Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Users’ Adoption of Sustainable Cloud Computing Solutions

The paper is dedicated to factors influencing users’ adoption of sustainable cloud computing solutions. The article covers the important characteristics related to cloud computing. It also discusses how sustainable cloud computing is important for sustainability. The current state of their security and potential threats waiting for users is reviewed. The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of perceived usefulness, security, availability, and satisfaction on users’ adoption of sustainable cloud computing solutions. The study tested and used the adapted Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) model in the context of cloud computing solutions. The partial least square method of structural equation modeling is employed to test the proposed research model. The study utilizes an online survey to obtain data from 252 cloud computing solutions users. The data set was analyzed using SmartPLS 3 software. Results showed that the best predictor of users’ perceived usefulness and system & service quality is perceived availability, followed by perceived security. Both perceived usefulness and system & service quality predict users’ attitude and intention to use of cloud computing solutions. The findings improve understanding regarding the adoption of cloud computing solutions, and this work is, therefore, of particular interest to the IT departments and cloud computing vendors.
Structural model for the biogenic Mn oxide produced by Pseudomonas putida

Abstract X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Mn K-edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy were combined to elaborate a structural model for phyllomanganates (layer-type Mn oxides) lacking 3D ordering (turbostratic stacking). These techniques were applied to a sample produced by a common soil and freshwater bacterium (Pseudomonas putida), and to two synthetic analogs, δ-MnO2 and acid birnessite, obtained by the reduction of potassium permanganate with MnCl2 and HCl, respectively. To interpret the diffraction and spectroscopic data, we applied an XRD simulation technique utilized previously for well-crystallized birnessite varieties, complementing this approach with single-scattering-path simulations of the Mn K-edge EXAFS spectra. Our structural analyses revealed that all three Mn oxides have an hexagonal layer symmetry with layers comprising edgesharing Mn4+O6 octahedra and cation vacancies, but no layer Mn3+O6 octahedra. The proportion of cation vacancies in the layers ranged from 6 to 17%, these vacancies being charge-compensated in the interlayer by protons, alkali metals, and Mn atoms, in amounts that vary with the phyllomanganate species and synthesis medium. Both vacancies and interlayer Mn were most abundant in the biogenic oxide. The diffracting crystallites contained three to six randomly stacked layers and have coherent scattering domains of 19.42 Å in the c* direction, and of 60.85 Å in the a-b plane. Thus, the Mn oxides investigated here are nanoparticles that bear significant permanent structural charge resulting from cation layer vacancies and variable surface charge from unsaturated O atoms at layer edges.
Life below water; challenges for tourism partnerships in achieving ocean literacy

Abstract Healthy oceans are of great importance in achieving global sustainability, and are thus identified as one of the core Sustainable Development Goals in ‘Life below Water’ (SDG 14). However, at present, we still face a significant challenge in achieving lay understanding of the influence of the oceans on our lives and the impacts of our behaviour on it. As a key interface, marine ecotourism can support the development of place-based ocean literacy, but this can only be achieved through ‘effective partnerships’ (SDG 17). This paper examines how stakeholder collaboration can contribute to increased ocean literacy through empirical work on scuba diving in Mallorca, Spain. Ethnographic fieldwork was conducted with divers and other key stakeholders (operators, scientists, government, NGOs, and professional associations). Adopting stakeholder models based on pentahelix opportunities for collaboration we analyse the current challenges. The study identified a sector which currently lacks effective partnerships: there is limited systematic transfer of knowledge; staff are poorly trained in interpretation and communication skills; there is weak industry collaboration; and the sector is neglected in government tourism strategy. Consequently, the current structure fails to connect divers to marine issues in the Mediterranean Sea. Nevertheless, suitable conditions for developing effective partnerships are present: motivated staff and suitable facilities; interested authorities; an active network of knowledge production; and a vigilant society. This paper proposes a multi-stakeholder structure to put place-based ocean literacy into practice in order to contribute to the aspirations of improved global ocean awareness.
Selection of tumor-resistant variants following sustained natural killer cell-mediated immune stress

Resistance of tumor cells to cell-mediated cytotoxicity remains an obstacle to the immunotherapy of cancer and its molecular basis is poorly understood. To investigate the acquisition of tumor resistance to cell-mediated cytotoxicity, resistant variants were selected following long-term natural killer (NK) cell selection pressure. It was observed that these variants were resistant to NK cell-mediated lysis, but were sensitive to autologous cytotoxic T lymphocytes or cytotoxic drugs. This resistance appeared to be dependent, at least partly, on an alteration of target cell recognition by NK effector cells, but did not appear to involve any alterations in the expression of KIR, DNAM1 or NKG2D ligands on resistant cells, nor the induction of protective autophagy. In the present study, in order to gain further insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the acquired tumor resistance to NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity, a comprehensive analysis of the variant transcriptome was conducted. Comparative analysis identified an expression profile of genes that best distinguished resistant variants from parental sensitive cancer cells, with candidate genes putatively involved in NK cell-mediated lysis resistance, but also in adhesion, migration and invasiveness, including upregulated genes, such as POT1, L1CAM or ECM1, and downregulated genes, such as B7-H6 or UCHL1. Consequently, the selected variants were not only resistant to NK cell-mediated lysis, but also displayed more aggressive properties. The findings of the present study emphasized that the role of NK cells may span far beyond the mere killing of malignant cells, and NK cells may be important effectors during cancer immunoediting.
Faith-based responses to homelessness in Greater Seattle: A grounded theory approach

This article reports on the key findings of a 2-year study of faith-based responses to homelessness in Greater Seattle (the United States). Leveraging opportunities and negotiating constraints through experimentation, congregations, and faith-based non-profits, in different ways, are striving to blend local knowledge and professional knowledge, the adaptability of bottom-up civic engagement and the complexities of top-down programming to rethink homelessness interventions. After considering this picture of faith-based organizations (FBOs) as community problem solvers, we sketch three case studies of innovative initiatives: the Network Builders program of Catholic Community Services of Western Washington-King County, the interfaith and cross-sectoral campaign against family homelessness spearheaded by Associated Ministries of Tacoma-Pierce County, and the Para-Navigator partnership between Everett Gospel Mission and the municipal government of Snohomish County.
COMPARISON OF ORTHOGONAL AND COLLINEAR GEOMETRIC APPROACHES FOR DESIGN OF A LABORATORY CONSTRUCTED DIODE LASER INDUCED FLUORESCENCE DETECTOR FOR CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS

This work describes the design and construction of two sensitive fluorescence detectors for capillary electrophoresis employing a semiconductor diode laser as the light source. The two systems employed different geometric approaches – an orthogonal design and a collinear design, for collection of the fluorescence. The systems were evaluated using Cy5.29 carboxylic acid, a far-red dicarbocyanine dye. A limit of detection (LOD), calculated as three times the standard deviation of the blank signal, of 7.4 × 10−11 M was obtained using the orthogonal system. The precision and accuracy of the assay determined using the orthogonal system were within 10% RSD and 10 % DFN (deviation from nominal) respectively. The collinear design yielded a LOD of 1.2 × 10−12 M.
A superstrate loaded aperture coupled dual-band circularly polarized dielectric resonator antenna for X-band communications

Abstract A superstrate loaded cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna is developed and demonstrated for dual-band circular polarization. The proposed antenna employs a microstrip-fed rotated cross-shaped slot coupling technique for exciting the dielectric resonator (DR). The design is developed in a straight forward way. Firstly, the DR is coupled with a conventional plus-shaped slot and operates in linear polarization mode at 7.4 and 11.2 GHz. Secondly, the slot is rotated by 10° to enable out-of-phase excitation and ensure circular polarization at the above-mentioned frequencies. In the third step, a square dielectric superstrate is placed above the DR which creates multiple reflection and enhance the gain up to ~8 dBi in both the frequencies without affecting other performances. The development stages are discussed in detail. The proposed design is demonstrated through prototype fabrication and characterization. This antenna can be used for X-band satellite communications.
A cost–benefit analysis of implementing urban heat island adaptation measures in small- and medium-sized cities in Austria

Urban heat islands are an increasing concern even in small- to medium-sized cities, although these areas are still understudied especially in terms of the economic feasibility of adaptation options. This paper uses adaptation scenarios produced by an urban climate model as inputs to a social cost–benefit analysis in three small- to medium-sized cities in Austria: Mödling, Klagenfurt, and Salzburg. The adaptation scenarios, which consider measures such as increasing the reflectivity of different sealed surfaces (referred to as the White City scenario) as well as greening measures (i.e. the Green City scenario), show decreases in the number of hot days (Tmax ≥30°C) when implemented. Benefits include reductions in heat-related mortality, which are modeled based on trends of daily mortality and climate data, reduced morbidity, productivity loss, and numerous urban ecosystem services. The results demonstrate favorable benefit–cost ratios of a combination of measures (White and Green City) of 1.27, 1.36, and 2.68 for Mödling, Klagenfurt, and Salzburg, respectively, indicating positive economic grounds for supporting policies in line with the adaptation scenarios. Furthermore, results of the Green City vs. White City showed higher benefits for the combined and Green City scenarios despite higher costs for each of the cities.
Investigating moderating role of emotional intelligence among counterproductive work behavior, work interference and negative emotions in development sector of Pakistan

Article history: Received: August 14, 2020 Received in revised format: November 14 2020 Accepted: November 14, 2020 Available online: November 26, 2020 This study reveals the worth of Emotional Intelligence (EI) to act as a moderator in undertaking the worst effects of Counterproductive Work Behavior (CWB) influenced by negative emotions and work interference. Contract based employees of the non-profit organizations in development sector of Pakistan were targeted. The responses were obtained in time lags of two weeks to overcome the issues of cross-sectional data and self-serving bias. The 258 fully responded questionnaires by the targeted employees were analyzed in SPSS. The results emphasized that negative emotions and work interference predicts CWB and EI act as a moderator in this relationship. Employees having low EI engaged more in CWB confirming the predictive relationship. It is recommended that the management needs to underline the significance of EI at all levels of the organization for desirable behaviors at workplace. Implications were deliberated to overcome CWB through high and low levels of EI. © 2021 by the authors; licensee Growing Science, Canada
The Value of 18F-FDG PET/CT in Diagnosing Pancreatic Lesions: Comparison With CA19-9, Enhanced CT or Enhanced MR

Objective: To investigate the value of 18F-FDG PET/CT in diagnosing pancreatic lesions, and compare it with CA19-9, contrast-enhanced CT (CECT), and contrast-enhanced MRI (CEMR). Methods: Cases of patients with suspected pancreatic lesions examined between January 1, 2011 and June 30, 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. CA19-9, CECT and CEMR within 2 weeks of PET/CT were evaluated. We compared the diagnostic efficacy of PET/CT with CA19-9, CECT and CEMR as well as combined tests. Results: A total of 467 cases were examined in this study, including 293 males and 174 females, with an average age of 57.79 ± 12.68 y (16–95 y). Cases in the malignant group (n = 248) had significantly higher SUVmax (7.34 ± 4.17 vs. 1.70 ± 2.68, P < 0.001) and CA19-9 (663.21 ± 531.98 vs. 87.80 ± 218.47, P < 0.001) than those in the benign group (n = 219). The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of PET/CT were 91.9, 96.3, and 94.0%, respectively. Those for CECT were 83.6, 77.8, 81.2%, respectively; and 91.2, 75.0, 81.7% were for CEMR. PET/CT corrected 14.7% (28/191) CECT diagnoses and 12.2% (10/82) CEMR diagnoses. Although the diagnostic efficiency of CA19-9 was acceptable (80.0, 69.0, 74.9% respectively), the joint application of PET/CT and CA19-9 could significantly enhance the diagnostic efficiency compared with PET/CT alone (sen 97.4 vs. 90.5%, P = 0.0003; spe 100.0 vs. 95.2%, P = 0.0047). Conclusions: PET/CT has sensitivity similar to CECT, CEMR and significantly higher specificity and accuracy, helping reduce false diagnoses of morphological images. Combining PET/CT with CA19-9 could enhance diagnostic efficiency.
Egocentric Contact Networks of Older Adults: Featuring Quantity, Strength and Function of Ties

ABSTRACT This article analyzes how the theory of constraints, the socio-emotional and functional selectivity theories can explain the egocentric networks of older adults. The contact diary method is applied on a randomly chosen subsample of a nationally representative cross-sectional sample in Hungary enumerating all active ties and encounters with social contacts of 181 adults aged 50 and above. Age is negatively associated with network size, but it is positively correlated with average tie strength. Retirement, declining health, and death of the partner act as external constraints, and are associated with a shrinking network. Our results support the socio-emotional selectivity theory, but not the functional selectivity theory.
Liquid Crystal Tunable Filter Raman Chemical Imaging

A Lyot-type liquid crystal tunable filter (LCTF) suitable for high-definition Raman chemical imaging has been developed. The LCTF has been incorporated into an efficient Raman imaging system that provides significant performance advantages relative to any previous approach to Raman microscopy. The LCTF and associated optical path is physically compact, which accommodates integration of the LCTF within an infinity-corrected optical microscope. The LCTF simultaneously provides diffraction-limited spatial resolution and 7.6-cm-1 spectral bandpass across the full free spectral range of the imaging spectrometer. The LCTF Raman microscope successfully integrates, in a facile manner, the utility of optical microscopy and the analytical capabilities of Raman spectroscopy. In this paper the LCTF Raman imaging system is described in detail, as well as results of initial studies of polymer and corrosion product model systems.
We read, we write: reconsidering reading–writing relationships in primary school children

The extent to which children ’ s reading experiences in- ﬂ uence their writing production is not well under-stood. It is imperative that the connections between these literacy practices are elucidated in order to inform the development of stimulating curricula and to support children ’ s development. This paper presents new data and key ﬁ ndings from a project investigating relationships between children ’ s free choice reading and volitional writing in Key Stage 2 (9 – 10 years). The data were collected in two primary schools in northern England, using mixed methods. Quantitative data were collected using an online reading survey taken by 170 children, and qualitative data were provided through independent writing journals main-tained by 38 participants. Through analysis of the data using a multiliteracies approach, we demonstrate that the writing that children choose to do is in ﬂ u-enced by the texts they encounter as readers in terms of content, text type and linguistic style. The child readers in this project encountered texts in different media and created texts in a range of genres. By exam-ining a sample of children ’ s written texts from the data set, we show that children ’ s interactions and transac-tions with texts as readers and writers are complex and multiple. Children creatively work across media, and in doing so the boundaries of traditional text genres and styles are redeveloped and redesigned. These ﬁ ndings highlight the importance of providing children with opportunities to freely choose and create texts and recognising the wide variety of text experiences that children bring to their classroom learning.
Water uptake plasticity of savanna trees in encroached grassland: small trees match the mature trees

Processes linked to woody plant encroachment in grassland are still not well understood, especially the interactions between trees and soil water availability. Our aim was to study the depth of water uptake by trees in grassland and its controlling factors. We studied water uptake in Vachellia sieberiana trees (hereafter called ‘acacias’) in a humid grassland of South Africa. We especially studied the effect of size classes of acacias and their position in the catena on water potential (ψ) of acacia leaves and water uptake depth of acacias across seasons, as inferred from isotope δ18O values of soil and stem water samples. Acacias were more water stressed in February (wet season) with the most negative water potentials. Taller acacias (>3 m height) were more water-stressed (ψ ± SD = −1.62 ± 0.81 MPA) than smaller acacias (<1 m height) (ψ ± SD = −1.32 ± 0.80 MPA). In September (end of dry season), all tree size classes uptake water equally in A and B soil horizons. In February (middle of the wet season), tall, medium and even small trees favoured the B horizon. Small trees had similar plasticity in water uptake to taller trees and could modify depth of water uptake between seasons. This process could increase their probability of becoming adults, and may favour tree encroachment in grasslands.
Effect of Cationic Polyelectrolyte on the Flow Behavior of Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose/Polyacrylic Acid Interpolymer Complexes

Association of polyacrylic acids and nonionic polymers in solutions via hydrogen bonding results in formation of novel polymeric materials. These complexes are novel individual compounds and their properties are entirely different from the properties of their component polymers. In this study, the effects of a cationic polyelectrolyte (polyethylenimine, PEI) on the interpolymer complexation of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) with polyarcylic acid (PAA) in aqueous media were studied. Results showed that at low pH, interpolymer complex (IPC) formation was observed between HPMC and PAA at a 3:0.5 polymer ratio. Under basic conditions, the viscosity of the IPC increased accompanied with the transition from coiled structure to an extended conformation of associates. Addition of PEI to the same system caused some structural changes in the polymer solution mixtures depending on the pH of the system. PEI worked as a destructive agent for the HPMC/PAA interpolymer complexes and associates. This behavior was .
Evaluation of traffic warning signs on truck safety considering endogeneity, a copula-based method

Abstract It is hypothesized that traffic warning signs are installed at crash prone locations. However, all past studies model the impact of traffic warning signs on crash count independently. Failure to account for the interrelationships might result in biased models’ estimates. That shortcoming could be accounted by simultaneously modeling traffic warning signs’ installation, and crash counts . In this study, the copula abased method was proposed to model traffic warning signs on crash count occurrence while considering the correlation across the two models error terms. Only observations related to truck downgrade crashes were considered in this study. Also, only downgrade warning signs related to those crashes were employed. We accounted for the endogeneity effect by considering the dependent variable of presence of warning sign from one model as an additional regressor, endogenous predictor, in the main discrete count model . Standard joint model with various Archimedean copulas were considered, and Ali-Mikhail-Haq (AMH) copula was identified as a best perfromed copula. The model estimation results highlighted the importance of accommodating the endogeneity in modeling the impact of warning signs on traffic safety, beside accounting for correlation across the error terms. A detailed discussion about the employed methodological approach is provided in the content of this manuscript.
Postharvest Salicylic Acid Treatment Influences Some Quality Attributes in Air-Stored Pomegranate Fruit

Popularity of pomegranate fruit has increased in recent years because of its health benefit content, economic value and medicinal characteristics. Since pomegranate fruit is perishable species, prolonging storage life, keeping fruit quality during storage and marketing period with minimum quality and quantity loss after harvest are essential. Influence of salicylic acid treatments on some quality properties in ‘Hicaznar’ cultivar fruit were investigated in the current study. After harvest at commercial maturity, fruit were exposed to salicylic acid (SA) treatments. Controls (C1) were untreated. The other groups were dipped into a solution containing 0.01% Tween 20 (C2), 0.01% Tween 20+2 mM SA (SA1), and 0.01% Tween 20+4 mM SA (SA2). Then fruit were stored at 5±1 °C temperature, 85-90% relative humidity for 120 days. Changes in fruit skin and aril color, soluble solids content, titratable acidity, weight loss and chilling injury rate total phenolic content, antioxidant activity were followed at 60 days intervals. Neither SA1 nor SA2 affected total phenolic content and antioxidant activity levels of fruit. But, both treatments helped to maintain C* values in arils and skin, titratable acidity and soluble solids content. Since SA2 treatment significantly reduced chilling injury symptoms during cold storage period of 120 days, it could be considered as promising postharvest technology.