Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hydrogeologic and Geochemical Distinctions in Freshwater‐Brine Systems of an Andean Salar

The Salar de Atacama contains one of the world's most important lithium resources and hosts unique and fragile desert ecosystems. Water use issues of the hyper‐arid region have placed it at the center of global attention. This work combines geochemical and hydrogeologic data with remote sensing analysis to address differences in water zones in the marginal environments of the salar. Water samples from across the inflow to brine transition were collected over the period 2012–2016 and analyzed for ẟD, 3H, 87Sr/86Sr and major and minor elements. The ẟD values range from about −64‰ to +20‰, 3H as Rmod from 0.01 to 0.36 and the 87Sr/86Sr from 0.70750 to 0.70804 with highest ẟD and 3H occurring in the regions of open water. Geochemical modeling results indicate inflow and shallow transition zone waters are saturated with respect to calcite, whereas all others are saturated with respect to calcite, gypsum, and halite. Long‐term remote‐sensing of surface water body extents indicate that extreme precipitation events are the primary driver of surface area changes as exemplified by an increase in size of the lagoons by a factor of 2.7 after a storm. A new conceptual model of the freshwater to brine transition zone that incorporates variability in aquifer geology, hydrology and geochemistry to explain important marginal water bodies is presented. The subsurface brines in the transition zone and the halite nucleus are geochemically distinct compared to the groundwater discharge features (e.g., lagoons) over modern time scales which aids in conceptualizing the transition zone system.
The effect of board characteristics on the audit committee meeting frequency

Article history: Received: November 28, 2020 Received in revised format: December 28 2020 Accepted: January 20, 2021 Available online: January 23, 2021 The focus of this study is to examine the impact of board of directors’ size and meetings on the audit committee meeting frequency among energy, materials and food and beverages sectors listed on Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) for the period 2015-2017. The final sample of this study consists of 198 firm-year observations. Using the Pooled OLS regression, this study finds that board meeting is positively associated with audit committee meeting frequency. Furthermore, this study fails to report an association between board size and audit committee meeting frequency. This study provides insightful evidence to policy makers on the determinants influencing the audit committee meeting frequency among manufacturing companies. © 2021 by the authors; licensee Growing Science, Canada
Mental toughness measures: A systematic review of measurement properties for practitioners

Abstract Aim Mental toughness (MT) is a critical component of athletic success in sports. Several different scales have been developed to evaluate MT; however, it is unknown which of these is the best measure. Purpose The aim is to systematically review the current research, to evaluate the measurement properties of the identified scales, and to provide clinical recommendations on the use of the best measure. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted using the following EBSCO databases: CINAHL, MEDLINE, SPORTSDiscus, PsycARTICLES, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, PsycINFO, PsycTESTS, and ERIC in May 2019. Another search was conducted in October 2020 to identify new articles that had been published since the initial search. The Consensus-based Standard for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) risk of bias checklist was used to evaluate quality of included studies. Quality appraisal of the reported measurement properties was based upon the COSMIN guidelines for the systematic review of patient-reported outcome measures. Results A total of 36 studies evaluating 15 unique scales were identified through the systematic literature search. Only a single scale, the Mental, Emotional, and Bodily Toughness Inventory (MeBTough) demonstrated acceptable values for all measurement properties. Both the Mental Toughness Index (MTInd) and the 18-item Mental Toughness Questionnaire (MTQ-18) rated sufficient in structural validity, internal consistency, and hypothesis testing domains. Conclusion Despite the limited quantity of evidence available the MeBTough, MTQ-18, and MTInd appear to be the best rated measures; however, limited reliability data for the MTInd and MTQ-18 are concerns that need to be addressed through future research. Lay summary Assessment of mental toughness (MT) is important because of its relationship with performance and rehabilitation outcomes. Currently only a single scale (i.e. the Mental, Emotional, and Bodily Toughness Inventory [MeBTough]) demonstrated acceptable quality in all categories; however, the Mental Toughness Index (MTInd) and the 18-item mental toughness questionnaire (MTQ-18) are both promising. More data are needed to determine if these three measures are suitable for routine assessment of MT. Implications for practitioners Practitioners should exercise caution when interpreting the results from these measures until additional high-quality data are available. The Mental, Emotional, and Bodily Toughness Inventory (MeBTough), the Mental Toughness Index (MTInd) and the 18-item Mental Toughness Questionnaire (MTQ-18) were the highest-rated general measures of mental toughness (MT) identified in this systematic review.
A Dielectrically Modulated GaN/AlN/AlGaN MOSHEMT with a Nanogap Embedded Cavity for Biosensing Applications

In this work, GaN/AlN/AlGaN MOS-HEMT with a cavity below the gate towards the drain side is studied for its sensitivity analysis and viability as a biosensor. The analysis is done by dielectric modulation of the cavity region to emulate the presence of different dielectric biomolecules and charged biomolecules by interface charge variation. MOSFET-based dielectrically modulated sensors have been a success experimentally and this work extends and demonstrates this concept with GaN HEMT. The device performance is evaluated through the shift in threshold voltage (V th) and drain current (I DS), which are used as performance metrics. The proposed device structure simulations were performed with ATLAS Silvaco device simulation tool which depicts the bio-immobilization in the cavity leads to the changes in electrostatic properties like conduction band offset, two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) sheet carrier concentration and channel potential. The simulation analysis reveals V th and I DS shift up to 1.1 V and 153.7 mA/mm for the neutral biomolecules, whereas for deoxyribo nucleic acid, the shift is up to 0.30 mV and 65.2 mA/mm, respectively, implying a highly sensitive device. The AlGaN layer thickness and cavity fill height variations on device sensitivity are also reported.
Investor Inattention to All-Cash Acquisition Announcements: A Joint Day-Time Analysis in the Spanish Market

Prior studies suggest that investors have limited attention, which determines the speed with which information is incorporated into share prices and, in turn, affects the efficiency of the markets. Unlike other corporate events, the information contained in an acquisition announcement is generally less standard and more complicated to process. Therefore, investor inattention is less likely around this event. In this study we test the existence of investor inattention for a sample of all-cash acquisition announcements of listed and unlisted target firms released by listed Spanish firms from 1998 to 2018. Cash acquisitions allow us to control for the strategic behavior of overvalued companies engaged in stock-financed acquisitions. We perform a joint analysis of day of the week and time of trade from both a univariate and a multivariate perspective, after controlling for several factors that are related to the market reaction to acquisition announcements. Consistent with the notion that investors are less attentive to Friday announcements, we find a significant lower market reaction to acquisition announcements released during market trading hours both in terms of price and trading volume.
Histo-morphomertic, Histochemical Solidity Ruling of the Small Intestine in Hamsters and Rabbit According to Different Food

In the present study, the histo-morphometric comparison study of small intestine in hamsters and rabbitwas aimed. Ten of clinically healthy animals of both sexes were collected by Al-Simawa city, age rangedbetween 6 month to 1 year, which was estimated according to the dental equation of the animals. The smallintestine was cut and stained alternatively with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H & E) and (Lilles Alchrome stain). The current study aims to discover the structures and measurement of small intestine belonging to theseanimals specifically their histo-morphometric textures. The anatomical studies revealed that small intestineof both animals consists of: duodenum, jejunum and ileum. Histological exam was showed that the wall ofsmall intestine composed of four layers including: mucosa, submucosa, muscularis and serosa and adventitia.The epithelia of villi small intestine were simple columnar cells for each animal.
Development of activity of daily living modules based on behavioral approaches for moderate intellectual disability

Moderate intellectual disability requires a specific behavioral approach of learning Activity of Daily Living (ADL). This study aims to develop an appropriate and effective ADL module for moderate category intellectual disabilities in a special program instruction based on behavioral approaches. This research is a Research and Development (R&D) using the Dick and Carey development model. The Dick and Carey development model consists of 10 steps of development, namely identifying needs in setting goals, analyzing learning, analyzing learners and context, developing learning objectives, developing assessment instruments, developing learning strategies, developing and selecting learning materials, designing and implementing formative evaluations, improving learning, designing and conducting the summative assessment. The module was implemented in the Special School of PGRI Sentolo and the Special School of Ma'arif Bantul through individual trials involving one subject, a small group trial involving six subjects, and a field test involving 15 subjects. Data collection was carried out using interviews, observations, questionnaires, and performance tests. The results of the study are that the ADL module is feasible and effective to use. The module was designed according to a behavioral approach, including the objectives were arranged from simple to complex, the presentation of the material was based on task analysis, verbal positive reinforcement was presented by the flap lift, and rewards are provided as star stickers available in the module.
Development of Two-Tier Multiple Choice Test to Assess Indonesian Elementary Students’ Higher-Order Thinking Skills

Assessment of higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) provides few opportunities for students to develop more in-depth knowledge, serving students' ability to identify and solve their problems. One type of instrument for measuring HOTS objectively is the two-tier multiple-choice test (TTMCT). This research is part of the research and development stage, which is the implementation phase of the TTMCT instrument as a developed product. The objective of the study was to determine the feasibility of the TTMCT instrument developed to assess Indonesian elementary students' higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) on learning science in the concept of force, motion, and energy This study used to research and development method with collection technique using a questionnaire, test, and interview. The subjects in this research were 227 students, 65 teachers, 5 principals, 8 lectures. The results of the study show that TTMCT worthy development results were 25 items, had good content validity, "very high" reliability, "quite difficult" level of difficulty, and "very good" difference power. TTMCT applies to Indonesian Elementary School with high and medium criteria. This study concludes that the TTMCT instrument developed is considered feasible by senior teachers and users to measure higher-order thinking skills in the concept of force, motion, and energy in elementary schools.
Estradiol differentially regulates DUX4, β-catenin and PAX3/PAX7 in primary myoblasts of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy patients

Abstract Objectives There is a clinical variability and heterogeneity among Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD) patients. Escalation after menopause in women, early onset in men suggests that estrogen might be a protective factor on the course of FSHD. In spite of few molecular studies supporting the protective role of estrogen in FSHD in vitro, there is no study revealing the effect of estradiol on the protein levels of DUX4, β-catenin and PAX3/PAX7. In present study, we investigated the effect of estradiol treatment on the expressions of DUX4, β-catenin and PAX3/PAX7 protein levels. Materials and Methods Primary myoblasts of 63 and 71 years old (63yM/71yM) males; 47 years old (47yF) female FSHD patients were used. Cells were processed under these conditions; (i) untreated, (ii) 10 nM-30 min estradiol and (iii) 10 nM-4 h estradiol treated. The expression of DUX4, PAX3/PAX7 and β-catenin were examined by western-blotting. Results Expression of DUX4 significantly downregulated after 4 h treatment of estradiol while PAX3/PAX7 56 kDa variant expression upregulated in 71yM cells. β-catenin and PAX3 expression was variable among the samples. Conclusion Our results suggest that estrogen might be a palliative treatment option via downregulation of DUX4 protein in DUX4 expressing FSHD patients.
Adaptive Droop Control of a Multibus DC Microgrid Based on Consensus Algorithm

The main control objective of a DC microgrid with a multibus structure is to stabilize the bus voltage and maintain the power balance of the whole system. An adaptive droop control strategy for multibus DC microgrid based on consensus algorithm is proposed. It is based on platform multiagent system, which is realized by network protocol. Under the condition of a weak communication network, the bus at all levels can realize regional power autonomy through packet consensus protocol. A hybrid simulation platform composed of Jade, MacSimJX, and Simulink is built to verify the effectiveness of the control strategy.
The complex relationship between indigeneity and class in South East Asia

ABSTRACT In South East Asia, the relationship between ethnicity and class has been long, complex and at times contradictory. Throughout much of the twentieth century and especially from the 1940s to the 1980s, militant communist revolutionary movements sought to include upland ethnic minorities, citing vicitimization as racialized minorities, poor economic conditions, remote abodes and perceived egalitarian worldviews as the main reasons for targeting them. Mountain-dwelling minorities often made strong guerilla soldiers, and were attracted to the equality across races and ethnicities promised to them by communist cadres. By the late twentieth century, this had broken down, with new ethnicity-based and globalized concepts of indigeneity beginning to circulate, take hold and hybridize. While Indigenous peoples’ movements often have important class-based roots, with both Indigenous and leftist movements having similar emancipatory aspirations, Indigenous movements organize primarily based on ethnicity rather than class. Here, I consider the complex relationships between class and ethnicity/indigeneity as they play out in relation to Free and Prior Informed Consent associated with REDD+ and communal land titling in Laos. Shifts towards increasingly classifying people based on indigeneity are reorienting society, including nature–society relations, but there are also efforts underway to reclassify based on class.
Convergent Validity of the Fitbit Charge 2 to Measure Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity in Overweight and Obese Adults

Activity trackers provide real-time sedentary behavior (SB) and physical activity (PA) data enabling feedback to support behavior change. The validity of activity trackers in an obese population in a free-living environment is largely unknown. This study determined the convergent validity of the Fitbit Charge 2 in measuring SB and PA in overweight adults. The participants (n = 59; M ± SD: age = 48 ± 11 years; body mass index = 34 ± 4 kg/m2) concurrently wore a Charge 2 and ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer for 8 days. The same waking wear periods were analyzed, and standard cut points for GT3X+ and proprietary algorithms for the Charge 2, together with a daily step count, were used. Associations between outputs, mean difference (MD) and limits of agreement (LOA), and relative differences were assessed. There was substantial association between devices (intraclass correlation coefficients from .504, 95% confidence interval [.287, .672] for SB, to .925, 95% confidence interval [.877, .955] for step count). In comparison to the GT3X+, the Charge 2 overestimated SB (MD = 37, LOA = −129 to 204 min/day), moderate to vigorous PA (MD = 15, LOA = −49 to 79 min/day), and steps (MD = 1,813, LOA = −1,066 to 4,691 steps/day), and underestimated light PA (MD = −32, LOA = −123 to 58 min/day). The Charge 2 may be a useful tool for self-monitoring of SB and PA in an overweight population, as mostly good agreement was demonstrated with the GT3X+. However, there were mean and relative differences, and the implications of these need to be considered for overweight adult populations who are already at risk of being highly sedentary and insufficiently active.
WEIGHING WHOLE TREE TRANSPIRATION RATE OF URBAN TREES AND ANALYSIS OF TREE'S MORPHO-PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS

Tomoki KIYONO1, Takashi ASAWA2, Akira HOYANO3, Katsuya SHIMIZU4 1 Tokyo Institute of Technology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Yokohama, Japan, kiyono.t. ab@m.titech. ac.jp 2 Tokyo Institute of Technology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Yokohama, Japan, asawa.t. aa@m.titech. ac.jp 3 Open University of Japan, Chiba, Japan, hoyano@ouj.ac.jp 4 TOYOTA Motor Corporation, Biotechnology & Afforestation Business Division, Aichi, Japan, Katsuya_Shimizu@mta.mx. toyota.co.jp
Perceptions of reputation drivers: evidence from Australian non-accredited business schools

ABSTRACT Business education continues to be very popular among students across the globe, however, business schools have been criticised for not preparing ‘work-ready’ graduates. This paper investigates how business schools enhance organisational reputation, and in particular, how relatively younger and non-accredited business schools compete with longstanding business schools and those with established reputations. In so doing, the paper investigates the reputation drivers that are perceived to give business schools a competitive advantage. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with academics, experts and students. The results of this paper indicate that engagement with industry and the community is considered the key to achieving quality business programmes and to producing quality business graduates. In addition, we found that the two emerging themes of work placement (WP) and transnational education (TNE) programmes also contributed to quality business programmes but not without some risks.
Ammonium Nitrate as an Eco–Friendly Oxidizer for Composite Solid Propellants: Promises and Challenges

ABSTRACT Ammonium nitrate (AN) has received attraction globally not only as a nitrogenous fertilizer but also as an oxidizer in gas generators and propellants. Nowadays, great attention is being focused on the development of composite solid propellants with green oxidizers in realizing eco–friendly combustion products. The ammonium perchlorate (AP), which is the work horse oxidizer in composite propellant, needs replacement due to its environmental and human health issues. In this context, AN is regarded as an alternative to AP because of its easy availability and environmentally friendly chlorine free combustion products. However, AN has its own inherent drawbacks such as hygroscopicity, room temperature phase transition, and low burning rate. Recently, several studies have been focused on its phase stabilization and burning rate modification so as to develop solid propellants with improved properties. The knowledge of thermal characteristics of AN is a crucial factor for its applications in propellants and gas generators. This article details the different aspects of polymorphism, phase stabilization, thermal decomposition, hygroscopicity, specific impulse, and burn rate modification of AN and also addresses ways to overcome the inherent weakness of AN as a propellant oxidizer in formulating an effective propellant composition.
Distribution and Diversity of Echinoderms in the Coastal Waters of South Beach of Lombok Island

Echinoderms are benthic animals that can be found in almost all marine ecosystems but are mostly found in the intertidal coastal zone. Echinoderms play an important role as deposit feeders. This study aims to look at the distribution patterns, diversity, and habitat conditions of species in the southern coastal waters of Lombok Island, namely Kute, Awang, and Gerupuk beaches. The field survey was conducted using the quadratic transect method and free collection in October - November 2020. Based on the results of the research, a total of 11 species of echinoderms were found in Lombok Island consisting of 4 classes. Diadema setosum and Tripneusteus gratila were the most common species, whereas Synapta maculate, Holothuria leucospilota, Echinotrix diadema, Holothuria atra, and Ophiocoma scolopendrina were found in small numbers with uniform distribution (Id 1) in Awang and Gerupuk, and Tripneusteus gratila in Kute and Awang. The Diversity Index value is different in each habitat. The highest Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index (Hꞌ) was found in Gerupuk 2.18. The largest smoothing index is found at Awang 0.96. The largest Dominance Index (D) is found in Gerupuk 0.88. Based on the value of the Echinoderm community structure on the South Coast of Lombok Island, it shows that diversity is moderate, community uniformity is unstable, and dominance is low. information regarding the distribution and diversity of Echinoderm fauna in various types of habitats around the seagrass as a first step to anticipate the decline in the Echinoderm population in the waters of the South Coast of Lombok Island.
Comparative Evaluation of Sustainable Framework in STEM Intensive Programs for Secondary and Tertiary Education

Sustainability of learning environments is a key pillar of all societal development frameworks. A variety of research address the development of education as a fine balanced relation between flexibility, adaptability, innovation, and efficient resource allocation. The main limitation of current approaches is the lack of correlation between various efficiency analyses and budget expenditure of learning environments. The current research aims at undertaking a comparative evaluation of a sustainable framework in STEM intensive programs for secondary and tertiary education. This was done using several established methods like the Plan, Do, Check, Act cycle for the development main framework, the Analytic Hierarchy Process for efficiency evaluation and Value Analysis for budget expenditure allocations and improvement identification. The main framework is based on learning objectives defined in accordance with Blooms’ revised taxonomy and student feedback was collected through surveys and group feedback. The main results of the study show that the framework had overall efficiencies over the 80% threshold in both secondary and tertiary education, whilst some of the components scored under 65%, identifying immediate improvement features. Further research involves the transition to an online and mixed teaching environment, by adapting the content and framework structure with the aid of smart learning environments.