Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Asymptotic Stability of 3D Stochastic Positive Linear Systems with Delays

The article emphasizes that 3D stochastic positive linear system with delays is asymptotically stable and depends on the sum of the system matrices and at the same time independent on the values and numbers of the delays. Moreover, the asymptotic stability test of this system with delays can be abridged to the check of its corresponding 2D stochastic positive linear systems without delays. Many theorems were applied to prove that asymptotic stability for 3D stochastic positive linear systems with delays are equivalent to 2D stochastic positive linear systems without delays. The efficiency of the given methods is illustrated on some numerical examples. HIGHLIGHTS Various theorems were applied to prove the asymptotic stability of 3D stochastic positive linear system with delays. Moreover, this system can be reduced to 2D stochastic positive linear system without delays Asymptotic stability of 3D stochastic positive linear systems with delays depends on the summation of system matrices and independent on numbers and values of delays for that system The principal minors and the coefficients for characteristic polynomials of 3D stochastic linear systems were applied to demonstrate the asymptotic stability when they are all positive
Growth and characterization of straight InAs/GaAs nanowire heterostructures on Si substrate

Vertical InAs/GaAs nanowire (NW) heterostructures with a straight InAs segment have been successfully fabricated on Si (111) substrate by using AlGaAs/GaAs buffer layers coupled with a composition grading InGaAs segment. Both the GaAs and InAs segments are not limited by the misfit strain induced critical diameter. The low growth rate of InAs NWs is attributed to the AlGaAs/GaAs buffer layers which dramatically decrease the adatom diffusion contribution to the InAs NW growth. The crystal structure of InAs NW can be tuned from zincblende to wurtzite by controlling its diameter as well as the length of GaAs NWs. This work helps to open up a road for the integration of high-quality III-V NW heterostructures with Si.
Identification of Kukoamine A, Zeaxanthin, and Clexane as New Furin Inhibitors

The endogenous protease furin is a key protein in many different diseases, such as cancer and infections. For this reason, a wide range of studies has focused on targeting furin from a therapeutic point of view. Our main objective consisted of identifying new compounds that could enlarge the furin inhibitor arsenal; secondarily, we assayed their adjuvant effect in combination with a known furin inhibitor, CMK, which avoids the SARS-CoV-2 S protein cleavage by means of that inhibition. Virtual screening was carried out to identify potential furin inhibitors. The inhibition of physiological and purified recombinant furin by screening selected compounds, Clexane, and these drugs in combination with CMK was assayed in fluorogenic tests by using a specific furin substrate. The effects of the selected inhibitors from virtual screening on cell viability (293T HEK cell line) were assayed by means of flow cytometry. Through virtual screening, Zeaxanthin and Kukoamine A were selected as the main potential furin inhibitors. In fluorogenic assays, these two compounds and Clexane inhibited both physiological and recombinant furin in a dose-dependent way. In addition, these compounds increased physiological furin inhibition by CMK, showing an adjuvant effect. In conclusion, we identified Kukoamine A, Zeaxanthin, and Clexane as new furin inhibitors. In addition, these drugs were able to increase furin inhibition by CMK, so they could also increase its efficiency when avoiding S protein proteolysis, which is essential for SARS-CoV-2 cell infection.
Thin Film Resistance Heaters for High Heat Flux Jet-Array Cooling Experiments

This paper reports on efforts to use plasma-sprayed metal films as resistance heaters for generating heat fluxes on the order of 10 MW/m2. These heaters are intended for use in testing a jet-array cooling module designed for removing extremely high heat fluxes. Convective cooling of the rear surface of an externally heated metal faceplate is provided by an array of impinging water jets. The metal film heater is electrically isolated from the faceplate by a plasma-sprayed ceramic film beneath it. Heat fluxes have reached 7.2 MW/m2 over an area of 10.3 cm2. Design and fabrication issues associated with these heaters include physical property differences between sprayed and bulk materials, thickness variations in the sprayed materials, high thermal resistance associated with the ceramic films, and fracture of the heater film at high temperatures.
News comment sections and online echo chambers: The ideological alignment between partisan news stories and their user comments

This study explored the presence of digital echo chambers in the realm of partisan media’s news comment sections in South Korea. We analyzed the political slant of 152 K user comments written by 76 K unique contributors on NAVER, the country’s most popular news aggregator. We found that the political slant of the average user comments to be in alignment with the political leaning of the conservative news outlets; however, this was not true of the progressive media. A considerable number of comment contributors made a crossover from like-minded to cross-cutting partisan media and argued with their political opponents. The majority of these crossover commenters were “headstrong ideologues,” followed by “flip-floppers” and “opponents. ” The implications of the present study are discussed in light of the potential for the news comment sections to be the digital cafés of Public Sphere 2.0 rather than echo chambers.
3D Printed and Conventional Membranes—A Review

Polymer membranes are central to the proper operation of several processes used in a wide range of applications. The production of these membranes relies on processes such as phase inversion, stretching, track etching, sintering, or electrospinning. A novel and competitive strategy in membrane production is the use of additive manufacturing that enables the easier manufacture of tailored membranes. To achieve the future development of better membranes, it is necessary to compare this novel production process to that of more conventional techniques, and clarify the advantages and disadvantages. This review article compares a conventional method of manufacturing polymer membranes to additive manufacturing. A review of 3D printed membranes is also done to give researchers a reference guide. Membranes from these two approaches were compared in terms of cost, materials, structures, properties, performance. and environmental impact. Results show that very few membrane materials are used as 3D-printed membranes. Such membranes showed acceptable performance, better structures, and less environmental impact compared with those of conventional membranes.
Adapting cropping systems to future climate change scenario in three agro-climatic zones of Punjab, India

The present study focuses on (1) projections of future climate data (for the years of 2020, 2050 and 2080) from three general circulation models (HadCM3, CCCMA-CGCM2 and CSIRO-MK2) for two scenarios (A2 and B2) for three agro-climatic zones of the Indian Punjab (ii) assessment of climate change impact on productivity of maize-wheat cropping system in moist to dry sub-humid, rice-wheat in hot dry semiarid and cotton-wheat in hot arid zones and (iii) evaluation of shifting planting dates as an adaptation measure to sustain crop yields. The results indicate that in future the magnitude of climate change and variability would vary with agro-climatic zone, model and scenario. Maximum temperature, minimum temperature and rainfall would be higher in moist to dry sub-humid zone than hot arid. Simulations with cropping system model anticipated reduction in yields of all the three cropping systems for future years; however, cotton crop was more vulnerable than maize and rice. Delaying trans/planting of maize by 7 days in sub humid zone, rice by 7-15 days in semi arid and cotton by 21 days in arid zone in future emerged as doable adaptation measure to minimize yield reduction in future.
Justifying Short-Term Load Forecasts Obtained with the Use of Neural Models

There is a lot of research on the neural models used for short-term load forecasting (STLF), which is crucial for improving the sustainable operation of energy systems with increasing technical, economic, and environmental requirements. Neural networks are computationally powerful; however, the lack of clear, readable and trustworthy justification of STLF obtained using such models is a serious problem that needs to be tackled. The article proposes an approach based on the local interpretable model-agnostic explanations (LIME) method that supports reliable premises justifying and explaining the forecasts. The use of the proposed approach makes it possible to improve the reliability of heuristic and experimental neural modeling processes, the results of which are difficult to interpret. Explaining the forecasting may facilitate the justification of the selection and the improvement of neural models for STLF, while contributing to a better understanding of the obtained results and broadening the knowledge and experience supporting the enhancement of energy systems security based on reliable forecasts and simplifying dispatch decisions.
Skipping Breakfast Is Associated with Hypertension in Adults: A Meta-Analysis

Previous studies evaluating the association between skipping breakfast and hypertension in adult population showed inconsistent results. We performed a meta-analysis to systematically evaluate the association. Observational studies which evaluated the relationship between skipping breakfast and hypertension in adult population with multivariate analyses were identified by systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. A random-effect model which incorporated the potential intrastudy heterogeneity was used for the meta-analysis. A total of six observational studies with 14189 adults were included, and 3577 of them were breakfast skippers. Pooled results showed that skipping breakfast was independently associated with hypertension in these populations (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.20, 95% confidence interval: 1.08 to 1.33, P < 0.001) with no significant heterogeneity (I2 = 0%). Sensitivity by excluding one study at a time showed consistent results (OR: 1.18 to 1.22, all P <0.01). Subgroup analyses showed that the association between skipping breakfast and hypertension in adults was consistent in the general population and in patients with type 2 diabetes, in studies from different countries, in cohort and cross-sectional studies, in breakfast skippers defined as taking breakfast ≤3 days/week and as self-reported habitual breakfast skipping, and in studies with and without adjustment of body mass index (Pfor subgroup difference, all P>0.10). In conclusion, skipping breakfast is associated with hypertension in the adult population.
Tarping Cover Crops Facilitates Organic No-till Cabbage Production and Suppresses Weeds

Small-scale vegetable farmers are interested in cover crops and reduced tillage, but scale-appropriate technology and equipment are necessary to expand these practices to the growing segment of small farms. We sought to determine the efficacy of tarps, an increasingly popular tool on small farms, to end overwintering cover crops and provide weed suppression for subsequent no-till cabbage production. In three fields over two seasons in Maine, we grew a winter rye (Secale cereale L.) and hairy vetch (Vicia villosa L.) cover crop, which we managed by a factorial combination of tillage (no-till, till) and tarping (tarp, no-tarp) in June, followed by a transplanted cabbage crop (Brassica oleracea L. var. Capitata) in July. Within each treatment, subplots were either weeded by hand or left unweeded. Cover crop biomass ranged from 2.8 to 4.5 Mg⋅ha−1. Mean cabbage weights in the novel no-till system (no-till/tarp) were greater than (year 1) or equal to (year 2) those in tillage-based systems (till/no-tarp and till/tarp). In year 1, the mean cabbage weight in weeded subplots was 48% greater in no-till/tarp than in till/no-tarp systems. In unweeded subplots, this difference was 270%, highlighting the efficacy of the no-till/tarp system to reduce the impact of weeds. In year 2, weed biomass was higher with all treatments than it was in year 1, and unweeded subplots failed to produce marketable heads (i.e., >300 g). The mean cabbage weight in weeded subplots was equal among no-till/tarp, till/tarp, and till/no-tarp systems. Tarping had a strong effect on weed biomass and weed community composition measured at the time of cabbage harvest in unweeded subplots. In year 1, weed biomass at the time of cabbage harvest with tarp treatments was less than half that with no-tarp treatments. Tarps effectively facilitated the cover crop mulch-based no-till system. We propose that this system is an adaptive strategy for farmers affected by climate change. However, both cover crop production and tarping shorten the growing season. We discuss tradeoffs and opportunity costs using the metric of growing degree days.
Similar Bacterial Communities among Different Populations of a Newly Emerging Invasive Species, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick)

Simple Summary As an invasive pest in China, the moth Tuta absoluta has spread extremely quickly, and now causes serious harm to the Chinese tomato industry. Understanding gut microbial diversity and composition can potentially identify the adaptive potential of introduced species. In this study, we found there were no significant differences in microbial diversity among three geographical populations, and the gut microbial compositions were similar among the Spanish, Xinjiang and Yunnan geographical populations. Abstract Microorganisms in the guts of insects enhance the adaptability of their hosts with different lifestyles, or those that live in different habitats. Tuta absoluta is an invasive pest that is a serious threat to tomato production in China. It has quickly spread and colonized Xinjiang, Yunnan and other provinces and regions. We used Illumina HiSeq next generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene to study and analyze the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota of three geographical populations of T. absoluta. At the phylum level, the most common bacteria in T. absoluta across all three geographical populations were Proteobacteria and Firmicutes. An uncultured bacterium in the Enterobacteriaceae was the dominant bacterial genus in the T. absoluta gut microbiotas. There were no significant differences in alpha diversity metrics among the Spanish, Yunnan and Xinjiang populations. The structures of the gut microbiota of the three populations were similar based on PCoA and NMDS results. The results confirmed that the microbial structures of T. absoluta from different regions were similar.
The influence of Internet shopping and use of credit cards on gender differences in compulsive buying

PurposeBuying behavior has been significantly altered by technological developments as a result of the rise of the Internet. Online buying behavior is also inextricably linked to electronic payment systems, such as credit cards. This paper investigates how credit-card systems and online shopping increases compulsive buying of female and male consumers.Design/methodology/approachIn the current study, the authors tested the influence of credit card possession and the role of Internet shopping on gender differences in compulsive buying in a representative German sample (n = 1,038). Binary logistic regression analysis and moderator analysis were applied.FindingsAs predicted, Internet shopping increased compulsive buying, but the association was the same for females and males. Further, credit card possession moderated the effect of gender on compulsive buying, with females showing a higher proneness to compulsive buying.Originality/valueThis research, which is based on a representative population study, contributes to the understanding of the role of credit cards and the one of online shopping in developing compulsive buying patterns among female and male consumers.
Woody Plant Communities after 40 Years of Pollution Control and Restoration in Smelter-Denuded Landscapes

Abstract Restoration of degraded ecosystems requires assessing the status of the recovery and identifying key factors limiting the recovery. Nearly 4 decades of the reduction in smelter emissions, soil amelioration, and planting of ∼10 million trees and shrubs have led to extensive revegetation of emission-denuded landscapes in the Sudbury area, ON, Canada. To evaluate the state of recovery and identify factors affecting it, we surveyed woody plants and environmental correlates (soil pH, soil nutrient content, and soil metal content) along gradients of historical smelting impacts. Species richness declined from reference sites to high-impact sites, with impact sites having 23–33% fewer species compared to reference sites. Species composition varied along gradients of historical smelting impacts, with the difference attributable to low abundances or absences of one third of the 43 species found in the reference sites. Species richness and composition were associated with soil toxicity (as measured by metal content and pH) but not soil nutrients. However, the negative relationships between soil toxicity and plant community were attributable to the mediation effect of canopy cover, rather than the direct effect of soil toxicity. Sixty three percent of species that were uncommon or absent in impact sites (Abies balsamea [Balsam Fir], Acer pensylvanicum [Striped Maple], Acer spicatum [Mountain Maple], Betula alleghaniensis [Swamp Birch], Fraxinus nigra [Black Ash], Gaultheria procumbens [American Wintergreen], Linnaea borealis [Twinflower], Lonicera canadensis [Fly Honeysuckle], Lonicera hirsute [Hairy Honeysuckle], and Ostrya virginiana [American Hophornbeam]) were shade-tolerant and declined with declining canopy cover. These species were reported to be absent or uncommon in impact sites nearly 4 decades ago. Together, these results suggest that woody plant community has undergone limited recovery and that the recovery is hampered by poorly developed canopy cover rather than direct soil toxicity or nutrient deficiency. Accordingly, strategic interventions of canopy cover-mediated processes (e.g., shading and soil moisture) is needed to facilitate the recovery of the woody plant community in the smelter-denuded landscapes.
Effect of Ease of Access to Information on Technology Usability on Household Food Security among Smallholder Farmers in Bungoma North Sub-County, Kenya

Smallholder farming is the livelihood of a large proportion of the population in developing countries, and agricultural innovations have the potential of enhancing productivity. In Sub-Saharan Africa, maize is a major staple; however, farmers experience heavy losses in post-harvest operations, especially storage. Hermetic storage technologies can preserve grain in quality and quantity, thus ensuring food availability while maintaining their exchange value. Extracting benefits from technology is premised on their adoption and use by farmers. Technology adoption is a process that starts with the diffusion of information about the existence of innovation. The study examined the effect of ease of access to information on technology usability on household food security in Bungoma North Sub-County, in Kenya. This study employed a cross-sectional design, where 394 households were sampled from across all the six locations of Bungoma North Sub County and questionnaires administered. From the factor analysis, household food security was loaded onto two components: food availability and food consumption, while ease of access to information on technology usability was loaded onto one component. Simple linear regression was used to estimate the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variables. Ease of access to information on technology usability had a positive and significant effect on both food availability and food consumption. This study is important in strategizing for productivity enhancement among smallholder farmers and recommends increased awareness on the availability of agricultural technologies.
Exploring missing links between ethical leadership and multidimensional work behavior: the mediating role of multidimensional psychological ownership

ABSTRACT We investigated how employees’ perceptions of ethical leadership affects different facets of work behavior. We also explored the effects of psychological ownership on this relationship. Data were collected from 456 workers from various industries in Taiwan over three time periods. Ethical leadership positively related to both psychological ownership of the job and organization. Specifically, we found that psychological ownership of the job positively predicted contextual performance and was negatively associated with counterproductive work behavior. Additionally we found psychological ownership for the organization to be negatively associated with counterproductive work behavior for the organization.
Retrieval of Crop Variables from Proximal Multispectral UAV Image Data Using PROSAIL in Maize Canopy

Mapping crop variables at different growth stages is crucial to inform farmers and plant breeders about the crop status. For mapping purposes, inversion of canopy radiative transfer models (RTMs) is a viable alternative to parametric and non-parametric regression models, which often lack transferability in time and space. Due to the physical nature of RTMs, inversion outputs can be delivered in sound physical units that reflect the underlying processes in the canopy. In this study, we explored the capabilities of the coupled leaf–canopy RTM PROSAIL applied to high-spatial-resolution (0.015 m) multispectral unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) data to retrieve the leaf chlorophyll content (LCC), leaf area index (LAI) and canopy chlorophyll content (CCC) of sweet and silage maize throughout one growing season. Two different retrieval methods were tested: (i) applying the RTM inversion scheme to mean reflectance data derived from single breeding plots (mean reflectance approach) and (ii) applying the same inversion scheme to an orthomosaic to separately retrieve the target variables for each pixel of the breeding plots (pixel-based approach). For LCC retrieval, soil and shaded pixels were removed by applying simple vegetation index thresholding. Retrieval of LCC from UAV data yielded promising results compared to ground measurements (sweet maize RMSE = 4.92 μg/cm2, silage maize RMSE = 3.74 μg/cm2) when using the mean reflectance approach. LAI retrieval was more challenging due to the blending of sunlit and shaded pixels present in the UAV data, but worked well at the early developmental stages (sweet maize RMSE = 0.70m2/m2, silage RMSE = 0.61m2/m2 across all dates). CCC retrieval significantly benefited from the pixel-based approach compared to the mean reflectance approach (RMSEs decreased from 45.6 to 33.1 μg/m2). We argue that high-resolution UAV imagery is well suited for LCC retrieval, as shadows and background soil can be precisely removed, leaving only green plant pixels for the analysis. As for retrieving LAI, it proved to be challenging for two distinct varieties of maize that were characterized by contrasting canopy geometry.