Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Student experiences of course management systems in a Hong Kong institution

The course management system, as an evolving tool, is increasingly used to promote the quality, efficiency and flexibility of teaching and learning in higher education. However, the ways that course management systems can support and enhance the quality of teaching and learning needs further investigation. This paper describes findings of an exploratory study into undergraduate and postgraduate students’ experiences, and aims to provide insights into issues concerning the implementation of such systems in Hong Kong. The exploration focuses on: perceived usefulness of technologies for study; usage patterns; students’ perceptions; user support preferences; and self-reported experiences. Significant differences between academic levels of students are evident. Findings of the study shed light on issues concerning technology, pedagogy, and implementation strategies of course management systems within an institution Publication Details This conference paper was originally published as Yuen, A, Fox, R, Sun, A and Deng, L, Student experiences of course management systems in a Hong Kong institution, Proceedings of the Emerging Technologies Conference, University of Wollongong, 18-21 June 2008. This conference paper is available at Research Online: http://ro.uow. edu.au/etc08/25
Characterization of methomyl and carbofuran degrading-bacteria from soils of horticultural farms in Rift Valley and Central Kenya

The use of pesticides is very critical in protecting the farmers’ investment in seeds, fertilizer and labour since they provide a sure cover from damage by pests. The use of pesticides is therefore inevitable and the environmental pollution due to pesticides and their residues will continue to be a challenge. In this study, bacterial strains capable of degrading methomyl (S-methyl-N-[(methylcarbamoyl) oxy]-thioacetimidate) and carbofuran (2, 3-dihydro-2, 2-dimethyl-7-benzofuranyl methylcarbamate) were isolated from soils sampled from horticultural farms with a history of pesticide usage. High pressure liquid chromatography was used to monitor biodegradation of both methomyl and carbofuran using reference standards and acetonitrile and water as mobile phases. Partial 16S rDNA sequence analysis indicated that the carbofuran-degrading strains were closely related to members of the genus Pseudomonas and Alcaligenes while the methomyl degrading strains were closely related to members of the genus Flavobacterium and Alcaligenes . The morphological and biochemical characteristics of the isolates also confirmed the phylogenetic signature. The study established that the activities of the esterase and phosphatase enzymes correlated well with biodegradative capability and recommends possible application of the isolates in the in vivo bioremediation of pesticide contaminated soils. Key words : Pesticides, carbofuran, methomyl, biodegradation, bacteria.
SNF REPORT NO . 55 / 00 The Stock Market and Investment in the Small and Open Norwegian Economy by Øystein Gjerde

The relationship between the stock market and investment is analyzed by utilizing a multivariate vector autoregressive model, which also includes fundamentals represented by production and the bank interest rate. Two important results appear on the basis of data from the small, open economy of Norway. The financial market has no lead effect on real activity, as neither the stock market nor the credit market can predict future investment or production. On the contrary, current stock returns correlate negatively with lagged growth in investment, and positively with current growth in production. In addition, changes in the bank interest rate have a positive effect on future stock returns, production leads investment positively, and both production and the bank interest rate become exogenous variables in our model.
Physiological, biochemical and molecular characterization of potential bacteriocin producing strain isolated from fermented berseem

Lactic acid bacteria in fermented foods help in the improvement of flavour, preservation of the nutritive values of the raw material, and inhibition of growth or killing of food spoilage and pathogenic bacteria. Beside other metabolites, the produced bacteriocin, which is a ribosomally synthesized antimicrobial peptide, is the major metabolite involved in the killing of food spoilage microorganisms and acts as a biopreservative. In search of a bacteriocin having specific inhibitory activity against food pathogenic bacteria, isolation of bacteriocin producing lactic acid bacteria from various food items was carried out. Based on maximum production of the bacteriocin, strain BS13 was characterized and was further identified as Enterococcus faecium BS13 on the basis of physicochemical properties and 16S rRNA analysis. In MRS medium this isolate presented the maximum production of bacteriocin (27 306 AU ml−1) after 18 h of incubation period. BS13 bacteriocin showed antimicrobial activity against a wide range .
DONOR CHARACTERISTICS AND THE SUPPLY OF CLIMATE MITIGATION FINANCE

The paper examines the links between donor country characteristics and international mitigation finance. We make use of an extensive panel dataset to show that donors that reserve a larger amount of domestic financial resources for environmental purposes display lower commitment towards mitigation finance overseas. On the other hand, donors with left-wing governments and good institutions exhibit weaker commitment towards overseas mitigation finance. We also find important discrepancies when comparing donor behaviour in terms of original commitment and actual disbursement. For the latter, it is only income per capita and ratification of the Kyoto Protocol that matters – there is no evidence that a high level of CO2 emissions per capita at home influences the disbursement of mitigation finance.
A New SLAM Algorithm Particle Filter-based for Autonomous Underwater Vehicle

SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) has attracted more and more attention in AUV(Autonomous Underwater Vehicle), and some approaches to SLAM has also got rapid development. The dominant approach to the SLAM is the algorithm based on Kalman filter or Particle Filter. In order to adapt to different motion environment, FASTSLAM based on Rao-Blackweellized filter is generated which is implemented faster and more effective. Because the environment detector is sonar with lower output frequency, this paper uses inertial device whose sampling frequency is higher than velocity sensor to detect the point feature more accurately. This paper presents a new algorithm named auxiliary FASTSLAM, which is changed from FASTSLAM through adding some auxiliary variable, to realize more accurate navigation and localization without GPS. The simulation results show that the algorithm is more stable and reliable than pure EKFSLAM.
The transient OT J213806.6+261957 in Pegasus - Possible emitter of gravitational waves

The transient OT J213806.6+261957 in Pegasus showed an outburst in 2010 and an unexpected new outburst in 2014. The system has been classified as a SU UMa system and as a possible member of the WZ Sge subclass. The present paper reports about the spectroscopic monitoring of OT J213806.6+261957 (secured at Loiano Observatory, Italy) during the 2014 outburst and the potential of the system as a gravitational wave emitter. Since the system has an orbital period of 82 minutes and is at a distance of 70 pc only, it could be a strong gravitational source for the forthcoming space based interferometers.
Gravitational collapse of nonsingular logatropic spheres

We present the results of high-resolved, hydrodynamic calculations of the spherical gravitational collapse and subse- quent accretion of nonsingular subcritical and critical A = 0.2 logatropes, starting with initial configurations close to hydrostatic equilibrium. Two sequences of models with varying masses and the same central temperature Tc = 10 K are defined, which differ only in the fiducial value of the truncation pressure (ps/k = 1.3×10 5 cm −3 Ka nd 1.0×10 7 cm −3 K). In all cases, we follow the calculations until the central protostar has accreted 99% of the total available mass. Thus, the models may be indicative of early evolution from the Class 0 to the Class I protostellar phase. We find that the approach to the singular density profile is never entirely subsonic. In the lower ps sequence, about 6% of the mass collapses supersonically in a 1 Msphere, while only ∼0.02% behaves this way in a critical (≈92.05 M� ) logatrope. In the high ps sequence the same trend is observed, with ∼0.7% of the mass now infalling supersonically at the time of singularity formation in a 1 Msphere. Immediately after singularity formation, the accretion rate rises steeply in all cases, reaching a maximum value when the central protostar has accreted ∼40% of its final mass. Thereafter, it decreases monotonically for the remainder of the evolution. Our models predict peak values of u Macc as high as ∼5−6 × 10 −5 Myr −1 for logatropes close to the critical mass. In contrast, a subcritical 1 Mlogatrope reaches a maximum value of ∼8 × 10 −7 Myr −1 for the lower ps sequence compared to ∼5 × 10 −6 Myr −1 for the higher ps case. The results also imply that the accretion lifetimes are longer in logatropes with lower ps, consistent with the observational evidence that star formation in clumped regions occurs on shorter timescales compared to more isolated environments.
Tariffs and Firm Performance in Ethiopia

Abstract We use data on Ethiopian manufacturing firms and commodity-level data on tariffs to examine the effects of trade liberalisation on firm performance. We distinguish the productivity gains that arise from reducing final goods tariffs from those that arise from reducing tariffs on intermediate inputs. We find no evidence that output tariff reduction improves productivity, but we find large positive effects of input tariff reductions. These are robust to alternative productivity measures, treating tariffs as endogenous, and various generalisations of the model. We conclude that policy measures designed to facilitate access to inputs produced abroad may lead to productivity gains.
Isolation and Sequences Analysis of Tight Junction Protein Claudin Encoding Genes in Intestinal Barrier of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

A multiple genes family claudin encodes proteins which forms main structures of tight junction between epithelial cells. In intestinal epithelium claudin proteins are proposed to have roles in ion balances regulation and forming barrier against pathogenic invasion. In the present work, claudin genes were molecularly identified in common carp ( Cyprinus carpio ), one of the most important cultured fish in freshwater aquaculture. Carp claudin 1 and 2 were amplified with primers designed based on relevant known claudin genes in fish. On the basis of carp ESTs, other six carp claudin genes were amplified. The amplification products were cloned and sequenced. Phylogenetic and sequence analysis confirmed that the eight identified genes are claudin genes and could be designated as carp claudin 1, 2, 3b, 3c, 7, 11, 23, and 30, respectively. This finding could be used to develop further study of carp claudin especially roles of claudin during pathogen infection and strategy to modulate its expression in order to protect diseases in carp aquaculture.
Job Satisfaction in a Long-Stay Hospital: Related Variables and Monitoring Indicators

Aim: To identify dimensions with the greatest impact on health staff job satisfaction, evaluating their evolution over time and selecting the most sensitive monitoring indicators to detecting changes. Methods: Two cross-sectional studies were conducted in 2013 and 2016. The population studied was the staff of a Long Stay Chronic Care hospital in Valencia (n 2013=313; n 2016=312). The assessment tool used was the Corporate Osakidetza Satisfaction Survey, based on the EFQM Excellence Model, developed and validated by the Basque Health Service for the evaluation and improvement of people’s job satisfaction in public utility companies. Predictive variables were socio-demographic characteristics and professionals ratio with excellent perception of the organizational variables that define Job Satisfaction. Outcome variable was high job satisfaction, defined as a score ≥ 75th percentile. The association between variables was quantified by Odds Ratio. Results: Mean job satisfaction was 7 in both studies, being a poor indicator of change. The highest rated aspects in both surveys were healthcare quality and relationship with supervisor, and the worst were hospital management perception and recognition. In the stratified analysis, socio-demographic variables had little significance, while an excellent perception in some of the considered dimensions, and were associated with high job satisfaction. The most strongly associated aspects were communication, working environment and training. In the comparative study, indicators based on individual dimensions detected changes better than the assessment of overall satisfaction. Conclusions: Job satisfaction surveys are a useful tool to evaluate the perception of professionals and to detect improvement areas. The choice of appropriate indicators optimizes the information obtained through these surveys. According to our results, graphical representation of the percentage of satisfied professionals for each of the analyzed dimensions is the best indicator to detecting changes and detected differences that were not evident in the rest of indicators analyzed.
Using DNA barcodes to confirm new records of Amazon longfin herrings Pellona castelnaeana Valenciennes, 1847 and Pellona flavipinnis (Valenciennes, 1837) (Clupeiformes: Pristigasteridae) in the Branco River sub-basin

This note demonstrates the use of a DNA barcoding methodology in confirming new occurrence records of Pellona castelnaeana and Pellona flavipinnis in the Branco River sub-basin. The DNA barcode result was verified by identification based on morphological characters of both species. Thus, these records increase the species’ ranges by more than 600 km in the Amazon and show evidence of high genetic variability in P. flavipinnis.
Performance of loss-of-mains detection in multi-generator power islands

This paper presents an investigation of the impact of multi-generator power islands on the performance of the most-commonly used anti-islanding protection method, Rate of Change of Frequency (ROCOF). In particular, various generating technology mixes including Photovoltaic panels (PV), Doubly Fed Induction Generators (DFIGs) and Synchronous Generators (SG) are considered. The Non-Detection Zone (NDZ) for a range of ROCOF setting options is assessed systematically and expressed as a percentage of generator MVA rating. It was discovered that ROCOF protection becomes very ineffective when protection time delay is applied. In the majority of islanding situations the generator is disconnected by frequency-based G59 protection.
Semisimple actions of mapping class groups on CAT(0) spaces

Let S be an orientable surface of finite type and let Mod(S) be its mapping class group. We consider actions of Mod(S) by semisimple isometries on complete CAT(0) spaces. If the genus of S is at least 3, then in any such action all Dehn twists act as elliptic isometries. The action of Mod(S) on the completion of Teichm\"uller space with the Weil-Petersson metric shows that there are interesting actions of this type. Whenever the mapping class group of a closed orientable surface of genus g acts by semisimple isometries on a complete CAT(0) space of dimension less than g it must fix a point. The mapping class group of a closed surface of genus 2 acts properly by semisimple isometries on a complete CAT(0) space of dimension 18.
Image Restoration by a Mixed High-Order Total Variation and l1 Regularization Model

Total variation regularization is well-known for recovering sharp edges; however, it usually produces staircase artifacts. In this paper, in order to overcome the shortcoming of total variation regularization, we propose a new variational model combining high-order total variation regularization and l1 regularization. The new model has separable structure which enables us to solve the involved subproblems more efficiently. We propose a fast alternating method by employing the fast iterative shrinkage-thresholding algorithm (FISTA) and the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM). Compared with some current state-of-the-art methods, numerical experiments show that our proposed model can significantly improve the quality of restored images and obtain higher SNR and SSIM values.
New developments in rain–wind-induced vibrations of cables

On wet and windy days, the inclined cables of cable-stayed bridges can experience large amplitude, potentially damaging oscillations known as rain–wind-induced vibration (RWIV). RWIV is believed to be the result of a complicated non-linear interaction between rivulets of rain water that run down the cables and the wind loading on the cables from the unsteady aerodynamics; however, despite a considerable international research effort, the underlying physical mechanism that governs this oscillation is still not satisfactorily understood. An international workshop on RWIV was held in April 2008, hosted at the University of Strathclyde. The main outcomes of this workshop are summarised in the paper. A numerical method to investigate aspects of the RWIV phenomenon has recently been developed by the authors, which couples an unsteady aerodynamic solver to a thin-film model based on lubrication theory for the flow of the rain water to ascertain the motion of the rivulets owing to the unsteady aerodynamic field.
Mobile Health for the Developing World : Review , Prospects , and A Case Study

Mobile Health (mHealth) is an emerging technology that has a tremendous potential to improve the public health across the globe. Mobile phones being the simplest and most affordable technology has fueled the rapid adoption and institutionalization of mHealth. This paper focuses on the developing countries as despite the tremendous potential mHealth has not been implemented in large scale and there is a lack of research explaining the cause. We present a comprehensive list of the challenges that are current roadblocks for successful implementation of mHealth in the developing countries. In particular, we present a case study of Pakistan—an large underdeveloped country in South Asia. We discuss the public health architecture of Pakistan and then consider how mHealth can be used to complement the public health services in Pakistan. Moreover, we present a number of future aspects that the implementation of mHelath is likely to encounter. This research is expected to guide the development of strategies and policies for an effective and sustainable adoption of mHealth in the developing countries.
GPU-accelerated raster map reprojection

Reprojecting raster maps from one projection to another is an essential part of many cartographic processes (map comparison, overlays, data presentation, .) and reducing the required computational time is desirable and often significantly decreases overall processing costs. The raster reprojection process operates per-pixel and is, therefore, a good candidate for GPU-based parallelization where the large number of processors can lead to a very high degree of parallelism. We have created an experimental implementation of the raster reprojection with GPU-based parallelization (using OpenCL API). During the evaluation, we compared the performance of our implementation to the optimized GDAL and showed that there is a class of problems where GPU-based parallelization can lead to more than sevenfold speedup.
Enhancement Lower Order Harmonics in a Grid Connected Three-Phase Inverter with PV Source

Renewable energy is the energy which comes from natural resources such as PV, wind, rain, tides and geothermal heat. These resources are renewable and can be naturally replenished. Therefore, for all practical purposes, these resources can be considered to be inexhaustible, unlike dwindling conventional fossil fuels. In typical PV power generation systems, several photovoltaic panels are connected in series and parallel to form an array and feed energy to a single centralized three phase inverter or to a few parallel ‘string’ inverters. In this paper, a simple three-phase grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) inverter topology consisting of a boost section, a low-voltage three-phase inverter with an inductive filter, and a step-up transformer interfacing the grid is considered. Ideally, this topology will not inject any lower order harmonics into the grid due to high-frequency pulse width modulation operation. A novel design of inverter current control that mitigates lower order harmonics is presented in this paper. An adaptive harmonic compensation technique and its design are proposed for the lower order harmonic compensation. In addition, a proportionalresonant-integral (PRI) controller and its design are also proposed. This controller eliminates the dc component in the control system, which introduces even harmonics in the grid current in the topology considered. The dynamics of the system due to the interaction between the PRI controller and the adaptive compensation scheme is also analyzed through Matlab/Simulink Platform.
ADVANCED MEMRISTOR MODEL WITH A MODIFIED BIOLEK WINDOW AND A VOLTAGE-DEPENDENT VARIABLE EXPONENT

The main idea of the present research is to propose a new nonlinear ionic drift memristor model suitable for computer simulations of memristor elements for different voltages. For this purpose, a modified Biolek window function with a voltage-dependent exponent is applied. The proposed modified memristor model is based on Biolek model and due to this and to the use of a voltage-dependent positive integer exponent in the modified Biolek window function it has a new improved property - changing the model nonlinearity extent dependent on the integer exponent in accordance with the memristor voltage. Several computer simulations were made for soft-switching and hard-switching modes and also for pseudo-sinusoidal alternating voltage with an exponentially increasing amplitude and the respective basic important time diagrams, state-flux and i-v relationships are established.
Effects of Barley Cultivar and Dietary Supplemental enzyme on Performance, Egg Quality Traits, and Selected Blood Parameters of Laying Hens

The effect of supplementing two commercial multienzyme to diets included two barley cultivars (Sararood [71.99%] and Valfajr [66.39%]) on performance, egg quality, and blood parameters of laying hens was investigated in an 8-wk (65 to 73 wk of age) experiment. The commercial multienzymes were Grindazym™ (with mainly β-glucanase and xylanase activity) and Hemicell® (with mainly β-mannanase activity). Each dietary treatment consisted of five replicates of six hens. Barley cultivar had no significant effect on the measured criteria and there was no interaction between barley cultivar and enzyme throughout the study. Diet supplementation with enzymes reduced feed intake (P < 0.05). Hens receiving Grindazym-supplemented diets produced more eggs than those receiving diets without enzyme or supplemented with Hemicell (P < 0.05). Conversely, egg weight was higher for hens receiving the Hemicell-supplemented diets than for those fed the other diets (P < 0.05). Hens receiving the Grindazym-supplemented diet showed higher egg mass than those fed the unsupplemented diets (P < 0.05) and egg mass of hens receiving the Hemicell-supplemented diets was intermediate between these two groups. Feed conversion ratio was improved by enzyme supplementation throughout the study (P < 0.05). Serum concentration of triiodothyronine was higher in hens receiving the Grindazym-supplemented diets than that in hens receiving the diets with no enzyme or supplemented with Hemicell (P < 0.05). Overall, the nutritive value of barley could be improved by enzyme supplementation. However, the two enzyme sources had different effects on performance of laying hens probably due to different mechanisms of action.