Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sea Surface Temperature in the South China Sea an Index for the Asian Monsoon and ENSO System

Interannual variability of the sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTA) over the South China Sea (SCS) is recognized as an index for the Asian monsoon and ENSO system because of its special geographical location for that system. The following results are obtained by the statistical analysis of the observational data. (1) In the northern winter, the SCS SSTA are quite sensitive to the longitudinal shift of global wind anomalies associated with the equatorial Pacific SSTA. This fact is related to that the SCS SSTA and the neighbor SSTA have strong biennial oscillation. (2) When the global wind anomalies are shifted eastward in the winter (BO-type years), the tropical eastern Pacific SSTA tend to change in the following spring. On the other hand, when those wind anomalies are shifted westward (LF-type years), the eastern Pacific SSTA tend to be maintained through the year. The associated differences between the BO and LF-type years are found in the seasonal change of the low-level tropical wind anomalies from the preceding summer through winter. (3) The northern summer SCS SSTA seem to be controlled by in-situ low-level wind anomalies. Furthermore, easterly anomalies over South Asia and the tropical western Pacific and westerly anomalies over East Asia are found in the lower atmosphere for the positive SCS SSTA. It is also shown that the summer SCS SSTA have a statistical relationship with the equatorial central Pacific SSTA in the preceding winter. This fact suggests a relationship between the summer Asian monsoon and the winter phase of ENSO.
A Citizen-Centric Model for Evaluating the Intermediate Impact of Egovernment: A Case Study of Huduma Centres in Kenya

It is evident from literature review that theory on e-government measurement and evaluation is still at nascent stages of growth in terms of development and implementation despite the importance of e-government evaluation. In spite of the huge investment in e-government projects by governments, the results of e-government have not been commensurate with the level of investment leading to what some authors refer to as the ‘e-government paradox’. One of the main causes of the ‘e-government paradox’ is the measurement error which is as a result of the inadequacy of the current measurement tools. This study shows that most of the existing evaluation models fail to consider non-conventional values of e-government including public value. This study reviewed a number of models for e-government measurement and evaluation culminating with the development of a citizen-centric impact evaluation conceptual model that is appropriate in the context of a developing country. Data was collected from common citizen service (huduma) centres in Kenya. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data collected, empirically test and validate hypothesized relationships between the constructs in the conceptual model. It was established from the findings of the study that the intermediate impact of e-government on citizens is influenced by: perceived quality of service, cost of services, ereadiness and citizen satisfaction. However, the relationship between perceived trust and the intermediate impact of e-government was not supported. The study also revealed that certain relationships between various constructs are moderated by age, gender and education. The study also made recommendations to address some of the challenges established as facing e-government development and implementation. The recommendations included: enhancement of ICT infrastructure through public-private-partnerships, creating a suitable legislative framework to support e-government, engaging and sensitizing citizens on e-government services and providing secure online transactions. A citizen-centric model for evaluating the impact of e-government in the context of a developed country was developed and empirically tested. This model partly solves the ‘e-government paradox’ and can be used by e-government policy makers and implementers, civil society, donors and sponsors in evaluating the impact of e-government projects.
Non-verbal cues: Improving communication in construction projects

Construction industry is a dynamic, project based industry in where many problems occur due to communication issues. As it is proven that effective communication and conflict resolution abilities have a strong correlation between them, communication in the construction industry should constantly be improved. Unfortunately, the existing construction curricula do not offer enough courses which would help students to communicate effectively. Embedding technical communication into curricula and introducing courses such as Construction Communication aiming on producing construction management (CM) graduates with good writing and speaking skills are necessary. However, written and verbal languages are not the sole means by which individuals exchange information. Non-verbal cues play a significant role in communication. Therefore it is necessary for CM graduates to master the skills of using and reading body language. The literature study for the subject of communication in the education shows that body language and non-verbal communication were not taken into consideration yet. They are primarily the subject areas of anthropologists, linguists, and social psychologists. This paper aims reviewing the role of non-verbal communication skills in construction business and highlights the importance of bringing the topic into classroom. Introduction In general, communication can be considered as the process of transmitting information from one point to another. In construction industry, this transmission process may occur between one individual and another, or between one organization and another. Because of managing building projects requires collaboration and coordination between the stakeholders and communication between all the members, in order for each project to be delivered successfully, effective communication is vital. Just as in an organization, during a building project, achieving coordinated results, managing change, motivating employees and understanding the needs of the workforce depends on effectiveness of the communication. Construction is a service business. Interpersonal skills which include communication skills play an important role for the success of a project. In fact construction business is often referred as “people’s business” to emphasize the importance of interpersonal skills. The people working in construction industry are diverse from the perspective of educational and cultural characteristics of its employees. A typical example could be given for a superintendent’s situation at the job site. A superintendent must possess certain qualities in order to communicate with both unskilled laborers who sometimes may have minimal education and at the same time a project owner who can be the highly skilled CEO of a multi-million dollar firm. Construction industry is a dynamic, project based industry in where many problems occur due to communication issues. Even in a relatively less complicated project (single family house),
The Long and the Short Cycle ALTERNATIVE INTRACELLULAR ROUTES FOR TRAFFICKING OF G-PROTEIN-COUPLED RECEPTORS*

The C terminus of the human V2 vasopressin receptor contains multiple phosphorylation sites including a cluster of amino acids that when phosphorylated pre-vents the return of the internalized receptor to the cell surface. To identify the step where the recycling process was interrupted, the trafficking of the V2 receptor was compared with that of the recycling V1a receptor after exposure to ligand. Initially, both receptors internalized in small peripheral endosomes, but a physical separa-tion of their endocytic pathways was subsequently detected. The V1a receptor remained evenly distributed throughout the cytosol, whereas the V2 receptor accumulated in a large aggregation of vesicles in the proximity of the nucleus where it colocalized with the transferrin receptor and Rab11, a small GTP-binding protein that is concentrated in the perinuclear recycling compartment; only marginal colocalization of Rab11 with the V1a receptor was observed. Thus, the V2 receptor was sequestered in the perinuclear recycling compartment. Targeting to the perinuclear recycling compartment was determined by the receptor subtype and not by the inability to recycle, since the mutation S363A in the phosphorylation-dependent retention signal gener-ated a V2 receptor that was recycled via the same compartment. The perinuclear recycling compartment was enriched in b -arrestin after internalization of either wild type V2 receptor or its recycling mutant, indicating that long term interaction between the receptors and arrestin
Pyrosequencing Demonstrated Complex Microbial Communities in a Membrane Filtration System for a Drinking Water Treatment Plant

Microbial community composition in a pilot-scale microfiltration plant for drinking water treatment was investigated using high-throughput pyrosequencing technology. Sequences of 16S rRNA gene fragments were recovered from raw water, membrane tank particulate matter, and membrane biofilm, and used for taxonomic assignments, estimations of diversity, and the identification of potential pathogens. Greater bacterial diversity was observed in each sample (1,133–1,731 operational taxonomic units) than studies using conventional methods, primarily due to the large number (8,164–22,275) of sequences available for analysis and the identification of rare species. Betaproteobacteria predominated in the raw water (61.1%), while Alphaproteobacteria were predominant in the membrane tank particulate matter (42.4%) and membrane biofilm (32.8%). The bacterial community structure clearly differed for each sample at both the genus and species levels, suggesting that different environmental and growth conditions were generated during membrane filtration. Moreover, signatures of potential pathogens including Legionella , Pseudomonas , Aeromonas , and Chromobacterium were identified, and the proportions of Legionella and Chromobacterium were elevated in the membrane tank particulate matter, suggesting a potential threat to drinking water treated by membrane filtration.
Keratocyte Phenotype Mediates Proteoglycan Structure A ROLE FOR FIBROBLASTS IN CORNEAL FIBROSIS*

In pathological corneas, accumulation of fibrotic ex- tracellular matrix is characterized by proteoglycans with altered glycosaminoglycans that contribute to the reduced transparency of scarred tissue. During wound healing, keratocytes in the corneal stroma transdiffer- entiate into fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. In this study, molecular markers were developed to identify keratocyte, fibroblast, and myofibroblast phenotypes in primary cultures of corneal stromal cells and the struc- ture of glycosaminoglycans secreted by these cells was characterized. Quiescent primary keratocytes ex- pressed abundant protein and mRNA for keratocan and aldehyde dehydrogenase class 3 and secreted proteogly- cans containing macromolecular keratan sulfate. Expression of these marker compounds was reduced in fibroblasts and also in transforming growth factor- (cid:1) induced myofibroblasts, which expressed high levels of (cid:2) -smooth muscle actin, biglycan, and the extra domain A (EDA or EIIIA) form of cellular fibronectin. Collagen types I and III mRNAs were elevated in both fibroblasts and in myofibroblasts. Expression of these molecular markers clearly distinguishes the phenotypic states of stromal cells in vitro . Glycosaminoglycans secreted by fibroblasts and myofibroblasts were qualitatively similar to and differed from those of keratocytes. Chon- droitin/dermatan sulfate abundance, chain length, and sulfation were antibody J36 against keratan sulfate (37), a peptide antibody to biglycan (42), or monoclonal antibody to (cid:1) -smooth muscle actin (Clone 1A4, Sigma-Aldrich). Keratocan was detected using an antibody generated against a mixture of 10 synthetic peptides, each encoding a unique amino acid sequence of bovine keratocan linked to keyhole limpet hemocyanin carrier. This antiserum was prepared and affinity-purified as described for anti-lumican peptide antibodies (43).
Weld defects and precipitates of deposited metal in 9Ni steel welded joint

Abstract Three kinds of electrode with different niobium contents were developed and compared, and the influence of alloying elements on microstructure and mechanical properties was summarized. Strong carbide elements such as Nb, Ti, and V were added to form stable precipitates. The existence of intercrystalline precipitates leads to pinning and zigzag of grain boundaries, hinders the propagation of cracks, and enhances the low temperature strength and impact toughness of the materials. The No. 1 and No. 2 ENiCrMo-6 electrodes meet the requirements of LNG (liquified natural gas) equipment. The tensile strength of the deposited metal reaches 687 MPa, while the average impact energy at −196°C is 131 J. Owing to fluctuations in the stress concentration at the junction of grain boundaries, cracks may easily form. MC carbide can retard the crack propagation. With the increase of Nb and other alloys, the strength and hardness increase gradually, but the plasticity and toughness are retarded to a certain extent.
INHIBITORY IMPACT OF WHITE CEDAR ( Melia azedarache )LEAVES LITTER ON WHEAT ( Triticum aestivum ) SEEDLINGS

A biological phenomenon by which one plant releases some chemicals in the environment that affect the rate of germination, seedling emergence, physiology and overall growth of neighbouring plants is called allelopathy. The significance of study was checked allelopathic phytochemical potential of white cedar vern. Bakain ( Melia azedarach L.) leaves on wheat.Leaveslitter was used to examine the allelopathic effects of M.azedarach at five concentrations (100, 200, 300, 400 g, control). The studied parameters were germination percentage (%), Speed of germination, plant height (cm), root length (cm), Shoot length (cm), coleoptile length (cm), fresh weight (g), dry weight (g), tiller (plant -1 ) and chlorophyll content (µg cm -2 ) of Triticum aestivum. All concentration of Leaves litterof M. azedarach showed pronounced inhibitory effect on all parameters of T. aestivum. M. azedarach exerted phytotoxic influence on T. aestivum at initial growth stages. M.azedarach exhibited a significant negative impact on germination of T. aestivum at100, 200, 300, 400 glitterof leaves than control (sterilized soil). M. azedarach halted the coleoptilelength of T. aestivum @ 400 gleaves litter -1 (T4). Powdered leavesof M. azedarach in clay loam soil appeared to have strong allelopathic inhibition under maximum concentrations on growth and germination of T. aestivum. Hence, M.azedarach proved to be a strong allelopathic plant that should be planted aside from field to avoid harmful impacts during early growth stages of T. aestivum .
The invisible frontline workers: lived experiences of urban Indian mothers during COVID-19 in India

ABSTRACT During the COVID-19 pandemic, Indian mothers, a vulnerable group have not received adequate attention with respect to their challenges and mothering experiences. This study utilizes a feminist theoretical framework to explore the lived experiences of a cohort of urban Indian mothers of children aged 10 years and below in the context of COVID-19. Through the qualitative research method of in-depth unstructured interviews, the study identified the following overarching themes: Challenges in mothering, Inequality of gender norms, Support and Self-compassion, Self-care and Gratitude in the context of lived experiences of mothering during the pandemic in India. The findings bolster the need to create systemic changes for enforcing stronger policies around gender equality and to recognize unpaid care and domestic work as well as build a more equitable society for women. These results also have a bearing on investigations into the long-term effects of COVID-19 on maternal mental health.
Teaching behaviours under observation: an instrument for assessing teaching quality in Spain (La observación del comportamiento del profesorado: un instrumento para evaluar la calidad docente en España)

ABSTRACT Teachers constitute a key point in the educational process. Therefore, having information about their behaviours inside the classroom can give us very useful data when the intention is to improve teaching effectiveness. This study aims to describe teaching behaviours observed in 344 teachers in 56 public and private schools in Asturias (Spain). Descriptive analyses and analysis of variance have been run in order to answer the research questions. A stepwise regression has been performed too, to identify which teaching skill domains are more important in promoting student engagement. Results have shown positive, significant relationships between all the domains and student academic engagement. Activating teaching, efficient classroom management and teaching-learning strategies seem to be the main teaching skills for increasing student engagement. Interesting differences have also been found in student engagement depending on the standard of teachers’ teaching behaviour.
Employment and the distribution of intra-household financial satisfaction

This study applies a methodology used by De Henau and Himmelweit (2013) to study resource allocation in Australian mixed-sex couple households. Using 18 waves of data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia survey and by means of fixed effects estimations, the study identifies how men’s and women’s contributions via paid and unpaid work influences their satisfaction with the financial situation (SWFS) within households. Employment status is used to proxy each partner’s contribution to household resources. The results reveal that paid contributions through full-time employment have a strong role in determining SWFS. This is a source of gender difference because Australian men are much more likely to be engaged in full-time employment than women. Most often, for both men and women, unpaid contributions to household resources (proxied by less than full-time employment) has a detrimental effect on their own SWFS, but smaller effects on their partner’s SWFS. These results imply that gender asymmetry in paid and unpaid contributions to household resources contributes to the reproduction of gender inequalities within Australian households. The results add external validity to the relevance of De Henau and Himmelweit’s (2013) analysis of these issues. JEL codes: B54, I31, E24
Mixed-species flocks of insectivorous birds (‘bird parties’) in Afrotropical forests and woodlands: a review

Mixed-species flocks of foraging insectivorous birds are found worldwide and have been best studied in the Neotropical region. A survey of the published literature reveals that mixed-species flocks (often termed ‘bird parties’) comprised of 2–30 species and sometimes >70 individual birds are regularly encountered in forest and woodland habitats throughout the Afrotropical region. On mainland Africa, >600 species representing 59 bird families have been reported in such flocks, and for at least 300 species foraging in such flocks may constitute an important part of their feeding activity. In Madagascar, >60 species of 19 families have been recorded in mixed-species flocks, with more than 40 species frequent participants. These foraging parties are dominated by gleaning and sallying insectivorous birds, with other feeding guilds represented by fewer species and individuals. The main hypotheses to explain why birds participate in such flocks emphasise protection from predators while searching for food, and increased foraging efficiency through the disturbance of insects caused by the different foraging activities of flock members. Certain key species may be responsible for the initial formation of the flock. Mixed-species flocks are regarded as particularly vulnerable to disruption by anthropogenic habitat changes, especially to forests, and are thus of special conservation concern. In the Afrotropics, these proposals remain working hypotheses since we currently lack data for a full assessment of the ecological role of mixed-species flocks and their importance in the life history of the participating species.
High-Fidelity Multidisciplinary Sensitivity Analysis for Coupled Fluid-Solid Interaction Design

Gobal, Koorosh. Ph.D., Engineering Ph.D. Program, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Wright State University, 2016. High-Fidelity Multidisciplinary Sensitivity Analysis for Coupled Fluid-Solid Interaction Design. In many engineering disciplines such as aerospace, marine, automotive, and biomedical engineering, the consideration of the coupling between the fluid and structural systems is necessary for quality engineering analysis. Therefore, the need for such analysis in the design is continuously increasing. The primary motivation for this work is to develop a sensitivity analysis tool that is capable of calculating accurate sensitivities without significant modification of the source codes for simulations based on non-body conformal grids. The majority of work done on the coupled fluid-solid simulations are based on computational grids that conform to solid boundaries. This becomes a restriction for complex boundary shapes or large deformation of the solid domain. The hurdles associated with bodyconformal techniques are mainly due to additional cost related to mesh deformation and the effect of mesh movement on the sensitivity calculation. Therefore, we propose to use a particular family of non-body conformal techniques often known as Immersed Boundary (IB) methods for modeling the flow over immersed boundaries. The Continuum Sensitivity Analysis (CSA) is added on top of the IB method which calculates the sensitivity of the flow variables, velocity, and pressure. These variables are modeled with Navier-Stokes (NS) equations and their sensitivities are calculated with respect to change in the shape of the solid boundary. This technique is implemented in the calculation of the sensitivity of the coupled fluid-structure system subject to different shape design variables. The sensitivity of various coupled FSI benchmark problems such as vortex induced vibration of an elastically mounted cylinder and pitch and plunge airfoil motion is calculated with respect to shape parameters. These results are verified using the complex step method which gives accurate sensitivities up to machine precision. This work is the first implementation of CSA for continuous IB methods for viscous flow (Navier-Stokes) models. iii