Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cryopreserved Semen Motility of South American Neotropical Fish: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract Systematic review and meta-analysis (MA) were performed to summarize scientific evidence of the effects of cryopreservation of sperm from South American species of freshwater fish using the motility rate as an indicator. The search strategy was applied to four electronic databases, and the inclusion criteria were studies conducted on neotropical fish, including semen, that were submitted to cryopreservation. Meta-analysis for random effects was performed for each indicator according to the general average of fresh (control) and cryopreserved (treated) semen. A total of 25 publications reporting 26 studies and 116 trials were included in the MA. Heterogeneity was observed between studies for all variables. In general, cryopreserved semen showed lower advanced motility, an increase of which was observed (P < 0.01) in a greater proportion of semen dilution. Results showed that cryopreservation with the use of cryoprotectants such as alcohols and amides seem to favor the motility rates of the cryopreserved semen of neotropical South American freshwater species.
Utilizing wavelets to solve high-dimensional transport equations in nano-devices

For more than three decades industrial Technology Computer Aided Design (TCAD) has been contributing to the baffling development speed of ever faster, smaller and more efficient semiconductor devices. While Drift-Diffusion (DD) equations have been the solid workhorse for TCAD engineers in the past, quantum mechanical and hot-carrier effects make this approach unreliable for the development of next generation technologies. A new challenge for TCAD also comes from the emerging 3-dimensional transistor architectures which improve the electrostatic integrity. More rigorous simulation approaches like the Boltzmann Transport Equation (BTE) and Wigner Transport Equation (WTE) (being 6dimensional integro-differential equations) became the focus of attention in academia and industry. Limitations of the widely applied Monte-Carlo (MC) BTE method are driving the development of alternative deterministic approaches which, in turn, suffer from the ”curse of dimensionality” of the 5and 6-dimensional phase spaces. In this work wavelets are proposed for the deterministic solutions of the BTE and WTE for the first time. Wavelets span hierarchical, multi-scale bases and enable very efficient solution representations as well as new adaptive algorithms. The advantages of wavelets over conventional approaches are often strongly amplified in higher dimensions by the construction of so-called sparse grids. As those concepts have not been sufficiently developed for hyperbolic Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) so far, the sparse grid Multi-Wavelet Discontinuous Galerkin Method (MWDG) is derived in this thesis and its general properties are discussed. The MWDG applied to the BTE is not only flux conservative and stabilizing but, in contrast to
Malaysian Government Business Support and Assistance for Small and Medium Enterprises: A Case of COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis

In Malaysia, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the significant contributor to economic growth. However, since the coronavirus outbreak, Malaysian SME business activity has been severely slowed. Therefore, during this COVID-19 pandemic crisis, government business supports and assistances are indispensable because if SMEs go down, the country will be affected. This chapter will focus on supports and assistances provided by Malaysian government on SMEs impacted from the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. The chapter will be introduced with the background of SMEs in Malaysia, follow by scenarios of COVID-19, the Movement Control Order imposed by Malaysian government, and the impact of COVID-19 on SMEs. Next the chapter will discuss the government supports and assistances and follow by government monitoring on supports and assistances given. Lastly, the chapter ends with suggestions for SME recovery of COVID-19 pandemic crisis.
Phytophagous insects and predatory arthropods in soybean and zinnia

Abstract. Anggraini E, Anisa WN, Herlinda S, Irsan C, Suparman S, Suwandi S, Harun MU, Gunawan B. 2021. Phytophagous insects and predatory arthropods in soybean and zinnia. Biodiversitas 22: 1405-1414. In Indonesia, soybean is the third most important commodity after rice and corn. Cultivation technique such as planting hedgerows was expected to attract and retain natural enemies of pest predators. This study was conducted to determine the phytophagous insects and predatory arthropods species in soybean (Glycine max L.) and zinnia (Zinnia sp., hybrids) plants as refugia. This study utilized three methods i.e., visual observation, pitfall trap, net-trap in both soybean and zinnia planting areas. All collected insects were carried to the laboratory for observation and identification using insect determination key book. Insect identification was based on their morphological characteristics. The results study showed that phytophagous and predatory arthropods were found in both soybean and zinnia plantations in Agro-Techno Center (ATC), Sriwijaya University, Indonesia. There were 11 species of phytophagous and 5 species of entomophagous insects identified at soybean cultivation. Meanwhile, 5 species of phytophagous and 9 species of predatory arthropods including five spider species found, namely Pardosa distincta, Oxyopes javanus, Lycosa pseudomonas, Pardosa sp. and Drapetisca socialis at zinnia cultivation area. However, chi-square analysis (at alpha 0.05), confirmed that there was no significant difference between predatory arthropods in soybean and Zinnia the results indicate that soybean is might be suitable to be planted as refugia for predatory arthropods.
Time Since Lower-Limb Amputation

Supplemental digital content is available in the text. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate associations between time since amputation (TSAmp) and mobility outcomes of adults with lower-limb amputation. Design A secondary analysis of a cross-sectional dataset, including 109 community-dwelling adults, 1 yr or more after unilateral transfemoral (n = 39; mean age, 54 ± 15 yrs) or transtibial (n = 70; mean age = 58 ± 14 yrs) amputation, was conducted. Participants attended standardized clinical evaluations and completed mobility-related outcome measures: Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire–Mobility Subscale, timed up and go, 10-m walk test, and 6-min walk test. Results After controlling for age, sex, amputation level, and etiology, TSAmp was significantly associated with each mobility outcome. Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire–Mobility Subscale and TSAmp were linearly associated, with TSAmp explaining 10.6% of the overall variance. Timed up and go test time and TSAmp were linearly associated, with TSAmp and an interaction term (LevelxTSAmp) explaining 8.4% of the overall variance; 10-m walk test speed and 6-min walk test distance had nonlinear associations with TSAmp, with TSAmp and nonlinear terms (TSAmp2) explaining 12.1% and 13.2% of the overall variance, respectively. Conclusions Based on the findings, longer TSAmp may be associated with better Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire–Mobility Subscale score and timed up and go test time, whereas longer TSAmp may be associated with better or worse 10-m walk test speed and 6-min walk test distance depending upon time elapsed since lower-limb amputation. Estimations of postamputation mobility among adults with lower-limb amputation should consider TSAmp.
Study of Social media impacts on social capital and employee performance – evidence from Tunisia Telecom

ABSTRACT Today, social networks have become essential communication tools. The emergence of internal social media platforms and applications in the workplace has created great digital opportunities for employees to communicate, collaborate, exchange work-related information, and share professional knowledge. Accordingly, the objective of this research is to explore the effect of social media use in the workplace. Specifically, the present study aims to identify the effect of social media use on employees' work performance through their impact on social capital and knowledge sharing. A research model was proposed and empirically tested with an online survey study of 328 working professionals who use social media in a telecommunication company – “Tunisie Telecom„. Results reveal that social media use in the workplace positively influence social capital, which impact knowledge sharing among employees that leads to better work performance. Implications and directions for future work are discussed.
The simulation manifesto: The limits of brute‐force empiricism in geopolitical forecasting

President Franklin Roosevelt famously declared that December 7, 1941, the date of Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, would “live in infamy. ” He meant that the surprise onslaught against the American fleet was so dishonorable that Japan would forever suffer from association with it. But what shook the American public to its core was not the perfidy of Imperial Japan but the shock of so severe a challenge to the country's ability to defend itself and the lack of foresight it seemed to reveal. For decades, controversy would rage over whether the defeat at Pearl Harbor could have been avoided. Although some charged Roosevelt with knowingly allowing the attack to help his campaign to enter the war against Germany, most critics treated it as a failure of intelligence analysts who had accurate reports of the impending attack but did not turn them into the timely warnings that the political echelon would heed (Wohlstetter, 1962). In the wake of the disaster, Roosevelt shut down the Office of the Director of Information, which had only been in existence since July 1941. Having apparently failed in its mission to coordinate disparate channels of information, it was replaced in June 1942 by the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), which after WWII Received: 20 July 2020 | Revised: 5 January 2021 | Accepted: 5 January 2021 DOI: 10.1002/ffo2.64
Spin Interpreted as the Angular Momentum Curvature, Electron g-factor Interpreted as the Ratio of Toroidal Torsion and Curvature, Unlocking of the Fixed Planck Constant h – New Tests for Old Physics

We have proposed several new rules for the description of events in the microworld. We have newly defined the interpretation of the quantum spin as the angular momentum curvature and defined the geometry of helixes and toroidal helixes of quantum particles. Some new properties of quantum particles can be experimentally tested. Based on this concept we have defined the electron g-factor as the ratio of the toroidal torsion and curvature and events between the electron and its coupling photon. From this model we have extracted the values of the fine-structure constant α and the Planck constant h. The comparison of these values with the latest experimental data reveals some possible circular arguments in the experimental determination – the so-called SI barrier created by the fixing of the SI constants (SI – International System of Units). We propose on the one side to analyze those possible circular arguments and on the other side to continue to develop new generations of instruments for getting one or two more significant figures of those values h and c. The predictions of this classical model could be compared with the best predictions of QED (quantum electrodynamics) for the fine-structure constant α.
Characterization of Physico-chemical, Thermal, and Mechanical Properties of Ethiopian Sisal Fibers

ABSTRACT The objective of this paper was to examine the effectiveness of extraction methods (retting, chemical, and scraping) on physico-chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties of sisal (Agave sisalana) fibers. Thermal analysis (TGA), FT-IR spectroscopy, SEM, XRD, and mechanical strength tests were used to trace back the influence of extraction methods on physico-chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties of sisal fibers. Interestingly, sisal fibers extracted by chemical method (15% NaOH) have shown the highest amount of cellulose (78%) while lignin content (2.5%) is very small compared to the results from other extraction methods, retting, and scraping. The FT-IR peak around 1240 cm−1 confirmed the presence of lignin and hemicellulose which indicates the inefficiency of all extraction methods. Thermal analysis (TGA) showed two degradation peaks representing the evolution of adsorbed moisture and glycosidic cleavage of chemical components of sisal fibers. The chemical method has shown superior tensile strength (387 MPa) relative to similar fibers from retting (278 MPa) and scraping (362 MPa). To sum up, the chemical method can be recommended as a more suitable extraction technique for further engineering applications of sisal fibers.
Civil Participation-Driven Social Capitalization-Enabled Resilience Cycle for Community-based Tourism

Community-based tourism (CBT) is flourishing in Thailand, partly credited to the active local participation and engagement-driven national policies that aim to stimulate effective uses of local resources and destination attributes for income-earning and sustainable socio-cultural and ecological development. Against this policy-grassroot synergistic backdrop and given the scare literature on the civil roles in CBT, this study examines the civil participation as an important social capitalization bridge to enable and thrust the community development and organization towards realizing CBT potentials while creating positive impacts on the economics, cultural, social and environmental domains of sustainability. In particular, a civil participation-driven social capitalization-enabled resilience cycle model, with a root taken to social capitalization structure of destination management that relates and integrates thestructural andrelational elements, and the cognitive goals, is proposed, as a key conceptual contribution to the extant literature of CBT and tourism, and is empirically supported by the neural network simulations and structural equation modeling (SEM) fitting. The samples were drawn from the agriculturelivelihood based communities who exploit community-based tourism (CBT) to supplement their earnings and help them develop socio-cultural and ecological attitudes and sustainability results. The SEM and the neural network results were well-aligned and cross-supportive, which manifests another domain of contribution in the methodological aspect in social sciences, tourism and hospitality disciplines. The resilience cycle model fit is dynamic in nature, and provides a base for the continuous development of the communities in sustainable manner
Residual Effect of Sodium Hypochlorite on Pulp Chamber Dentin Adhesion

Aim: This study has evaluated the residual effect of NaOCl on resin-pulp chamber dentin bond strength after 7 and 14 days, using a three-step etch-and-rinse adhesive system. Methodology: Forty pulp chamber dentin from bovine incisors crowns were randomly allocated to one of the following groups: G1, immersion in 0.9% saline solution for 30 minutes (control); G2, immersion in 5.25% NaOCl for 30 minutes; G3, immersion in 5.25% NaOCl for 30 minutes and stored for 7 days; and G4, immersion in 5.25% NaOCl for 30 minutes and stored for 14 days. After restoration, the dentin/resin interface was tested by microtensile bond strength and failure mode was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Data were analyzed by ANOVA followed by Tukey. Results: G1 had higher bond strength than the rest of the groups. There were no statistically significant differences among G2, G3, and G4 (p>0.05). Conclusions: The adverse effect of NaOCl on bond strength persisted even after 14 days after exposure.
Soil-borne Septicaemic Colibacillosis in Neonatal Lambs: Salient Observations

Background: In sheep, Escherichia coli infection can occur as asymptomatic entity to septicaemic episode. Chiefly, it causes heavy mortality in lambs and devastates the farm economy. With an objective of documenting the salient epidemiological and clinico-pathological observations in this naturally occurred outbreak of septicaemic colibacillosis, this communication is made herewith. Methods: In February 2019, sudden death in lambs was observed in three flocks of sheep. Carcasses were subjected for necropsy and histopathological examination. Swab samples from heart, abomasum, intestines, liver and lung were examined for bacteriological and molecular confirmation. Result: The mean (±SE) age of lambs that were affected was 11.00 ±0.49 days (n=404). Lambs of native Malpura breed (87.5%) and other two crossbred sheep were affected. Overall mortality of lambs was 23.76%. Gross pathological observations were pulmonary edema, ecchymotic lesions in lungs, congestion in kidney and liver and presence soil-mixed ingesta in abomasum. From the morbid materials including stomach and intestinal swabs, 45 E. coli isolates were identified and they were also confirmed on polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Consequently, virulence genes for shiga toxin (stx2) and intimin (eae) were identified from the isolates. Although antibiotics were administered, only probiotics could control the new infection rate.
Monopulse Radial Line Slot Array Antenna Fed by a 3-D-Printed Cavity-Ended Modified Butler Matrix Based on Gap Waveguide at 94 GHz

This article presents the design and fabrication of a monopulse radial line slot array (RLSA) antenna excited with a circular cavity connected to a modified Butler matrix at 94 GHz. The antenna consists of two pieces: the RLSA antenna implemented over a low loss dielectric substrate and a 3-D-printed Butler matrix based on gap waveguide. The interface between both parts is a circular cavity that couples two different modes into the RLSA through a coupling slot in the dielectric substrate. The coupled mode depends on the input excitation of the Butler matrix for the generation of simultaneous sum and difference radiation patterns. This interface is deeply detailed in this article, together with the design of the RLSA antenna and the integration of the full monopulse antenna. The measured S-parameters fit very well with simulations. The operation is inherently narrowband with a realized gain of 27.8 dBi at 94 GHz, a radiation efficiency of 70%, 0.3 dB axial ratio, and a maximum null relation between sum and difference patterns higher than 50 dB.
Optimized 3-D Polarized H-Field Forming for Orientation-Insensitive Wireless Power Transfer Systems

This article addresses the angular misalignment problem in wireless power transfer (WPT) systems by a magnetic field (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$H$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-field) forming approach using coil antennas. To power up a planar receiver coil in any orientation, 3-D rotating <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$H$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-field is required. Using the transmitter coil antennas with amplitude-modulated current excitations, 3-D polarization of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$H$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-field is achieved. The power transfer efficiency depends on the polarization of the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$H$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-field and varies with receiver inclination. This is applicable for a spherically polarized <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$H$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-field which is otherwise expected to provide uniform induced voltage in the receiver in any orientation. To completely mitigate the misalignment problem, mathematical analysis of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$H$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-field forming is presented followed by optimization of the 3-D polarization. This evolves in understanding the effect of various 3-D <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$H$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-field polarizations on the induced voltage and results in an optimum ellipsoidal polarization achieving performance that is invariant to the receiver orientation. The results are compared for various 3-D polarizations and the best performance is shown by the proposed solution. The analytically obtained results are validated through simulations and experimental studies. The results thus obtained proved the potential of the proposed optimized 3-D <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$H$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-field polarization in WPT systems where a free-orientation of the receiver is necessary.
Intensifying the synthesis of starch nanoparticles using ultrasound-assisted acid hydrolysis method

In the present study, an intensified approach for the synthesis of starch nanoparticles (SNPs) was demonstrated by using ultrasound-assisted acid hydrolysis method. The conventional acid hydrolysis for the synthesis of SNPs was intensified using ultrasound. The overall time required to convert starch granules to SNPs in the conventional acid hydrolysis method (48 h) was significantly reduced to 45 min by simultaneous acid hydrolysis and ultrasound irradiation. The acid concentration was found to be an important parameter for obtaining the desired size and morphology of the synthesized SNPs. The variation in the surface charges associated with the SNPs was confirmed through measuring their zeta potential. These potential charges on the surface of SNPs induce crystal growth among the synthesized nanoparticles. The irregular crystal morphology at higher acid concentration clearly shows SNPs' attachment with each other by coalescence. The higher crystallinity for SNPs was observed at low acid concentration; however, the lower acid concentration (0.5 M) leads to the smaller particle size of SNPs from 40 to 60 nm, with the overall yield of 23%. The proposed ultrasound method is more efficient and reproducible for the synthesis of SNPs for various applications.
Protein Hydrolysates Supplement in the Nutrient Solution of Soilless Grown Fresh Peppermint and Spearmint as a Tool for Improving Product Quality

The present study investigated the potential of fresh peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.) and spearmint (Menthaspicata L.) production on a floating raft system combined with a commercial protein hydrolysate supplement (Amino16®) in a nutrient solution aiming to improve plant product quality. Three levels of the protein hydrolysate solution (0, 0.25 and 0.50%) were added in the nutrient solution, and the plants were harvested after twenty-four days. Plant growth characteristics were recorded, and nutritional, essential oil and polyphenolic composition were determined in fresh tissue. The addition of protein hydrolysates did not affect the fresh or dry weight but reduced plant height. Nitrate content significantly decreased, while total chlorophyll and essential oil content increased in both species. Moreover, the protein hydrolysate solution further increased total antioxidant capacity, total soluble phenol and carotenoid contents in spearmint plants, while it did not affect the essential oil and polyphenolic composition in both species. In conclusion, protein hydrolysates solution may be added in the nutrient solution, to improve the quality of peppermint and spearmint grown in a floating system, without adverse effects on crop yield or the essential oil and polyphenolic profile.