Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Contactless Air-Filled Substrate-Integrated Waveguide (CLAF-SIW) Resonator for Wireless Passive Temperature Sensing

In this article a wireless passive temperature sensor is designed, fabricated, and tested. The sensor uses a contactless air-filled substrate-integrated waveguide (CLAF-SIW) resonator that consists of an air cavity surrounded by a low-impedance electromagnetic band gap (EBG) structure. The contactless feature of the sensor mitigates the fabrication complexity issue of air-filled SIW (AF-SIW) while it benefits from the high-quality factor of an air-filled resonator. The resonant frequency of the CLAF-SIW resonator is dependent on the permittivity of the substrate and the dimensions of the structure which are both temperature-dependent. Change in temperature results in a variation in the resonant frequency of the sensor. As such, we measure temperature by measuring the resonant frequency of the sensor. The developed CLAF-SIW sensor has a measured unloaded quality factor of 1340 that allows for long-range wireless measurements. The resonant frequency of the sensor is measured using a ringback-based wireless interrogation system. The interrogation system energizes the sensor using radio frequency (RF) pulses and determines the frequency of the ringback signals radiated by the sensor using frequency domain analysis. The sensor has a sensitivity of 300 kHz/ $^\circ \text{C}$ and an interrogation-to-sensor distance of 80cm.
Bridging the gap between classroom practice and world of work: A case of competency-based continuous assessment learning activities in Geography, Mutare Urban Cluster, Zimbabwe

The Zimbabwean education system that was inherited from the days when Zimbabwe was still Rhodesia provided strong content knowledge at the expense of critical skills and competencies. In its curriculum framework of 2015–2022, the government of Zimbabwe noted that mastery of subject content was inadequate for the schooling system needed by the country (Government of Zimbabwe, 2015). In response, it explained, it had developed a curriculum framework based on the introduction of competency-based continuous assessments in schools. The purpose of this article is to explore the system of competency-based continuous assessment learning activities (CBCALA) that is being adopted in the assessment of Geography at the Ordinary Level in secondary schools. Further to that, it aims to determine the challenges that Geography teachers face in the implementation of CBCALA. The study at the heart of the article is based on the social constructivism of Vygotsky (1978); and on the philosophy of ubuntu, which is widely espoused throughout southern Africa and further north on the continent. An interpretive research paradigm was adopted for a case study carried out in Mutare District in Zimbabwe. Data were generated through purposive sampling of the participants and were analysed by generating thick descriptions and themes. The study revealed the need for geography teachers to develop CBCALA through the formulation of clearly stated problems and through the assessment of well-formulated objectives that assess learners’ academic knowledge and competencies. This is achieved by developing research-based and practically oriented tasks. Geography CBCALA should be learner-centred, using both individualised and group assessment tasks. A marking guide is critical for use in marking the assessment tasks. Several challenges that impede the implementation of CBCALA include time constraints, the inadequate training teachers receive on the use of CBCALA, large classes, increased workload and inadequate equipment. The study recommends reviewing the quantity of content coverage; computerising the documentation of assessment tasks and student records; recruiting more teachers; and mobilising resources from within the community.
Feeding and housing boars after puberty without castration allows
for good performance and low boar taint

1 Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo, Center for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability (CISAS), Viana do Castelo 4900, Portugal 2 University of Santiago de Compostela (EDIUS), International PhD School of the USC, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain 3 Polytechnic of Coimbra, Coimbra Agriculture School, Coimbra 3045, Portugal 4 Polytechnic of Coimbra, Study Center on Natural Resources, Environment and Society (CERNAS), Coimbra Agriculture School (ESAC), Coimbra 3045, Portugal
First-principles prediction of the half-metallicity in quaternary Heusler CoRhCrAl thin films

Magnetic thin films are essential building blocks for spintronic devices. Whether the spin-dependent properties associated with a parental bulk can be preserved at the surface or interface with a lowered symmetry represents an important topic to be addressed. In the work, theoretical calculations are performed to study the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of the bulk CoRhCrAl quaternary Heusler alloy and its (111)-, (001)- and (110)-oriented thin films by using the VASP package based on the first-principles density functional theory. Our results indicate that the bulk structure of CoRhCrAl alloy is half-metallic (HM) in character with 100% spin-polarization, and its spin-down bandgap and total magnetic moment are Eg↓=0.30 eV and 3.00 μ B, respectively. For the thin film structures with different orientations and terminations, half-metallicity only exists in the (111)-oriented thin film with Al-termination, but is lost in the Co-, Rh- or Cr-terminations. On the other hand, both the (001)- and (110)-oriented thin films are partially or nearly HM. Interestingly, the half-metallicity is lost on introducing U parameter in the calculations.
Fast and accurate variable batch size convolution neural network training on large scale distributed systems

Large‐scale distributed convolution neural network (CNN) training brings two performance challenges: model performance and system performance. Large batch size usually leads to model test accuracy loss, which counteracts the benefits of parallel SGD. The existing solutions require massive hyperparameter hand‐tuning. To overcome this difficult, we analyze the training process and find that earlier training stages are more sensitive to batch size. Accordingly, we assert that different stages should use different batch size, and propose a variable batch size strategy. In order to remain high test accuracy under larger batch size cases, we design an auto‐tuning engine for automatic parameter tuning in the proposed variable batch size strategy. Furthermore, we develop a dataflow implementation approach to achieve the high‐throughput CNN training on supercomputer system. Our approach has achieved high generalization performance on SOAT CNN networks. For the ShuffleNet, ResNet‐50, and ResNet‐101 training with ImageNet‐1K dataset, we scale the batch size to 120 K without accuracy loss and to 128 K with only a slight loss. And the dataflow implementation approach achieves 93.5% scaling efficiency on 1024 GPUs compared with the state‐of‐the‐art.
Assessment of Selected Technical Parameters of Soya Seeds Oil Pressing Process

Abstract The objective of the paper was to determine the impact of the value of the oil pressing pressure with the cold pressing method in a screw press on the pressing course and performance. Varied values of pressure were obtained through the use of three replaceable attachments of the pressing unit with a varied diameter of the outlet conduit (ф1=2 mm, ф2=4 mm and ф3=6 mm). The soya oil pressing process performance was determined in relation to the applied attachment and the soya cultivar. Seeds of 7 Polish non-genetically modified soya cultivars constituted research material. It was proved that both variable pressure values and the used soya cultivars have impact on the pressing performance. Based on the analysis of the obtained research results it was proved that varied technical parameters and soya cultivars influence both the process performance and the remaining parameters and pressing conditions.
The Measurement Method of the Impact Force of Shoulder Tackle and the Influence of the Lower-Extremity Strength on the Impact Force of Shoulder Tackle in Rugby Players

With the rapid development of Internet of things engineering, intelligent sports products are gradually understood by people, providing help for the health and performance of athletes. In rugby training, coaches record and observe the force of data only based on their own experience; the impact force (IF) of shoulder tackle (ST) is a key defensive ability evaluation component for rugby players. However, the information related to female rugby players is limited. Purpose. To understand the strength characteristics of the lower-extremity of rugby players and to develop theoretical references for ST training. Methods. The force sensing device is made with FLexiForceTMA502 pressure sensor, its data acquisition adopts LabVIEW and USB. The strength of the lower extremity was tested by IsoMed 2000, and the IF of ST was measured by a testing system among eighteen Chinese female rugby players, respectively. Results. (1) The reliability and validity of the impact force tester are tested by comparing the actual load with the calibration value and the difference and correlation between the actual load value of different loads and the calibration value of it. (2) At 60°/s and 180°/s, the PT (PT) and relative PT (PT/BW) of bilateral lower-extremity extensors were greater than the flexors. (3) The flexor/extensor PT ratio of the left knee at 60°/s was higher than the right knee. (4) The linear regression equation was established between PT of dominant-side knee extensors and IF of ST. The coefficient β of the linear regression equation was 0.866, 0.862, 0.892, 0.722, 0.788, and 0.737, respectively. Conclusions. (1) The design uses LabVIEW, USB, and FLexiForceTM A502 pressure sensor to complete the overall construction of the data acquisition system and impact force sensing device. (2) It is feasible to use the extensor strength of the dominant-side knee joint as a reference index to evaluate the IF of ST. (3) The balanced development of the front/reverse ST techniques can enhance its defensive capacity of it.
Educational guideline for the maternal orientation concerning the care with preterm infants

This work aimed at describing the development of educational and instructional material for maternal training, so as to prepare the mother for the preterm infants' discharge from hospital, by means of the participatory methodology. The pedagogical model used was that of education for critical consciousness, based on Paulo Freire. Study participants were two nurses, two nursing auxiliaries and four mothers of preterm babies, which were hospitalized at the Intermediate Care Unit of a university hospital in Ribeirao Preto-SP, Brazil. The participants indicated the subjects of interest for the teaching-learning process, which were grouped into the categories: daily care, feeding, hygiene, special care and family relationship. We decided to develop an educational folder with figures, which could be taken home. This educational and instructional material was produced by the researchers on the basis of literature, their professional experience and on technical and scientific advice from other professionals. The final version of the folder was validated by the participants and now constitutes a creative instrument that can be of help in health education activities oriented towards these clients. According to the participants, the educational material directed the guidelines and helped the mothers to memorize the content that had to be learned.
Inferring the joint operation of high Aswan dam and Toshka depression using multi-sensor satellite approach

Abstract Remote sensing observations with high spatial and temporal resolutions have been successful in overcoming the challenge of data availability in ungauged basins. In this study, we applied a Multi-Sensor Satellite (MSS) approach to understand the reservoir operation in the Nile river basin (NRB) with the focus on the joint operation of High Aswan Dam (HAD) and Toshka depression, located in the southwestern part of HAD. The MSS data, which integrates Landsat (5-8), Sentinel-2A, MODIS with hydrological model outputs, are used in a water balance model to derive the operation of HAD reservoir and Toshka depression. The results show that the MSS approach has a reasonable skill when modelling the Toshka inflow (i.e. HAD spillway outflow) with a Relative Error and R2 of −19.14% and 0.79, respectively (for the period 1998–2002). Overall, our study provides a framework that harnesses free available sensors to infer the operation of lakes and reservoirs in the NRB.
Targeting Persistent Biofilm Infections: Reconsidering the Topography of the Infection Site during Model Selection

The physiology of an organism in the environment reflects its interactions with the diverse physical, chemical, and biological properties of the surface. These principles come into consideration during model selection to study biofilm–host interactions. Biofilms are communities formed by beneficial and pathogenic bacteria, where cells are held together by a structured extracellular matrix. When biofilms are associated with a host, chemical gradients and their origins become highly relevant. Conventional biofilm laboratory models such as multiwall biofilm models and agar plate models poorly mimic these gradients. In contrast, ex vivo models possess the partial capacity to mimic the conditions of tissue-associated biofilm and a biofilm associated with a mineralized surface enriched in inorganic components, such as the human dentin. This review will highlight the progress achieved using these settings for two models of persistent infections: the infection of the lung tissue by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the infection of the root canal by Enterococcus faecalis. For both models, we conclude that the limitations of the conventional in vitro systems necessitate a complimentary experimentation with clinically relevant ex vivo models during therapeutics development.
Marketing of Tourism Destination in the Context of Tiger Safari

Tiger tourism plays a significant role in the overall scenario of Indian tourism. The forest destination managers face a major challenge in satisfying their visitors since tigers are elusive by nature and most of the time tourists return dissatisfied without sighting a tiger after a forest safari. This paper is the first scientific study of its kind based on empirical data in the context of tiger tourism and proposed a model to identify the optimum path in the forest with a higher probability of tiger sighting.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity and Photoluminescence of ZnO Nano-Wires Coupled with Aluminum Nanostructures

In this study, we fabricated a hybrid plasmonic/semiconductor material by combining the chemical bath deposition of zinc oxide nanowires (ZnONWs) with the physical vapor deposition of aluminum nanostructures (AlNSs) under controlled temperature and atmosphere. The morphological and the optical properties of the ZnONWs/AlNSs hybrid material fabricated at different temperatures (250, 350, and 450 °C) and thicknesses (5, 7, and 9 nm) of Al layers were investigated. By adjusting the deposition and annealing parameters, it was possible to tune the size distribution of the AlNSs. The resonant coupling between the plasmonic AlNSs and ZnONWs leads to an enhanced photoluminescence response. The photocatalytic activity was studied through photodegradation under UV-light irradiation of methylene blue (MB) adsorbed at the surface of ZnO. The MB photodegradation experiment reveals that the ZnONWs covered with 7 nm aluminum film and annealed at 450 °C exhibit the highest degradation efficiency. The comparison between ZnONws and ZnONws/AlNSs shows a photoluminescence enhancement factor of 1.7 and an increase in the kinetics constant of photodegradation with a factor of 4.
DO SERVICE QUALITY AND SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING IMPROVE CUSTOMER RETENTION IN HOTELS? TESTING THE MEDIATION EFFECT

Customer retention is a critical factor in companies’ survival, and both service quality and social media are important means of retaining customers. However, despite this importance of these antecedents, only a few studies considered the effects of these factors in the hotel industry literature. With the application of social exchange theory, the current research aims to evaluate the effect of service quality and social media marketing on customer retention in hotels, and evaluates how customer satisfaction, brand awareness and brand image mediate this association. After pre-testing the questionnaire, data of this research was collected from 4- and 5-star hotel customers in various cities of the Czech Republic. Before testing the hypotheses, data have been tested in term of checking reliability and validity. Moreover, the probability of common-method bias was also tested in order to ensure there is no variation caused by study method or instrument. Testing the hypotheses was done using correlation and regression analysis afterwards. Findings of this research indicated that service quality and social media marketing improve customer satisfaction, brand awareness, and brand image. Moreover, customer satisfaction, brand awareness, and brand image are also antecedents of customer retention. Findings also confirmed that these three factors (customer satisfaction, brand awareness, and brand image) play the mediation roles between Service quality and revisit intention, and also between social media marketing and revisit intention. Results of this research showed the importance of both service quality and social media marketing in order to achieve better customer outcomes and encourage clients to revisit the hotel. The findings can provide important managerial and practical implications to the hotel industry.
Detection and Tracking Techniques for Infrared Searching and Tracking System with Robust Control System

: Infrared searching and tracking system is the heart of modern armament system generally used in air defense and missile shields system. The IRSTs used in fighter aircraft, tanks and missile defense systems to passively search, detect, track, classify, and decides their priorities in multiple airborne targets under all aspects and engage the target from long ranges as possible. In this paper, authors have proposed a new concept in which all three units i.e. IR channel, TV camera, and LRF are installed in a single optical window. Also, studies have been done on various detection and tracking algorithms for multiple airborne targets in clusters, clouds and noisy environmental conditions and authors have find out a suitable algorithm and control system for IRST system.
Potential Probiotic Acceptability of a Novel Strain of Paenibacillus konkukensis SK 3146 and Its Dietary Effects on Growth Performance, Intestinal Microbiota, and Meat Quality in Broilers

Simple Summary This study investigated the probiotic characteristics of Paenibacillus konkukensis and its dietary effects on growth performance, intestinal characteristics, intestinal microbiota, and meat quality in broilers. Through this study, P. konkukensis showed non-hemolytic activity, variable antibiotic susceptibility, and moderate acid and bile tolerance. Supplementary feeding of P. konkukensis as bacterial culture did not affect the growth performance parameters and meat quality, with positive effects on meat yield and intestinal microflora. Overall, dietary P. konkukensis may not have any adverse effects and might be considered as a probiotic feed additive in poultry. Abstract This study evaluates the in vitro probiotic characteristics of P. konkukensis sp. nov. SK-3146, which was isolated from animal feed, and its dietary effects on growth performance, intestinal characteristics, intestinal microbiota, and meat quality in broilers. In vitro experiments revealed that P. konkukensis was non-hemolytic with variable antibiotic susceptibility, and acid as well as bile tolerance. To assess the effect of P. konkukensis on broilers, a total of four hundred eighty 1-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were allocated to 3 treatment groups with 4 replicates of 40 birds each; the negative control group was fed a basal diet without any feed additives (NC), the positive control group was fed a basal diet containing 0.01% enramycin (PC), and the experimental group was fed a basal diet containing P. konkukensis bacterial culture (PK) at 104 CFU/g of the diet based on bacterial count. The experiment lasted for 35 days. Results indicated that there were no significant differences in any growth performance parameters among the dietary treatments (p > 0.05). In addition, the inclusion of P. konkukensis in the broilers’ diet did not affect meat cooking loss, color, and pH but increased the relative weight of breast meat (p < 0.05). The PK group showed heavier intestinal weight and shorter intestinal length than the NC group (p < 0.05). The ratio of the intestinal weight to length of jejunum was the highest in the PK group (p < 0.05). The PK group showed increased counts of Streptococcus thermophilus (p < 0.05) with no adverse effects of P. konkukensis on other intestinal microbiota in the jejunum. This study implies that P. konkukensis might have the potential to be applied as a probiotic feed additive in poultry.
Comprehensive Analysis of the Expression and Prognostic Value of LMAN2 in HER2+ Breast Cancer

Lectin, Mannose Binding 2 (LMAN2) encodes a type I transmembrane lectin that shuttles between the plasma membrane, the Golgi apparatus, and the endoplasmic reticulum. However, its expression, prognosis, and function in invasive breast carcinoma remain unknown. Nine databases were consulted to evaluate LMAN2 expression and prognosis in breast cancer. The possible function of LMAN2 in breast cancer was investigated in the Human Cell Landscape (HCL) database, Gene Regulatory Network database (GRNdb), and CancerSEA database. Moreover, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications were analyzed using the RMBase v2.0 and M6A2Target databases. Seven databases were then used to analyze the potential action mechanisms of LMAN2. Our findings suggest that LMAN2, which is expressed at a high level in breast cancer, is linked to an unfavorable prognosis. Therefore, LMAN2 has the potential to be utilized as a treatment target in breast cancer. Furthermore, the single-cell analysis illustrated that LMAN2 expression had a positive link to breast cancer stemness, proliferation, metastasis, and differentiation. Moreover, m6A modifications were found in the LMAN2 gene. Consequently, modifications to m6A methylation may influence LMAN2 expression, which is associated with the homologous recombination (HR) in its DNA damage repair pathway .
Particle tracking and inference in fluorescence microscopy

Observing biophysical phenomena at the nanometer scale with both high spatial and temporal resolution is a challenging feat. Although many techniques, including atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, have demonstrated subnanometer spatial resolution, most exhibit drawbacks which limit their temporal resolution. On the other hand, light microscopy exhibits poor spatial resolution (typically greater than 100 nm) due to diffraction. The desire to image features below the resolution of light has spawned the term super-resolution microscopy to which many powerful, albeit complicated, techniques may be associated; such techniques include Stimulated Emission-Depletion Microscopy (STED) and Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy (STORM). Within the field of super-resolution there exists a subset of methods which involve tagging features of interest (e.g., a virus or motor protein) with small, fluorescent molecules and measuring their emitted fluorescence over time. Although the emitted light is diffraction-limited, the precision of localizing the position of the molecule is proportional to the number of photons acquired. Thus, fluorescent particle tracking is a method which augments traditional light microscopy