Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantifying input uncertainty in the calibration of water quality models: reordering errors via the secant method

Abstract. Uncertainty in input can significantly impair parameter estimation in water quality modeling, necessitating the accurate quantification of input errors. However, decomposing the input error from the model residual error is still challenging. This study develops a new algorithm, referred to as the Bayesian Error Analysis with Reordering (BEAR), to address this problem. The basic approach requires sampling errors from a pre-estimated error distribution and then reordering them with their inferred ranks via the secant method. This approach is demonstrated in the case of total suspended solids (TSSs) simulation via a conceptual water quality model. Based on case studies using synthetic data, the BEAR method successfully improves the input error identification and parameter estimation by introducing the error rank estimation and the error position reordering. The results of a real case study demonstrate that, even with the presence of model structural error and output data error, the BEAR method can approximate the true input and bring a better model fit through an effective input modification. However, its effectiveness depends on the accuracy and selection of the input error model. The application of the BEAR method in TSS simulation can be extended to other water quality models.
Environmental Niche Dynamics of Blue Grama (Bouteloua gracilis) Ecotypes in Northern Mexico: Genetic Structure and Implications for Restoration Management

Understanding the genetic structure adopted by natural populations and its relation to environmental adaptation is critical for the success of restoration programs. We evaluated the genetic structure and temporal environmental niche dynamics of blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) in 48 populations. The genetic evaluation was performed through amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) molecular markers. The maximum entropy method was used to model the past, present, and future environmental niches of the three clusters derived from the genetic analysis. The environmental niches of the three genetic clusters showed dynamic overlaps and isolations during the last interglacial and glacial maximum. The paleoclimatic events, which occurred during those periods, may have reinforced genetic exchange among populations and affected their genetic structure. Genetic clusters also presented different environmental niches in the present. Thus, they can be considered as three distinct ecotypes and restoration programs must be carried out using local germplasm from each environmental niche to increase their chance of success. Based on the environmental niches of the genetic clusters, changes are expected in the near and mid-century future. Therefore, climate change must be considered for species conservation management and future restoration programs.
Optimized Controller Provisioning in Software-Defined LEO Satellite Networks

The controller provisioning, which adjusts the number, locations, and members of satellite controllers adaptive to the dynamic network load and topology, fundamentally impacts the performance of software-defined satellite networks (SDSNs). An ideal provisioning strategy should achieve a low total control overhead throughout the entire satellite operation period, which is extremely challenging since the network load can only be predicted in a short time scale. Existing methods can hardly achieve this goal for they greedily configure controllers in each time slot, where switches have to frequently migrate from one controller to another. In this paper, we focus on achieving globally optimized strategies with only current network load information. We first propose a comprehensive control overhead model and formulate the Controller Provisioning Problem (CPP) in SDSNs as a non-convex integer programming problem. To solve the problem, we propose an approximate algorithm named AROA by introducing a regularization framework and based on randomized rounding. We theoretically derive its competitive ratio. To produce strategies in time for future large satellite constellations, we further propose a more efficient heuristic algorithm HROA. Evaluations on our built simulation system show that our proposed methods significantly outperform related schemes in control overhead, latency, and scalability.
Classifying Diabetic Retinopathy using CNN and Machine Learning

: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the main causes of vision loss around the world. A computer-aided diagnosis can help in the early detection of this disease which can be beneficial for a better patient outcome. In this paper, we conduct an empirical evaluation of the performances of twenty-eight deep hybrid architectures for an automatic binary classification of referable DR, and compared them to seven end-to-end deep learning (DL) architectures. The architectures were compared using the Scott Knott test and the Borda count voting method. All the empirical evaluations were over the APTOS dataset, using five-fold cross validation. The results showed the importance of combining DL techniques and classical machine learning techniques for the classification of DR. The hybrid architecture using the SVM classifier and MobileNet_V2 for feature extraction was the top performing and it was classified among the best performing end-to-end deep learning architectures with an accuracy equal to 88.80%; note that none of the hybrid architectures outperformed all the end-to-end architectures.
Using new technologies to support the learning of Aboriginal pre-service teachers

This action research project focuses on the incorporation of new Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into the student learning experience in a Bachelor of Education course for Aboriginal students. The research is part of a larger national DEEWR-funded joint research project by Charles Darwin University and the University of Western Sydney. Both universities have considerable numbers of students from equity groups, many of whom are undertaking at least part of their study through flexible and blended delivery via ICT. Many of these students have lower success and retention rates than for other students. The purpose of the joint research is to investigate how to better provide for and support the learning of students from targeted equity groups, including Indigenous Australians, students whose first language is a language other than English (LOTE) and those undertaking a transition from VET studies. The first stage of the project assessed the knowledge and usage of ICT enabled learning amongst equity groups at UWS and CDU. Stage 2 builds on those findings through a series of action research projects to determine how to better provide for and support the learning of the students through new technologies and prepare them for their future careers. The action research reported here examines the learning process and strategies from both staff and student perspectives in the incorporation of new technologies in class, in preparation for students’ professional experience teaching in local primary schools.
A MINI REVIEW ON THE NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITIONS AND PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF Litsea garciae

Litsea garciae is an underutilized plant found in certain parts of South East Asia. The plant part has been traditionally used to treat, among others, skin infections, boil, rectal bleeding, muscular pain, and sprains. Besides its medicinal properties, its seasonal fruit is consumed for its avocado-like flavor. This article aims to provide information on what is known so far about the nutritional composition and pharmacological properties of Litsea garciae.
Hydrolysis of Al3+ in Aqueous Solutions: Experiments and Ab Initio Simulations

An experimental and computational study on the hydrolysis of Al3+ in aqueous solutions is here reported. Speciation model and formation constants were determined by potentiometric titrations at T = 298.15 K, 0.1 ≤ I/mol L−1 ≤ 1 in aqueous NaCl, NaNO3, NaCl/NaNO3 solutions. The dependence of formation constants on ionic strength is reported in all the ionic media over the range of 0.1–1.0 mol L−1. Under the studied experimental conditions, the formation of Al3(OH)45+ and Al13(OH)327+ species is observed in all the investigated ionic media and ionic strengths. The formation constants of the species formed by Al3+ with Cl− were determined together with the dependence on the ionic strength. Moreover, with the aim of unveiling the molecular structure of the formed Al complexes, quantum-mechanical calculations and state-of-the-art ab initio molecular dynamics simulations under explicit solvation were executed. These computations show, for the first time, the highly cooperative role played by the surrounding water molecules in neutralising mononuclear systems–such as AlCl2+ and AlClOH+–and the hydrolytic polynuclear system, Al3(OH)45+.
Cyclic adenosine monophosphate: Recent and future perspectives on various diseases

Amol P. Muthal1* , Ravindra Kulkarni2, Dileep Kumar2, Chandrakant Bagul2, Anwesha A. Mukherjee-Kandhare1, Amit D. Kandhare1, Shirish D. Ambavade3, Vaibhav Wagh4, Subhash L. Bodhankar1 1Department of Pharmacology, Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Pune, India. 2Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Pune, India. 3School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sanjay Ghodawat University Kolhapur, India. 4Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, N. N. Sattha college of Pharmacy, Ahmednagar, India.
The influence of legislation upon onsite construction environmental management operations: a qualitative analysis

A sustainable built environment begins during the design and construction phase as potential environmental damage from such operations may impact negatively upon ecosystems. With the introduction of ecologically sustainable development (ESD) principles, effective onsite environmental management operations should be a realisation. However, in reality construction operations continue to have negative environmental impacts. Within New South Wales, the government pledge to ESD has created a complex legislative system and its ability to achieve objectives associated with environmental protection remain in question. Application of the legislation in different contexts results in inconsistent levels of environmental protection. Inconsistency may occur at the confluence of interpretation and implementation of regulations, in conjunction with monitoring and enforcement. There remains ambiguity, informality, and interconnectedness inherent in interactions considered highly complex and unique to each construction project and a lack of knowledge about the impacts of external non-contractual influences upon project operations. Using a systems theory approach, this research investigates on-site construction operations and environmental management against the effectiveness of regulation, monitoring and information flow. This paper reports preliminary findings based on twelve (12) semi-structured interviews conducted during the initial phase of a qualitative study. Interviews targeted the following professional stakeholder groups: government regulatory officers; non-government regulatory certifiers; planners; and construction managers. Preliminary analysis through a coding approach identified themes that impact upon effective onsite environmental operations, inter alia, processes of environmental assessment compliance, organisational processes of environmental compliance, information transfer, learning and development, environmental management systems and accreditation and regulatory processes of environmental management.
IDENTIFICATION OF PHYSICAL MISCONCEPTIONS AND THEIR CAUSES USING FIVE-TIER KINEMATICS TEST (FTKT) ON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

This study aims to identify misconceptions in physics concepts and find out the causes of misconceptions. This type of research is descriptive quantitative research. The research instrument used a five-tier diagnostic test. Determination of samples taken by purposive sampling technique. This research was conducted on 120 students with 55 male and 65 female students from senior high schools in West Bandung Regency and three high schools in Majalengka Regency. Based on the validation results, it shows that the 12 items are categorized as valid and the reliability value is 0.93 which is included in the very good category. The misconceptions identified with the largest percentage are in the concepts of distance, position, and displacement of 49.17%.
Airfoil Base Region Control with Dielectric Barrier Discharge

This paper presents a novel implementation of plasma actuators at the trailing edge of a fan airfoil. The final objective of this technique is to alter the wake velocity to tune the rotorrotor interactions in an open rotor engine. Single dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) plasma actuators are composed of two electrodes separated with a thin layer of dielectric material. This active control device offers sufficient versatility to be operated only when required over a range of power and frequency. The electrodes were glued on the rear suction and pressure sides, while the ground electrode is embedded at the centre of the rounded trailing edge. The actual geometry was evaluated with 2D steady CFD simulations at several velocities, angles of attack and body force injection. These simulations make use of a simple body force injection to simulate the SDBD effect. The results present the suitability of such implementation in a blunt trailing edge, with moderated Reynolds number, at low angle of attack. An experimental campaign was carried out in a subsonic cascade wind tunnel. Hot wire, pressure and temperature probes were used to measure both the steady and unsteady velocities, and turbulence profiles across the wake. The control parameters (frequency, voltage) and geometry were selected to optimize the generated thrust in the region of interest. The numerical results revealed a noticeable effect in the base flow. The wake traverses reveal a change in shape and amplitude. Finally the computed base pressure was increased and hence the profile loss was decreased with the use of the plasma actuator.
Quantum Electromechanics with Two Tone Drive

In the field of mechanics, it is a long standing goal to measure quantum behavior in ever larger and more massive objects. It may now seem like an obvious conclusion, but until recently it was not clear whether a macroscopic mechanical resonator -- built up from nearly 1013 atoms -- could be fully described as an ideal quantum harmonic oscillator. With recent advances in the fields of opto- and electro-mechanics, such systems offer a unique advantage in probing the quantum noise properties of macroscopic electrical and mechanical devices, properties that ultimately stem from Heisenberg's uncertainty relations. Given the rapid progress in device capabilities, landmark results of quantum optics are now being extended into the regime of macroscopic mechanics. The purpose of this dissertation is to describe three experiments -- motional sideband asymmetry, back-action evasion (BAE) detection, and mechanical squeezing -- that are directly related to the topic of measuring quantum noise with mechanical detection. These measurements all share three pertinent features: they explore quantum noise properties in a macroscopic electromechanical device driven by a minimum of two microwave drive tones, hence the title of this work: "Quantum electromechanics with two tone drive". In the following, we will first introduce a quantum input-output framework that we use to model the electromechanical interaction and capture subtleties related to interpreting different microwave noise detection techniques. Next, we will discuss the fabrication and measurement details that we use to cool and probe these devices with coherent and incoherent microwave drive signals. Having developed our tools for signal modeling and detection, we explore the three-wave mixing interaction between the microwave and mechanical modes, whereby mechanical motion generates motional sidebands corresponding to up-down frequency conversions of microwave photons. Because of quantum vacuum noise, the rates of these processes are expected to be unequal. We will discuss the measurement and interpretation of this asymmetric motional noise in a electromechanical device cooled near the ground state of motion. Next, we consider an overlapped two tone pump configuration that produces a time-modulated electromechanical interaction. By careful control of this drive field, we report a quantum non-demolition (QND) measurement of a single motional quadrature. Incorporating a second pair of drive tones, we directly measure the measurement back-action associated with both classical and quantum noise of the microwave cavity. Lastly, we slightly modify our drive scheme to generate quantum squeezing in a macroscopic mechanical resonator. Here, we will focus on data analysis techniques that we use to estimate the quadrature occupations. We incorporate Bayesian spectrum fitting and parameter estimation that serve as powerful tools for incorporating many known sources of measurement and fit error that are unavoidable in such work.
Improved error performance ZFSTD for high mobility relay-based cooperative systems

An Alamouti-type orthogonal space–time-block-code transmission over a relay-based cooperative-diversity system under the influence of the cooperating nodes’ mobility is considered. It is shown that the high nodes' mobility destroys the optimality of the conventional Alamouit's decoder (ALD) employed at the system's destination, which causes severely degraded error performance. A zero-forcing-space–time-decoder is proposed, to be applied instead of the ALD, and its capability of mitigating this severe impact of the nodes' mobility is shown.
A Wearable, Multi-Frequency Device to Measure Muscle Activity Combining Simultaneous Electromyography and Electrical Impedance Myography

The detection of muscle contraction and the estimation of muscle force are essential tasks in robot-assisted rehabilitation systems. The most commonly used method to investigate muscle contraction is surface electromyography (EMG), which, however, shows considerable disadvantages in predicting the muscle force, since unpredictable factors may influence the detected force but not necessarily the EMG data. Electrical impedance myography (EIM) investigates the change in electrical impedance during muscle activities and is another promising technique to investigate muscle functions. This paper introduces the design, development, and evaluation of a device that performs EMG and EIM simultaneously for more robust measurement of muscle conditions subject to artifacts. The device is light, wearable, and wireless and has a modular design, in which the EMG, EIM, micro-controller, and communication modules are stacked and interconnected through connectors. As a result, the EIM module measures the bioimpedance between 20 and 200 Ω with an error of less than 5% at 140 SPS. The settling time during the calibration phase of this module is less than 1000 ms. The EMG module captures the spectrum of the EMG signal between 20–150 Hz at 1 kSPS with an SNR of 67 dB. The micro-controller and communication module builds an ARM-Cortex M3 micro-controller which reads and transfers the captured data every 1 ms over RF (868 Mhz) with a baud rate of 500 kbps to a receptor connected to a PC. Preliminary measurements on a volunteer during leg extension, walking, and sit-to-stand showed the potential of the system to investigate muscle function by combining simultaneous EMG and EIM.
Analyzing the Causality and Dependence between Exchange Rate and Real Estate Prices in Boom-and-Bust Markets: Quantile Causality and DCC Copula GARCH Approaches

Unlike most previous studies examining the causal relationship and dependence between exchange rates and real estate prices, this study aims to investigate the causal relationship and dependence between these two variables in a boom-and-bust market setting using the panel quantile Granger causality and dynamic conditional correlation (DCC) copula GARCH approaches, respectively. In the panel quantile Granger causality test, quantiles 0.1 and 0.9 are considered to represent extreme markets (bust and boom, respectively). Our first results showed the causal effects at extreme quantiles to be very different from those at the median quantile. We also found a greater causality between house prices and exchange rates in the boom market compared to the bust market. In the second model, we explored the relationship between exchange rates and real estate prices, taking boom-and-bust dynamics into account by measuring the tail dependence through the DCC copula GARCH method. Our findings confirm the strong time-varying tail dependence between house prices and exchange rates. The degree of tail dependence was quite stable over the sample period, except for the periods around 1997–1998 and 2008–2009, when the degree of tail dependence was stronger and less persistent. These two periods correspond to the two great financial crises in Asia and the USA, respectively.
GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND GONAD MATURATION OF AMUR CATFISH, Silurus asotus IN CAPTIVITY

This study was aimed to determine the growth performance and gonad maturation of Amur catfish, Silurus asotus reared in captivity. A total of 600 juvenile Amur catfish were reared in a 20-tonne aerated fibreglass tank for 3 months. The changes to body weight (mean ± SD) of Amur catfish at day 14 was 22.59 ± 3.59 g and attained a final average body weight of 110.95 ± 19.72 g. The average body weight gains (%) were 213.50% and gradually decreased to 109.95%. The specific growth rate recorded at 14-day intervals was 5.42%/day and fluctuated to 3.32%/day, 0.39%/day, 0.51%/day, with the corresponding measurements of 15.36 ± 1.07 cm and increments to 24.22 ± 1.34 cm. The final total length the fishes attained was an average of 25.58 ± 1.95 cm. The total length gain recorded was 124.61% and followed by 109.95%. The survival of Amur catfish within the three months was 29.17%. Length-weight relationship of the Amur catfish showed a strong correlation at log W = -2.6797 + 2.3102 log L and the value of the regression coefficient (b) equalled to 2.3102. Three stages of the oocyte (PO = primary oocyte, PVO = previtellogenic oocyte and VO = vitellogenic oocyte) determined histologically indicated that all-female gonad samples were in the developing stage. Matured gonad and spermatozoa were also observed in males. This study concludes that Amur catfish attained good growth performance and fast gonad maturation in captivity and can be a suitable species for aquaculture.
Information Literacy Instruction in Asynchronous Online Courses: Which Approaches Work Best?

Which modes of information literacy instruction (ILI) work best in asynchronous online courses? Recent national trends and COVID-19 have made it critical to answer this question, but there is little research comparing different modes of ILI specifically in asynchronous contexts. This multiyear study employed five different modes of ILI in different sections of an asynchronous online anthropology course and compared the modes' effects on students' coursework. Ethnographic analysis of students' bibliographies revealed nuanced changes to students' approaches to searching and source selection. These findings can inform librarians' development of ILI curricula and pedagogy for the unique circumstances asynchronous instruction presents. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of College & Research Libraries is the property of American Library Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)