Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Constructing English-medium instruction indicators in the shipping courses of Taiwan’s higher education

Purpose This paper aims to use an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and combine this with the fuzzy theory to identify key indicators influencing English-medium instruction (EMI) in the shipping courses of Taiwan’s higher education. Design/methodology/approach Based on a literature review and expert interviews, an evaluation model with 4 indicators and 13 sub-indicators was developed. Questionnaire samples included university English teachers (eight), university shipping teachers (nine) and shipping practitioners (eight). Findings Using 25 effective samples, the results found that “teachers’ characteristics” is the most important indicator, followed by “syllabus design”, “university resources” and “students’ characteristics”. Such a finding could provide valuable teaching and managerial strategies for EMI design in both university and industry sectors. Research limitations/implications Expert questionnaire targets have focused on university English teachers, university shipping teachers and shipping practitioners. Other related field experts could be further surveyed and compared in the future studies. Practical implications The findings of EMI indicators in the shipping courses could be used for course and material design by shipping companies, shipping authorities and universities. It is expected that these indicators could inform the provision of reasonable teaching resources allocation. Social implications This paper provides important guidance for designing EMI in shipping courses. Related stakeholders will be able to understand important concepts regarding designing EMI courses. Originality/value First, EMI indicators in the shipping courses have seldom been studied in the past. They are, however, important for both shipping industries and education intuitions. Second, as its method, this paper adopts decision analysis quantitative tool to complement previous qualitative studies regarding EMI studies.
Sampling Adipose and Muscle Tissue following Post-Harvest Scalding Does Not Affect RNA Integrity or Real-Time PCR Results in Market Weight Yorkshire Pigs

Improving production efficiency while enhancing pork quality is pivotal for strengthening sustainable pork production. Being able to study both gene expression and indices of pork quality from the same anatomical location of an individual animal would better enable research conducted to study relationships between animal growth and carcass merit. To facilitate gene expression studies, adipose and muscle tissue samples are often collected immediately following exsanguination to maximize RNA integrity, which is a primary determinant of the sensitivity of RNA-based assays, such as real-time PCR. However, collecting soft tissue samples requires cutting through the hide or skin. This leaves the underlying tissue exposed during scalding, poses possible food safety issues, and potentially confounds pork quality measures. To overcome these limitations, the effect of tissue sample timing post-harvest on RNA integrity, real-time PCR results, and pork quality measurements was investigated by sampling subcutaneous adipose tissue and longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle immediately following either exsanguination, scalding, or chilling. Sampling time did not affect RNA quality, as determined by the RNA integrity number of RNA samples purified from either adipose (RIN; p > 0.54) or muscle tissue (p > 0.43). Likewise, the sampling time did not influence the results of real-time PCR analysis of gene expression when comparing RNA samples prepared from adipose or muscle tissue immediately following either exsanguination or scalding (p > 0.92). However, sampling tissue prior to scalding resulted in a greater visual color score (p < 0.001) and lesser L* (p < 0.001) and b* (p < 0.001) values without impacting the 24 h pH (p < 0.41). These results suggested that if both RNA-based assays and meat quality endpoints are to be performed at the same anatomical location on an animal, tissue sampling to facilitate RNA-based assays should occur at a time point immediately following scalding. These findings demonstrated that sampling of adipose and muscle tissue can be delayed until after scalding/dehairing without decreasing the RNA integrity or altering the results of real-time PCR assays, while doing so was associated with little impact on measures of pork quality.
Modelling country reconstruction based on civil military cooperation

This paper provides a general overview about the use of Modeling & Simulation techniques as support to training, planning and decisions making in Country Reconstruction, after wars, natural disasters, large crisis and conflicts. In particular the authors focus on CIMIC (Civil Military Cooperation) activities and on CIMIC process in asymmetric wars. One goal of this research is to introduce a new Conceptual Model that can connect Human Emotions (fear, trust, anger.) to something or someone in scenarios generated by Computer Generated Forces (CGF). This interest resulted from the conviction that the success of a CIMIC Operation derives from the counterinsurgents capacity in separating local population from rebels. So, the intent is to model military actions’ effects (positive or not) on civilians’
Understanding Zhongyong Using a Zhongyong Approach: Re-examining the Non-linear Relationship Between Creativity and the Confucian Doctrine of the Mean

Zhongyong, a central theme of Confucian thought, refers to the “doctrine of the mean,” or the idea that moderation in all things is the optimal path. Despite considerable interest in the relationship between zhongyong and creativity, especially in China, studies of this relationship have not yielded consistent results. Based on a review of the literature, we hypothesized that this inconsistency arises from the dual nature of zhongyong itself, which has both a positive side, promoting creativity, and a negative side, inhibiting creativity. We also hypothesized that the negative side of zhongyong takes the form of excessive zhongyong. Indeed, the observations that every coin has two sides and that too much of a good thing is as bad as too little are core principles of zhongyong in traditional Chinese culture. To test these hypotheses, we conducted two empirical studies (measuring explicit and implicit zhongyong personality, respectively) to examine the relationships between positive and negative zhongyong and creativity (measured in terms of creative personality, divergent thinking, and convergent thinking). The results of both studies revealed an interaction between positive zhongyong and negative zhongyong, indicating that only a moderate level of zhongyong is conducive to creativity; both deficiency and excess are harmful. We discuss the implications of these results, suggesting that a zhongyong approach can help to clarify non-linear relationships between things, and recommending to re-assess the creativity of Chinese culture from a neutral and objective outlook. This paper deepens understanding of zhongyong and offers clear insights into creativity from an in-depth cultural perspective.
Parameter study of framed‐tube structures with outriggers using genetic algorithm

In this paper, the analysis of optimal locations of framed‐tube structures with outriggers is conducted with the uniform and nonuniform core and peripheral columns using genetic algorithm, aiming to minimize the interstory drift. Also, comparison and difference of the results between the uniform and nonuniform structures are carried out and discussed. Besides, several parameters which influence the behavior of the structure are identified and analyzed, such as different objective functions, segments of outriggers, thickness of core wall, stiffness of outriggers, and grade of concrete strength. In addition, a Matlab program is written to perform the parameter analysis of optimal location of outriggers. Take a 260‐m high‐rise building as a target building, the optimal locations of one to two sets of outriggers subjected to three kinds of horizontal loadings (uniform, parabolic, and triangular) are obtained and can be utilized for the structural preliminary design of tall buildings.
Analytical modelling of the effect of pole offset on the output parameters of BLDC motor

In this study, a new analytical model is provided to calculate the effect of the pole offset on the output parameters of brushless DC (BLDC) motor. The proposed model is based on the two-dimensional analysis model and the direct solution of Laplace and Cauchy-Poisson equations for the magnetic field in the air gap and the magnets area. In this model, radial and tangential components of the magnetisation vector are calculated. Effect of pole offset on the radial and tangential components of magnetisation vector is derived. It is shown that in the case of a motor with pole offset although the length of the magnet decreases at the edges of the pole, the effective air-gap length remains constant. This study proposed two coefficients to model the reduced thickness of the magnets at the edges of the poles. Therefore, the flux density is calculated in the air gap and motor magnets. Based on the proposed model, effect of pole offset on the cogging torque ripple and back-electromotive force is achieved. These results are compared with the results of finite element and experimental tests and accuracy of the model is presented.
Do You Trust Digital Health Pass? Understanding Tourists’ Responses toward Using Health QR Codes in Pandemic Travel

ABSTRACT Health information technology has been widely implemented to ensure travel safety in the current normalization stage of COVID-19. However, levels of public trust and acceptance toward health QR codes are low in many countries, impeding tourism recovery after the outbreak. Thus, this study aims to explore the psychological mechanisms underpinning tourist trust, confidence, and behaviors toward traveling with health QR codes. Using a quota sampling, 1089 respondents were collected across mainland China. Results identify that tourists’ trust in health QR codes is affected by knowledge, perceived efficacy, privacy risk, and security. People’s trust in digital health applications can boost travel confidence and increase acceptance of tracing technology and travel intention after the pandemic. Practical implications for developing policies and strategies to encourage travel are provided.
Real-Time Illegal Parking Detection Algorithm in Urban Environments

Currently, illegal parking detection tasks are mainly achieved through manually checking by enforcement officers on patrol or using Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras. However, these methods either need high human labour costs or demand installation costs and procedures. Therefore, illegal parking detection solutions, which can reduce significant labour and equipment installation costs, are highly demanded. This paper proposes a novel voting based detection algorithm using deep learning networks implemented using in-vehicle cameras to achieve illegal parking detection with multiple offences’ types. Adopting in-vehicle cameras better matches real-world mobile scenarios than using traditional CCTV cameras as this helps enforcement authorities to reduce manpower and installation costs. A well-constructed new dataset with more than 10000 high-quality labelled images with seven object categories is built for illegal parking detection tasks. Additionally, one novel labelling method named “minimal illegal units” is proposed for illegal parking detection. It reduces the time and human labelling costs significantly, achieving a better correlation of a vehicle and its parking type. The experiments have been conducted in the urban areas of Singapore. Furthermore, the illumination robustness test has also been performed to illustrate that the proposed detection algorithm exhibits strong resistance to changing illumination conditions in varied operating environments. Our proposed detection algorithm can provide a benchmark for research in illegal parking detection.
Distance measurement using frequency-modulated continuous-wave ladar with calibration by a femtosecond frequency comb

Precise distance measurement is of interest for large-scale manufacturing, future space satellite missions, and other industrial applications. The ranging system with femtosecond optical frequency comb (FOFC) could offer high accuracy, stability and direct traceability to SI definition of the meter. Here, we propose a scheme for length measurement based on the frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) ladar with a FOFC. In this scheme, the reference interferometer in the FMCW ladar is calibrated by the intensity detection using the FOFC in the time domain within an optical wavelength resolution. With analysis of the theoretical model, this system has the potential to a high-speed, high-accuracy absolute distance measurement. Then, based on the experimental results, the evaluation of the performance of the calibration of the reference arm is discussed. In addition, the performance of this system is evaluated by a single position measurement with different tuning velocities of wavelength. The experimental results show that the reproducibility of the distance measurement is 10-5 level.
Multitrip vehicle routing with delivery options: a data-driven application to the parcel industry

To make the last mile of parcel delivery more efficient, service providers offer an increasing number of modes of delivery as alternatives to the traditional and often cost-intensive home delivery service. Parcel lockers and pickup stations can be utilized to reduce the number of stops and avoid costly detours. To design smart delivery networks, service providers must evaluate different business models. In this context, a multitrip vehicle routing problem with delivery options and location-dependent costs arises. We present a data-driven framework to evaluate alternative delivery strategies, formulate a corresponding model and solve the problem heuristically using adaptive large neighborhood search. By examining large, real-life instances from a major European parcel service, we determine the potential and benefits of different delivery options. Specifically, we show that delivery costs can be mitigated by consolidating orders in pickup stations and illustrate how pricing can be applied to steer customer demand toward profitable, eco-friendly products.
Biosurfactant activity of phylloplane bacteria from an ornamental plant, Colocasia esculenta L.

Abstract. Bukhori A, Suryanto D, Nurtjahja K. 2022. Biosurfactant activity of phylloplane bacteria from an ornamental plant, Colocasia esculenta L. Biodiversitas 23: 3108-3114. Biosurfactants are surface-active molecules produced by living organisms predominantly by microorganisms with amphiphilic properties. Exploration of biosurfactant-producing bacteria has been promoted to find the suitable agent for mass production in the laboratory following its biochemical and genetic modification. Leaf-colonizing bacteria or phyllosphere bacteria are of great interest, including those colonizing the surface of ornamental plants which are still understudied. This study aimed to isolate the biosurfactant-producing bacteria from an ornamental plant, Colocasia esculenta L and to determine their physical characteristics. Four bacterial isolates coded as IC1, IC3, IC4 and IC5 were recovered from the surface of C. esculenta and were tested positive for their growth under Bushnell-Haas agar + 1% olive oil (v/v) as the sole carbon source. Two isolates, namely IC3 and IC5, later molecularly identified as Bacillus cereus and Alcaligenes faecalis produced the highest biosurfactant concentration (IC3 = 157 ppm, IC5 = 106 ppm) on 10th day incubation based on a colorimetric test using rhamnolipid as a standard solution. Crude biosurfactants produced by A. faecalis IC5 showed better physical attributes than B. cereus IC3 in terms of surface tension, emulsification index, and oil spreading capability on four different hydrophobic compounds i.e., kerosene, solar fuel, octane fuel (Pertalite, Pertamax). The results of this study confirmed the existence of biosurfactant-producing bacteria in C. esculenta and the possibility of developing prominent strains for the treatment of hydrocarbon pollution in the environment.
Analysing the Relationship Between Immigrant Status and the Severity of Offending Behaviour in Terms of Individual and Contextual Factors

Background Social inclusion is a context for both risk and protective factors of migrant youth delinquency. This study aims to shed light on the issue by comparing delinquency amongst native, first-generation, and second-generation immigrant youths in Portugal, a country located in the south of Europe, an area where research in this field is still scarce. Methods The research is based on the International Self-Reported Delinquency (ISRD-3) dataset, which includes information on over 4,000 adolescents, who self-reported on their socio-demographic status, leisure activities, school and neighbourhood environment, family bonds, and self-control. Results Nested Logistic Regression analyses showed that a young first-generation immigrant is twice as likely to commit a crime, with or without violence, as a young native born in Portugal. However, no differences were found regarding the prevalence of delinquency amongst second-generation immigrants and natives, which is likely due to the integration and cultural assimilation of the immigrant over time. Regarding the analysed risk factors, it was found that both structural and individual factors, identified by the theories of control, stress, as well as situational action theory, have a direct effect on the commission of juvenile crimes (both non-violent and violent). Moreover, this effect is significant in adolescents living in Portugal in general, both immigrants and natives. The most influential variable for both types of delinquent behaviour, with and without violence, is peer delinquency, followed by low morality and self-control. Conclusion These findings have relevant policy implications and are useful for evidence-based interventions aimed at promoting migrant adolescent well-being and targeting host countries’ performance.
Growth and Physiological Attributes of Rice by the Inoculation of Osmotolerant Rhizobacteria (Enterobacter flavescens) under Drought Condition

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) has mechanism for morphological, physiological, and biochemical self-defense in response to drought conditions. The ability of osmotolerant rhizobacteria to develop association with plants suggests that it could be used as an inoculum to support plant growth under drought stress. The purpose of this study is to determine the response of ‘IR64’ and ‘Situ Bagendit’ to the inoculation with osmotolerant rhizobacteria under drought conditions. The experiment had 3 treatment factors: 2 rice cultivars ('IR64' and 'Situ Bagendit'), 3 drought treatments (25%, 50% and 100% field capacity), and 2 types of rhizobacteria treatments (without inoculation and with inoculation using osmotolerant rhizobacteria (Enterobacter flavescens). Plant growth was measured in terms of plant height, number of leaves, number of tillers and panicles, and percentage of filled grain. Physiological and biochemical parameters, namely chlorophyll, carotenoids, proline, superoxide dismutase (SOD) peroxidase (POX) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) were measured. The inoculation of osmotolerant rhizobacteria enhanced ‘IR64’ and ‘Situ Bagendit’ growth (plant height, number of leaves, tillers and panicles) and increased the percentage of grains in ‘IR64’ cultivar. Proline content, SOD, and APX activities were all increased by osmotolerant rhizobacteria inoculation, however, carotenoid content was decreased. Plant growth, physiological and biochemical responses of both cultivar to drought were enhanced by inoculation with osmotolerant rhizobacteria.
Frequency selective digital predistortion for harmonic rejection

ABSTRACT In recent wireless communications, spectrally flexible transmissions such as carrier aggregation and cognitive radio pose severe challenges for the high-efficient radio-frequency power amplifier (PA) design. The non-linear characteristics of PAs may yield substantial unwanted emissions that can violate the emission limits, thus interfere with other communication systems within the frequency vicinity. Furthermore, in frequency-division duplexing systems, if the unwanted emissions happen to fall into the intended receiver band, it may cause severe receiver desensitisation. In this paper, we present a novel digital predistortion (DPD) technique based on a frequency selective architecture, which is aimed at reducing the unwanted harmonic emissions at any pre-specified frequency and linearising the fundamental signal at the same time. The method can simplify the predistortion structure compared with the whole spurious suppression DPD method and thus reduce the computational complexity of the predistortion process. Furthermore, the identification of the DPD coefficients is based on a breeding particle swarm optimisation algorithm, which can enhance the calculation flexibility as well accelerate the convergence speed compared with traditional gradient methods. Both simulation and measurement results demonstrate sufficient spur suppression at the target frequency.
Genetic stability of melon (Cucumis melo L. cv. Meloni) based on inter-simple sequence repeat and phenotypic characteristics

Abstract. Yusuf AF, Wibowo WA, Daryono BS. 2022. Genetic stability of melon (Cucumis melo L. cv. Meloni) based on inter-simple sequence repeat and phenotypic characteristics. Biodiversitas 23: 3042-3049.A new cultivar must have a character that follows the official criteria of distinctness, uniformity, and stability (DUS) as required for the grant of Plant Breeder Rights and official cultivar registration. Meloni is a new cultivar resulting from plant breeding by the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada. Legality is needed in the form of plant variety protection (PVT)to protect the intellectual rights of researchers. Therefore, this study aims to identify morphological characters according to official criteria and validate molecular feelings by using molecular markers Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat. The results of morphological characterization showed that the distinctive character of the Meloni cultivar lies in the oval shape of the fruit, the skin of the fruit is creamy with a smooth texture without the net, and the flesh of the fruit is orange with a sweet taste. The differences in morphological characters of the Meloni cultivar cultivated at two locations differ in fruit weight, flesh thickness, fruit shelf life, and harvest age. Molecular identification resulted in a low similarity in the phenetic relationship, namely 35% against Sonya cultivars and 51% against Kirani and Kinanti cultivars. The Meloni cultivar's stability and uniformity analysis between the two locations (Bandung, West Java, and Sleman, Yogyakarta) yielded 76%. The difference in cultivation locations did not affect the level of stability and genetic uniformity of the Meloni cultivar.
Characterization of complete chloroplast genome of Ulva torta (Mertens) Trevisan, 1841

Abstract Ulva torta (Mertens) Trevisan, 1841 was a global temperate widespread species. Green tide blooms caused by the green algae of the Ulva species occurred frequently in China. As a newly discovered species in the green tide bloom area, it was necessary to explore the relationship between U. torta and other green algae of the Ulva species. The complete chloroplast genome of U. torta was 105,423 bp in size. A total of 100 genes were annotated in the genome, containing 70 protein-coding genes, 27 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and three rRNA genes. The chloroplast genome had high AT content (74.76%). Phylogenetic analysis showed U. torta was clustered with Ulva meridionalis. This work could be useful for studying the evolution and genetic diversity of U. torta.