Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Reducing Lexical and Syntactic Complexity of Texts on Reading Comprehension

The present study investigated the effect of different types of text simplification (i.e., reducing the lexical and syntactic complexity of texts) on reading comprehension of English as a Foreign Language learners (EFL). Sixty female intermediate EFL learners from three intact classes in Tabarestan Language Institute in Tehran participated in the study. The intact classes were assigned to three experimental groups. Moreover, to homogenize the groups, the researchers administered a general proficiency test (TOEFL, 2003) to the participants. The results revealed no significant difference among the groups in general proficiency and reading ability. Then four reading comprehension texts from TOEFL test (2005) were simplified through lexical simplification, syntactic simplification or lexical-syntactic simplification techniques. The simplified texts, along with their reading comprehension (RC) questions, formed the three versions of the post-test, each version contained either lexically, syntactically or lexical-syntactically simplified texts. Each group took one version of the post-test. The scores were analyzed through one-way ANOVA. The results revealed a significant difference among the groups. The post hoc test indicated that the lexical-syntactic simplification group significantly outperformed the lexical simplification group and performed considerably better than the syntactic simplification group. There was no significant difference between the lexical and syntactic simplification groups, although the latter showed better results.
Using penalized likelihood to select parameters in a random coefficients multinomial logit model

The multinomial logit model with random coefficients is widely used in applied research. This paper is concerned with estimating a random coefficients logit model in which the distribution of each coefficient is characterized by finitely many parameters. Some of these parameters may be zero or close to zero in a sense that is defined. We call these parameters small. The paper gives conditions under which with probability approaching 1 as the sample size approaches infinity, penalized maximum likelihood estimation (PMLE) with the adaptive LASSO (AL) penalty function distinguishes correctly between large and small parameters in a random-coefficients logit model. If one or more parameters are small, then PMLE with the AL penalty function reduces the asymptotic mean-square estimation error of any continuously differentiable function of the model’s parameters, such as a market share, the value of travel time, or an elasticity. The paper describes a method for computing the PMLE of a random-coefficients logit model. It also presents the results of Monte Carlo experiments that illustrate the numerical performance of the PMLE. Finally, it presents the results of PMLE estimation of a random-coefficients logit model of choice among brands of butter and margarine in the British groceries market.
Advanced PV modules inspection using multirotor UAV

Large-scale PV fields are a complicated target for monitoring and performance evaluation. In this paper, field experience with multirotor UAV has been reported. A X-frame quadcopter equipped with various VIS and IR cameras is used to detect defects responsible for performance degradation. Usually in laboratory environment, hi-res VIS photos, EL photos and far- IR photos of single module are used for diagnostic purposes. However, on-field PV plant testing procedures need faster methods for batch processing. Our investigations confirm that new robotics and avionics equipment for close-range flights over PV modules combined with cameras can reveal hidden problems of materials quality and device reliability. Various new tasks, as high resolution aerial photography, 3D photogrammetry, 3D field and building reconstruction can be involved as testing methods for performance optimization of photovoltaic installations.
A Game-theoretical Approach for Job Shop Scheduling Considering Energy Cost in Service Oriented Manufacturing

In service-oriented manufacturing mode, a large amount of enterprises open their workshops to provide manufacturing service, and production outsourcing and customer satisfaction are two crucial manners to make profits. In service oriented manufacturing workshops, jobs come from different customers. Competitive relationship among customers should be inevitably taken into account owing to the openness characteristic of workshops and interests’ maximization pursuit of each customer. Moreover, because of increasing energy price, carbon tax policy, carbon label policy, most of customers and manufacturing companies are urgently eager to reduce energy consumption to save cost. Based on above-mentioned requirements, in this paper, a non-cooperative game model for job shop scheduling based on individual profits maximization in service oriented manufacturing environment is given. It takes customer’s cost as optimal objectives in which energy cost of manufacturing process and transportation process are considered. Finally, one case is carried out to validate the rationality of the proposed model.
An Advanced Model-Based Diagnosis Engine

The number of Earth orbiters and deep space probes has grown dramatically over the past decade, and this trend is expected to continue. This rate of growth has brought a new focus on autonomous and self-preserving systems, all of which depend on fault diagnosis. Although diagnosis is needed for any autonomous system, current approaches tend to be “ad-hoc,” inefficient, and incomplete. Systematic methods of general diagnosis exist in literature but all suffer from two major drawbacks that limit their practical applications. First, they tend to be large and complex and hence difficult to apply. Second and more importantly, they rely on algorithms with exponential computational cost, and hence become impractical as the number of system components increases. We have developed a new and powerful diagnosis engine that overcomes these limitations through a two-fold approach. First, we propose a novel and compact reconstruction of the General Diagnosis Engine (GDE), one of the most fundamental approaches to model-based diagnosis. We then present a novel algorithmic approach for calculation of minimal diagnosis set. This approach uses a powerful yet simple representation to map minimal diagnosis set calculation onto two well-known problems, namely the Boolean Satisfiability and Integer Programming problems. We report the details of a new and powerful tool, Diagnosis Engine version 1.0, that we have developed based on these techniques. The mapping onto Boolean Satisfiability enables the use of very efficient algorithms with a super-polynomial rather than an exponential complexity for the problem. The mapping onto 0/1 Integer Programming problem enables the use of a variety of algorithms that can efficiently solve the problem for up to several thousand components. These new algorithms significantly improve over the existing ones, enabling efficient diagnosis of large complex systems. In addition, the latter mapping allows, for the first time, determination of the bound on the solution, i.e., the minimum number of faulty components, before solving the problem. This is a powerful insight that can be exploited to develop yet more efficient algorithms for the problem. At the end, we report the results of validating and benchmarking of our engine based on this technology, and the results of estimating the bounds for specific problems.
Slow electrostatic solitary waves in Earth's plasma sheet boundary layer

We modeled Cluster spacecraft observations of slow electrostatic solitary waves (SESWs) in the Earth's northern plasma sheet boundary layer (PSBL) region on the basis of nonlinear fluid theory and fluid simulation. Various plasma parameters observed by the Cluster satellite at the time of the SESWs were examined to investigate the generation process of the SESWs. The nonlinear fluid model shows the coexistence of slow and fast ion acoustic waves and the presence of electron acoustic waves in the PSBL region. The fluid simulations, performed to examine the evolution of these waves in the PSBL region, showed the presence of an extra mode along with the waves supported by the nonlinear fluid theory. This extra mode is identified as the Buneman mode, which is generated by relative drifts of ions and electrons. A detailed investigation of the characteristics of the SESWs reveals that the SESWs are slow ion acoustic solitary waves.
Escape clauses and targeting of the real exchange rate: the case of nominal exchange rate pegging

We consider an economy under a fixed exchange rate system, but with bounds (a minimum level or a band) on the real exchange rate. The international price of the tradable good is characterized by the continuous arrival of shocks that change its level. In a model with microfoundations, we investigate the effects of targeting the real exchange rate through nominal exchange rate changes that preclude the real exchange from trespassing the imposed bounds. A stochastic general equilibrium model with two goods and fixed non-tradable goods price level is developed. We analyze the cases in which a lower bound or a band on the real exchange rate is introduced. The general conclusion is that when bounds are established, then welfare effects can be expected, which are generated at the expense of the levels of consumption that go in the opposite direction than what the policy intended. This short-run effect is present even in the case the targeting policy is never exercised. This result is similar to the one we find in the target zones literature, in the sense that just the existence of this tolerance band changes the behavior of the economy. An interesting result is that, in the case in which home goods prices are fixed, the imposition of the band on the real exchange rate does not change its behavior within the band. However, this result is not true of other real variables in the economy. In other words, although the targeted variable within the band behaves identically to the case in which there are no bounds, the rest of the real variables in the economy behave differently, even if the targeted variable remains within the band and the escape clause is not triggered.
Developing an Instrument for Measurement of Attitude toward Online Shopping

To ensure the success of online business, it is important for the retailers to understand their targeted customers. The aim of this study is to develop an instrument for investigating and understanding consumer’s online shopping orientations and factors that influence attitude toward online shopping and online shopping intention. A five-level Likert scale was used to determine attitude toward online shopping. A self-administered questionnaire, based on prior literature, was developed, and a total of 370 post graduate students of University Putra Malaysia were selected by random sampling and involved in the study. Eight components, referring to online shopping orientation and online shopping perceived benefits, were found to explain 97 % of the variability in consumer’s online shopping orientation. They were subsequently labeled: utilitarian online shopping orientation, hedonic online shopping orientation, fun, convenience, customer service, homepage, wider selection and price. The reliability of data and scale was tested by computing Cronbach’s Alpha. Alpha values were 0.874 for online shopping orientation, 0.921 for perceived benefits, and 0.853 for attitude. These alpha values exceed the 0.80 recommended acceptable inter-items reliability threshold, indicating a high correlation among the variables comprising the set, and accordingly, that individual items (or sets of items) should produce results consistent with the overall instrument. In light of this, this instrument is offered to the research community as a tool that may be used in conducting future research related to online shopping behavior.
Compensator Design for Closed Loop Hall-Effect Current Sensors

Closed loop current sensors used in power electronics applications are expected to have high bandwidth and minimal measurement transients. In this paper, a closed loop compensated Hall-effect current sensor is modeled. The model is used to tune the sensor's compensator. Analytical expression of step response is used to evaluate the performance of the PI compensator in the current sensor. This analysis is used to devise a procedure to design parameters of the PI compensator for fast dynamic response and for small dynamic error. A prototype current sensor is built in the laboratory. Simulations using the model are compared with experimental results to validate the model and to study the variation in performance with compensator parameters. The performance of the designed PI compensator for the sensor is compared with a commercial current sensor. The measured bandwidth of the designed current sensor is above 200 kHz, which is comparable to commercial standards. Implementation issues of PI compensator using operational amplifiers are also addressed.
Simultaneous measurements of OClO, NO 2 and O 3 in the Arctic polar vortex by the GOMOS instrument

We present the first nighttime measurements of OClO from a limb-viewing satellite instrument in the Arctic polar vortex. The relationship between OClO, NO 2 and O 3 slant column densities in the Arctic polar vortex are analyzed from the GOMOS measurements. The retrieval process is based on a differential optical absorption spectroscopy (DOAS) method applied on the weighted median GOMOS transmittances. A study of the longitudinal distributions of OClO, NO 2 and O 3 above 65° north in January 2008 is presented. It shows a strong halogen activation in the lower stratosphere and a strong denoxification in the entire stratosphere inside the Arctic polar vortex. Time series of temperatures and OClO, NO 2 and O 3 slant column densities for the winters 2002/2003 to 2007/2008 are also presented. They highlight the correlation between temperature, OClO and NO 2 . The GOMOS instrument appears to be a very suitable instrument for the monitoring of OClO, NO 2 and O 3 in the stratosphere during nighttime.
Consumer Engagement in Online Settings: Conceptualization and Validation of Measurement Scales

This paper addresses the conceptualization, scale development and scale validation related to the study of consumer engagement in online settings. It first reviews this concept and draws attention to the multidimensionality of the construct, considering the underlying cognitive, emotional, and behavioral dimensions of consumer engagement. Then, it presents the foundation of this concept in relationship marketing and adds support to this proposition. Further, it proposes the construction and psychometric assessment of a 37 scales that examine all three dimensions, based on an international sample of 110 respondents who engage with a brand on a social media network. Based on multiple and successive applications of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, 11 scales are developed showing strong evidence of reliability and validity measurement of consumer engagement in online settings. The final section includes a discussion of the academic contributions, managerial, implications of the findings and directions for future research.
Heterotrophic dinoflagellates: a significant component of microzooplankton biomass and major grazers of diatoms in the sea

This review summarizes evidence that heterotrophic (non-pigmented, phagotrophic) dinoflagellates are often a significant component of the biomass of phagotrophic protists in the microplankton size class (20 to 200 µm), and that heterotrophic dinoflagellates are likely to be more quantitatively significant consumers of bloom-forming diatoms than copepods and other mesozoo- plankton. Although it has been assumed that the microzooplankton community is usually dominated by ciliates, non-pigmented dinoflagellates, including both thecate (armored forms, e.g. Protoperi- dinium spp.) and athecate gymnodinoid species, frequently compose > 50% of microzooplankton bio- mass, and often occur at high abundance during diatom blooms. Since phagotrophic dinoflagellates appear able to grow on diverse prey taxa and to persist at low food abundance, these protists may be able to survive during non-bloom conditions and then grow up when phytoplankton blooms occur. Heterotrophic dinoflagellates are also likely to be an important food resource for mesozooplankton. Due to fundamental differences in growth and grazing rates between phagotrophic dinoflagellates and copepods, it is vital for accurate modeling of planktonic food webs to account for grazing by both of these groups of herbivores during diatom blooms.
CHARACTERIZATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF A SOIL NOCARDIA sp. TP-1 ISOLATED FROM INDONESIAN VOLCANIC SOIL

Tangkuban Perahu mountain in West Java was one of volcanic mountain in Indonesia. Volcanic soil contained some unique minerals that microorganism need for producing their secondary metabolite. TP-1 strain is a soil microbe, isolated from soil taken from the area in Tangkuban Perahu mountain Since the secondary metabolite of Nocardia sp. can combat pathogen resistant bacteria, fungi and cell line cancer so it can be applied in pharmaceutical industries. The objective of this research is identified and characterized actinomycetes that have potency to produce secondary metabolite for further utilization in pharmacy. The methods are by analyze of its morphological, physiological, biochemical and molecular characteristics of TP-1 strain. The results of analysis of its morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics strongly suggested that TP1 strain belonged to the Nocardia sp. Analysis of the nucleotide sequence of the 16S rRNA gene of Nocardia sp. TP-1 strain showed a strong similarity (90%) with the 16S rRNA gene of Nocardia sp. YIM 65630. Conidia , usually round, chalk, and white light grey. It is a new information that Nocardia sp. can produce some secondary metabolites like antibacterial, antifungal and anticancer activity.
On the physical structure of IRC +10216

Context. The carbon-rich asymptotic giant branch star IRC+10 216 undergoes strong mass loss, and quasi-periodic enhancements of the density of the circumstellar matter have previously been reported. The star’s circumstellar environment is a well-studied and complex astrochemical laboratory, in which many molecular species have been proved to be present. CO is ubiquitous in the circumstellar envelope, while emission from the ethynyl (C2H) radical is detected in a spatially confined shell around IRC+10 216. We recently detected unexpectedly strong emission from the N = 4−3, 6−5, 7−6, 8−7, and 9−8 transitions of C2H with the IRAM 30 m telescope and with Herschel/HIFI, which challenges the available chemical and physical models. Aims. We aim to constrain the physical properties of the circumstellar envelope of IRC+10 216, including the effect of episodic mass loss on the observed emission lines. In particular, we aim to determine the excitation region and conditions of C2H to explain the recent detections and to reconcile them with interferometric maps of the N = 1−0 transition of C2H. Methods. Using radiative-transfer modelling, we provide a physical description of the circumstellar envelope of IRC+10 216, constrained by the spectral-energy distribution and a sample of 20 high-resolution and 29 low-resolution CO lines – to date, the largest modelled range of CO lines towards an evolved star. We furthermore present the most detailed radiative-transfer analysis of C2H that has been done so far. Results. Assuming a distance of 150 pc to IRC+10 216, the spectral-energy distribution was modelled with a stellar luminosity of 11300 L and a dust-mass-loss rate of 4.0 × 10−8 M yr−1. Based on the analysis of the 20 high-frequency-resolution CO observations, an average gas-mass-loss rate for the last 1000 years of 1.5 × 10−5 M yr−1 was derived. This results in a gas-to-dust-mass ratio of 375, typical for this type of star. The kinetic temperature throughout the circumstellar envelope is characterised by three power laws: Tkin(r) ∝ r−0.58 for radii r ≤ 9 stellar radii, Tkin(r) ∝ r−0.40 for radii 9 ≤ r ≤ 65 stellar radii, and Tkin(r) ∝ r−1.20 for radii r ≥ 65 stellar radii. This model successfully describes all 49 observed CO lines. We also show the effect of density enhancements in the wind of IRC+10 216 on the C2H-abundance profile, and the close agreement we find of the model predictions with interferometric maps of the C2H N = 1−0 transition and with the rotational lines observed with the IRAM 30 m telescope and Herschel/HIFI. We report on the importance of radiative pumping to the vibrationally excited levels of C2H and the significant effect this pumping mechanism has on the excitation of all levels of the C2H-molecule.
Control of wall pressure flow field with micro jets and control effectiveness

This paper presents an experimental study of airflow from convergent-divergentnozzles discharged into enlarged duct, focusing attention on the flow development in the duct. To investigate the influence of active control on the flow field developed in the duct, the tiny jets of 0.05 mmradiuslocated at 900interval along the base at 6.5 mm from the main jet were employed. The Mach number tested in the present study was 1.48. The area ratio tested was 2.56. The NPR tested are from 3, 5, 7, and 9 respectively. The L/D ratio of the duct was varied from 10 to 1. The level of expansion at the nozzle exit influences the wall pressure very strongly. When the micro jets were activated they found to influence the base region, taking the wall pressure to considerably higher values, for most of the cases. Flow field in the duct with and without control remains the same.
Gas outflows from the z = 7.54 quasar: predictions from the BlueTides simulation

Many theoretical models predict that quasar driven outflows account for the observed quenching of star formation in massive galaxies. There is growing observational evidence for quasar-launched massive outflows at z>6, while the details of outflow-host galaxy interaction remain obscure. In this paper, we study the feedback around the highest redshift quasar in the BlueTides simulation, the largest volume cosmological hydrodynamic simulation so far carried out. We present predictions for gas outflows around the brightest $z = 7.54$ quasar which hosts the most massive black hole in the simulation volume, which has grown to black hole mass $6.7\times 10^{8}{\rm M}_\odot$ consistent with the current record holder for high-z quasars. We introduce a method to identify and trace the gas outflowing from the halo. We find that the total mass of the outflow gas is about $3.6\times 10^{9}{\rm M}_\odot$, constituting 6\% of the total gas in the halo. The outflow gas contains a cold, dense molecular component with mass about $2.6\times 10^{8}{\rm M}_\odot$, that originates from the inner region of the halo, within a few kpc of the central black hole. The velocities of the outflow gas reach thousands of km/s, within which the molecular component has mass averaged outward radial velocity of $1300$ km/s, consistent with observations. The averaged outflow rate is about $200-300 {\rm M}_\odot/yr$, with the outflowing gas mainly in a hotter ($T \sim 10^7$ K) and lower density state than the average of the host halo gas.