Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Light propagation in disordered aperiodic Mathieu lattices generated with two different randomization methods

We present the numerical modeling of two different randomization methods of two-dimensional aperiodic photonic lattices based on Mathieu beams, optically induced in a photorefractive media. We numerically study light propagation in such lattices. For both methods, we compare light transport and localization in such lattices along the propagation and for various disorder strengths. For all disorder strengths, a disorder-enhanced light transport is observed. With increasing disorder strength light transport becomes diffusive-like while with further increase of disorder strength, the Anderson localization is observed. For longer propagation distances this transition is more pronounced. The influence of input lattice intensity on the localization effects is studied. We observe more pronounced localization for one of the methods, and different diffraction and localization along different directions, due to the crystal and lattice anisotropy. The difference in light transport and localization between two randomization methods is attributed to various levels of input lattice intensity.
Transient receptor potential channel 6 in human skeletal muscle fibers: Investigation in fresh and conserved tissue samples

Transient receptor potential channel 6 (TRPC6) channels constitute non-selective cation channels that are localized in the plasmalemma or sarcolemma, and have a leading permeability for the bivalent calcium ion. Animal models indicate an involvement of TRPC6 in malignant hyperthermia. The expression of TRPC6 in the sarcolemma has been demonstrated in the skeletal muscle fibers of mice. The importance of TRPC6 channels for the influx of calcium into the muscle cell has also been established. The presence of TRPC6 in tissues of human skeletal muscle is surmised. In order to confirm the presence of TRPC6 in human skeletal muscle, tissue samples of various skeletal muscles (Musculus deltoideus, pectoralis major, trizeps brachii and rectus femoris) from eight different human donors (n=8; six preserved cadavers and two non-preserved cadavers) were examined using immunohistochemistry. TRPC6 was found in all muscle fibers of all investigated bodies. Appropriate controls yielded the expected results. As demonstrated in animal studies and in studies of human cells, the presented results confirmed the presence of TRPC6 in human skeletal muscle tissue. Thus, TRPC6 is most likely important for calcium homeostasis and the proper function of human muscle fibers and may be a target for treatment in various muscular diseases.
Customer experiences in crisis situations: An agency-structure perspective

In times of crisis, interactions and structures can change, eradicating prevailing norms and rules, with enduring unfavorable effects, and existing conceptual frameworks may fail to explain the effects of radical contextual change. In such contexts, the meaning of the customer experience is also likely to change, and touchpoints, cues, and the concept of the customer journey may prove insufficient to theorize the formation of those experiences. Adopting an agency-structure perspective, the article explores how crisis disrupts and alters structuration modalities, including space-time perception, access to resources, and institutional arrangements. To conceptualize how these contextual changes affect customer experience, we contend that it is necessary to understand the complex set of interactions among multiple actors and the structures and modalities that together shape the customer experience. Drawing on structuration theories to elucidate how disruptive contexts and crisis modalities affect the customer experience, the proposed conceptual framework identifies crisis modalities (discontinuities, accessibility, and fragmentability) that explain customer experiences in disruptive contexts as meaningful patterns of interaction informed by structure and agency. These findings can help firms to understand and manage customer experiences in disruptive contexts. In conclusion, we discuss how future research might contextualize and test the proposed framework.
A fiber-to-waveguide, 1D grating coupler design using genetic algorithm for 1550 nm applications

Silicon photonics on silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology has great potential in the integrated photonics field. Propagation modes are mostly confined within Silicon waveguides because of the high refraction index difference between silicon waveguide and silicon dioxide cladding. Nowadays, couplers designed using this special feature of SOI are in demand. Edge coupler and grating coupler are the two most preferred coupler types for coupling light between integrated photonic circuits and single-mode optical fibers. In this work, we focused on grating couplers to couple light from fiber to horizontal waveguide since their advantages are easy fiber alignment, lower cost, compact design, and more possible optic inputs/outputs. However, in the literature, the fabrication process of grating couplers with high coupling efficiency is complicated. Therefore, in this paper, we are proposing a grating coupler design with standard SOI lithography technology with a minimum feature size of 250 nm. In our research, the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method is utilized to analyze and design the grating coupler structure with a center of 1.55 μm. We used a genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) to optimize grating coupler features. SiO2 cladding thickness, SiO2 buried oxide layer thickness, grating widths, and fiber distance from grating couplers are optimized with these optimization processes. Our design is an apodized grating coupler with a -3.29 dB (46.8%) coupling efficiency and a 3 dB bandwidth of 78 nm. The design layer of the grating coupler is 12 μm × 16 μm.
DDRM: A Continual Frequency Estimation Mechanism With Local Differential Privacy

Many applications rely on continual data collection to provide real-time information services, e.g., real-time road traffic forecasts. However, the collection of original data brings risks to user privacy. Recently, local differential privacy (LDP) has emerged as a private data collection framework for mass population. However, for continual data collection, existing LDP schemes, e.g., those employing the memoization technique, are known to have privacy leakage on data change points over time. In this paper, we propose a new scheme with stronger privacy guarantee for continual frequency estimation under LDP, namely, Dynamic Difference Report Mechanism (DDRM). In DDRM, we introduce difference trees to capture the data changes over time, which well addresses possible privacy leakage on data change points. As for the utility enhancement, DDRM exploits the common case of no data change in time series and thereby suppresses the consumption of privacy budget in such cases. Meanwhile, an optimal privacy budget allocation scheme is proposed to encourage users to report more data for better estimation accuracy. By both theoretical analysis and experimental evaluations, we show DDRM achieves highly accurate frequency estimation in real time.
Improving Homology-Directed Repair in Genome Editing Experiments by Influencing the Cell Cycle

Genome editing is currently widely used in biomedical research; however, the use of this method in the clinic is still limited because of its low efficiency and possible side effects. Moreover, the correction of mutations that cause diseases in humans seems to be extremely important and promising. Numerous attempts to improve the efficiency of homology-directed repair-mediated correction of mutations in mammalian cells have focused on influencing the cell cycle. Homology-directed repair is known to occur only in the late S and G2 phases of the cell cycle, so researchers are looking for safe ways to enrich the cell culture with cells in these phases of the cell cycle. This review surveys the main approaches to influencing the cell cycle in genome editing experiments (predominantly using Cas9), for example, the use of cell cycle synchronizers, mitogens, substances that affect cyclin-dependent kinases, hypothermia, inhibition of p53, etc. Despite the fact that all these approaches have a reversible effect on the cell cycle, it is necessary to use them with caution, since cells during the arrest of the cell cycle can accumulate mutations, which can potentially lead to their malignant transformation.
A New Driver Model Based on Driver Response

In this paper, a new microscopic traffic model based on forward and rearward driver response is proposed. Driver response is characterized using the distance and time headways. Existing models such as the Intelligent Driver (ID) model characterize traffic flow based on a constant acceleration exponent. This exponent reflects uniform driver behaviour during different conditions which is unrealistic. Driver response is slow with a large distance headway and quick with a short time headway. Conversely, it is quick with a small distance headway and slow with a long time headway. Thus, a new microscopic traffic model is proposed which incorporates driver response. Results are given that show the proposed model provides better traffic stability than the ID model as this stability is based on traffic physics. Further, for effective utilization of road infrastructure, shorter time and longer distance headways are preferred. The performance of the ID and proposed models was evaluated over an 800 m circular road with a string of vehicles for s. These models are numerically discretized using the Euler scheme. The results obtained show that traffic queue dissemination with the proposed model is more realistic than with the ID model and the changes in density with the proposed model are smaller. This is because traffic dissemination with the proposed model is based on traffic parameters rather than a constant exponent.
Associations Between Peer-Perceived and Self-Perceived Gender Typicality and Peer Status in Early Adolescence

Gender-typical characteristics are associated with popularity and acceptance, suggesting that gender typicality is an important component of how adolescents are perceived by peers. The current study addressed the contributions of self- and peer-perceived gender typicality in predicting popularity and liking among same- and other-sex peers. Participants were 131 7th and 8th graders from a rural, midwestern school. Same- and other-sex peer status were measured via peer nominations; gender typicality was measured via both peer nominations and self-report. Hierarchical regressions showed that self-perceived gender typicality was negatively associated with popularity among other-sex peers, and it was not closely tied to liking by same- or other-sex peers. Peer-perceived gender typicality was positively associated with liking by same-sex peers, and strongly associated with popularity among both same- and other-sex peers. The findings also suggest that gender typicality plays a more significant role in reputational, power-based status than it does for being liked.
New records of Amanita citrinoannulata and A. pakistanica (Amanitaceae) from India

Amanita citrinoannulata A. (Amanitaceae) Abstract Amanita citrinoannulata and A. pakistanica are reported here as new records for India. Detailed morphological descriptions supported by line drawings, color photo plates and a phylogram based on nrLSU are provided for these two species.
FROM HYBRID COURSES TO BLENDED LEARNING: A CASE STUDY

To accommodate large classes and raise the motivation of natural science students taking an introductory information and communication technology course, we introduced e- learning material. An analysis of the factors that contribute to the course's success shows that it is not the application of technology in various forms that is responsible but the careful blending of different didactical methods, based on sound pedagogical principles. After we started using e-learning material based on active, application oriented, individualized learning, we noticed a remarkable increase in the student's motivation. They can apply conceptual knowledge more flexibly and work more independently with increasing self confidence.
Seed system and seed quality of Kersting’s groundnut in Benin

Swift delivery of quality seeds to farming communities is a fundamental step in mainstreaming the value chain of orphan crops. The objective of this study was to characterise seed production and delivery systems of the orphan Kersting’s groundnut (KG) [Macrotyloma geocarpum (Harms) Maréchal & Baudet] and their influence on seed quality in Benin. A survey was conducted among 305 farmers from the major KG growing areas in Benin. A total of 60 seed samples were collected from different sources (farmer own seed, local markets and agro-dealers) for quality tests. The results showed that seed sources, acquisition modes and perceived quality differed significantly (P<0.01) among gender groups and with farming experience. Majority of farmers (74.93%) perceived seeds acquired from the local markets and seed stored in non-hermetic conditions as of poor quality compared to seeds sourced from their own stock and stored in hermetic conditions. Yet, the seed quality analysis revealed no differences (P<0.05) among the sources and storage methods. Less than 20% of the tested samples met the national quality standards suggesting an important quality constraint in the current system which may justify the reported low yield and crop failure.
A Study on Developing the Organizational Obedience Scale Based on Exploratory and Confirmatory Factors Analysis

In this study, it is aimed to develop an organizational obedience scale that gives information about the obedience tendencies of white-collar employees working in the private sector. In this framework, thirty-one item seven-point Likert-type scale consisting of general expressions was prepared to measure obedience, which is the basis of employee behavioral tendencies. This scale was applied to the employees of small and medium-sized enterprises operating in the Marmara Region and academicians working at the university. The data obtained from the questionnaires, which were accepted as valid as a result of the examination, were analyzed with the SPSS 22 program. Within the scope of the analysis, the validity and reliability values of the scale were examined and valid findings were obtained as a result of the Cronbach-Alpha (α) value, KMO value and Barlett's test of sphericity. In addition, the convergent and divergent validity of the scale was also demonstrated by the findings. In summary, it was concluded that the Exploratory (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) of the Organizational Obedience Scale, which was tried to be developed, were at the level of validity and reliability that could reveal the obedience levels of private and public sector employees.
A New Approach for Sintering Simulation of Irregularly Shaped Powder Particles—Part II: Statistical Powder Modeling

Current simulations of sintering processes work often with heavily idealized powder geometries. As sintering is mainly driven by gradients of chemical potential due to surface curvatures, a realistic description of the particle geometry is essential for achieving precise simulation results. In previous work, a model able to simulate sintering behavior of irregularly shaped particles was shown. Herein, a statistical approach for description of particles’ morphology in a powder mixture is developed by fitting a simplified particle shape model on image data. The obtained data are analyzed and conditioned for input into sintering simulation. Instead of building an equivalent volume cell of particles, as common, a Monte Carlo approach is applied to describe the sintering behavior of the powder. The resulting distributions of sintering time curves are analyzed regarding the influence of the morphology description in comparison to circular particles. Using thumb rules of Cohen's effect size, a small effect on shrinkage and a medium effect on neck radii is observed.
Factors influencing entrepreneurial orientation levels among agri-input suppliers in Nakuru county, Kenya

Start-ups and small-scale agri-input suppliers (AIS) play critical roles in Kenya’s agricultural development sector. Nakuru county is the leading producer of flowers, potatoes, milk and vegetables in Kenya; creating an enabling environment for AIS start-upsto thrive. However, competition from established, medium and large-scale agri-enterprises put them at risk of closure or inhibition of their potential to survive the environmental turbulence and grow into medium or large-scale enterprises.Entrepreneurial orientation (EO) manifestations, in the form of proactiveness, innovation, and risk-taking, among other internal aspects, are considered necessary for any agri-enterprises’ start-up success, as they positively influence their growth and performance. The objective of this study was to understand factors influencing EO levels among agri-input suppliers in Nakuru County, Kenya.A study involving a sample of 137 agri-input suppliers operating in Nakuru County was carried out using face-to-face semi-structured questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using Principal Component Analysis, Quartile technique, and the Generalised Ordered Logit (GOL) model. Overall, the variety of traded agri-input products showed the most significant positive influence on EO levels, followed by possession of business plan, partnership, customers’ contracts and gender factors, in that order of magnitude. On the other hand, years ofagri-enterprise operation and the number of agri-input business owners showed negative influence on EO levels. The list of prioritised significant factors is important in informing agripreneurs, policy makers and socio-economic development agencies when designing development programmes and strategies aimed at promoting agripreneurship in Kenya.
Development of the Estimation Skills Self-Efficiency Scale for Pre-Service Teachers

Estimation skills matters most for both daily life and mathematics education. Teachers have great responsibilities in helping students acquire estimation skills. In this context, it can be said that investigating the pre-service teachers’ sense of efficacy about their estimation skills deems important. In this regard, in this study, it was aimed to develop a reliable and valid scale to determine pre-service teachers' self-efficacy for estimation skills. Accordingly, in this quantitative research, a 40-item draft scale was developed based on literature review and expert opinions. Psychometric properties of the scale was tested on data obtained from 158 pre-service teachers. While developing the scale, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, Guttman Split Half and Cronbach Alpha internal consistency coefficients were calculated. As a result of the analyses, the percentage of total variance explained for the scale consisting of 20 items and 4 factors was estimated as 69%. The model-fit-indices obtained from the confirmatory factor analysis were acceptable. Cronbach Alpha internal consistency coefficient value for the entire scale was found.90. As a result of the research, a valid and reliable 5-point Likert-type Estimation Skills Self-Efficacy Scale was developed to measure the pre-service teachers’ sense of efficacy about their estimation skills. It is thought that this research will contribute to the relevant literature, considering that there is no scale aimed at measuring the self-efficacy perceptions of pre-service teachers in the related literature.
Side-scan sonar and multi-beam surveys in dredging projects. Are both techniques necessary?

Both side-scan sonar and multibeam have evolved from expensive and complex systems to user-friendly and affordable techniques. Although both systems are tools to describe the morphology and nature of the seabed, they have inherent differences with both their merits and demerits. Although some hydrographers start to question the use of a side-scan sonar in projects in which a multibeam is already being deployed, it must be stressed that both techniques produce complementary results and that the integration of both systems offers a synergy that increases highly the value of the obtained survey results.
The risk of algorithm transparency: How algorithm complexity drives the effects on the use of advice

Although algorithmic decision support is omnipresent in many managerial tasks, a lack of algorithm transparency is often stated as a barrier to successful human–machine collaboration. In this paper, we analyze the effects of algorithm transparency on the use of advice from algorithms with different degrees of complexity. We conduct a set of laboratory experiments in which participants receive identical advice from algorithms with different levels of transparency and complexity. Our results indicate that not the algorithm itself, but the individually perceived appropriateness of algorithmic complexity moderates the effects of transparency on the use of advice. We summarize this effect as a plateau curve: While perceiving an algorithm as too simple severely harms the use of its advice, the perception of an algorithm as being too complex has no significant effect. Our insights suggest that managers do not have to be concerned about revealing algorithms that are perceived to be appropriately complex or too complex to decision‐makers, even if the decision‐makers do not fully comprehend them. However, providing transparency on algorithms that are perceived to be simpler than appropriate could disappoint people's expectations and thereby reduce the use of their advice.
Goodness dispersion curves for ultrasonic guided wave based SHM: a sample problem in corrosion monitoring

Abstract Ultrasonic guided wave techniques have great potential for structural health monitoring applications. Appropriate mode and frequency selection is the basis for achieving optimised damage monitoring performance. In this paper, several important guided wave mode attributes are introduced in addition to the commonly used phase velocity and group velocity dispersion curves while using the general corrosion problem as an example. We first derive a simple and generic wave excitability function based on the theory of normal mode expansion and the reciprocity theorem. A sensitivity dispersion curve is formulated based on the group velocity dispersion curve. Both excitability and sensitivity dispersion curves are verified with finite element simulations. Finally, a goodness dispersion curve concept is introduced to evaluate the tradeoffs between multiple mode selection objectives based on the wave velocity, excitability and sensitivity.