Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Detection of Coccolithophore Blooms With BioGeoChemical‐Argo Floats

Coccolithophores (calcifying phytoplankton) form extensive blooms in temperate and subpolar oceans as evidenced from ocean‐color satellites. This study examines the potential to detect coccolithophore blooms with BioGeoChemical‐Argo (BGC‐Argo) floats, autonomous ocean profilers equipped with bio‐optical and physicochemical sensors. We first matched float data to ocean‐color satellite data of calcite concentration to select floats that sampled coccolithophore blooms. We identified two floats in the Southern Ocean, which measured the particulate beam attenuation coefficient (cp) in addition to two core BGC‐Argo variables, Chlorophyll‐a concentration ([Chl‐a]) and the particle backscattering coefficient (bbp). We show that coccolithophore blooms can be identified from floats by distinctively high values of (1) the bbp/cp ratio, a proxy for the refractive index of suspended particles, and (2) the bbp/[Chl‐a] ratio, measurable by any BGC‐Argo float. The latter thus paves the way to global investigations of environmental control of coccolithophore blooms and their role in carbon export.
Exploring the programmability of management accounting work for increasing automation: an interventionist case study

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to better understand management accounting automation by exploring the programmability of management accounting work.Design/methodology/approachWe build upon the literature on digitalization in management accounting and draw upon the pragmatic constructivist methodology to understand how digitalization takes place at the individual actors' level in accounting practice. The paper uses a data set from an interventionist case study of a machinery manufacturer.FindingsWe examine an actual process of automating management accounting tasks. During this development process, surprisingly, calculation tasks remained more fit for humans than machines though, initially, they were thought to be programmable.Research limitations/implicationsAccording to our findings, practitioners may interpret experts' nonprogrammable work tasks as programmable and seek to automate them. Only identifying the factual possibilities for automating accounting-related work can lead to automation-improved efficiency. Our findings can be increasingly relevant for advanced analytics initiatives and applications within management accounting (e.g. robotic process automation, big data, machine learning and artificial intelligence). Practical implicationsPractitioners need to carefully analyze the entity they wish to automate and understand the factual possibilities of using and maintaining the planned automatic system throughout its life cycle.Originality/valueThe paper shows that when processes are assessed from a distance, the nonprogrammable management accounting tasks and expertise can become misinterpreted as programmable, and the goal of automating them has little chance of success. It also shows possibilities for human accountants to remain relevant in comparison to machines and paves the way for further studies on advanced decision technologies in management accounting.
Redox fluctuations and organic accumulation on the outer shelf of the Early Cambrian (Ages 2–3) Yangtze sea: Geochemical records on a seaward submarine sill

The Early Cambrian was a critical interval marked by dramatic oceanic, geochemical, and biological changes in Earth's history. Although numerous studies have documented oceanic redox changes and revealed a heterogeneous pattern from the inner shelf to outer shelf margin in the Yangtze Block, less attention has been paid to their palaeogeographic‐specific occurrences, particularly in the deeper basinal regime during that time. To better understand marine redox variations and organic accumulation across the entire outer shelf‐basin transect, we selected a coeval organic‐rich section (i.e., Guantang section, western Hunan) deposited on a farther seaward submarine sill for a comparison. Integrated geochemical data of iron speciation, redox‐sensitive trace element [i.e., molybdenum (Mo) and uranium (U)] concentrations and total organic carbon (TOC) contents as well as P/Al and Ba/Al ratios, in combination with previously published data from the outer shelf slope‐basin, reveal an overall high TOC content on the sill and further attest to the occurrence of a fluctuating euxinic water wedge overlying the deep ferruginous water on the outer shelf slope to basin transect in the presence of oceanic upwelling system. The fluctuating euxinic watermass could be dynamically advanced upslope and retreated downslope in the pace of sea‐level rise and fall. All these signify the critical roles of palaeogeographic setting and eustatic changes in controlling the spatiotemporal productivity and redox fluctuations in the Yangtze sea during the Early Cambrian.
Experimental Long-Term Investigation of Model Predictive Heat Pump Control in Residential Buildings with Photovoltaic Power Generation

This article presents a 125-day experiment to investigate model predictive heat pump control. The experiment was performed in two parallel operated systems with identical components during the heating season. One of the systems was operated by a standard controller and thus represented a reference to evaluate the model predictive control. Both test rigs were heated by an air-source heat pump which is influenced by real weather conditions. A single-family house model depending on weather measurement data ensured a realistic heat consumption in the test rigs. The adapted model predictive control algorithm aimed to minimize the operational costs of the heat pump. The evaluation of the measurement results showed that the electrical energy demand of the heat pump can be reduced and the coefficient of performance can be increased by applying the model predictive controller. Furthermore, the self-consumption of photovoltaic electricity, which is calculated by means of a photovoltaic model and global radiation measurement data, was more than doubled. Consequently, the energy costs of heat pump operation were reduced by 9.0% in comparison to the reference and assuming German energy prices. The results were further compared to the scientific literature and short-term measurements were performed with the same experimental setup. The dependence of the measurement results on the weather conditions and the weather forecasting quality are shown. It was found that the duration of experiments should be as long as possible for a comprehensive evaluation of the model predictive control potential.
How do parents manage symptomatic children? Social-distancing insights for COVID-19 and seasonal influenza

ABSTRACT Strategies for controlling pandemics include social distancing. Using data from a 2016 nation-wide survey pertaining to influenza, (generalized) ordered logit models are developed to identify the factors associated with the relative frequency (never/sometimes/always) a household (a) isolates a sick child from others in the household, (b) keeps the sick child out of school/daycare, (c) stops the child’s social activities, (d) has a parent stay home to care for the child, and (e) has another adult care for the child. Marital status is non-significant for isolation practices but is significant in caregiving. Married individuals are 25% more likely to report a parent always staying home with a sick child. Males are more likely to report never isolating a sick child (6%, 3%, and 2% for actions a, b, and c, respectively) and 3% more likely to never have a parent stay home. Individuals knowledgeable about the disease are 10% more likely to always keep a sick child home from school/daycare. Parents are 27% more likely to always stay home with an infant. Individuals who had never worn masks (before the survey) are less likely to isolate a child within the household, but do not act significantly differently with respect to school/daycare.
Changes in Gaze Behavior during the Learning of the Epidural Technique with a Simulator in Anesthesia Novices

Background: Current literature demonstrates the ability of eye tracking to provide reliable quantitative data as an objective assessment tool, with potential applications to medical and surgical training to improve performance. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in gaze behavior in anesthesia novice trainees when performing a simulated epidural technique before and after a hands-on training on the epidural simulator. Methods: We enrolled 48 novice trainees who had never previously performed an epidural block. After a standardized learning module, each trainee practiced the epidural procedure on the epidural simulator while wearing a pair of eye tracking glasses (Tobii Pro Glasses 50 Hz wearable wireless eye tracker). After this baseline recording, each trainee spent two hours practicing with the epidural simulator and afterwards once again performed the eye tracking epidural procedure. Eye tracking metrics and epidural learning (duration of the procedure and number of attempts) before and after the simulated practice were recorded. Results: The duration of the epidural procedure and of the epidural needle advancement phase (P 0.05) and the number of epidural attempts (P 0.001) were reduced after the tutorial. When considering the eye tracking metrics, after the tutorial, the number of visit counts decreased and their duration increased (P 0.05). The number of epidural needle insertions (additional attempts) showed a significant positive correlation with the visits number (aOR = 2.02 (95% CI = 1.26 - 3.55; P = 0.008)) and a significant negative correlation with the visit duration (aOR = 0.65 (95% CI = 0.39 - 0.99; P = 0.05)). Conclusion: We observed significant changes in gaze behavior associated with increased performance during the epidural technique learning with a simulator in anesthesia trainees who had never previously performed an epidural block. These results may create a prototype for future studies on eye tracking technique as a teaching and evaluating tool in simulation.
On the trade-offs between scheduling objectives for unpaced mixed-model assembly lines

Scheduling decisions in mixed-model assembly lines are frequently multi-objective. No work till date has jointly examined the impact of the production sequence in unpaced manual mixed-model assembly lines operated as permutation flow shops concerning a set of objectives broad enough to capture the interests of its customers and suppliers as well as the manufacturer’s interests related to productivity, production flow and human aspects. This work sets up a simulation study based on a real unpaced mixed-model assembly line with seven products to analyse the impact of five different sequence types on objectives from all these interest fields while modelling human learning and deterioration effects explicitly. The results show that considerable trade-offs exist as different sequence types are preferred for the various scheduling objectives. For makespan and mean flow time as widely used productivity– and flow-related objectives, cases of conflicts and complementarity can be found depending on the actual operational conditions in terms of product and volume mix. A strong dilemma emerges between supplier– and human-related objectives favouring different sequence types. Concerning due date based customer-related objectives, the preferred sequence type varies with the operational conditions. The observed trade-offs confirm the multi-objective nature of the scheduling decision.
Employee Turnover Intention at a Historically Disadvantaged South African University

This study was motivated by the desire to explore the nature and level of turnover intention at a historically disadvantaged university in South Africa. A sample of 40 participants namely: academics, support and technical staff from the selected institution were purposely identified to participate in the study. The study was mainly exploratory in nature and used quantitative and descriptive research techniques to assess and explain seven behavioural intention factors to leave or stay in the current organisation. In addition, the study investigated factors that are likely to influence employee turnover intention in organisations. Findings show high desirability of employees to leave their present job. It further indicates that the ease of movement is influenced by external factors like availability of job opportunities elsewhere. Lack of advancement opportunities, job insecurity, workload, job opportunities and inadequate salary and benefits are the most influencing factors of turnover intention. The study is significant in that it provides important information on employees’ intent to leave. In addition, knowledge gained from it can be used to enhance understanding of factors that predict actual turnover and could also assist in controlling employees’ avoidance behaviours.
Inductive Effect on the Fuel Cell Cathode Impedance Spectrum at High Frequencies

The high frequency electrochemical impedance measurements with positive imaginary components in the impedance complex plot of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) are attributable to the inductance of the electrical cables of the measurement system. This study demonstrates that the inductive effect of the electrical cables deforms the high frequency region of the cathode impedance spectrum and as such leads to an erroneous interpretation of the electrochemical mechanisms in the cathode catalyst layer (CCL). This study is divided into a theoretical analysis and an experimental analysis. In the theoretical analysis a validated model that accounts for the impedance spectrum of the CCL as reported in the authors’ previous study is applied with experimental impedance data reported in the literature. The results show that the ionic resistance of the CCL electrolyte which skews the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) current distribution toward the membrane interface is masked in the cathode impedance spectrum by the inductive component. In the experimental analysis cathode experimental impedance spectra were obtained through a three-electrode configuration in the measurement system and with two different electrical cables connected between the electronic load and the PEFC. The results agree with the theoretical analysis and also show that the property of causality in the Kramers-Kronig mathematical relations for electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements is violated by the external inductance of the measurement cables. Therefore the experimental data presenting inductance at high frequencies do not represent the physics and chemistry of the PEFC. The study demonstrates that a realistic understanding of factors governing EIS measurements can only be gained by applying fundamental modeling which accounts for underlying electrochemical phenomena and experimental observations in a complementary manner.
Cyber-Physical Systems for Water Supply Network Management: Basics, Challenges, and Roadmap

Water supply systems are dynamic in nature, owing to the effect of climate change and consumer demand uncertainties. The operation of such a system must be managed effectively to meet up with the uncertainties, thus posing a key challenge. Unfortunately, previous information and communication technology (ICT) solutions could not provide the necessary support for applications to deal with the dynamics of the changing physical environment. Nevertheless, tremendous growth in technology offers better possibilities to enhance water supply systems’ operations. As a result, development in technology in sensing and instrumentation, communication and networking, computing and control is now jointly integrated with water supply system infrastructures to enhance the water system operations. One such technological paradigm shift is the cyber-physical system (CPS). In this paper, we present the concept of the CPS in the water system context and investigate the CPS applications to water supply system monitoring. Also, the various applications of CPSs and the application domain requirements are outlined. More importantly, research studies on its application to water system monitoring are scrutinized. As such, key challenges sounding the applications in WSSs are identified. We then outline the areas of improvement for further studies.
Influence of Thermophysical Features on MHD Squeezed Flow of Dissipative Casson fluid with Chemical and Radiative Effects

Theoretical investigation of variable mass diffusivity, thermal conductivity, and viscosity on unsteady squeezed flow of dissipative Casson fluid is presented. Physically, for any effective heat and mass transfer process, a proper account of thermophysical properties in such a system is required to attain the desired production output. The magnetized flow of free convective, and unsteady motion of Casson fluid encompassing Joule dissipation, radiation, and chemical reactive influence is induced as a result of squeezing property. The governing model assisting the magnetized flow is formulated and transformed via an appropriate similarity transformation. The resulting set of ordinary differential equations is solved numerically using Chebyshev based Collocation Approach (CCA). However, variable viscosity, thermal conductivity, and mass diffusivity effects are seen to diminish the fluid flow velocities, temperature, and concentration respectively along with the lower plate. Heat and mass transfer coefficient, skin friction downsized to an increasing value of variable thermal and mass diffusivity parameters while variable viscosity pronounces the skin friction coefficient. Furthermore, the present analysis is applicable in polymer processing, such as injection molding, extrusion, thermoforming among others.
Innovative CRM and Performance of SMEs: The Moderating Role of Relational Capital

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is more than an information tool and plays a critical role in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The present study explored the moderating effect of relational capital (RC) on the relationship between CRM dimensions and the performance of 284 Yemeni manufacturing SMEs. Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the study’s hypotheses. Results indicate that only three of the CRM dimensions have a significant effect on performance. The moderating effects of relational capital on this relationship were also examined and were found to be significant for only two CRM dimensions: technology-based CRM and CRM organization. Key customer focus and CRM knowledge management had no effect. The findings of this study offer important insights for owners and managers of SMEs, researchers, and policymakers to further understand the effects of relational capital and CRM on SMEs’ performance. SMEs should be encouraged to develop their CRM and relational capital to improve their performance.
Nickel(II) ion-support interactions as a function of preparation method of silica-supported nickel materials

The adsorption on silica of various amminenickel(II) complexes has been investigated as a function of the preparation procedure, i.e., the composition of the impregnating solution and the washing and drying steps. Quite different adsorption modes can he distinguished by EXAFS, XANES, and infrared spectroscopies depending on the pH of the impregnating solution
Distribution of Pilus island and antibiotic resistance genes in Streptococcus agalactiae obtained from vagina of pregnant women in Yazd, Iran

Background and Objectives: Due to the important role of Streptococcus agalactiae, Group B streptococci (GBS), in production of invasive disease in neonates, investigation regarding the pathogenicity and antibiotic resistance factors is necessary in selecting the appropriate therapeutic agents. Beside capsule, the pilus has been currently recognized as an important factor in enhancing the pathogenicity of GBS. Resistance of GBS to selected antibiotics is noticeably increasing which is mainly due to the anomalous use of these drugs for treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of pili genes followed by antibiotic susceptibility of GBS, previously serotyped, isolated from pregnant women in the city of Yazd, Iran. Materials and Methods: Fifty seven GBS from pregnant women were subjected to multiplex PCR for determination of PI-1, PI-2a and PI-2b pilus-islands and simultaneously, the phenotype of antibiotic resistance to penicillin, tetracycline, erythromycin, clindamycin, gentamycin and levofloxacin was determined. Antibiotic resistance genes (ermA, ermB, mefA, tetM, int-Tn) were further diagnosed using PCR and multiplex PCR. Results: PI-1+PI-2a with 71.9%; followed by PI-2a (21.1%) and PI-2b (7%) were observed. PI-1+PI-2a in serotype III was (73.2%), serotype II, Ia, Ib and V were 12.2%, 9.8%, 2.4% and 2.4% respectively. GBS penicillin sensitive was 89.5% and 96.5% resistance to tetracycline. The frequency of resistance genes were as follows: tetM (93%), ermA (33.3%), ermB (8.8%), int-Tn (80.7%) and mefA (0). Conclusion: Majority of GBS contained PI-1+PI-2a. Hence presence of this pilus stabilizes the colonization, therefore designing a program for diagnosing and treatment of infected pregnant women seems to be necessary.
A sanity check for earthquake recurrence models used in PSHA of
slow deforming regions: the case of SW Iberia

Abstract. Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment (PSHA) is the most common tool used to decide on the acceptable seismic risk and corresponding mitigation measures. We propose two consistency tests to address the variability of earthquake generation models found in PSHA studies: i) one rule-of-thumb test where the seismic moment release from the model is converted to an average slip on a typical fault and compared with known plate kinematics or GNSS deformation field; ii) using a neotectonic model, the computed deformation is converted into seismic moment release and to a synthetic earthquake catalogue. We apply these tests to the W and SW Iberia slow deforming region, where two earthquake source areas are investigated: 1) the Lower Tagus Valley, one of the largest seismic risk zones of Portugal; and 2) the offshore SW Iberia area, considered to be the source for the 1st November 1755 event (M~8.7). Results show that some of the earthquake source models should be considered as suspicious, given their high/low moment release when compared to the expected values from GNSS observations or neotectonic modelling. In conclusion, PSHA studies in slow deforming regions should include a similar sanity check on their models' evaluation, downgrading the weight of poorly compliant models.
Mechanical Spectroscopy of Side-Chain Liquid Crystalline Polymers in the Glass Transition Range

We report the first low-frequency mechanical relaxation measurement of molecular motions at temperatures near glass transition in side-chain liquid crystalline polymers (SCLCP) with a short alkyl spacer length of 3 in the cholesteric state. The dynamics of molecular motions involved in the liquid-glass transition of side-chain liquid crystalline polymers in the cholesteric state has been studied. The effect of thermal history or physical aging has been investigated. The measured relaxation time when plotted against normalized reciprocal temperature in the metastable equilibrium state shows that the molecular motion exhibits a fragile or in other words a highly cooperative character. The interpretation of experimental results through two compatible theoretical models suggests that the molecular motions involved in the glass transition are highly correlated in these SCLCPs. Comparison with the data of a similar SCLCP that has a long alkyl spacer length highlights the change in segmental dynamics with alkyl spacer length. In addition, the sensitivity of mechanical spectroscopy makes it possible to measure the variation of the glass transition temperature as a function of the chiral group amount.