Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Developing twenty-first-century skills in out-of-school education: the Bridge21 Transition Year programme

ABSTRACT Twenty-first-century (21 C) skills need to be taught intentionally and well, using pedagogical approaches that engage students and help them learn both skills and curriculum content. This article describes an instrumental case study of an out-of-school education programme (Bridge21) designed to help students develop 21 C skills. In order to determine the effectiveness of the programme, a mixed-methods approach was employed that included the collection of quantitative and qualitative data using student surveys (N = 329) and group interviews. A detailed skills framework was used to analyse which skills are inherent to the various activities that make up the programme. Findings suggest that the Bridge21 model can provide significant and sustained increases in student confidence across a range of skills, and that various elements of the programme design contribute directly to this.
Banking Communications: A Perceptual Study of Customer Relations

Hopefully, effective banking communications would improve and strengthen relationships with the stakeholders and work-team empowerment to achieve desired level of performance directing towards organizational success in changing operating and governing environments. Though the banks and their service have been advancing in Nepal, customer satisfaction in terms of banking communications is still a matter of serious concern. This paper explores perception of banking communications among the customers showcasing bank and customer relations. As a customer relation is one of the key indicators of banks profitability, the attention of banks has been gradually inclining towards customers through via more effective communication initiatives. Effective communication in banks helps their staff and customers in having knowledge about various strategic decisions that are implemented or are going to be implemented, understanding banking policies and procedures, acknowledging various issues related to banking and understanding ways forward for prosperity. The existing literature confirms a very strong positive relationship between communication in practice and perceived level of customer satisfaction. Thus, the banks must adapt proper strategies and techniques of effective communication with the valued customers. Review Article Parajuli et al.; SAJSSE, 8(3): 23-34, 2020; Article no.SAJSSE. 62502 24 Bank procedures on communicating with customers depend on the structural sets and culture of the organization. Moreover, conceptual framework of the banking communications and customer relations also confirms the imperative need for addressing this issue more effectively, especially in changing context of Nepal. This research can be helpful to banks to know how customers perceive over all banking system and work accordingly. Also, it can be helpful to Nepal Rastra Bank for formulating banking policies and other concerned authorities can also be benefited through this research.
Evaluation of Natural and Surfactant-Modified Zeolites in the Removal of Cadmium from Aqueous Solutions

ABSTRACT The present study involves an investigation on the comparison of a Mexican clinoptilolite-heulandite zeolitic mineral and the modified zeolitic material with the surfactant hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HDTMA) for the removal of cadmium from aqueous solutions. The effects of pH and contact lime on the adsorption process were examined. The optimum pH for adsorption was found to be 7. Cadmium retention reached equilibrium in 32 h and the rate of cadmium adsorption by the zeolites was rapid in the first I Oh. Elovich’s model best described the reaction rate. Batch adsorption experiments conducted at room temperature showed that the adsorption pattern followed the Langmuir-Freundlich isotherm model. The cadmium retention capacity decreased very slightly when the zeolite surface was modified with the surfactant HDTMA, and this material has advantages for its use in the removal of some other contaminants, such as anions and nonpolar organic compounds, like phenols. The results showed that natural zeolite and the surfactant modified zeolite could be considered as potential adsorbents for cadmium removal from aqueous solutions.
Field evidence of riparian vegetation response to groundwater levels in a gravel‐bed river

Vegetation establishment, growth and succession in riparian ecosystems are linked to river flow dynamics and groundwater table fluctuations. This is especially true in Alpine gravel‐bed rivers with wide floodplains, geomorphically active floods and a strong river‐aquifer exchange. The role of short‐term groundwater fluctuations is not always clear in these ecosystems, as it is assumed that phreatophytic vegetation close to rivers is adapted to such conditions. Here, we provide data evidence of riparian plant response to short‐term groundwater table fluctuations in a braided gravel‐bed river (Maggia). We used indirect physiological variables for photosynthesis and transpiration—stomatal conductance gs and daily variation in stem diameter ΔDd—which we measured at six mature riparian trees of the Salicaceae family at two sites with different mean depths to groundwater during two growing seasons. The data demonstrate that (a) short‐term variation of the groundwater table affects riparian vegetation—at the site with deeper groundwater, the water table depth was the best predictor of gs variability, while at the site with shallower groundwater, temperature and vapour pressure deficit (VPD) were the best predictors of ΔDd variability; (b) instantaneous stomatal conductance is related to VPD, but conditioned by groundwater levels, with higher stomatal conductance for the same radiative input and VPD when the water table was higher for all trees; and (c) local microclimate measured at tree locations had a stronger predictive power for gs than valley scale climate, suggesting local climate controls on vegetated stands on gravel bars. Our results provide evidence of riparian trees undertaking physiological adjustments to transpiration in response to groundwater stage, depending on their riparian floodplain setting.
Robust QSAR Models from Novel Descriptors and Bayesian Regularised Neural Networks

Abstract The QSAR method, using multivariate statistics, was developed by Hansch and Fujita, and it has been successfully applied to many drug and agrochemical design problems. As well as speed and simplicity QSAR has advantages of being capable of accounting for some transport and metabolic processes which occur once the compound is administered. Until recently QSAR analyses have used relatively simple molecular descriptors based on substituent constants (e.g., Hammett constants, π, or molar refractivities), physicochemical properties (e.g., partition coefficients), topological indices (e.g., Randic and Weiner indices). Recently several new representations have been devised: atomistic; molecular eigenvalues and BCUT indices derived therefrom; E-state fields; topological autocorrelation vectors; various molecular fragment-based hash codes. These representations have advantages in speed of computation, in more accurately representing molecular properties most relevant to activity, or in being more generally applicable to diverse chemical classes acting at a common receptor, than traditional representations. Historically, linear regression methods such as MLR (multiple linear regression) and PLS (partial least squares) have been used to develop QSAR models. Regression is an “ill-posed” problem in statistics, which sometimes results in QSAR models exhibiting instability when trained with noisy data. In addition traditional regression techniques often require subjective decisions to be made on the part of the investigator as to the likely non-linear relationship between structure and activity, and whether there are cross-terms. Regression methods based on neural networks offer some advantages over MLR methods as they can account for non-linear SARs, and can deal with linear dependencies which sometimes appear in real SAR problems. However, some problems still exist in the development of SAR models using conventional backpropagation neural networks. We have used a specific type of neural network, the Bayesian Regularized Artificial Neural Network (BRANN), in the development of SAR models. The advantage of BRANN is that the models are robust and the validation process, which scales as O(N2) in normal regression methods, is unnecessary. These networks have the potential to solve a number of problems which arise in QSAR modelling such as: choice of model; robustness of model; choice of validation set; size of validation effort; and optimization of network architecture. The application of the methods to QSAR of compounds active at the benzodiazepine and muscarinic receptors will be illustrated.
A COUPLED CHEMISTRY-EMISSION MODEL FOR ATOMIC OXYGEN GREEN AND RED-DOUBLET EMISSIONS IN THE COMET C/1996 B2 HYAKUTAKE

The green (5577 Å) and red-doublet (6300, 6364 Å) lines are prompt emissions of metastable oxygen atoms in the 1S and 1D states, respectively, that have been observed in several comets. The value of the intensity ratio of green to red-doublet (G/R ratio) of 0.1 has been used as a benchmark to identify the parent molecule of oxygen lines as H2O. A coupled chemistry-emission model is developed to study the production and loss mechanisms of the O(1S) and O(1D) atoms and the generation of red and green lines in the coma of C/1996 B2 Hyakutake. The G/R ratio depends not only on photochemistry, but also on the projected area observed for cometary coma, which is a function of the dimension of the slit used and the geocentric distance of the comet. Calculations show that the contribution of photodissociation of H2O to the green (red) line emission is 30%–70% (60%–90%), while CO2 and CO are the next potential sources contributing 25%–50% (<5%). The ratio of the photoproduction rate of O(1S) to O(1D) would be around 0.03 (±0.01) if H2O is the main source of oxygen lines, whereas it is ∼0.6 if the parent is CO2. Our calculations suggest that the yield of O(1S) production in the photodissociation of H2O cannot be larger than 1%. The model-calculated radial brightness profiles of the red and green lines and G/R ratios are in good agreement with the observations made on the comet Hyakutake in 1996 March.
The Effect of Incentives and Mode of Contact on the Recruitment of Teachers into Survey Panels

This article discusses an experiment run at the beginning of an effort to substantially enlarge the RAND American Teacher Panel, a nationally representative sample of K-12 public school teachers. Ten strategies were evaluated. We considered different modes of contact (FedEx vs. US Postal Service \[USPS\]), contingency status of incentives (pre- vs. promised incentive), amounts of incentive ($2, $10, $40, or $60), and types of incentive (cash, check, gift card, electronic). Strategies were compared in terms of response rate and cost effectiveness. Our study yielded several findings that should advance the literature: The use of FedEx clearly outperforms USPS, and the use of a moderate preincentive ($10) outperforms much larger promised incentives (up to $60) with respect to both responsiveness and cost-effectiveness. In addition, cash and check seem preferable to gift cards. Finally, we assess the potential for nonresponse bias by comparing enrollees to nonresponders across a variety of demographic characteristics for each strategy.
Note: Mass Transfer Kinetics During Cod Salting Operation

Cod salting is a long process on which mass transfer, basically salt and water, occurs by diffusion. This work analyses and compares cod salting kinetics by using different salting techniques: brine salting, with and without applying a vacuum pulse and dry salting with and without pressure. The results revealed that mass transfer kinetics during cod salting process seemed to be affected by the salting method applied. Osmotic mechanism and diffusion transport of salt can be enhanced during vacuum pulsed brine salting, also leading to a lower water loss and higher yield. During dry salting, the coupling of osmotic mechanism and suctioning effect due to dry salt crystals (moreover in the case of pressured dry salting) favoured water losses and limited salt gain.
Validity and reliability of the triage scale in older people in a regional emergency department in Hong Kong

Background: Older people (⩾65 years) present a unique challenge in emergency department triage. Hong Kong’s Hospital Authority adopts a five-level emergency department triage system, with no special considerations for older people. We evaluated the validity and reliability of this triage scale in older people in a regional Hong Kong emergency department. Methods: In total, 295 cases stratified by triage category were randomly selected for review from November 2016 to January 2017. Validity was established by comparing the real emergency department patients’ triage category against (1) that of an expert panel and (2) the need for life-saving intervention. Triage notes were extracted to make case scenarios to evaluate inter- and intra-rater reliabilities. Emergency department nurses (n = 8) were randomly selected and grouped into <5 and ⩾5 years emergency department experience. All nurses independently rated all 295 scenarios, blinded to clinical outcomes. Results: The percentage agreement between the real emergency department patients’ triage category and the expert panel’s assignment was 68.5%, with 16.3% and 15.3% over-triage and under-triage, respectively. Quadratic weighting kappa for agreement with the expert panel was 0.72 (95% confidence interval: 0.53–0.91). The sensitivity, specificity and positive likelihood ratio for the need for life-saving interventions were 75.0% (95% confidence interval: 47.6%–92.7%), 97.1% (95% confidence interval: 94.4%–98.8%) and 26.2 (95% confidence interval: 12.5%–54.8%), respectively. The Fleiss kappa value for inter-rater reliability was 0.50 (95% confidence interval: 0.47–0.54) for junior and senior nurse groups, respectively. Conclusion: The current triage scale demonstrates reasonable validity and reliability for use in our older people. Considerations highlighting the unique characteristics of older people emergency department presentations are recommended.
Chance‐Constrained Dynamic Model of Air Quality Management

This paper presents a modeling approach based on chanceconstrained programming, that determines least‐cost time‐linked air pollution emission controls, while accounting for the dynamic and stochastic character of meteorological conditions and respecting different averaging‐time ambient air quality standards with exogenously specified reliabilities. The methodology is numerically illustrated with actual meteorological data in the case of an isolated pollution source and of monthly and annual air quality standards. Areas for further research are also delineated.
Finger-Ray Interaction using Real Hand in Handheld Augmented Reality Interface

Augmented Reality (AR) is the technology that augments the real world by using virtual information of 3D objects overlaid on a view of the real environment. This will create an immersive and intuitive experience. As handheld devices are widely used and now has climb with increasing demand of specifications, its interaction based on touch is a natural and appealing input style for the application of AR. Furthermore, most heuristic studies of interaction in AR usually focus on interactions with AR Target close to the user, generally within arm’s reach. As the user’s move farther away, the effectiveness and usability of the interaction modalities may be different. This study explores handheld AR interaction using real hand gesture at a distance in a room-scale setup. Our aim is to investigate the effectiveness of performing selection while being far away from the 3D object and performing selection task towards object that is being occluded. As object manipulation is one of the key features to explore for mobile handheld AR, we hope our study can give some contribution towards its practical use, especially for real-world assembly structure. Hence, our paper proposes finger ray interaction technique for real hand in handheld AR interface to work for selecting objects at distances ranging from 3 feet to 8 feet and when the object being occluded ranging from 20% to 80% occluded.
Digital conservation: using social media to investigate the scope of African painted dog den disturbance by humans

ABSTRACT Social media platforms allow people to share experiences, thoughts, and actions through words and images, including human interactions with both domestic and wild animals. Human-wildlife interactions have been documented to have negative effects on wildlife. We use social media and a content analysis framework to identify general locations of a specific human-endangered wildlife interaction: human activity at painted dog den sites. Two hundred twenty images and captions relating to den visits were collected from four social media platforms, and then general locations mapped. Results indicate that den visits by humans occurred in seven of 14 countries where painted dogs are known to be present. This information provides a starting point for further investigation into the impacts of this activity on painted dogs, which is valuable to the effective management of human-caused disturbances (e.g., reducing potential anthropogenic Allee effects) for this species.
A WaveNet based Ion Channel prediction Method

There are many diseases associated with the dysfunction of ion channels. Ion channels are a class of proteins embedded in cell membranes that serve principle physiological functions such as memorization, learning and pain signaling. In order to help scientists learn more about ion channels and how they cause diseases, a team in Liverpool University published a public dataset about Ion channels. This paper presents a Wavenet based model to predict the number of Ion channels open at each time point. Wavenet is a type of deep neural network designed for one-dimensional signals. We used the Kalman filter to denoise the original signals and compared WaveNet with classical machine learning methods like SVM and Naïve Bayes to show the superior performance of the WaveNet model.
McCune-Albright syndrome: a case report and review

McCune-Albright syndrome is a rare condition. Patients may present with polyostotic fibrous dysplasia, have cafe-au lait spots on the skin and evident endocrinopathies, the most common being precocious puberty which is probably an early diagnostic sign. This case report is of a 15 year-old male who presented for dental treatment and was diagnosed with the syndrome. Radiological examination revealed characteristic bony dysplasia in his mandible and maxilla. Periodic radiographic evaluations, including cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), were performed over the next three years. The images showed the expected slight recession of his bony lesions. Lay abstract This is a case report of a male teenager who presented with dental problems and was found to have irregular tissue in his jaw and also creamy-brown spots on his skin. His pathology presented challenges to management and treatment options.
Giant cell tumor of the bone presenting as swelling of the thumb

Abstract We describe a giant cell tumor in a 74-year-old man who presented with pain and swelling in the left thumb. Radiographs of the left hand showed some lytic changes at the tip of the thumb. Magnetic resonance imaging suggested the diagnosis of giant cell tumor, which was later confirmed by biopsy. A good treatment response was achieved with disarticulation of the interphalangeal joint and amputation of the distal phalanx of the left thumb.
Synthesis of unzipped multi-walled carbon nanotube oxides coated polyurethane foam and its application in wastewater treatment

Abstract Unzipped multi-walled carbon nanotube oxides (UMCNOs) were prepared from multi-walled carbon nanotubes by using oxidative unzipping method. Different concentrations of UMCNOs were coated on polyurethane (PU) foam through dip coating method. Changes in the surface texture of the polyurethane foam after coating with UMCNOs was observed using SEM analysis. The UMCNOs- PU foam exhibited good hydrophobicity with a maximum water contact angle (WCA) of 128° for the PU sample coated with 2% (w/v) UMCNOs. The UMCNOs-PU foams were found to be effective absorbent for oil and organic solvents, with the absorption capacity, varies between 15 and 27 g/g. A maximum of 99.64% dye removal was observed in PU foam coated with 2% (w/v) UMCNOs as analyzed by UV-VIS analysis. Water contact angle of UMCNOs-2.0PU foam decreased after each recycle experiment and its characteristics were analyzed using FTIR.
Extraction du nickel d'un concentré de pentlandite par HNO3/H2SO4

Abstract The sulphuric and nitric acid leaching of natural and synthetic nickel sulphides has been investigated. Optimum leaching conditions of the factors influencing the extraction of metals (Ni, Cu, Co) from a pentlandite bearing-concentrate have been determined. These factors are: temperature, time concentration and sulphuric and nitric acids and pulp density. The activation energies of the process are 4.6 ± 0.1 Kcal/mole for the copper and cobalt and 4.7 ± 0.1 Kcal/mole for the nickel. These values indicate that the rate of metal extraction is controlled by the diffusion phenomena through the precipitate layer which is deposited on the mineral surface during the leaching. This layer is composed of elemental sulphur and basic ferric sulphate. A schematical flowsheet of the process is presented. Resume La lixiviation par les acides sulfurique et nitrique des sulfures naturels et synthetiques de nickel a ete etudiee en vue de l'optimisation des facteurs qui influencent la mise en solution des metaux (Ni.
Cambial-age related correlations of stable isotopes and tree-ring
widths in wood samples of tree-line conifers

Abstract. A recent analysis of stable isotopes of the Alpine Holocene Tree-Ring Dataset, consisting of samples from 192 larch and cembran pine trees, revealed that δD and δ18O exhibit no trends in adult trees, but evidence trends in the juvenile period of the first 100 years of cambial age. In this work we applied the Spearman statistical analysis on different cambial age classes to verify if these changes were correlated with tree-ring width values, that are known to show age trends. The results prove a significant correlation between tree-ring-width (TRW) and both hydrogen and oxygen stable isotopes before 100 year of cambial age, but not afterwards, in both larch and cembran pine. A trend in the correlation values was also found between the two water isotopes, while no trend was found in correlations involving δ13C. We hypothesized the δD and δ18O values reflect the higher xylogenesis activity of the juvenile period, that is associated with reduced atom exchanges of photosynthates with xylem water. The result indicates that the climate response of δD and δ18O may differ in the juvenile and mature period of tree life at treeline.
A lightweight convolutional neural network model for target recognition

Convolutional neural networks have achieved excellent performance in a wide range of applications, but the huge resource consumption makes a great challenge to their application on mobile terminals and embedded devices. In order to solve such problems, it is necessary to balance the size, speed and accuracy of the network model. This study proposed a new shallow neural network on the bases of ResNet and DenseNet. We use different size convolution kernels to obtain feature maps and then concat them. Afterwards we build two convolution layers to reduce the size of the feature maps and increase the depth of the network. By stacking this structure, we get our net model. Experiments show that our nine-layers network recognition performance is better than 18-layers ResNet and 19-layers DenseNet, and its training time is shorter. The final recognition rate of our network is 97.37%, ResNet recognition rate is 96.93%, and DenseNet is 96.31%.