Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Improved Iterated Local Search Algorithm for the Static Partial Repositioning Problem in Bike-Sharing System

In this paper, a single-vehicle static partial repositioning problem (SPRP) is investigated, which distinguishes the user dissatisfaction generated by different stations. The overall objective of the SPRP is to minimize the weighted sum of the total operational time and the total absolute deviation from the target number of bikes at all stations. An iterated local search is developed to solve this problem. A novel loading and unloading quantity adjustment operator is proposed to further improve the quality of the solution. Experiments are conducted on a set of instances from 30 to 300 stations to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed customized solution algorithm as well as the adjustment operator. Using a small example, this paper also reveals that the unit penalty cost has an effect on the repositioning strategies.
Performance, radiation capture and use by maize–mungbean–common bean sequential intercropping under different leaf removal and row orientation schemes

Abstract Food security under smallholder farming can be improved through innovative intensification of cropping systems. Maize (Zea mays L.) – mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) – common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) sequential intercropping was studied to evaluate the patterns of radiation capture and radiation use efficiency and to determine the effects of leaf removal and row orientation on performance and intercropping efficiency. Sequential intercropping captured 1039 MJ m−2 photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) accounting for 70% of incident seasonal PAR. The corresponding sole stands for maize captured 41%, mungbean 29%, common bean 34% and mungbean–common bean 63%. Intercropped components had interception ratios of 0.98, 0.31 and 0.61 for maize, mungbean and common bean, respectively. Associated maize used intercepted light with similar efficiency, mungbean with greater efficiency and common bean with lesser efficiency compared to sole crops. Maize leaf removal and row orientation had no significant effect on performance and partial land equivalent ratio (LER) of maize. Leaf removal under East–West (EW) orientation increased grain yield by 96%, total biomass by 63%, partial LER by 92%, in common bean and total LER by 7%. Leaf removal also improved grain yield, biomass yield, partial LER, in common bean and total LER during the wetter year of 2013. Similarly, EW orientation was advantageous in 2013 raising total LER by 8%. Maize leaf removal and EW row orientation had synergistic effects on intercropping efficiency and economic benefit and both have exerted positive influence under favourable weather. Total LER values of 1.47 in 2013 and 1.29 in 2015 had revealed greater biological efficiency for intercropping during both years though it was more profitable in 2013. Thus, the cropping system can be adopted under timely onset of the rainy season using EW row orientation while leaf removal can also be practiced depending on weather conditions and convenience.
A cross sectional study on the prevalence and risk factors of fall among the elderly in an urban area of Chidambaram

Background: In India, the elderly people constitute 8.6% of the total population. Fall is a major cause of injuries and can increase the risk of early mortality among elderly. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of falls among elderly and its associated risk factors.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among elderly population over 60 years and above, in an urban area. About 115 elderly were selected using convenient sampling method. A predesigned semi structured questionnaire was administered to collect information about falls. In statistical analysis, descriptive statistics and chi square test was employed using SPSS version 21.3. Results: The prevalence of fall in the past 12 months was found to be 27%. Among these, 77.4% of the participants had single fall and 22.6% had two episodes of falls. The majority (84.2%) of falls occurred indoors, 60.5% falls occurred during morning hours. Half of the participants had reported the reasons for falls as slippery floor (55.6%). Age was found to be significantly associated with falls.Conclusions: Falls are very common among elderly. Identification of factors significantly affecting elderly falls can help in planning public health policies and programs for prevention of falls.
Relative Stability of Hydrogen and Deuterium Bonds

The relative energies of H and D bonds are due to differences in zero-point vibrational energy (ZPVE). Ab initio calculations are used to assess the changes in this quantity that accompany all possible substitutions of protium by deuterium in a number of complexes. The ZPVE of the D bond is lower than that of the H bond in the neutral dimer and trimer of water. This difference can be traced to one particular vibrational mode, the one which displaces the bridging atom away from the O···O axis. The heavier mass of D lowers the frequency, and hence the ZPVE associated with it. The situation reverses itself in ionic H bonds. The total ZPVE of the (H2O··H··OH2)+ complex is higher when a D occupies the bridging position, as compared to a terminal site. This difference is attributed to the intramolecular modes. Although replacement of the central H by D reduces the intermolecular ZPVE, the reduction of the intramolecular ZPVE is even larger when the substitution is made at a peripheral atom, so a D would tend to.
An Improved Method for Physical Separation of Cerebral Vasculature and Parenchyma Enables Detection of Blood-Brain-Barrier Dysfunction

The neurovascular niche is crucial for constant blood supply and blood-brain barrier (BBB) function and is altered in a number of different neurological conditions, making this an intensely active field of research. Brain vasculature is unique for its tight association of endothelial cells with astrocytic endfeet processes. Separation of the vascular compartment by centrifugation-based methods confirmed enrichment of astrocytic endfeet processes, making it possible to study the entire vascular niche with such methods. Several centrifugation-based separation protocols are found in the literature; however, with some constraints which limit their applicability and the scope of the studies. Here, we describe and validate a protocol for physically separating the neurovascular niche from the parenchyma, which is optimized for smaller tissue quantities. Using endothelial, neuronal, and astrocyte markers, we show that quantitative Western blot-based target detection can be performed of both the vessel-enriched and parenchymal fractions using as little as a single mouse brain hemisphere. Validation of our protocol in rodent stroke models by detecting changes in tight junction protein expression, serum albumin signals and astrocyte activation, i.e., increased glial fibrillary acidic protein expression, between the ipsilateral and the lesion-free contralateral hemisphere demonstrates this protocol as a new way of detecting BBB breakdown and astrogliosis, respectively.
Oral lichen planus and its recent management: A review

Background: Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) is one of the most common dermatological disease which is present in the oral cavity. It is a chronic autoimmune, mucocutaneous disease that affects oral mucosa as well as the skin, genital mucosa and other sites of the body.Method: In this review study, various databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed Central, Hinari and Cochrane library were searched for articles with keywords lichen planus, oral lichen planus, premalignant lesions, management of Lichen planus. Articles were searched from January 2015 to 5th November 2020.Result: From the 34 articles obtained after reviewing the abstracts, most relevant 32articles were evaluated in this study.Conclusion: The etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, histopathological features, diagnosis and various management for oral lichen planus is discussed. This article also compares the existing and the most recent treatment modalities that are available throughout the world that are discussed in the literatures. However, more intensive studies must be carried out to find the best treatments which are cost-effective in the long run. Update Dent. Coll. j: 2020; 10 (2): 29-34
A comparative study of RIPASA and Alvarado score for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis

Background: Acute appendicitis is a common problem and can be difficult to diagnose at time. There are many scoring systems to predict the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. The most commonly used scoring system is Alvarado scoring system but, it is far from perfect. In this study we compare Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Appendicitis (RIPASA) scoring system to Alvarado scoring system in correctly diagnosing acute appendicitis. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the department of general surgery, Sree Gokulam Medical College and Research Foundation. It comprised of 60 consecutive patients who were admitted with suspicion of appendicitis who had right iliac fossa pain. RIPASA and Alvarado scoring was done and compared to histopathology after surgery. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy was calculated. Results: Majority of the patients were below 30 years of age majority were males 36 (60%). When Alvarado score predicted appendicitis in 31 (51.77%) and RIPASA in 54 (90%). When the RIPASA score was >7.5 the sensitivity was 100%, specificity 67% and accuracy was 95%. Conclusions: RIPASA scoring system is more accurate to diagnose acute appendicitis especially when RIPASA score is >7.5. literatures.
Marginally Parametrized Spatio-Temporal Models and Stepwise Maximum Likelihood Estimation

In order to learn the complex features of large spatio-temporal data, models with large parameter sets are often required. However, estimating a large number of parameters is often infeasible due to the computational and memory costs of maximum likelihood estimation (MLE). We introduce the class of marginally parametrized (MP) models, where inference can be performed efficiently with a sequence of marginal (estimated) likelihood functions via stepwise maximum likelihood estimation (SMLE). We provide the conditions under which the stepwise estimators are consistent, and we prove that this class of models includes the diagonal vector autoregressive moving average model. We demonstrate that the parameters of this model can be obtained at least three orders of magnitude faster using SMLE compared to MLE, with only a small loss in statistical efficiency. We apply an MP model to a spatio-temporal global climate data set (in order to learn complex features of interest to climate scientists) consisting of over five million data points, and we demonstrate how estimation can be performed in less than an hour on a laptop.
Experimental Investigation on Preparation and Stability of Al2O3 Nanofluid In Deionized Water and Ethylene Glycol

Nanofluid has the potential as a cooling medium for the next generation fluid as it possesses many advantages in many engineering applications. However, one of the main challenges is to establish a well-dispersed nanoparticles system in a base fluid. The preparation technique of nanofluid plays an important part as it influences the measurement of thermal conductivity. Therefore, the objectives of this study are to evaluate the nanoparticle dispersion in different base fluid compositions and to determine the optimized suspension sonication time. In detail, 0.2 wt. % of Al2O3 nanofluid stability in the three ratios of base fluid (deionized water:ethylene glycol) 80:20, 70:30 and 60:40 were studied. The studies were based on a visual inspection and spectral absorbance analysis. It has clearly shown that the nanofluids prepared in 60:40 base fluid within 3 hours sonication time was the most stable suspension compared to other nanofluids. The visual inspection indicated nanofluid condition remains stable after 30 days. The spectral absorbance of nanofluids was recorded at 100 % for 5 days after preparation and remains above 95 % compared to the initial value, reflecting stable suspension. Hence the novelty of this work lies in the nanofluid stability based on sonication time and base fluid compositions.
The molecular properties and carbohydrate content of lignins precipitated from black liquor

Abstract Precipitation and utilization of lignin from black liquor (BL) offers many promising advantages to modern kraft pulp mills. A novel process, known as “LignoBoost”, has recently been introduced as a process for separating lignin from BL; it results in lignins with a low ash and high dry solid content. There is a lack of knowledge regarding the influences of process parameters on the behavior of lignin in the precipitation step. In this study, the yield of precipitated lignin and its average molecular weight (MWt) and carbohydrate content were the focus. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis showed that the lignin yield increased at lower pH and temperatures or when the ion strength of BL was elevated. High yield lignins contained more low MWt components and such lignins have more phenolic OH and methoxy groups. Xylan content of the lignins decreased with decreasing pH and increasing temperature, but glucomannan content was virtually unaffected by the conditions of precipitation.
Imprints of Sunspot Cycles on Normal and Abnormal Geomagnetic Fields: Case Study From Equatorial and Low‐Latitude Sites of India

The quiet time characteristics of equatorial electrojet (EEJ), counter electrojet (CEJ), and solar quiet (Sq) day geomagnetic field over two decades (1980–2002) are established using Principal component analysis (PCA) from equatorial (Ettaiyapuram) and off‐equatorial (Hyderabad) Magnetic Observatories, India, over sunspot cycles 21–23. The patterns of normal field shows that the diurnal amplitudes were strong during equinox compared to other seasons. Varying contributions of abnormal field in different Lloyd's seasons were evident in different phases of sunspot cycle. The diurnal amplitudes have reduced from the 21st to the 23rd sunspot maxima following the trend of weakening of sunspot cycle. Analysis of seasonal means shows evening CEJs were more pronounced when compared to morning and afternoon in different phases of sunspot cycle. The abnormal field variations have a strong correlation with the occurrence of afternoon CEJs during solar minima; a correlation of seasonal occurrences of CEJs with phases of sunspot cycles is revealed.
Statistical optimization of endoglucanase enzyme production by a local isolate, Aspergillus heteromorphus using response surface methodology.

•HIND INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY• SUMMARY The production of endoglucanase enzymes by the local isolate of the fungus, Aspergillus heteromorphus was investigated. The fungus was cultivated under solid state fermentation condition at 30 0C for 120 hours and endoglucanase production was studied. The effect of initial pH, sugarcane bagasse as substrate and peptone concentration as nitrogen source were optimized using BoxBehnken design as independent variables. The optimal level of each parameter for maximal endoglucanase production by the fungus was determined. Endoglucanase activity was positively influenced by linear increase of peptone concentration and decrease at axial concentration of peptone, bagasse and pH. Results showed that endoglucanase activity was highest 61.7 U/ml when the peptone conc. was 1.75 g/l, bagasse conc. 2.5 g/l and pH was 5 respectively. Validation of predicted results was done, and the experimental values correlated well with that of the predicted.
Avoiders and Embracers: Attitudes towards L1 Use by Indonesian EFL Student Teachers

This study compares the attitudes of Indonesian student teachers to the use of Bahasa Indonesia (BI) in primary and secondary school English classrooms to that of the instructors in their teacher training programmes. It also examines the metacognitive orientations the student teachers have towards its use in their future teaching. Questionnaire responses by student teachers finishing their final-year practicum (N=75) from seven university programmes showed two distinct attitude sets toward BI use. Approximately 40% were ‘Avoiders’ who intended to use BI never or only occasionally, while another 20% were ‘Embracers’ who intended to use it regularly or often. There was a demonstrable relationship between the intended use and the practice and attitudes of the instructors the students had in the teacher training programme. Avoiders were more likely to have programme teachers who avoided BI use, while Embracers were the opposite. The student teachers also displayed a strong sense of agency in approaching future BI use. Although more explicit attention to the topic in the teacher training curriculum was welcomed, the majority also felt confident they could deal on their own with the challenges presented by future BI use. Potential effects on responses of practicum class size and school level were examined, but neither was significant. An important finding from the study for teacher training programmes is the effect, intentional or incidental, that teacher educator behaviour may play in shaping student teacher attitudes.
The Resource-Based View and Learning Theory: Overlaps, Differences, and a Shared Future

The resource-based view and learning theory have developed independently but still have important areas of theoretical overlap, especially in central assumptions, such as how organizational differences, path dependence, and complex social technologies shape strategy. In addition, they have divergent and complementary theory, with major differences stemming from organizational learning focusing on behaviors rather than resources and organizing its research based on the sources of learning and the triggers of learning. Two research streams in organizational learning with particular implications for the resource-based view are the work on problemistic search and the work on interorganizational imitation. Both are expected to develop quickly as a result of the necessary interaction between research based on organizational theory and strategic management. They are promising areas of investigation for the resource-based view of the firm that can help distinguish the sources of sustainable competitive advantage and the importance of enduring competitive advantage.
Evaluating the Hypothesis That Schizophrenia Is an Inflammatory Disorder.

The investigation of immune system abnormalities in schizophrenia, although ongoing for decades, has become a popular area of research. The authors present a selected review of studies informing on schizophrenia as a potential inflammatory disorder, emphasizing replicated findings. The authors summarize evidence for inflammation over the illness course, discuss relationships between inflammation and psychopathology, present studies of imaging of neuroinflammation, consider inflammation as a marker of treatment response and treatment target, and review potential mechanisms for the effects of inflammation on the brain in schizophrenia. Although there is not clear and convincing evidence to support the assertion that schizophrenia is an inflammatory disorder, this area of study shows promise toward a greater understanding of the etiopathophysiology of this heterogeneous disorder.
Assessment of Gridded CRU TS Data for Long-Term Climatic Water Balance Monitoring over the São Francisco Watershed, Brazil

Understanding the long-term behavior of rainfall and potential evapotranspiration (PET) over watersheds is crucial for the monitoring of hydrometeorological processes and climate change at the regional scale. The São Francisco watershed (SFW) in Brazil is an important hydrological system that transports water from humid regions throughout the Brazilian semiarid region. However, long-term, gapless meteorological data with good spatial coverage in the region are not available. Thus, gridded datasets, such as the Climate Research Unit TimeSeries (CRU TS), can be used as alternative sources of information, if carefully validated beforehand. The objective of this study was to assess CRU TS (v4.02) rainfall and PET data over the SFW, and to evaluate their long-term (1942–2016) climatological aspects. Point-based measurements retrieved from rain gauges and meteorological stations of national agencies were used for validation. Overall, rainfall and PET gridded data correlated well with point-based observations (r = 0.87 and r = 0.89), with a poorer performance in the lower (semiarid) portion of the SFW (r ranging from 0.50 to 0.70 in individual stations). Increasing PET trends throughout the entire SFW and decreasing rainfall trends in areas surrounding the semiarid SFW were detected in both gridded (smoother slopes) and observational (steeper slopes) datasets. This study provides users with prior information on the accuracy of long-term CRU TS rainfall and PET estimates over the SFW.
Retention in MOOCS: some key factors

Abstract The dropping out of students in the Massive Open Online Courses (Mooc) has been the subject of debate and concern on the part of educational researchers and practitioners during the last decade. Considering its growth as an educational trend and the emerging research generated on this topic, a systematic review of literature on 131 studies was conducted about attrition in both cMooc and xMoocs. The results highlight the role of collaboration, the sense of community, the need for certification and standardization as the main factors that affect attrition in Moocs.
A comparative assessment on performance, combustion and emission characteristics of diesel engine fuelled by juliflora biodiesel-diesel blends

ABSTRACT The present work aims at to explore the possibility of juliflora biodiesel as alternative fuel in a single cylinder, water cooled constant speed, direct injection diesel engine. The Performance parameters such as brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC), brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and exhaust gas temperature (EGT) are computed. The emission constituent’s namely hydro carbon emission (HC), carbon monoxide emission (CO), smoke and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) are evaluated. It is found from the experimental investigation that JF20 shows that slight increase of BSFC, BTE and EGT which is closer to that of diesel fuel. Further, the HC, CO, smoke of JF20 is decreased when compared to that of diesel but the expense of NOx. Hence, JF20 can be selected as optimum blend which can be used in diesel engine without any major modification.