory a game is played rationally, but which game gets played is determined by nonrational (e.g., perceptual) player characteristics. These determine their “frames”—the sets of attributes of the objects of choice they think about. The theory implies that it is rational to play focal points in coordination games with multiple equilibria. The reported experiment confirms most of the theory's claims for such games, including the tradeoff theorem : players who can hope to coordinate only by randomizing over a class of objects trade off its smallness against the probability that it belongs to the partner's frame. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Number: C72.
Postoje žiakov cirkevnej školy k inklúzii žiaka s telesným postihnutím do vyučovania telesnej a športovej výchovy

The aim of the study was to analyse the attitudes of pupils of a church school towards the inclusion of a pupil with a physical disability in physical and sport education (PSE) and to compare in terms of gender, grade-level, in-school and out-of-school experiences, and type of school. The research sample consisted of 156 pupils attending the Piarist Combined School of František Hanák in Prievidza. In collecting the research data, we were inspired by a standardized diagnostic tool, the CAIPE-R. Pupils of a church school are aware that the presence of pupil with physical disability can negatively affect the flow of the PSE lessons. The highest level of positive attitude was shown by the pupils in full acceptance of a pupil in a wheelchair in the PSE class. Girls are significantly more likely to perceive inclusive PSE as an important to integrate a pupil with physical disability for his/her successful integration into society. Pupils of the lower grade-level (6th and 7th) are significantly more inclined to believe that the inclusion of a wheelchair pupil in PSE lessons can in no way disrupt the flow of the lesson, and that inclusive PSE is important for the pupil's successful integration into society. Pupils who have out-of-school experience of a person with physical disability are significantly more positive about the inclusion of a pupil in a wheelchair in the areas of wheelchair pupil acceptance by classmates, common goals achievement, and higher success rates of inclusion in society. Pupils with in-school experience declare a significantly more positive attitude in the success of learning motor skills acquisition in inclusive PSE. No differences in attitudes were showed in terms of the type of school.
SHAP EEFFECTS ON RESISTANCE TO UNIFORM FLOW IN OPEN CHANNELS

The effects of the shape of the cross-section on flow resistance in open channels has received considerable attention from hydraulic engineers for many years. Many investigators have tried to introduce parameters to represent the cross-section shape effect but their results have been inconclusive. Some of the techniques previously used to deal with this problem are reviewed and their shortcomings are discussed. A new method for dealing with shape effect is developed in this paper from considerations of dimensional analysis and using the experimental data of TRACY and LESTER and of SHIH and GRIGG. This method, which is referred to as KAZEMIPOUR'S method, employs new parameters more representative of the effect of cross-sectional shape on flow resistance in open channels than those previously used and offers solutions more rational than those previously proposed. The shape factor developed is ϕ = ϕ 1/ϕ 2, where ϕ 1, equal to , reflects the effects of non-uniform distribution of shear stress on the boundary .
Exploring the Value of Real-Time Medication Adherence Monitoring: A Qualitative Study

Smart adherence products enable the monitoring of medication intake in real-time. However, the value of real-time medication intake monitoring to different stakeholders such as patients, their caregivers, clinicians, and insurers is not elucidated. The aim of this study was to explore the value different stakeholders place on the availability of smart adherence products and access to real-time medication intake data. A qualitative study design using semi-structured one-on-one virtual interviews was utilized. Schwartz’s theory of values provided the foundation for the interview questions, data were analyzed using Braun and Clark’s thematic analysis framework, and findings were mapped back to the constructs of Schwartz’s theory of values. A total of 31 interviews with patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, and representatives of private or public insurance providers were conducted. Three themes and ten subthemes were identified. Themes included perceptions of integrating smart medication adherence technologies and real-time monitoring, technology adoption factors and data management. Stakeholders place different values based on the motivators and goals that can drive product use for daily medication management. Stakeholders valued the availability of real-time medication taking data that allow clinicians to make timely data-driven recommendations to their patients that may improve medication management for patients and reduce the caregiver burden.
Traffic-Related Air Pollution and Ground-Level Ozone Associated Global DNA Hypomethylation and Bulky DNA Adduct Formation

Studies have indicated that air pollution, including surface-level ozone (O3), can significantly influence the risk of chronic diseases. To better understand the carcinogenic mechanisms of air pollutants and identify predictive disease biomarkers, we examined the association between traffic-related pollutants with DNA methylation alterations and bulky DNA adducts, two biomarkers of carcinogen exposure and cancer risk, in the peripheral blood of 140 volunteers—95 traffic police officers, and 45 unexposed subjects. The DNA methylation and adduct measurements were performed by bisulfite-PCR and pyrosequencing and 32P-postlabeling assay. Airborne levels of benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P], carbon monoxide, and tropospheric O3 were determined by personal exposure biomonitoring or by fixed monitoring stations. Overall, air pollution exposure was associated with a significant reduction (1.41 units) in global DNA methylation (95% C.I. −2.65–0.04, p = 0.026). The decrement in ALU repetitive elements was greatest in the policemen working downtown (95% C.I. −3.23–−0.49, p = 0.008). The DNA adducts were found to be significantly increased (0.45 units) in the municipal officers with respect to unexposed subjects (95% C.I. 0.02–0.88, p = 0.039), mainly in those who were controlling traffic in downtown areas (95% C.I. 0.39–1.29, p < 0.001). Regression models indicated an increment of ALU methylation at higher B(a)P concentrations (95% C.I. 0.03–0.60, p = 0.032). Moreover, statistical models showed a decrement in ALU methylation and an increment of DNA damage only above the cut-off value of 30 µg/m3 O3. A significant increment of 0.73 units of IL-6 gene methylation was also found in smokers with respect to non-smokers. Our results highlighted the role of air pollution on epigenetic alterations and genotoxic effects, especially above the target value of 30 µg/m3 surface-level O3, supporting the necessity for developing public health strategies aimed to reduce traffic-related air pollution molecular alterations.
Pole assignment by gain output feedback

This short paper deals with the problem of pole assignment with incomplete state observation. It is shown that if the system is controllable and observable, and if n \leq r + m - 1 , an almost arbitrary set of distinct closed-loop poles is assignable by gain output feedback, where n, r , and m are the numbers of state variables, inputs and outputs, respectively. This result improves considerably the ones obtained so far about this problem. Different from the conventional approach using the characteristic equation, an approach based on the properties of the eigenspaces of the closed-loop dynamics is used in this short paper, which gives a new light on the various problems in the linear system theory. It is also shown, as a direct consequence of this result, that the minimum order of the dynamic compensator required for almost arbitrary pole assignment of overall closed-loop system is not greater than n - m - r + 1 .
Do Bandwagon Cues Affect Credibility Perceptions? A Meta-Analysis of the Experimental Evidence

Bandwagon cues are system-aggregated information about crowd behavior or peer endorsement displayed on a web interface (e.g., the number of likes on a Facebook post). Despite the recent proliferation of research on the effect of bandwagon cues on credibility perceptions, a comprehensive meta-analytic review of this effect has not yet been performed and published. Based on 161 effect sizes from 41 studies, the current meta-analysis revealed that bandwagon cues had a positive, albeit small, effect on credibility perceptions. Moderator analyses indicated that this effect was stronger (a) when the message was related to the marketing topic, (b) when the source was a non-expert (vs. an expert), and (c) when participants were from collectivistic (vs. individualistic) cultures. However, the bandwagon effect did not vary by cue feature (e.g., deliberateness). These findings are discussed in light of theoretical implications, practical guidelines, and directions for future research.
An elementary derivation of the Routh-Hurwitz criterion

In most undergraduate texts on control systems, the Routh-Hurwitz criterion is usually introduced as a mechanical algorithm for determining the Hurwitz stability of a real polynomial. Unlike many other stability criteria such as the Nyquist criterion, root locus, etc. no attempt whatsoever is made to even allude to a proof of the Routh-Hurwitz criterion. Previous results using the Hermite Biehler theorem have, however, succeeded in providing a simple derivation of Routh's algorithm for determining the Hurwitz stability or otherwise of a given real polynomial. However, this derivation fails to capture the fact that Routh's algorithm can also be used to count the number of open right half plane roots of a given polynomial. This paper shows that by using appropriately generalized versions of the Hermite-Biehler theorem, it is possible to provide a simple derivation of the Routh-Hurwitz criterion which also captures its unstable root counting capability.
The Effects of Outdoor versus Indoor Exercise on Psychological Health, Physical Health, and Physical Activity Behaviour: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Trials

A growing body of research is exploring the potential added health benefits of exercise when performed outdoors in nature versus indoors. This systematic review aimed to compare the effects of exercise in outdoor environments versus indoor environments on psychological health, physical health, and physical activity behaviour. We searched nine databases from inception to March 2021 for English language, peer-reviewed articles: MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, SportsDiscus, GreenFile, and CENTRAL. We included randomized and non-randomized trials that compared multiple bouts of exercise in outdoor versus indoor environments, and that assessed at least one outcome related to physical health, psychological health, or physical activity behaviour. Due to minimal outcome overlap and a paucity of studies, we performed a narrative synthesis. We identified 10 eligible trials, including 7 randomized controlled trials, and a total of 343 participants. Participant demographics, exercise protocols, and outcomes varied widely. In the 10 eligible studies, a total of 99 comparisons were made between outdoor and indoor exercise; all 25 statistically significant comparisons favoured outdoor exercise. Interpretation of findings was hindered by an overall high risk of bias, unclear reporting, and high outcome heterogeneity. There is limited evidence for added health or behaviour benefits of outdoor exercise versus indoor exercise. Rigorous randomized controlled trials are needed with larger samples and clear reporting.
Foliar Application of Potassium Salts to Olive, with Focus on Accompanying Anions

Potassium (K) is an essential element, which is often supplied to horticultural crops via foliar spraying. Some studies have investigated the effect of different foliar-applied K compounds; however, most studies have focussed on crop quality and yield parameters, or were performed with isolated leaf cuticles. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rates of the foliar ion penetration and leaf surface deposition of 130 mM K sprays of compounds with markedly different point of deliquescence (POD) and efflorescence (POE) values, the rates having been previously estimated in climate chamber trials. Shoots of field-grown, commercial olive trees were sprayed with K-nitrate (KNO3), K-sulphate (K2SO4), K-chloride (KCl), K-phosphate (K3PO4), K-carbonate (K2CO3) and K-bicarbonate (KHCO3), and leaf samples were collected after 3 and 24 h. Cation and anion concentrations were determined in the leaf tissues, and in a preliminary leaf water wash for estimating surface-deposited ion concentrations. No significant leaf tissue K increments were recorded between the K sprays. Olive tissue anion concentrations showed different patterns, and a chloride (Cl−) increase was detected 3 h after the foliar KCl supply. On the other hand, the foliar K applications led to leaf nitrate changes regardless of the K source supplied. High amounts of K and accompanying ions were recovered in the washing liquid of the foliar K-supplied leaves. Some foliar K treatments increased the leaf surface concentration of sulphate and chloride, suggesting a potential effect on leaf cell anion extrusion. Hence, despite no evidence of foliar K uptake, an effect of leaf anion concentrations was observed, indicating that foliar nutrient sprays may influence leaf and leaf surface anion balance.
High-speed fingerprint verification using optical correlator

A real-time, VanderLugt-type optical correlator with a single SLM has been developed. A field programmable gate array was used to capture and process images obtained from a CCD camera at a rate of 60 video fields per second. During both enrollment and verification, a finger slides over a glass prism and is input to the system via the frustration of total internal reflection. An auto-enrollment procedure captures the optimal image during each slide. An optimal composite filter is implemented. The correlation detection process comprises real-time tracking of the correlation peak while the finger is sliding, and a decision process based on projective decision boundaries. Real-life tests yielded a false rejection rate of 1% and a false acceptance rate of 0.2%.
On analytical and numerical study of implicit fixed point iterations

Abstract In this article, we define a new three-step implicit iteration and study its strong convergence, stability and data dependence. It is shown that the new three-step iteration has better rate of convergence than implicit and explicit Mann iterations as well as implicit Ishikawa-type iteration. Numerical example in support of validity of our results is provided.
Coefficients of Determination in Logistic Regression Models—A New Proposal: The Coefficient of Discrimination

Many analogues to the coefficient of determination R2 in ordinary regression models have been proposed in the context of logistic regression. Our starting point is a study of three definitions related to quadratic measures of variation. We discuss the properties of these statistics, and show that the family can be extended in a natural way by a fourth statistic with an even simpler interpretation, namely the difference between the averages of fitted values for successes and failures, respectively. We propose the name “the coefficient of discrimination” for this statistic, and recommend its use as a standard measure of explanatory power. In its intuitive interpretation, this quantity has no immediate relation to the classical versions of R2, but it turns out to be related to these by two exact relations, which imply that all these statistics are asymptotically equivalent.
Inequalities for spreads of matrix sums and products.

Let A and B be complex matrices of same dimension. Given their eigen- values and singular values, we survey and further develop simple inequalities for eigenvalues and singular values of A + B, AB ,a ndA ◦ B.H ere◦ denotes the Hadamard product. As corollaries, we find inequalities for additive and multi- plicative spreads of these matrices.
Data Adaptive Ridging in Local Polynomial Regression

Abstract When estimating a regression function or its derivatives, local polynomials are an attractive choice due to their flexibility and asymptotic performance. Seifert and Gasser proposed ridging of local polynomials to overcome problems with variance for random design while retaining their advantages. In this article we present a data-independent rule of thumb and a data-adaptive spatial choice of the ridge parameter in local linear regression. In a framework of penalized local least squares regression, the methods are generalized to higher order polynomials, to estimation of derivatives, and to multivariate designs. The main message is that ridging is a powerful tool for improving the performance of local polynomials. A rule of thumb offers drastic improvements; data-adaptive ridging brings further but modest gains in mean square error.
Exact SINR Calculations for Optimum Linear Combining in Wireless Systems

This paper presents an exact derivation of the statistical distribution of the signal to interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) for optimum linear combining in wireless systems with multiple cochannel interferes, Rayleigh fading, and additive white Gaussian noise. The distribution of the SINR is shown to be remarkably simple and leads to bounds on the bit error rate and outage probabilities which are tighter, simpler, and more robust than any previous results. The simplicity of the SINR distribution permits extremely fast computation of outage probabilities for any number of interference channels and diversity levels. Hence for wireless systems it enables performance studies to be performed over a much wider range of conditions, such as shadow fading, specific channel allocation methods, etc. Previously such studies were extremely limited due to the intensive computational requirements of simulating these systems.
Numerical manifold space of Hermitian form and application to Kirchhoff's thin plate problems

For second‐order problems, where the behavior is described by second‐order partial differential equations, the numerical manifold method (NMM) has gained great success. Because of difficulties in the construction of the H 2‐regular Lagrangian partition of unity subordinate to the finite element cover; however, few applications of the NMM have been found to fourth‐order problems such as Kirchhoff's thin plate problems. Parallel to the finite element methods, this study constructs the numerical manifold space of the Hermitian form to solve fourth‐order problems. From the minimum potential principle, meanwhile, the mixed primal formulation and the penalized formulation fitted to the NMM for Kirchhoff's thin plate problems are derived. The typical examples indicate that by the proposed procedures, even those earliest developed elements in the finite element history, such as Zienkiewicz's plate element, regain their vigor. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic functional principal components

We address the problem of dimension reduction for time series of functional data (Xt:t∈Z) . Such functional time series frequently arise, for example, when a continuous time process is segmented into some smaller natural units, such as days. Then each Xt represents one intraday curve. We argue that functional principal component analysis, though a key technique in the field and a benchmark for any competitor, does not provide an adequate dimension reduction in a time series setting. Functional principal component analysis indeed is a static procedure which ignores the essential information that is provided by the serial dependence structure of the functional data under study. Therefore, inspired by Brillinger's theory of dynamic principal components, we propose a dynamic version of functional principal component analysis which is based on a frequency domain approach. By means of a simulation study and an empirical illustration, we show the considerable improvement that the dynamic approach entails when compared with the usual static procedure.
Wavelet Analysis and Synthesis of Stationary Long-Memory Processes

Abstract The discrete wavelet transform (DWT) can be interpreted as a filtering of a time series by a set of octave band filters such that the width of each band as a proportion of its center frequency is constant. A long-memory process having a power spectrum that plots as a straight line on log-frequency/log-power scales over many octaves of frequency is intrinsically related to such a structure. As an example of such processes, we focus on one class of discrete-time, stationary, long-memory processes, the fractionally differenced Gaussian white noise processes (fdGn). We show how the DWT breaks down a fdGn, and show the exact correlation structure of the resulting coefficients for different wavelets (Daubechies' minimum-phase and least-asymmetric and Haar). The DWT is an impressive “whitening filter. ” A discrete wavelet-based scheme for simulating fdGn's is discussed and is shown to be equivalent to a spectral decomposition of the covariance matrix of the process; however, it can be carried out using o.