Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Temporal and spatial overlap in the behaviors of a native and invasive tree squirrel in southern California

The native western gray squirrel (Sciurus griseus) and introduced fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) can be found occupying various locales in southern California (USA) either coexisting or living separately. Since the introduction of the fox squirrel in 1904, there have been local extinctions of gray squirrels in parks and natural areas in urban and suburban locations. Little research has focused on the coexistence of these two species with no work with an in-depth focus on their behavior. The objective of this study was to observe the daily activity of gray and fox squirrels in areas where they coexist and those they occupy alone to determine if the presence of the fox squirrel is negatively impacting the behavior of the gray squirrel. Focal animal observations were conducted using the instantaneous sampling method in three habitat types: coexistence, gray squirrel only, and fox squirrel only. Daily activity related to self-maintenance, communication, feeding, and the location in which the animals were observed were recorded within 15-min observations of individual squirrels. There was no negative impact from the fox squirrels; however, there were behavioral similarities among the species when coexisting which suggests niche overlap. An overlap in the use of space and time in shared habitats can be detrimental to the already declining population of gray squirrels in urban and suburban habitats, particularly in times when environmental conditions are less than ideal and resources are less abundant.
WASHBACK AND THE ASSESSMENT PRACTICES OF ESL INSTRUCTORS AT JAPANESE UNIVERSITY

This study investigated awareness among native-English instructors teaching English to first year freshman students studying English at a university in Japan, and the potential effects of their chosen methods of oral evaluation on washback. Washback effect refers to the impact of testing – whether positive or negative - on teaching practices, curriculum design, and learning behaviors. Oral washback, in particular, in evaluation has seen increased importance in recent years, with more consideration given to how to provide positive oral washback in evaluations to ensure that they are as effective as possible in improving English levels. A mixed methods approach was used – a survey and interviews – with five instructors to find out about how they assess their students and how aware and how much attention they gave to possible washback effects of their chosen methods of evaluation. It was found that there is quite a variance among different instructors and knowing more about how to promote more positive oral washback to be useful in improving evaluation methods used.
Testing a Theoretical Assumption of a Learning-Trajectories Approach in Teaching Length Measurement to Kindergartners

We tested a specific theoretical assumption of a learning trajectories (LTs) approach to curriculum and teaching in the domain of early length measurement. Participating kindergartners (n = 189) were assigned to one of three conditions: LT, reverse-order (REV), or business-as-usual (BAU). LT and REV students received one-on-one instruction using the same activities from a length LT, while the REV condition reversed the LT order. At posttest, LT and REV children exhibited significantly greater learning relative to BAU peers. But importantly, LT children outperformed their REV peers. We conclude that instruction following LTs (i.e., providing instruction just beyond a child’s present level of thinking, progressing through the levels in order as the child advances) may promote more learning than an equivalent amount of instruction using the same activities but that are not theoretically sequenced.
Deep Q‐network‐based auto scaling for service in a multi‐access edge computing environment

In 5G networks, it is necessary to provide services while meeting various service requirements, such as high data rates and low latency, in response to dynamic network conditions. Multi‐access edge computing (MEC) is a promising concept to meet these requirements. The MEC environment enables service providers to deploy their low latency services that are composed of multiple components. However, operating a service manually and attempting to satisfy the quality of service (QoS) requirements is difficult because many factors need to be considered in an MEC scenario. In this paper, we propose an auto‐scaling method using deep Q‐networks (DQN), which is a reinforcement learning algorithm, to resize the number of instances assigned to service. In our evaluation, compared to other baseline methods, the proposed approach maintains the appropriate number of instances effectively in response to dynamic traffic change while satisfying QoS and minimizing the cost of operating the service in the MEC environment. The proposed method was implemented as a module running in OpenStack and published as open‐source software.
Load‐based node ranked low‐energy adaptive clustering hierarchy: An enhanced energy‐efficient algorithm for cluster head selection in wireless sensor networks

A Wireless Sensor Network typically uses a large number of power‐constrained sensor nodes for sensing phenomenal data and for its processing. The lifetime of a sensor node is limited and this is a great challenge for researchers to sustain the network for a long time. Since, the data transmission from a sensor node to the base station is more power consuming, the hierarchical routing protocols play a major role in multihop communication and to prolong the network life time. It uses a clustering approach with an overhead of cluster head (CH) selection to attain this. This overhead needs proper addressing and to be reduced by some means. The work in this paper employs a new approach based on low‐energy adaptive clustering hierarchy (LEACH) and considers network load for electing CH in addition to number of links, residual sensor energy and distance. Here, energy and time are used for calculating load on a CH. The simulation results show that the proposed protocol performs better than LEACH, LEACH‐I, and NR‐LEACH algorithms on the parameters of average energy ratio throughput, end‐to‐end delay, packet delivery ratio, and a number of alive nodes.
Competencias investigativas en la formación de posgrado. Análisis cualitativo

Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo analizar los programas Seminario I y Seminario II, en términos de las competencias investigativas en posgrado para la formación de personas investigadoras. Se utilizó el análisis de contenido para la revisión de los programas de Seminario en las maestrías: Gerencia Educativa, Mantenimiento Industrial, y Enseñanza y Aprendizaje de las Ciencias Básicas de una universidad venezolana. Los criterios cualitativos para el análisis fueron: coherencia externa, coherencia interna y secuencia didáctica o continuidad. Los hallazgos mostraron que estos programas centran su atención en el cumplimiento de las etapas del Trabajo de Grado (temática, propuesta, presentación del avance de la investigación, y defensa final) como requisito para obtener el título de Magíster, a partir una serie de pasos que se acumulan sin mostrar la integración y continuidad en el proceso de construcción del producto. Se concluye que es necesario mejorar y actualizar los programas de estudios a la luz del enfoque en competencias, para desarrollar las competencias investigativas y contribuir a la formación de las personas investigadoras en posgrado.
Analysis of Area Spectral & Energy Efficiency in a CoMP-Enabled User-Centric Cloud RAN

In this paper, we consider coordinated multipoint transmission (CoMP) by using distributed data base stations (DBSs) in a User-centric Cloud-based Radio Access Network (UCRAN). The creation of non-overlapping virtual cells (or service zones) centered around a user, contrary to traditional cellular architecture, shifts the mode of operation from base station centric “always ON” cells to user-centric “on-demand cells. ” In contrast to existing literature, we show that CoMP is only beneficial in network architectures where cell-edge users are present. In a UCRAN architecture, where the cell-edge users are virtually removed due to non-overlapping user-centric cells, the performance gain provided by enabling CoMP is insignificant. We analyze this by performing a comparative performance analysis of UCRAN with different joint transmission schemes of CoMP. We also provide analytical expressions for network-wide coverage probability, area spectral efficiency, and energy efficiency by taking advantage of the stochastic geometry tools. Additionally, we investigate the impact of new degrees of freedom such as the size of the service zones and density of data base station on the spectral and energy efficiencies of CoMP-enabled UCRAN. Extensive Monte Carlo simulations validate the proposed analytical framework as well as provide useful insights into the design of next-generation cellular architectures.
Development and internal validation of a predictive model for COVID-19 mass screening based on symptoms and a simple olfactory test

The early detection of symptoms and rapid testing are the basis of an efficient screening strategy to control COVID-19 transmission. Most COVID-19 patients show olfactory dysfunction and in many cases this is the first symptom. This study aims to develop a machine learning COVID-19 predictive tool based on symptoms and a simple olfactory test, which consists of identifying the smell of an aromatized hydroalcoholic gel (CovidGel Test). A multi-centre population-based prospective study was carried out in the city of Reus (Catalonia, Spain). A total of 519 patients were included, 386 (74.4%) had at least one symptom and 133 (25.6%) were asymptomatic. A classification tree model including sex, age, relevant symptoms and the CovidGel Test results obtained a sensitivity of 0.97 (95% CI 0.91–0.99), a specificity of 0.39 (95% CI 0.34–0.44) and an AUC of 0.87 (95% CI 0.83–0.92). This shows that the CovidGel Test is a promising mass screening tool for predicting COVID-19.
Pengembangan E-LKS Ragamatika untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Representasi Matematis Siswa SMP

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan Lembar Kerja Siswa Elektronik RAGAMATIKA (Wayang Sukuraga, Matematika dan Statistika) untuk meningkatkan kemampuan representasi matematis siswa SMP yang valid, praktis dan efektif. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian pengembangan dengan model pengembangan ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation). Subjek penelitian adalah guru, 23 siswa kelas VIII MTs Baitul Hikmah serta validator. Instrumen yang digunakan pada penelitian ini berupa lembar validasi ahli materi, ahli media dan ahli wayang sukuraga untuk memperoleh hasil uji validitas E-LKS serta angket respon siswa dengan guru untuk memperoleh hasil uji kepraktisan dari E-LKS dan tes kemampuan representasi matematis siswa untuk memperoleh hasil uji efektivitas E-LKS. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa (1) Validasi ahli menyatakan E-LKS termasuk dalam kategori sangat valid pada aspek materi, pembelajaran, kebahasaan, tampilan dan kelayakan penyajian serta layak untuk diuji coba. (2) Berdasarkan analisis N-Gain, diperoleh hasil bahwa terjadi peningkatan kemampuan representasi matematis siswa dengan nilai sebesar sebesar 79,7 serta analisis ketuntasan klasikal sebesar 87%. (3) Guru dan para siswa memberikan respon yang sangat baik terhadap E-LKS dan termasuk kategori sangat praktis.
Molecular modeling of the gaseous penetrants permeabilities through 4A, DDR and silicalite-1 zeolites incorporated in mixed matrix membranes

ABSTRACT A theoretical model is used to predict O2, N2, CO2, CH4, N2O, and Ar gaseous penetrants’ permeabilities through zeolitic filler particles of 4A, DDR and silicalite-1 using their adsorption and diffusion data with minimum and maximum absolute relative errors (AREs) as 4.3 and 6.9% for N2 and CH4 permeabilities through 4A zeolite, respectively. Average AREs for 4A zeolites incorporated in mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) were found for O2 permeability using modified Felske’s and Maxwell’s models as 1.2 and 55.6%, respectively. Those for DDR/MMMs and silicalite-1/MMMs CO2 permeabilities were found as 0.7 and 1.8% for Bruggeman’s and Maxwell’s models and 3.1 and 22.3% for Maxwell’s and Lewis-Nielsen’s models, respectively.
Scanning of Historical Clothes Using 3D Scanners: Comparison of Goals, Tools, and Methods

Due to the UN and EU’s strong interest in digitizing cultural heritage, the application of 3D scanning technology is gaining importance, even in the case of under-explored areas, such as the 3D scanning of historical clothes. This article discovers and compares methodologies of 3D scanning of historical clothes presented in the literature in order to determine if a new methodology is needed. PRISMA protocol was used to browse scientific sources in an organized way. We posed the following research question: How have 3D scanners been used to digitize historical clothes? The very limited number of works identified, despite our thorough search, allows us to conclude that this topic is very new, and a lot of research can be conducted in the future. We analyzed the methodologies proposed by other authors, taking into account factors such as what was scanned, what was the purpose of scanning, what hardware and software was used, how detailed the description was, etc. It was revealed that other authors explored the topic insufficiently and no complex and coherent methodology of 3D digitization of historical clothes is present. Generally, the field of 3D scanning of historical clothing remains, at this point, very small and fragmented. This work is one of steps to change it.
Vivaldi Antenna Array With Heat Dissipation Enhancement for Millimeter-Wave Applications

In this article, a new type of Vivaldi antenna with heat dissipation enhancement is proposed and manufactured based on 3-D printing and printed circuit board (PCB) technologies. A longitudinal slot on substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) is employed to feed Vivaldi radiation structure, which replaces the balun structure of traditional Vivaldi antennas. The measured 10 dB bandwidth of antenna element reaches up to 34.48% (21.77–30.39 GHz) and the in-band realized boresight gain is 6.5–8.8 dBi. The $1\times 4$ Vivaldi antenna array with 28.72% (21.63–28.81 GHz) bandwidth and a gain range of 10.5–12.5 dBi is achieved. The fin-shaped structure of the antenna array further enhances the heat dissipation while increasing the gain up to the range of 13.4–15.5 dBi. The measured results are in good agreement with the simulated ones. The proposed antenna array has important application potential in 5G millimeter-wave systems.
Calcium (Ti,Zr) hexaorthophosphate bioceramics for electrically stimulated biomedical implant devices: A position paper

Abstract Osseointegration of biomedical implants as well as healing of broken bones are supported by novel bioceramic materials that, owing to their engineered ionic conductivity, in the presence of an electric field provide accumulation of negative electrical charges close to the interface between an implant and living bone tissue, thus stimulating the rate of bone growth. In this position paper, the structure as well as the chemical, electrical, and biomedical properties of Ca (Ti,Zr) hexaorthophosphates are reviewed. In addition, based on evaluation of the material’s properties, a conceptual configuration of a capacity-coupled bone growth stimulator will be presented. The advantage of the proposed novel device over already existing bone-growth stimulators is its provision of the intimate contact of a capacity-coupled electric field with the growing bone tissue as opposed to an externally applied inductively coupled electromagnetic field, which suffers substantial attenuation when transmitted through soft tissue covering the locus of bone growth. To achieve higher ionic conductivity in Ca (Ti,Zr) hexaorthophosphates, aliovalent doping with highly mobile Na or Li ions intercalated into the only partially occupied M1 sites appears to be a suitable route.
Assessing the Modified Neighborhood Cohesion Instrument Among African American Adolescents Living in Public Housing: An Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis

Objective: African American youths are disproportionately overrepresented in low-resourced segregated urban neighborhoods. Consequently, they experience greater exposure to neighborhood risks and subsequent depressive symptoms. Neighborhood cohesion represents a protective factor for youth in such environments. However, the concept remains underexplored among African American youths. This study examines the psychometric properties of a modified version of the Neighborhood Cohesion Instrument (NCI) among African American youths living in public housing. Method: Psychometric properties were assessed through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses using data from African American youths (N=235) living in public housing in Philadelphia, PA, and New York, NY. Results: The exploratory factor analysis resulted in the use of a single-factor structure with two dropped items and good internal validity. Findings from the confirmatory factor analysis indicated that model fit indices were unacceptable for chi-square and RMSEA (χ2[62;N=235]=170.19, p<.001); RMSEA=0.09, 90% CI [0.071, 0.102]) but were acceptable for SRMR and CFI (SRMR=0.06; CFI=0.91) with three error covariances. Conclusions: The modified NCI is not ideal for assessing neighborhood cohesion among African American youths. Future research should prioritize psychometric testing alongside cognitive interviewing to provide a contextualized measure of neighborhood cohesion for this population.
Optimization of Mix Proportions for Novel Dry Stack Interlocking Concrete Blocks Using ANN

This paper proposes novel concrete interlocking blocks made of fly ash and GGBS which are an alternative for the conventional concrete blocks. The artificial neural network (ANN) technique is used to estimate the mechanical strength of interlocking blocks and is verified with experimental investigation. The ANN model is based on the Levenberg–Marquardt principle which is executed using MATLAB. The inputs are given in the percentage ratio of cement: fly ash: crushed stone aggregate (FA): coarse aggregate (CA) for the process of learning, testing, and validation. The selected model is subjected to several trials in terms of mean square error, containing 4 input, 2 sets of 10 hidden layers, and one output components. In this study, a total of 2600 blocks of different mixes were tested as per IS 2185-1 (2005) to assess 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days’ strength. The experimental investigations were carried out in two phases. In the first phase, experimental investigations to identify the optimum mix proportions of cement, aggregate, fly ash, and ground granulated blast furnace slag to achieve desired compressive strength was carried out. In the second phase, the identified mix proportions were analysed using ANN to predict the compressive strength of interlocking blocks. The results indicate that the proposed ANN model developed to determine the mechanical strength and cost of interlocking blocks has excellent prediction ability.
Distributed Multistatic Sky-Wave Over-The-Horizon Radar Based on the Doppler Frequency for Marine Target Positioning

Maritime safety issues have aroused great attention, and it has become a difficult problem to use the sky-wave over-the-horizon radar system to locate foreign targets or perform emergency rescue quickly and timely. In this paper, a distributed multi-point sky-wave over-the-horizon radar system is used to locate marine targets. A positioning algorithm based on the Doppler frequency is proposed, namely, the two-step weighted least squares (2WLS) method. This algorithm first converts the WGS-48 geodetic coordinates of the transceiver station to spatial rectangular coordinates; then, introduces intermediate variables to convert the nonlinear optimization problem into a linear problem. In the 2WLS method, four mobile transmitters and four mobile receivers are set up, and the Doppler frequency is calculated by transmitting and receiving signals at regular intervals; it is proven that the 2WLS algorithm has always maintained a better positioning accuracy than the WLS algorithm as the error continues to increase with a certain ionospheric height measurement error and the Doppler frequency measurement error. This paper provides an effective method for the sky-wave over-the-horizon radar to locate maritime targets.
Chemical glycosylations for the synthesis of building units of post-translational modifications

In chemical glycosylation reactions, a glycosyl donor couples with a glycosyl acceptor through glycosidic linkage. Most of the products end up with a mixture due to the formation of a stereogenic center at the anomeric carbon. Activation with a suitable Lewis acid and introduction of the non‐participating protecting group on donor and acceptor results in a selective product. Herein, we used a suitably protected donor and acceptor which produced an orthogonally protected building block with α‐selectivity. We used also a donor for the synthesis of modified phosphoribosylated amino acid. The formation of glycoside products can be used to synthesize complex biologically important organic molecules.
The Phase Evolution and Photocatalytic Properties of a Ti-TiO2 Bilayer Thin Film Prepared Using Thermal Oxidation

Ti-TiO2 bilayer thin films were successfully prepared onto a glass substrate using magnetron sputtering with different TiO2 bottom layer conditions. These represent a lack of (as-deposited) and full oxygen content (annealed). Single-layer Ti was additionally used as a control. The influence of oxygen diffusion phenomena of the bottom layer of TiO2 to the upper layer of Ti thin films at different oxidation temperatures on structural, optical, and photocatalytic performance was investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results confirmed that the crystalline phases coexisting on thin-film samples oxidized at 450 °C were TiO, TiO1.4, (bilayer, as-deposited TiO2), anatase (bilayer, annealed TiO2), and rutile (single and bilayer). This finding showed that the film’s phase structure evolution is significantly affected by oxygen diffusion from the bottom layer. Further increasing the thermal oxidation temperature caused a notable decline in the amorphous zone in bilayer thin films based on TEM analysis. Bilayer thin films lead to higher degradation of methylene blue under UV light radiation (63%) than single-layer films (45%) oxidized at 450 °C. High photocatalytic activity performance was found in the bilayer annealed TiO2-Ti thin-film sample. This study demonstrates that the bilayer modification strategy promotes the oxygen-induced bottom layer of TiO2 bilayer thin films.
Community detection, road importance assessment, and urban function pattern recognition: a big data approach

ABSTRACT This paper examined the use of navigation and point-of-interests big data in three urban planning tools: community detection, road importance assessment, and urban function pattern recognition. We revealed the community structure for the urban spatial organization, followed by identifying major transit corridors and the urban function pattern. We found that the detected communities were significantly associated with the administrative divisions in the city. Major commercial and residential centers were primarily located across several communities. Besides, the spatial mismatch between commercial-residential areas and industrial development areas was also identified and examined for spatial structure optimization in urban development.