Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of 2D‐image analysis techniques for measuring soil microporosity

To compare soil porosity measurements, manual, semiautomatic and automatic 2D‐image analyses were performed on three sets of images of the same fields. The first and second image sets were obtained, by a fluorescence microscope, on the polished surfaces of soil blocks impregnated with a fluorescent resin and on the thin sections made from them, respectively. A scanning electron microscope in backscattered mode was used to acquire the third set of images on the thin sections. In the manual image analysis procedure, image segmentation was based on the best visual impression and carried out individually for each image with the UTHSCSA Image Tool software. For the semiautomatic method, the software μCTanalySIS was used; the images were segmented by double hysteresis, after interactive selection of the thresholding values. Automatic thresholding, based on an analysis of the image intensity histogram, was performed using the image analysis software Image‐Pro® Plus. Average microporosity measurements were compared between image types and image analysis methods using marginal regression models for continuous outcomes. The mean area covered by pores was significantly different depending on the type of image and the method of image analysis. Results after the automatic procedure were significantly larger than after manual or semiautomatic thresholding. On the other hand, average porosities were larger for backscattered electron images than for fluorescent images, regardless of the image analysis procedure used. These results stress the need for standardization of image analysis protocols and warn of the dangers of comparing soil porosity measurements performed on different types of images.
Colorimetric determination of copper(II) ions using gold nanoparticles as a probe

Copper is a highly toxic environmental pollutant with bio-accumulative properties. Therefore, it is highly desirable to develop a simple, sensitive, and selective assay for Cu2+ recognition. Herein, a colorimetric sensor for Cu2+ with high selectivity and sensitivity using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) is presented. AuNPs were first stabilized by polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). 2-Mercaptobenzimidazole (MBI) would cause the aggregation of PVP stabilized AuNPs (PVP-AuNPs) for mercapto ligands self-assembled on the surface of AuNPs. This would lead to a color change from red to purple. In contrast, with the addition of Cu2+, MBI would be responsive exclusively towards Cu2+. This would block mercapto ligand assembly and AuNPs remained monodispersed, exhibiting a red color. Therefore, taking advantage of this mechanism, a “purple-to-red” colorimetric sensing strategy could be established for Cu2+ detection. With this strategy, the concentration of Cu2+ can be detected with the naked eye or with ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and the detection limits of Cu2+ were 5 μM and 0.5 μM, respectively. Additionally, the proposed method shows excellent anti-interference capability against many other metal ions, and real water sample applicability. Taken together, these advantages make this assay simple and robust and therefore promising for on-site water testing.
Towards Practical Second Order Optimization for Deep Learning

Optimization in machine learning, both theoretical and applied, is presently dominated by ﬁrst-order gradient methods such as stochastic gradient descent. Second-order optimization methods, that involve second derivatives and/or second order statistics of the data, are far less prevalent despite strong theoretical properties, due to their prohibitive computation, memory and communication costs. In an attempt to bridge this gap between theoretical and practical optimization, we present a scalable implementation of a second-order preconditioned method (concretely, a variant of full-matrix Adagrad), that along with several critical algorithmic and numerical improvements, provides signiﬁcant convergence and wall-clock time improvements compared to conventional ﬁrst-order methods on state-of-the-art deep models. Our novel design eﬀectively utilizes the prevalent heterogeneous hardware architecture for training deep models, consisting of a multicore CPU coupled with multiple accelerator units. We demonstrate superior performance compared to state-of-the-art on very large learning tasks such as machine translation with Transformers, language modeling with BERT, click-through rate prediction on Criteo, and image classiﬁcation on ImageNet with ResNet-50.
Designing Rich Interactive Content for Blended Learning: A
 Case Study from Indonesia

Blended learning is a hybrid of traditional face‑to‑face and different types of online learning services. Blended learning offers synchronous and asynchronous learning experiences that combine the conveniences of online courses while maintaining in‑person contact. Blended learning addresses the needs of students who are unable to attend classes entirely, but who nonetheless demand opportunities for personal interaction. The appropriate instructional content design becomes one of the crucial components to support the success of blended learning activities. This study proposed the development and practical use of document‑based rich and interactive content in EPUB3 to provide an exciting instructional content model. EPUB3 is a digital publishing standard with prosperous features and flexible implementation that is widely accepted in academic and industry. The EPUB3 digital book content was integrated into a Moodle learning management system to support synchronous and asynchronous blended learning environments. A questionnaire was applied to find out the learners' responses and involved 155 undergraduate students at The State University of Malang, Indonesia. The questionnaire results showed the developed content model was feasible and suitable to be implemented in a blended learning environment. Students seem interested and enthusiastic about being involved in various learning activities that add new experiences.
A modified Poisson–Boltzmann equation in electric double layer theory for a primitive model electrolyte with size‐asymmetric ions

The modified Poisson–Boltzmann theory is extended to treat a primitive model electrolyte with unequal ionic radii in the neighborhood of a uniformly charged plane wall. The linear equation indicates that the transition from a damped exponential to a damped oscillatory asymptotic behavior in the mean electrostatic potential as the concentration is increased depends in a complicated manner on the ratio of the ionic radii, the ionic valences, and the ionic concentration. The nonlinear equation is solved numerically by a quasilinearization technique. Comparisons of the results are made with those from the Poisson–Boltzmann theory. A feature of the unequal radii model is its ability to predict a charge separation for an uncharged wall. The analysis is restricted to aj≤3ai where ai, aj are the radii of the smaller and larger ions, respectively.
Visual awareness negativity and P3: ERP study of the distinctive neural correlates of conscious vision

This research aimed to replicate the previous findings of Koivisto & Grassini (2016). Using event-related potentials (ERPs), we studied the neural correlates of visual consciousness. Specifically, we wanted to study visual awareness negativity, that has been reported as the first ERP correlate of consciousness as its latency seems to be fast enough to be the neural correlate of the phenomenal consciousness, which could be the earliest manifestation of consciousness. We also studied the late positivity, that seems to reflect the cognitive components of the reflective consciousness, as it involves the voluntary operations performed with the object like identify it or recognize it. Surprisingly, and despite the previously reported in literature, in this study we did not observe visual awareness negativity, but found that only late positivity correlated with conscious perception. We conclude that our results do not support the hypothesis about VAN as the correlate of phenomenal consciousness, whilst our observations regarding P3 appear to support the hypothesis about reflective consciousness occurring in this period. We interpret these findings as possibly affected by a different statistical analysis. Also, the fact that phenomenal consciousness can be understood in various ways may lead to contradictory findings. However, more research is necessary to find alternative explanations to our findings as well as other experimental approaches to the study of neural correlates of consciousness.
Selective α‐Bromination of an Aralkyl Ketone with Phenyltrimethylammonium Tribromide: 2‐Bromoacetyl‐6‐Methoxynaphthalene and 2,2‐Dibromoacetyl‐6‐Methoxynaphthalene

Selective α-bromination of an aralkyl ketone with phenyltrimethylammonium tribromide: 2-bromoacetyl-6-methoxynaphthalene and 2,2-dibromoacetyl-6-methoxynaphthalene reactant: 24.8 g. (25.9 ml., 0.205 mole) of freshly distilled N,N-dimethylaniline reactant: 25 g. (19 ml., 0.20 mole) of distilled dimethyl sulfate intermediate: phenyltrimethylammonium sulfomethylate reactant: phenyltrimethylammonium tribromide (PTT) product: 2-bromoacetyl-6-methoxynaphthalene product: 2,2-dibromoacetyl-6-methoxynaphthalene Keywords: alkylation, N-alkylation; assay methods, for “active bromine”; assay methods, for phenyltrimethylammonium tribromide; phenyltrimethylammonium sulfomethylate; bromoketones; 2,2-dibromoacetyl-6-methoxynaphthalene, skin irritant; dimethyl sulfate, poison
Sliding wear characteristics of FDM-processed polylactic-acid in bovine blood serum

Fused deposition modelling (FDM) has so far been recognized for its reliability and simplicity for manufacturing of geometrically-complex polymeric materials with 3D printing technique. Recently, the studies concerning the properties of materials fabricated by using the FDM have been growing, including those related to their wear resistance which is considered of critical when a 3D-printed material must work sliding over the surface of another material during its application. Up to now, however, the influence of several FDM-printing parameters, including the raster orientations, on the wear resistance of the printed polymeric materials have not yet been fully understood. In this research, the influence of raster orientations on the wear resistance of FDM-processed polylactic-acid (PLA) materials in bovine blood serum were determined. A reciprocating pin-on-plate tribometer was used to evaluate wear resistance of a cylindrical PLA pin that slid over the surface of a commercially-pure titanium (Ti) plate. The results showed that the FDM-printed PLA pins with unidirectional raster orientations had higher wear factors (WF), i.e., ~1.5 ´ 10-4 mm N-1 m-1 than those with crossed raster orientations, i.e., ~0.8 ´ 10-4 mm N-1 m-1. Meanwhile, the WF values of Ti surface that slid against PLA pin with crossed raster orientations, i.e., ~0.09 ´ 10-4 mm N-1 m-1, were also significantly lower than those sliding with the pin having unidirectional raster orientation, i.e., 0.34 – 0.41 ´ 10-4 mm N-1 m-1. The result of analysis of the worn surface morphologies shows the indications of surface abrasion, fatigue and polymer film transfer as the possible wear mechanisms of both the FDM-processed PLA pin and its Ti countersurface material. On the basis of all the findings in this research, it can be concluded that the crossed raster orientation is preferable to be used as one of the parameters in printing of the wear resistant PLA rather than the unidirectional raster orientation.
Benefits Realization Management and Its Impacts on Project Success

The objective of the study is to identify the influence of Benefits Realization Management practices on project success in the Pakistani construction industry and to reduce the gap between effective planning, project implementation, time overrun and cost overrun. This research consists of six stages, the data samples are collected through a questionnaire survey from the owner, consultant, and clients affected by the construction industry. The survey result identified first and inspect the elements that create time and increase costs in construction projects. To practice project management, the study is to start with a discussion that BRM can be integrated through -projects and programs to support successful organizational strategic goals. This will not only help the organizations to recover the success rates of their projects but also help the business to reap the business benefits. The success of construction projects depends on achieving goals and objectives within time and budget. The organization plays a major part in construction projects and appropriate measures should be proposed to minimize such errors. The major issues that management faces during projects are implementation, organization of workers, equipment, agendas, and money. The results are debated in the presence of the existing environment in Pakistan's public and private sector organizations respondents identified the -main causes of cost and time overruns. The main reasons behind the cost and time overrun were inflation, unexpected climate conditions like heavy rainfall, and design and work allowance during the project.
Dynamics Analysis of the Rijke Tube Thermoacoustics Mathematical Modeling using Luikov and Wave Equations with its Experimental Validation

This paper deals with the mathematical modeling for the thermoacoustic phenomena in a simple geometry combustion chamber represented as the Rijke tube. The methodology developed to get an analytical model from the Luikov equations for the dynamical behavior of both variables of interest the temperature and pressure distributions into the cited chamber is described briefly. Through this model, the time and space Eigenvalues are calculated to interpret them in terms of the combustion chamber geometry; also the spatial distribution (modal shapes or Eigenvectors) of both variables into the confined volume in the chamber are analyzed by the boundary conditions. The obtained analytical model from the Luikov modified equations is complemented with an experimental modeling for the dynamics of the same variables of interest, but based on the wave equation and considering the same boundary conditions. To validate both models for the thermoacoustics dynamics, a Rijke tube experiment was developed, by getting the experimental data to support the analytical hypothesis from the synthetized models. The main purpose of this paper is to compare the two mathematical modeling methodologies to know the set of assumptions needed to have a real idea of the fundamental modal shapes for the temperature and pressure in this combustion chamber geometry when the thermoacoustic phenomena is presented. Keywords-thermoacoustics; Rijke tube experiment; Luikov equations and wave equation. NOMENCLATURE X : a dimensional Cartesian coordinate T : time  : density T : temperature Q : thermal energy q : acoustical perturbation am : diffusion coefficients for gases aq : diffusion coefficients for temperature Cq : heat capacity  : heat of phase change  : ratio of vapor diffusion coefficient k : wavenumber  : bulk modulus for the air  : displacement P : pressure c : sound speed in the medium  : angular frequency 364 International Journal on Advances in Systems and Measurements, vol 11 no 3 & 4, year 2018, http://www.iariajournals. org/systems_and_measurements/ 2018, © Copyright by authors, Published under agreement with IARIA www.iaria. org
Pyrrole derivatives for electrochemical coating of metallic medical devices

Electropolymerization of medical devices such as cardiovascular stents may posses advantages including a simple and reproducible process with the ability to control the thickness, adherence, and composition of the coating by the duration and intensity of the applied current, the monomer composition and concentration, the solvent, and the reaction conditions. The properties of the polymer can also be controlled by copolymerization of different monomers, grafting substituents to a functionalized polymer, and by entrapping biomolecules. This article describes the synthesis of a range of pyrrole-based monomers and their electrocoating onto stainless steel surfaces. N-substituted pyrrole monomers with C1–C18 alkyl chains and poly (ethylene glycol) chains were synthesized in good yields and purity. Electropolymerization of these monomers provided uniform coatings with different hydrophobicities. Studies now focus on the incorporation of drugs in the coated device for release from the surface. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 1658–1667, 2004
Integrating Task Planning with Robust Execution for Autonomous Robotic Manipulation in Space

Future space exploration missions will include robotic assistants in human-habitable vehicles that perform complex tasks in logistics, vehicle maintenance, science experiments, and to respond to safety-threatening events. Such robotic systems will require the integration of deliberative behaviors such as task planning with reactive behaviors like perception and motion control. Such capabilities require the combination of expressive languages for generating and executing plans, with robust strategies for executing plans in a changing world. This paper describes a technology demonstration project involving robotic arm manipulation tasks using a science scenario inspired by bio-medical research performed on the International Space Station (ISS). The work described here signiﬁcantly expands previous work performed by the same team (Azimi, Zemler, and Morris 2019) by adding capabilities in goal management, execution monitoring, and re-planning.
The Effect of Online Learning on Tertiary Level Students' Mental Health during the Covid19 Lockdown

Covid-19 has proven to be a major disruptive aspect of human life across the world. Notably, there has been a significant shift in the normal way of life with people being required to isolate to prevent further spread of the disease. In education, the restrictions have made it imperative for the adoption of online learning. This paper highlights the effect of online learning on tertiary level students’ mental health. Some of the major findings from the study include the realization that there has been an increase in mental health concerns among the students. This aspect is attributed to the isolation from peers and lecturers, the difficulty of using the online platforms, the lack of guidance and counseling, and the high levels of distractions associated with the platform. The inability to talk and interact with peers and their lecturers for instance, has proven to be a major cause of stress among this group of students. The research has shown that online learning is a major cause of stress despite being a solution to the challenges of the Covid-19 lockdown to learning.
Exploring Customer Data Using Spatio-Temporal Analysis: Case Study of Fixed Broadband Provider

Spatio-temporal analysis refers to the analytical technique of geographical data based on the spatial and temporal distribution of geographical objects. In business practices, implementation of spatio-temporal analysis has opportunities in providing support for strategic decision making process in resource and asset management, investment planning, customer relationship management, and marketing strategy development. Capturing the opportunities to provide support for company decision making process and strategy development, this research was conducted using spatio-temporal analysis in one of biggest fixed broadband provider in Indonesia which offers Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) configuration. In this study, the analysis was conducted on the overall customer dataset and divided dataset of customers which differed based on type of customer and location environment characteristics by exploring spatially the patterns, temporal trends, and emerging hot spots of customer distribution through fishnet grid and space time cube created from GIS-based dataset of customer order. The results obtained from this study provide an overview of customer area mapping in the form of thematic map.
Association between Interpersonal Social Support and Perceived Depression among Undergraduate College Students of Kolkata during Unlock Phase of COVID-19 Lockdown

Quick Response Code Abstract: Present study aimed at finding out the interpersonal social support and perceived depression among under graduate college students of Kolkata during unlock phase of covid-19 lockdown. Two random samples of 200 participants (100 males & 100 females) aged 18 to 20 years residing in Kolkata were selected. The Beck Depression Inventory – Second Edition (BDI-II) and Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (shortened version) along with a general information schedule were administered on selected samples through online. Findings suggest that the as female college students scored higher in depression than male students and in case of social support female college students scored comparatively less than male students during unlock phase II for Covid-19 pandemic. Social support can be considered to be protective force against depression and there was a negative spiral between social support and depression. Results also confirmed that students are less depressed when they get more social support and especially the tangible support. Persons with strong social support are better able to cope with stressors, whereas those with less support may be more vulnerable to the adverse effects of stress, such as depression.
TITLE: The mTORC2 regulator Homer1 modulates protein levels and sub-cellular localization of the CaSR in human osteoblasts. RUNNING TITLE: Homer1 controls CaSR protein in osteoblasts

We recently found that in human osteoblasts Homer1 complexes to CaSR and mediates AKT initiation via mTORC2 leading to beneficial effects in osteoblasts including -catenin stabilization and mTORC1 activation (doi: 10.1074/jbc.RA118.006587). Herein we further investigated the relationship between Homer1 and CaSR and demonstrate a link between the protein levels of CaSR and Homer1 in human osteoblasts in primary culture. Thus, when siRNA was used to suppress the CaSR, we observed upregulated Homer1 levels and when siRNA was used to suppress Homer1 we observed downregulated CaSR protein levels using immunofluorescence staining of cultured osteoblasts as well as western blot analyses of cell protein extracts. This finding was confirmed in vivo as the bone cells from osteoblast specific CaSR(-/-) mice showed increased Homer1 expression compared to wild-type. Furthermore, when the commonly used osteosarcoma cell lines MG63 and SAOS-2 were compared to primary osteoblasts, higher levels of Homer1 protein were associated with increased protein levels of the CaSR as well as mTOR and Rictor. CaSR and Homer1 protein were both expressed in osteocytes embedded in the long bones of wild-type mice, and immunofluorescent studies of these cells revealed that Homer1 protein sub-cellular localization was markedly altered in the osteocytes of CaSR(-/-) mice compared to wt. The study identifies additional roles for Homer1 in the control of the protein level and subcellular localization of CaSR in cells of the osteoblast lineage, in addition to its established role of mTORC2 activation downstream of the receptor. Preprints (www.preprints.org) | NOT PEER-REVIEWED | Posted: 12 January 2021 doi:10.20944/preprints202101.0232. v1
Spending When Illiquid Savings Become Liquid: Evidence From Danish Wage Earners

This paper offers new empirical evidence on the marginal propensity to consume out of an unanticipated liquidity shock. A Danish 2012 policy reform reduced the incentive to retire early in order to increase labour supply but at the same time the policy released a substantial amount of savings from an early retirement scheme that were locked in the scheme until the policy change. By exploiting the fact that cohorts were affected differentially by the policy, this paper uses a difference-in-differences specification to estimate an average increase in the propensity to spend of 43 per cent. The estimated spending patterns are consistent with the notion of wealthy hand-to-mouth behaviour.