Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative Statics Analysis of An Inventory Management Model with Dynamic Pricing, Market Environment Fluctuation, and Delayed Differentiation

We consider a general joint pricing and inventory management model with delayed differentiation, in which a firm serves a market with multiple products made from a generic one. The firm holds inventory for the generic product which is produced using multiple resources. Moreover, the market size, the attractiveness of each product, the firm's productivity, and the procurement cost of each resource all evolve over the planning horizon driven by an exogenous Markov process. Comparative statics analysis is essential for studying this model, offering insights on the impact of market environment fluctuation upon the firm's optimal pricing and inventory policy. Hence, we propose a new approach that combines the advantages of implicit function theorem (IFT) and monotone comparative statics (MCS) approaches to perform comparative statics analysis in our joint pricing and inventory management model under market environment fluctuation. The new approach applies to our model where the standard IFT and MCS methods are not easily amenable. Using our new comparative statics approach, we characterize the optimal pricing and production policy of the firm, and offer insights on how the firm should adaptively respond to market environment fluctuations.
Reflective Reciprocal Teaching: A Technique for Improving Iranian EFL Learners’ Reading Comprehension Ability

The primary aim of this study was to shed light on the impact of a new instruction model, reflective reciprocal teaching (RRT), on English as a foreign language learners' (EFL) reading comprehension ability. Its mode of inquiry was a mixed-method, and it took on a quasi-experimental design, including a pretest, treatment, and posttest paradigm. The sampling techniques were both convenience and random sampling by which 100 EFL freshman learners were selected and assigned into three groups of reflective reciprocal teaching (RRT), reciprocal teaching (RT), and control. Two tests, namely Oxford Quick Placement Test and Michigan English Language Assessment Battery, were used to measure EFL learners' proficiency level and reading comprehension ability in its quantitative phase. ANOVA was utilized to analyze the collected data. Also, during the next step, which aimed to explore the learners' perceptions of RRT instruction, semi-structured interviews were used to collect qualitative data. The results indicated that the RRT group outperformed the control group regarding their reading comprehension ability; however, the RT instruction did not significantly impact this issue. Accordingly, the qualitative data analysis findings indicated that self-regulated learning, perceived competence, metacognitive awareness, confidence, and intrinsic motivation were the significant results of the RRT instruction model, contributing to the learners' reading comprehension ability.
Current Control Strategies for a Star Connected Cascaded H-Bridge Converter Operating as MV-AC to MV-DC Stage of a Solid State Transformer

Nowadays, the increasing number of nonlinear loads and renewable energy resources pose new challenges for the standard electrical grid. Conventional solutions cannot handle most of them. The weakest component in the whole system is a conventional distribution (converting medium to low AC voltage) transformer. It should not operate with unbalanced, heavily distorted voltage and cannot control power flow or compensate current harmonics. One of the promising solutions to replace the conventional transformer and thus minimize power flow and grid distortions is a power electronics device called a solid state transformer (SST). Depending on the SST topology, it can have different functionalities, and, with the proper control algorithm, it is able to compensate any power imbalances in both low voltage (LV) and medium voltage (MV) grid sides. In the case of a three energy conversion stage SST, the LV and the MV stages can be treated separately. This paper focuses on the MV-AC to the MV-DC stage only based on a star-connected cascaded H-bridge converter. In this paper, a simple control solution for such a converter enabling different current control strategies to distribute power among the phases in an MV grid in the case of voltage imbalances is proposed. Simulation and experimental results proved good performance and verified the validity of the proposed control algorithm.
Analysis of FreeRTOS Overheads on Periodic Tasks

Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) have their own modules that need to be executed to manage system resources and such modules add overhead to task response times. FreeRTOS is used for experimental purposes since its is a widely used open-source RTOS. This work presents the investigation of two important sources of overhead: Function Tick, a FreeRTOS time marker, and the Context Switch between tasks. In this paper we also describe a model for reducing Tick analysis pessimism due to its temporal variation. Experiments measuring the execution time of Tick and Context Switch on ARM-Cortex M4 microprocessor were made to present the Best-Case Execution Time and the Worst-Case Execution time within a periodic task scenario. Measurements are used to validate the analytic models.
Light-controlled spintronic device based on hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites

Abstract. We have fabricated a spin photovoltaic device composed of a vertical spin-valve based on hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite as a spacer layer, of which resistance may be tuned by external light illumination. The magnetoconductivity of this device may be tuned from zero to reach exceptionally high values of 100 k% by controlling the illumination intensity close to the open circuit voltage. In addition, the device photocurrent can be also turned by sweeping the external magnetic field when the effects of the light intensity and applied bias voltage are judicially balanced.
Recursion and the Definition of Universal Prosodic Categories

It is widely agreed that prosodic constituents should mirror syntactic constituents (unless high-ranking prosodic constraints interfere). Because recursion is a feature of syntactic representations, one expects recursion in prosodic representations as well. However, it is of current controversy what kinds of syntactic representation motivate prosodic recursion. In this paper, the use of Phonological Phrase recursion is reviewed in several case studies, chosen because prosodic recursion mostly does not reflect syntactic recursion as defined in current syntactic theory. We provide reanalyses that do not appeal to prosodic recursion (unless syntactically motivated), showing that Phonological Phrase recursion is not necessary to capture the relevant generalizations. The more restrictive use of prosodic recursion we argue for has the following conceptual advantages. It allows for more consistent cross-linguistic generalizations about the syntax–prosody mapping so that prosodic representations more closely reflect syntactic ones. It allows the fundamental syntactic distinctions between clause (and other phases) and phrase to be reflected in the prosodic representation, and it allows cross-linguistic generalizations to be made about the prosodic domain of intonational processes, such as downstep and continuation rise.
An Investigation into the Bulk and Surface Phase Transformations of Bimetallic Pd-In/Al2O3 Catalyst during Reductive and Oxidative Treatments In Situ

A series of oxidative treatments of PdIn-supported intermetallic nanoparticles at different temperatures were performed. The bulk and surface structure of catalyst during phase transformation was investigated by bulk- and surface-sensitive techniques (in situ XAFS, DRIFTS of adsorbed CO). It was found that comparison of palladium and indium fractions in bulk and on the surface suggests the formation of a «core-shell» structure. According to obtained results, the core consists of In-depleted intermetallic compound or inhomogeneous bimetallic phase with the inner core of metallic Pd, when a mixture of indium oxide, metallic palladium and small part of PdIn is present on the surface.
Exogenous Treatments to Enhance Splice-Grafted Watermelon Survival

This study evaluated the use of splice grafting as a propagation strategy for watermelon. In experiment 1, the treatments consisted of sucrose, antitranspirant A, antitranspirant B, auxin (indole-3-butyric acid (IBA)) at two concentrations (10 and 20 mg·L−1), plus a water control. The survival (%) of splice-grafted watermelon plants differed due to the number of days after grafting and treatment (p < 0.0001, for both). At 21 days after grafting, plants treated with sucrose and antitranspirant A, and sucrose and antitranspirant A with 10 mg·L−1 auxin had 90% and 88% survival, respectively, whereas the graft survival was 18% for plants treated with water. Experiment 2 included the three top performing treatments from experiment 1 and a water control treatment, applied to both root-intact and root-excised rootstocks. There was a significant difference in survival (%) of splice-grafted watermelon due to root treatments, exogenous treatments, and the number of days after grafting (p < 0.0001, for all). At 21 days after grafting, survival for root-excised grafted plants was 11% lower compared to root-intact plants. Plants treated with sucrose and antitranspirant A, and sucrose and antitranspirant A with 10 mg·L−1 auxin had 87% and 86% survival, respectively, whereas plants treated with water had 14% survival. The external application of auxin applied to rootstock seedlings does not appear to be cost-effective; however, other products should be evaluated.
Examination of internet use in terms of psychological well-being

This study aimed to examine internet use in terms of psychological well-being. The descriptive and correlational research designs were used in this study. The data were collected by the online survey. The survey included “Internet Addiction” and “Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being scales” and a “Socio-Demographic Form”. Four hundred and twelve people participated in the study. A negative, moderate and significant relationship was found between internet addiction and psychological well-being. It has been determined that being under the age of 25, single, unemployed and having a low income are the factors that significantly increase internet addiction. In addition, with the increase in work and income levels, psychological well-being increases significantly. These findings show that individuals under the age of 25, single, unemployed, and in low-income group are in the risk group for internet addiction. As a result, it can be suggested to focus on individuals in the risk group and psycho-training program can be designed for increasing the level of psychological well-being in order to prevent internet addiction. Key words: Internet addiction, internet usage, psychological well-being.
A one-pot hydrothermal synthesis of graphene/CdS:Mn photocatalyst for photoelectrochemical sensing of glutathione

A stable graphene (GR)/CdS:Mn photocatalyst was synthesized through a simple and straightforward one-pot hydrothermal method, and it exhibited enhanced photoelectrochemical (PEC) response to glutathione. The catalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. It showed efficient separation of photogenerated charge carriers and low photo-corrosion. The doped Mn2+ effectively improved the band structure of CdS. Meanwhile, the introduced GR greatly enhanced and facilitated visible light absorption as well as electron transport. The GR/CdS:Mn based PEC sensor displayed more sensitive photocurrent response to glutathione than the pure CdS, CdS:Mn and GR/CdS based sensors. Furthermore, the response of the sensor was rapid and stable. The details of the additions and specific effects of each component were discussed. Under the optimized conditions, it presented wide detection range of 0.01 μM to 100 μM, low detection limit, as well as good reproducibility. The sensor could be applied to the determination of glutathione in tomato and ketchup samples.
A High Selectivity and High Efficiency Filtering Antenna With Controllable Radiation Nulls Based on Stacked Patches

A high selectivity and high efficiency filtering antenna is presented in this communication. A double-layer filtering patch antenna is first proposed, which can generate a radiation null due to the mixed electric and magnetic coupling between the two patches. By changing the length of the slot line on the patch, the position of the radiation null can be flexibly set at the lower band edge or upper band edge. Based on this mechanism, a three-layer patch antenna with two radiation nulls is designed. Two radiation nulls are introduced on both sides of the passband, consequently, a quasi-elliptic bandpass response can be obtained. Moreover, the proposed antenna features high efficiency since no extra filtering circuit is utilized. A prototype antenna operating at 1 GHz is designed, fabricated, and measured for validity verification. The measured results agree well with the simulated one, showing that the prototype antenna has a fractional impedance bandwidth of 16% (0.91–1.07 GHz), a flat passband gain response with peak value of 8.83 dBi, a high efficiency about −0.41 dB in the passband. The band-edge selectivity is highly improved by the radiation nulls near the passband edge.
Interrogating the motivation mechanisms and claims of asset-based community development with self-determination theory

ABSTRACT This article uses Self-Determination Theory (SDT) to assess the motivational mechanisms and claims of asset-based community development (ABCD). The limited academic literature argues ABCD’s focus on existing assets and locally identified priorities motivates communi-ty participation. However, motivation is only superficially understood and remains unquali-fied. SDT is an established theory of motivation, which we suggest is largely compatible with ABCD. Using SDT as a framework, we determine how common ABCD tools support more autonomous motivations. We also outline how SDT tools and concepts can be inte-grated into ABCD practice and used to evaluate the motivational claims of ABCD-based programs. The findings show SDT can strengthen the theoretical base, practice and evaluation of ABCD interventions.
The Influence of Cooked Grated African Walnut on the Nutritional Composition, Antioxidant and Sensorial Properties of a Cookie Snack

ABSTRACT Emphasis has significantly been placed on the production of functional foods and the utilization of indigenous food crops in the management of some diet-related non-communicable diseases. This study included African walnut in the production of a cookie snack, and the effect of the inclusion on its nutritional, antioxidant and sensory quality was assessed. The inclusion of cooked grated walnut in the cookie caused a significant increase in crude protein (2.67%), fat (2.57%), fiber 91.17%), TPC (2.97 mgGAE/g db), DPPH (1.44 µmol TE/gdb) except for total starch, in-vitro protein, and starch digestibility. This resulted in nutrient-dense cookies, rich in antioxidants with a low estimated glycemic index, suitable for people with non-communicable pathophysiological conditions. Considering the sensory scores, walnut enriched cookies were accepted by the consumers comparably with the wheat flour cookies. Hence, walnut enriched cookies may be adequate in promoting health-related functions, while satisfying consumer’s urge for snacking.
The Determinants of User Satisfaction of Engineering Maintenance System (EMESYS) in the Malaysian Army

Engineering Maintenance System (EMESYS) is the online Management Information System (MIS) on equipment maintenance performed by the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) Corps including maintenance on vehicle, weapon, electronic and miscellaneous equipment. This study attempts to identify the determinants of user satisfaction in adopting the EMESYS based on an information system success model by De Lone and Mc Lean (2003). This study is important as it is the first empirical study focusing on the user satisfaction of EMESYS in the context of the Malaysian Army. The data were collected using online surveys from 309 EMESYS users. Standard multiple regressions was used to analyse the data gathered. The results of this study indicate that three of the hypothesis are supported and users’ satisfaction of EMESYS is influenced by the three dimensions, namely, system quality, information quality and IT infrastructure. EMESYS has been proven successful in transforming the tedious procedures involving multiple parties and documents to the process of a simple data entry to EMESYS.
Implantable slot antenna with substrate integrated waveguide for biomedical applications

The work presents a new design of capsule slot antenna with substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) for biomedical Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs) operating at the range of (2.5-4 GHz) which is located in the Body Area Networks (BAN) standard in IEEE802.15. 6. The proposed antenna was designed for biomedical Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs). The substrate is assumed to be from Rogers 5880 with relative permittivity, er= 2.2, loss tangent = 0.008, and thickness of 0.787 mm. The ground and the patch are created from annealed copper while the capsule is assumed to be a plastic material of medical grade Polycarbonate. The antenna design and summited using CST - Microwave Studio. A CST voxel model was used to study the performance of the SIW capsule antenna and the ability of the band (2.5-4 GHz) penetrates the tissues of the human body. Results indicated a wide bandwidth of 1.5 GHz between the range of (2.5-4) GHz at 3.3 GHz as centre frequency, with return loss with more than -24.52 dB, a gain of -18.2 dB, Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) of 1.17, and Front-To-Back Ratio (FBR) of 10.07 dB. Through simulation, all considerable parameters associated with the proposed antenna including return loss, bandwidth, operating frequency, VSWR less than 2, radiation pattern were examined.
BIODEGRADATION OF WASTEPAPER BY TRICHODERMA VIRIDE AND USING THE BIOPROCESSED MATERIALS IN BIOCONTROL OF DAMPING-OFF OF PEA CAUSED BY PYTHIUM DEBARYANUM

The biodegradation of wastepaper materials such as filter paper, foolscap, cardboard, tissue paper and newspapers was investigated. By using a method based on clear zone formation on agar plates, a total of 100 microbial strains (comprising fungi and bacteria) could be isolated from different microbial sources using carboxymethyl cellulose as substrate for cellulase. Sixteen cellulylotic microorganisms from the 100 isolated (comprising fungi and bacteria) as potential cellulase producers were selected. One fungal strain of 16 cellulylotic microorganisms exhibited wider clear zone than the other strains. This strain was identified as Trichoderma viride. The optimal pH and temperature for growth T. viride and its cellulase production were 6.5 and 25°C, respectively. It was shown that the cellulase was induced in submerged culture with presence of the carboxymethyl cellulose and wastepaper materials in MSL, while the presence of additional carbon sources such as glucose or a complex media (Potato Dextrose) suppressed enzyme production. All wastepaper materials exhibited different susceptibilities towards cellulase to their conversion to reducing sugars. The present study showed also that, the general trend of bioconversion of different wastepaper materials with cellulase was more than the general trend of bioconversion of different wastepaper materials by T. viride. Additionally to the qualitative clear zone tests, the degradation potential of T. viride was characterized via weight loss measurements of wastepaper materials on agar plates. T. viride exhibited also good degradability for mixture from the tested wastepaper materials in solid state fermentation without newspapers leads to produce biomass (bioprocessed materials). Results of this study suggest that soil treatment with the bioprocessed materials was an effective in controlling damping-off of pea and could be considered as promising alternative to existing chemical products, where the effects were similar in more cases to those of maxim fungicide. The application of these results may be help in reducing the
Kinship on the waterfront: logistics labour in a global port

This article examines how kinship forms a contested element of labour under capitalist distribution. The focus of the article is on a thriving Spanish container port where the dockworker collective has been steadily growing since the multinational companies ﬁrst arrived in the 1970s. In the wake of containerization – a standardized system of freight transport based on the intermodal shipping container – dock work has been revalued and become attractive in an area otherwise characterized by high unemployment rates and below-average salaries. Drawing on ethnographic research, the article analyses how unionized dockworkers are met with stigmatization from the general public and criticized for their intergenerational access to ‘container capital’. The article contributes to current anthropological debates around the role of labour under global capitalism by tracing the links between kinship and labour in the making of a global port.
Numerical Simulations of a Fluidized Granular Flow Entry Into Water: Insights Into Modeling Tsunami Generation by Pyroclastic Density Currents

The tsunami generation potential of pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) entering the sea is poorly understood, due to limited data and observations. Thus far, tsunami generation by PDCs has been modeled in a similar manner to tsunami generation associated with landslides or debris flows, using two‐layer depth‐averaged approaches. Using the adaptive partial differential equation solver Basilisk and benchmarking with published laboratory experiments, this work explores some of the important parameters not yet accounted for in numerical models of PDC‐generated tsunamis. We use assumptions derived from experimental literature to approximate the granular, basal flow component of a PDC as a dense Newtonian fluid flowing down an inclined plane. This modeling provides insight into how the boundary condition of the slope and the viscosity of the dense granular‐fluid influence the characteristics of the waves generated. It is shown that the boundary condition of the slope has a first‐order impact on the interaction dynamics between the fluidized granular flow and water, as well as the energy transfer from the flow to the generated wave. The experimental physics is captured well in the numerical model, which confirms the underlying assumption of Newtonian fluid‐like behavior in the context of wave generation. The results from this study suggest the importance of considering vertical density and velocity stratification in wave generation models. Furthermore, we demonstrate that granular‐fluids denser than water are capable of shearing the water surface and generating significant amplitude waves, despite vigorous overturning.