Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The experience of caring for an older relative in Chile: going beyond the burden of care

Abstract Care in Chile, as in most Latin American countries, remains largely the responsibility of female family members in informal arrangements with little government support. The analysis of caring for a dependent older person has commonly been approached from the burden of care perspective, focusing on the tasks carried out, the time spent providing care and the negative (burdensome) consequences for the care-giver. This study reveals the daily experiences of family care-givers of older people through a thematic data analysis of 42 interviews with main family carers of an older person as experienced by the carers themselves. Findings highlight the complex nature of care work. Tasks carried out do not necessarily relate to the intensity of the care experience or a negative experience. Care-givers can work long hours providing care and still feel comfortable and find the experience emotionally rewarding. Care-givers might also carry out only a few tasks and experience pressure. The broader social and economic context can generate constraints that make a specific set of tasks easier or harder on the carer, but these contextual factors do not fully explain the experience of care. Relations, and particularly those that carry an emotional component such as the carer-older person, carer-siblings and carer-spouse, must be considered alongside the tasks and the difficulties or potential constraints of the context to understand the care experience.
Wage-Increment and Development of Black Economy in Nigeria: Influences of Inflation and Taxation

Emmanuel O. Okon Email: Emmanuel.oo@ksu.edu. ng Abstract Purpose: In this paper, wage-black economy relationship was examined while taking into consideration the influences of inflation and taxation. Approach/Methodology/Design: In particular, Value at Risk (VAR) approach was implemented using annually data for Nigeria covering the period 19902018 to assess the dynamic relationship among the variables. In light of national minimum wage in Nigeria, impulse response function was used to highlight the plausible responses from black economy to a shock of one standard deviation in each indicated variable. Findings: The result shows that a shock to national minimum wage (LOGMWA) will have a negative effect on black economy (LOGBEC) in Nigeria. Shocks to inflation (LOGINFL) will have a positive impact on black economy (LOGBEC). Shocks to tax (LOGATAX) will have asymmetric impacts on black economy (LOGBEC). The results were robust even when unemployment (LOGUEMP) was included. An unemployment shock was shown to enhance black economy in Nigeria. Practical Implications: The study is significant for the concerned authorities in Nigeria so that policy measures are taken and directed towards the causes that drive the black economy in the country. Originality/value: The impulse response function was estimated. It was estimated to show the plots of the responses from black economy (LOGBEC) to a one standard deviation shock in each indicated variable (national minimum wage (LOGMWA), inflation (LOGINFL), and tax (ATAX)). The shocks to national minimum wage (LOGMWA) will have a negative effect on black economy (LOGBEC) in Nigeria.
Mixed convection boundary layer flow of a micropolar fluid on a horizontal plate

SummaryA boundary layer analysis is presented to study the effects of buoyancy-induced streamwise pressure gradients on laminar forced convection heat transfer to micropolar fluids from a horizontal plate. A numerical solution of the transformed boundary layer equations has been carried out for different values of the buoyancy and material parameters. A discussion is provided for the effect of the bouyancy force on the friction factor, the dimensionless heat transfer rate, and the details of the velocity as well as temperature field.
Multidimensional benchmarking of the active queue management methods of network congestion control based on extension of fuzzy decision by opinion score method

This study evaluated the benchmarking process of active queue management (AQM) methods, which consider a multicriteria decision‐making (MCDM) problem using multidimensional criteria. Academic studies have benchmarked the AQM methods using MCDM techniques. However, these studies have used existing MCDM techniques, which face considerable theoretical challenges. The latest MCDM method called fuzzy decision by opinion score (FDOSM) was published in the Journal of Applied Soft Computing in 2020 to address the theoretical challenges of the existing MCDM methods. However, FDOSM continues to encounter serious issues. That is, it exclusively depends on the direct aggregation MCDM approach based on arithmetic mean (AM) operator. However, performing other operators (i.e., geometric mean, harmonic mean, and root mean square), in addition to applying other MCDM approaches (i.e., distance measurement and compromise rank), may result in different ranking results. Hence, this study mainly proposes an extension of FDOSM through the following aspects: (1) application of different aggregation techniques in the direct aggregation MCDM approach, (2) discussion of the effectiveness of each type on the final AQM benchmarking, and (3) use of varying MCDM approaches on FDOSM to reach the optimum result when benchmarking the AQM methods. The current research methodology is based on two sequential phases. The first phase provides the decision matrix used in benchmarking the AQM methods. The decision matrix was constructed based on the AQM evaluation criteria and a list of AQM methods. The second phase presents two stages, namely, data transformation unit and data processing. Findings of the AQM benchmarking are as follows. (1) In the individual FDOSM, two main configurations are recommended when using the AQM benchmarking: direct aggregation MCDM approach with AM operator and compromise rank approach. Benchmarking results of both configurations based on six decision makers are nearly similar, with the AQM BLUE method being ranked the best. The exception is for the results of the compromise rank approach based on the third decision maker, which revealed that the AQM ERED method is the best. (2) Results of the group FDOSM showed a relatively similar order for the AQM methods in both configurations, with the AQM BLUE method being the best. (3) Lastly, significant differences were found among the groups' scores, thereby indicating the validity of the FDOSM‐based AQM benchmarking results.
Smart Energy in a Smart City: Utopia or Reality? Evidence from Poland

The main principles of the smart city concept rely on modern, environmentally friendly technologies. One manifestation of the smart city concept is investments in renewable energy sources (RES), which are currently a popular direction in urban transformation. It makes sense, therefore, to analyse how Polish cities are coping with this challenge and whether they are including the implementation of RES facilities in their development strategies. The aim of the article is to analyze and assess the level at which renewable energy facilities are being implemented or developed in the urban space of cities in Poland as a pillar of the implementation of the smart city concept. This goal is realized on two levels: the theoretical (analysis of strategic documents) and the practical (analysis of the capacity of RES installations, questionnaire studies). The study shows that renewable energy installations are an important part of the development strategies of Polish cities, and especially of those that aspire to be termed “smart cities”. Moreover, it is shown that the predominant RES facilities are those based on solar energy.
Quantification of model risk that is caused by model misspecification

In this paper, we suggest a technique to quantify model risk, particularly model misspecification for binary response regression problems found in financial risk management, such as in credit risk modelling. We choose the probability of default model as one instance of many other credit risk models that may be misspecified in a financial institution. By way of illustrating the model misspecification for probability of default, we carry out quantification of two specific statistical predictive response techniques, namely the binary logistic regression and complementary log–log. The maximum likelihood estimation technique is employed for parameter estimation. The statistical inference, precisely the goodness of fit and model performance measurements, are assessed. Using the simulation dataset and Taiwan credit card default dataset, our finding reveals that with the same sample size and very small simulation iterations, the two techniques produce similar goodness-of-fit results but completely different performance measures. However, when the iterations increase, the binary logistic regression technique for balanced dataset reveals prominent goodness of fit and performance measures as opposed to the complementary log–log technique for both simulated and real datasets.
Partner age gap and child health in Sub-Saharan Africa

This thesis explores the association between the age gap between parents and health outcomes for children in Sub-Saharan Africa. An average man-older age gap between partners has been observed all over the world and is the largest in many Sub-Saharan African countries. A large age gap is common in patriarchal societies and has been associated with less female autonomy and impeded decision-making for the couple, resulting in less contraceptive use and a possible higher risk of interpersonal violence. This thesis examines another association with age gaps by focusing on the health outcomes for children in families with large and small age gaps between the mother and her partner. It is hypothesized that children will have worse health outcomes in families where the age gap between the mother’s partner and the mother herself is larger than average. Using data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), multilevel logistic regression is run to test the association between three health indicators while controlling for confounding variables such as mother’s age, education level and wealth. The health indicators are treatment of fevers, vaccination against measles and underweight. The results show some statistically significant associations, with all three variables supporting the hypothesis that children in age heterogamous families are doing worse. Children of couples with a larger than average age gap have lower likelihood of being treated for fever or cough, and a higher likelihood of being underweight, and children of couples with a smaller than average age gap have a higher likelihood of having received the first measles vaccination. The results show that the age gap between parents is a factor to take into consideration when studying child health and family structures in Sub-Saharan Africa.
A Numerical Study of Tunnel Fires

Abstract An analytical model of the hydrocarbon oxidation processes in an engine exhaust port was developed. A thermodynamic analysis was used to obtain the exhaust gas conditions as a function of lime and axial distance in the port. The major features of the exhaust port processes were described by submodels for the pan heat transfer, reaction rates. and instantaneous and overall levels of hydrocarbon concentrations as functions of engine conditions. Experimental determinations of the fraction of hydrocarbons oxidized in the exhaust port were obtained in engine experiments by the injection of a quench gas at selected locations within the port. By differencing the hydrocarbon concentrations observed during quenching and non-quenching operation, the degree of hydrocarbon oxidation was determined for each location. Analytical and experimental results were in good agreement for a range of engine operating conditions. The fraction of hydrocarbons reacted in the exhaust port ranged between about 2 and 70 perce.
Impact of landscape fragmentation and climate change on body size variation of bumblebees during the last century

Body size is a key parameter of organism fitness. While the impact of climate change on body size has received increasing attention, the long-term consequences of landscape fragmentation are still poorly known. These two major global threats may potentially induce opposite trends: the decrease of body size in warmer environments (e.g. individuals developing faster) or the selection of larger individuals in fragmented habitats (e.g. large individuals more capable of reaching distant patches). We assessed the relationship between temperature and landscape fragmentation with mean body size during the last century, within four European regions (Austria, Belgium, England and above the Arctic circle in Scandinavia) and among queens of five bumblebee species. At the regional scale, we first analysed the variation over time of body size and the two hypothesised drivers, temperature and landscape fragmentation. Then, at the local landscape scale, we tested whether body size varied according to these drivers irrespective of the region. At the regional level, we observed a statistically clear increase of queen body size corresponding to an increase of landscape fragmentation (i.e. in Belgium and England). There was no increase of size when fragmentation did not increase (i.e. in Austria and above the Arctic Circle). Temperature also increased through time in all regions. At the local landscape scale, we found that all species were impacted by changes in both climate and landscape fragmentation but show different trends. The body size of the two largest species significantly increased at landscape level with higher fragmentation while body size of the two smallest species decreased with higher fragmentation. We highlight that, in a context of global changes, landscape fragmentation can also be a major driver of body size clines. Depending on the dispersal abilities of species, larger species could be positively selected for and overcome landscape fragmentation.
The Brazilian Penitentiary System under the Threat of COVID-19

ABSTRACT This paper seeks to identify the chief factors behind the incidence of COVID-19 cases and deaths inside the Brazilian prison system, testing the hypotheses that better equipped and better-staffed systems and the adoption of the prophylactic measures lead to lower incidence and death rates. Results show partial support for these expectations, as certain infrastructure-related measures such as the number of medical appointments held at the prison facility, the percentage of establishments not directly managed by the State, and the number of laboratory tests by inmate are statistically associated with the number of recorded COVID-19 cases. In turn, the number of provisional detainees, and the percentage of prison units without educational facilities are significant predictors of COVID-19 deaths. Nonetheless, not a single measure adopted to prevent COVID-19 inside prisons and jails stood the empirical testing. These results have important policy and research implications.
Measurements of 14 mev neutron activation cross sections

Abstract In the neutron generator facility KORONA a neutron flux of 3 · 1010 n/cm2s with an energy of 14.7 ± 0.3 MeV is available. A fast rabbit system transfers samples within 140 ms to the detector station. For activation analysis work a variety of reaction cross sections were determined: The reaction products have half-lives between 0.35 s and 64 d. For the analysis of short-lived isotopes, real-time correction of losses in high counting rate γ-ray spectroscopy is applied. An overall accuracy of ± 5 % could be achieved in most cases.
Rotational spectroscopic study of S-methyl thioformate: A global laboratory analysis of ground and excited torsional states up to 660 GHz*

Context S-methyl thioformate CH3SC(O)H is a monosulfur derivative of methyl formate, a relatively abundant component of the interstellar medium (ISM). S-methyl thioformate being, thermodynamically, the most stable isomer, it can be reasonably proposed for detection in the ISM. Aims This work aims to experimentally study and theoretically analyze the ground and first torsional excited states for CH3SC(O)H in a large spectral range for astrophysical use. Methods S-methyl thioformate was synthesized as a result of a reaction of methyl mercaptan with acetic-formic anhydride. The millimeter-wave spectrum was then recorded for the first time from 150 to 660 GHz with the solid-state spectrometer located at Lille. Results A set of 3545 lines is determined and combined with 54 previously measured lines in the microwave region, belonging to ground state ν t = 0 as well as 1391 transitions in the first excited state of torsion ν 18 = 1. Some 164 lines were also assigned to ν 18 = 2 for the A-species. A global fit was performed using the BELGI-Cs code taking into account the large splitting of A and E lines due to methyl internal rotation motion with a relatively low barrier, V3 = 127.4846(15) cm–1. Conclusions Using our spectroscopy work, a deep search of S-methyl thioformate was carried out in the IRAM 30m and ALMA data of different high-mass star-forming regions (Orion KL and Sgr B2). We derived an upper limit to the CH3SC(O)H column density in these regions.
Amorphization of S, Cl‐Salts Induced by Martian Dust Activities

A high proportion of noncrystalline (X‐ray‐amorphous) components has been found in all samples analyzed by CheMin on the Curiosity rover at Gale crater on Mars, and such X‐ray‐amorphous components probably occur at all sites that have been investigated thus far by landers and rovers. The amorphous material at Gale crater is rich in volatiles (S, Cl, and H2O), as indicated by other science payload elements (APXS, SAM). We demonstrate here that amorphization of S and Cl salts can be induced by energetic electrons and free radicals generated in a medium‐strength electrostatic discharge (ESD) process during Martian dust activities such as dust storms, dust devils, and grain saltation. Furthermore, we found that the amorphization is commonly accompanied by dehydration of the salts and oxidation of Cl, S, and Fe species. On the basis of experimentally observed rates of the above phase transformations and the mission‐observed dust activities and wind speeds on Mars, we anticipate that similar phase transformations could occur on Mars within a time frame of years to hundreds of years. Considering the high frequency, long duration, and large areal coverage of Martian dust activities, our study suggests that the ESD induced by Martian dust activities may have contributed to some the S‐ and Cl‐rich portion of X‐ray amorphous materials observed in surface soils at Gale crater. Furthermore, dust activities in the Amazonian period may have generated and deposited a significant quantity of S‐ and Cl‐rich amorphous materials all over Mars.
An 18‐Year Climatology of Directional Stratospheric Gravity Wave Momentum Flux From 3‐D Satellite Observations

Atmospheric gravity waves (GWs) are key drivers of the atmospheric circulation, but their representation in general circulation models (GCMs) is challenging, leading to significant biases in middle atmospheric circulations. Unresolved GW momentum transport in GCMs must be parameterized, but global directional GW observations are needed to constrain this. Here we present an 18‐year climatology of directional stratospheric GW momentum flux (GWMF) from global AIRS/Aqua 3‐D satellite observations during 2002 to 2019. Striking hemispheric asymmetries are found at high latitudes, including dramatic reductions and reversals of GWMF during sudden stratospheric warmings. During Southern Hemisphere winter, a lateral convergence of GWMF toward 60°S is found that has no Northern Hemisphere counterpart. In the tropics, we find that zonal GWMF in AIRS measurements is strongly modulated by the semiannual oscillation (SAO) but not the quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO). Our results provide guidance for future GW parameterizations needed to resolve long‐standing biases in GCMs.
Glabridin alleviates ischemia/reperfusion-induced functional failure of smooth
 muscle of rat ileum by upregulating the cAMP

Despite the development of modern medicine, alternative medicine, which has not lost its timeliness, remains attractive for the treatment of various diseases. Glabridin, a major flavonoid of Glycyrrhiza glabra, is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. The aim of this study was: 1) to determine the possible protective role of glabridin against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury of the intestine; 2) to evaluate the in vitro contractile responses of ileum smooth muscles to acetylcholine after an intestinal I/R; and 3) to explain the underlying molecular mechanism of its effect. Rats were assigned to groups of six rats each; 1) I/R, 2) gla10, 3) gla20, 4) gla40, 5) N5-[imino(nitroamino)methyl]-L-ornithine, methyl ester monohydrochloride (L-NAME)+gla40, and 6) Sham group. The healing effect of glabridin was abolished by L-NAME. Glabridin did not cause contractility of the smooth muscles to acetylcholine-induced contractile responses in intestinal I/R. Yet, it increased to spontaneous basal activity.
Exact BER Analysis of NOMA With Arbitrary Number of Users and Modulation Orders

Non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) is a promising candidate for future mobile networks as it enables improved spectral-efficiency, massive connectivity and low latency. This paper derives exact and asymptotic bit error rate (BER) expressions under Rayleigh fading channels for NOMA systems with arbitrary number of users and arbitrary number of receiving antennas and modulation orders, including binary phase-shift keying and rectangular/square quadrature amplitude modulation. Furthermore, the power coefficients’ bounds, which ensure users’ fairness, and solve the constellation ambiguity problem, are derived for <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$N=2$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and 3 users cases with any modulation orders. In addition, this paper determines the optimal power assignment that minimizes the system’s average BER. These results provide valuable insight into the system’s BER performance and power assignment granularity. For instance, it is shown that the feasible power coefficients range becomes significantly small as the modulation order, or <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$N$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, increases, where the BER performance degrades due to the increased inter-user interference. Hence, the derived expressions can be crucial for the system scheduler in allowing it to make accurate decisions of selecting appropriate <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$N$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, modulation orders, and power coefficients to satisfy the users’ requirements. The presented expressions are corroborated via Monte Carlo simulations.
Removal of Dyes from Wastewater Using Bottom Ash

Municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) bottom ash was converted into a low-cost adsorbent, characterized and used for the removal of alizarin yellow, fast green, and methyl violet from wastewater. The percentages of removal of alizarin yellow (1.0 × 10-4 M), fast green (1.0 × 10-4 M), and methyl violet (1.0 × 10-4 M) on this adsorbent were 87.5, 97.0, and 73.0, respectively. In batch experiments, parameters studied include the effect of the adsorbate concentration, pH, sorbent dosage, temperature, and contact time. The optimum contact time for all of the three dyes has been found to be 4 h, while the maximum adsorption was observed at pH 5.5, 5.0, and 8.0 for alizarin yellow, fast green, and methyl violet, respectively. The adsorbent dose has been optimized as 10.0 g/L for the three dyes. Kinetic studies showed a rate of adsorption of first order with respect to the dye solution concentration. Adsorption processes were found to be film-diffusion-controlled for all of the three dyes. Thermodynamic parame.