Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Surface Urban Energy and Water Balance Scheme (v2020a) in vegetated areas: parameter derivation and performance evaluation using FLUXNET2015 dataset

Abstract. To compare the impact of surface–atmosphere exchanges from rural and urban areas, fully vegetated areas (e.g. deciduous trees, evergreen trees and grass) commonly found adjacent to cities need to be modelled. Here we provide a general workflow to derive parameters for SUEWS (Surface Urban Energy and Water Balance Scheme), including those associated with vegetation phenology (via leaf area index, LAI), heat storage and surface conductance. As expected, attribution analysis of bias in SUEWS-modelled QE finds that surface conductance (gs) plays the dominant role; hence there is a need for more estimates of surface conductance parameters. The workflow is applied at 38 FLUXNET sites. The derived parameters vary between sites with the same plant functional type (PFT), demonstrating the challenge of using a single set of parameters for a PFT. SUEWS skill at simulating monthly and hourly latent heat flux (QE) is examined using the site-specific derived parameters, with the default NOAH surface conductance parameters (Chen et al., 1996). Overall evaluation for 2 years has similar metrics for both configurations: median hit rate between 0.6 and 0.7, median mean absolute error less than 25 W m−2, and median mean bias error ∼ 5 W m−2. Performance differences are more evident at monthly and hourly scales, with larger mean bias error (monthly: ∼ 40 W m−2; hourly ∼ 30 W m−2) results using the NOAH-surface conductance parameters, suggesting that they should be used with caution. Assessment of sites with contrasting QE performance demonstrates how critical capturing the LAI dynamics is to the SUEWS prediction skills of gs and QE. Generally gs is poorest in cooler periods (more pronounced at night, when underestimated by ∼ 3 mm s−1). Given the global LAI data availability and the workflow provided in this study, any site to be simulated should benefit.
Openness and Environmental Innovation: Does Time-Horizon Matter?

The antecedents of environmental innovation and the impact of openness on technological innovation have been well studied, yet the role of external knowledge search remains largely unknown. This study explores whether six dimensions of open search (external R&D, acquisition, R&D cooperation, and three types of external information sourcing) enhance firms’ environmental innovation (EI) when used either sporadically or persistently. It shows that the temporal dimension of openness matters. Persistent open knowledge search efforts are associated with a firm’s propensity to introduce EI, more so than sporadic search. Furthermore, the different types of knowledge search have heterogeneous effects on different types of EI. It also shows that persistent innovation is more relevant in the case of radical EI.
Full Characterization of Erisma uncinatum Warm Wood Specie

Wood is a material that for years has been used by man for a variety of purposes, particularly in rural and civil constructions. For the possibility of shortages of some wood species, the characterization of other little known species as alternatives is necessary. This research aimed to determine, with the aid of the Brazilian standard NBR 7190, physical and mechanical properties of Cambara rosa or Cedrinho wood (Erisma uncinatum Warm), and with the support of regression models (linear, exponential, geometric, logarithmic) based on analysis of variance (ANOVA), to estimate the values of strength and stiffness as a function of apparent density, for the density being a property of easy determination. Were obtained 12 determinations by physical and mechanical propertie, resulting in 204 experimental results. The mechanical properties of Erisma uncinatum Warm presented performance compatible with other species used in civil construction, but not being considered a high strength wood. By means of regression models to estimate the strength and stiffness values, it was found that no property can be estimated by the apparent density.
Clinical and Laboratory Features of Various Criteria of Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in clinical and laboratory features between eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) and non-ECRS and to compare diagnostic criteria for ECRS. Methods We compared clinical features and/or laboratory findings classified as ECRS and non-ECRS according to various diagnostic criteria (histological and clinical). We also analyzed studies to compare endoscopic findings, symptom scores, laboratory findings, and computed tomography (CT) findings between ECRS and non-ECRS. Results Our search included 55 studies with 6,143 patients. A comparison of clinical features and/or laboratory criteria with histological criteria showed no significant differences in nasal symptom scores and CT scores according to criteria. Serum eosinophil levels showed differences across the criteria, with ECRS consistently characterized by higher serum eosinophil levels than non-ECRS. Among the four criteria, the Japanese Epidemiological Survey of Refractory Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis (JESREC) criteria and tissue eosinophilia (≥70) were associated with decreased olfactory function. In laboratory findings, the eosinophil percentage (standardized mean difference [SMD], 1.561; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.329–1.794; P<0.001) and eosinophil count (SMD, 1.493; 95% CI, 1.134–1.852; P<0.001) of eosinophils were higher in ECRS than non-ECRS. In clinical findings, nasal symptom scores (SMD, 0.382; 95% CI, 0.156–0.608; P<0.001), endoscopic nasal polyp scores (SMD, 0.581; 95% CI, 0.314–0.848; P<0.001), and olfactory dysfunction (SMD, 0.416; 95% CI, 0.037–0.794; P=0.031) were higher in ECRS than in non-ECRS. With regard to CT findings, the whole-sinus opacification score (SMD, 0.824; 95% CI, 0.588–1.059; P<0.001) was higher in ECRS than in non-ECRS. In particular, there were significant differences in anterior ethmoid sinus and sphenoid sinus opacification. Conclusion ECRS and non-ECRS differ in their clinical and laboratory features. When histological confirmation is difficult on an outpatient basis, ECRS could be diagnosed using clinical features and/or laboratory findings.
Comparative Analysis of Four Complete Mitochondrial Genomes of Epinephelidae (Perciformes)

Groupers are commercial, mainly reef-associated fishes, classified in the family Epinephelidae (Perciformes). This study first sequenced the complete mitogenomes of Cephalopholis leopardus, Cephalopholis spiloparaea, Epinephelus amblycephalus, and Epinephelus hexagonatus. The lengths of the four Epinephelidae mitogenomes ranged from 16,585 base pair (bp) to 16,872 bp with the typical gene order. All tRNA genes had a typical cloverleaf structure, except the tRNA-Ser (AGY) gene which was lacking the entire dihydrouridine arm. The ratio of nonsynonymous substitution (Ka) and synonymous substitution (Ks) indicated that four groupers were suffering a purifying selection. Phylogenetic relationships were reconstructed by Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML) methods based on all mitogenomic data of 41 groupers and 2 outgroups. The identical topologies result with high support values showed that Cephalopholis and Epinephelus are not monophyletic genera. Anyperodon and Cromileptes clustered to Epinephelus. Aethaloperca rogaa and Cephalopholis argus assembled a clad. Cephalopholis leopardus, C. spiloparaea, and Cephalopholis miniata are also in a clade. Epinephelus hexagonatus is close to Epinephelus tauvina and Epinephelus merra, and E. amblycephalus is a sister group with Epinephelus stictus. More mitogenomic data from Epinephelidae species are essential to understand its taxonomic status with the family Serranidae.
Novel research methods on evaluating the nexus between energy consumption, economic growth and environment: evidence from China

Abstract Since the debate concerning economic growth, energy consumption, and environmental degradation is a burning issue in the last few decades. Yet the outcomes are controversial and requires more empirical work. This study used novel research methods to investigate the said issue in case of China since is the leading energy importing and pollution emitting economy. The time series data covers the period from 1969 to 2018 is analyzed via employing the novel Quantile-on-Quantile regression methods. The estimated results unveil that fossil fuel consumption significantly enhances carbon emissions in the country in the lower and middle quantiles. Besides, the economic growth showed an inverted U-shaped impact on the carbon emissions, where the lower-medium quantiles showed positive and the upper quantiles exhibit negative impact on carbon emissions. Besides, the positive association between economic growth and fossil fuel emissions are also evident in the analysis. The Granger causality indicates that there is a bidirectional causality between the study variables – validating that economic growth and fossil fuel consumption are the primary sources of increased emissions level. On the basis of empirical results, this study suggests the adoption of energy efficient/saving products and services, diverting economic growth to renewable and environmentally friendly energy resources, technological innovation and increased investment in the research and development to reduce dependency on fossil fuel energy consumption and attain low carbon economy.
Expert training: Enhancing AI resilience to image coding artifacts

—In the Machine-to-Machine (M2M) transmission context, there is a great need to reduce the amount of transmitted information using lossy compression. However, commonly used image compression methods are designed for human perception, not for Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms performances. It is known that these compression distortions affect many deep learning based architectures on several computer vision tasks. In this paper, we focus on the classification task and propose a new approach, named expert training, to enhance Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) resilience to compression distortions. We validated our approach using MnasNet and ResNet50 architectures, against image compression distortions introduced by three commonly used methods (JPEG, J2K and BPG), on the ImageNet dataset. The results showed a better robustness of these two architectures against the tested coding artifacts using the proposed expert training approach. Our code is publicly available at https://github.com/albmarie/expert training.
Normal stiffness of multiscale rough surfaces in elastic contact

English Engineering surfaces are rough. When two rough surfaces are brought into contact by applying a normal force, these surfaces will deform in the vicinity of the opposing top peaks (asperities). For both theoretical understanding and analysis the indentation of fractal rough surfaces has caught researchers’ interest. These surfaces include roughness features at multiple length scales, possibly ranging from nanometers to meters. The actual indentation process can be characterized by the dependency of the contact stiffness on the applied normal force. In the past, researchers have suggested a general power-law dependency using different analytical and numerical approaches. For examples, advanced multi-asperity-models including elastic interaction suggested an exponent between 0.6 and 1. According to the diffusion theory by Bo Persson, the dependence should be linear, thus have the exponent 1. The discrepancy between different approaches has not been entirely resolved. The present work introduces numerical results obtained by means of the boundary element method and finds a power-law behavior. A clear dependency of the exponent on the Hurst exponent is found and described quantitatively. Studies conducted with the method of dimensionality reduction confirm these results. Special insight is given by the derivation of an analytical formula describing this dependency. It is based mainly on the analogy between a fractal roughness and rotational symmetric indenter shape. The indentation of the latter had been solved in the 1950s and 60s by Galin/Sneddon. The results obtained in this thesis are applied to nominally flat and curved surfaces, where closed-form solutions are found.
An Inclusive Leadership Framework to Foster Employee Creativity in the Healthcare Sector: The Role of Psychological Safety and Polychronicity

Creativity at the level of employees is of utmost importance for every sector of an economy, with no exception to a healthcare system. The reason why employee creativity is important lies in the fact that employees have profound knowledge of their job and thus can serve as a source of meaningful innovation in an organization. Research shows that employee creativity is largely dependent on leadership. Corporate leaders significantly influence subordinates’ behavior. However, with the economic development, globalization, and changing business environment, a traditional authoritative leadership style can no longer be effective in understanding employees’ psychological needs to foster their creative behavior. In this regard, the role of inclusive leadership as an effective organizational management strategy was recently discussed in literature at different levels. It was also stated that an inclusive leader could foster employee creativity. However, such relationships in healthcare systems of developing economies have largely remained under-explored previously. We explored employee creativity in a healthcare context of a developing economy in an inclusive leadership framework to bridge such knowledge gaps. We also investigated the mediating roles of psychological safety and polychronicity in the above-stated relationship. We collected the data from hospital employees through a questionnaire (paper–pencil method). A hypothetical model was developed, which was tested through structural equation modeling in AMOS. Based upon the statistical outcomes, we found that an inclusive leadership style in a hospital can significantly foster employee creativity, whereas psychological safety and polychronicity mediate this relationship. This study offers different theoretical and practical insights, especially to a healthcare system. An important finding was that an inclusive leader can motivate the followers to be more creative. This finding is significant for a hospital because creative employees provide a hospital with a solid competitive base.
Acupuncture Effect Assessment in APP/PS1 Transgenic Mice: On Regulating Learning-Memory Abilities, Gut Microbiota, and Microbial Metabolites

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a brain illness that affects learning and memory capacities over time. In recent investigations, acupuncture has been shown to be an effective alternative treatment for AD. We investigated the effect of acupuncture on learning and memory abilities using a water maze in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. The amounts of Aβ and tau protein in mice's hippocampal tissue were determined using Western blot. The levels of IL-1β, IL-10, LPS and TNF-α in mice's serum were measured using ELISA. The variations of gut microbiota in mice's feces were determined using the 16SrDNA technique, and the metabolites were examined using a untargeted metabolomics methodology. The results showed that acupuncture treatment improved mice's learning and memory abilities substantially. Acupuncture therapy regulated the Aβ and tau protein concentration as well as the levels of IL-10 and LPS. Acupuncture treatment influenced the mouse microbiota and metabolites and had been linked to six biochemical pathways. This study adds to our understanding of the effect of acupuncture on AD and opens the door to further research into the alterations of intestinal bacteria in the presence of AD.
Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Acute Dengue Virus Infections Detected through Acute Febrile Illness Surveillance, Belize 2020

The Acute Febrile Illness (AFI) Surveillance Network in Belize is a country-wide active surveillance program aimed at diagnosing vector-borne, respiratory, and enteric pathogens among patients presenting to 11 participating hospitals and clinics with new onset fever. This study describes the epidemiology of dengue virus (DENV) infections in Belize diagnosed through AFI surveillance in 2020. Of the 894 patients enrolled and PCR-tested for DENV in this period, 44 DENV-positive cases (5%) were identified. All four DENV serotypes were detected, with two cases testing positive for DENV serotype 4, which is the first report of this serotype in Belize since 2004. The majority of DENV cases (66%) were diagnosed in the Belize District, which contains the largest urban center in the country (Belize City). Positive cases were detected between January 2020 and September 2020, with the majority (89%) diagnosed during the dry season between January and April, unlike years prior when cases were more often diagnosed during the wet season. Clinical signs and symptoms varied slightly between DENV serotypes. Active surveillance of DENV among AFI cases provides insight into the epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of DENV in Belize. This information is important for informing public health interventions to mitigate DENV transmission.
A distinctive stellate species of the genus Actinocyclus (Bacillariophyta) from Oligocene sediments in the central Pacific Ocean and its morphological significance

ABSTRACT Actinocyclus asteriscus, a notable species with star-like hyaline rays on the valves discovered in Oligocene sediments from the central Pacific Ocean, has been examined in detail with light and scanning electron microscopy. Its unique appearance with complete hyaline rays helps the initial identification of diatom valves in the microscope. The taxonomic relationships between A. asteriscus and species belonging to six well-defined groups of Actinocyclus species are discussed with a special focus on the hyaline structure. On the basis of the geological time range and ecological habitat of selected Actinocyclus species, we hypothesize that A. asteriscus possesses the primary type of hyaline structure and that this feature subsequently degenerated in other species of the genus. In addition, quantitative data on the relationship between valve diameter and number of hyaline rays and the areolae density are discussed to address the divergence in intraspecific morphological features.
Note on the Higher-Order Derivatives of the Hyperharmonic Polynomials and the r-Stirling Polynomials of the First Kind

In this paper, we focus on the higher-order derivatives of the hyperharmonic polynomials, which are a generalization of the ordinary harmonic numbers. We determine the hyperharmonic polynomials and their successive derivatives in terms of the r-Stirling polynomials of the first kind and show the relationship between the (exponential) complete Bell polynomials and the r-Stirling numbers of the first kind. Furthermore, we provide a new formula for obtaining the generalized Bernoulli polynomials by exploiting their link with the higher-order derivatives of the hyperharmonic polynomials. In addition, we obtain various identities involving the r-Stirling numbers of the first kind, the Bernoulli numbers and polynomials, the Stirling numbers of the first and second kind, and the harmonic numbers.
The Effect of Financial Performance and Corporate Governance on Tax Avoidance in Manufacturing Companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange 2015–2019

Purpose: this study aims to study the effect of financial performance and corporate governance on tax avoidance in manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2015–2019.Methods: financial performance and corporate governance as independent variables with financial performance indicators are ROA, ROE and Leverage while indicators of corporate governance are the board of commissioners, audit committee and external audit quality. Tax avoidance as the dependent variable was measured by using ETR (effective tax rate). This research uses purposive sampling to get a sample size of 60 companies around 5 years and use common effect panel data regression analysis. The data in this study were analyzed with Eviews 9.0. Results: (1) Financial Performance as measured by ROA, ROE and leverage. ROA and leverage has an indication on tax avoidance while ROE has no an indication on tax avoidance in listed manufacturing companies on the IDX in 2015-2019. (2) Corporate Governance as measured by the board of commissioners, audit committee and external audit quality shows that has an indication on tax avoidance in listed manufacturing companies on the IDX in 2015–2019.Conclusions and Relevance: the results of the study prove that ROA, leverage, the board of commissioners, audit committee and external audit quality have a significant and significant effect on tax avoidance, but the ROE variable has no significant effect on tax avoidance in listed manufacturing companies on the IDX in 2015–2019.
Downlink Performance Modeling and Evaluation of Batteryless Low Power BLE Node

Deploying low maintenance and long-life systems is an important requirement of emerging commercial Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. Such systems can be envisioned in which the connected devices are powered by energy harvested from ambient sources and stored in long-lifetime capacitors rather than short-lived and polluting batteries. However, due to the unpredictable nature of ambient energy harvesting, such batteryless IoT devices might not always have enough energy to initiate communication. The Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) specification defines support for Low Power Nodes (LPNs) using the friendship feature, where the LPN is associated with a neighbouring friend node (FN). The LPN can receive downlink (DL) data and remain connected to the network via the FN that buffers the LPN’s incoming packets while allowing the LPN to save energy by sleeping or turning itself off. This novel BLE feature makes the LPN highly suitable to support the connection of batteryless ambiently-powered IoT devices. While the LPN can decide when to transmit uplink (UL) packets and does not depend on the FN to receive downlink (DL) data, the LPN needs to poll its FN to receive the buffered packets. However, the DL packet latency increases with this process due to the buffering time at the FN. Therefore, in this work, we present an analytical model to characterize the performance as a function of DL data latency and packet delivery ratio (PDR) of a batteryless LPN powered by different harvesting powers and capacitor sizes. This would help to optimally choose the correct configuration of the batteryless LPN for its network deployment. We also compare the analytical model and simulation results, showing consistency with an average error of 2.23% for DL data latency and 0.09% for the PDR.
Acceptance and Use of Mobile-Assisted Language Learning by Higher Education Language Teachers

Mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) is increasingly gaining attention from educational stakeholders. This quantitative study implements the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model with the added variable of attitude. The participants were 89 Colombian higher education language teachers who shared their views on MALL via an online questionnaire. The results indicate that teachers’ behavioral intention is influenced by their attitude, social influence and facilitating conditions. The study also highlights the importance of including use behavior in the measurement model: teachers who scarcely use MALL express stronger intentions to use it when compared to teachers with high MALL use, resulting in a negative correlation between behavioral intention and use behavior.