Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Systematic Study of the Fracturing of Ronne - Filchner Ice Shelf, Antarctica,Using Multisource Satellite Data from 2001 to 2016

Abstract. We propose a new framework of systematic fracture mapping and major calving event prediction for the large ice shelves in Antarctica using multisource satellite data, including optical imagery, SAR imagery, altimetric data, and stereo mapping imagery. The new framework is implemented and applied for a comprehensive study of the fracturing of Ronne-Filchner Ice Shelf (RFIS), the second largest ice shelf in Antarctica, using a long time dataset dating back to 1957. New remote sensing data that have been made available in the past decade, including Landsat 8, WV-2, ZY-3 and others, greatly enhance our abilities to detect new fractures and monitor large rifts in three dimensions. Two large rifts, Rifts 1 and 2, were newly detected and are comparable to the Grand Chasm that caused a major calving event in the region in 1986. Three-dimensional rift models generated from quasi real-time stereo ZY-3 images revealed important topographic information about the large rifts that can be used to improve the reliability of ice shelf modeling and support enhanced analyses of ice shelf stability. Based on the results of the 2D and 3D fracture mapping, the spatial and temporal analyses of the overall fracture changes and large rift evolutions, i.e., the level of fracturing in RFIS, were slightly increased, particularly at the front of the ice sheet. The overall fracture observations do not seem to suggest immediate significant impacts on the stability of the shelf. However, the most active regional fracturing activities occurred at the front of Filchner Ice Shelf (FIS). A potential upcoming major calving event of FIS is estimated to occur in 2051. The stability of the ice shelf, particularly with regard to the developments of Rifts 1 and 2, should be closely monitored.
Novel Technologies for Materials, Sensors and Imaging Nanowire Dimer Metamaterial For Sensing: Design, Fabrication and Optical Characterization

In this work a thorough study of the electromagnetic resonances excited in a planar metamaterial consisting of pairs of gold bars(dimers) arrayed on a dielectric substrate is reported. In the case of equal bar lengths, bright resonance mode can easily be excited, which couple strongly to free space and posses a low Q-factor. The introduction of bar length asymmetry induces the excitation of the so-called dark mode which couple very weakly to free space and show high Q-factors. The interaction of the dark and bright resonant modes results in a Fano type profile of the resonance. With increasing length asymmetry, coupling of the dark mode to free space is increased, resulting in a lowered Q-factor. The dependence of both the dark and bright modes on the dimer geometry and refractive index of the metamaterial environment is studied in order to optimize the structure for a potential application as an optical bio or chemical sensor. Effective material parameters are obtained from spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements of the metamaterial deposited on a glass substrate and their physical meaning and applicability are discussed. Experimental results show good agreement with simulation.
Insulin Regulation of Reverse Cholesterol Transport

Insulin Regulation of Reverse Cholesterol Transport Samuel Lee Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are pathogenetically linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease. While insulin resistance is defined by a dysregulation in hepatic insulin signaling, it is unclear how this impairment relates to the development of cardiovascular disease. Recently, there has been evidence showing that in insulin resistant individuals, cardiovascular disease is associated with a defect in reverse cholesterol transport – the cardioprotective process by which excess cholesterol is removed from the periphery, and returned to the liver for biliary excretion. Reverse cholesterol transport is facilitated by high-density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism. Thus, malfunction in HDL turnover during reverse cholesterol transport may contribute to the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques, and subsequent cardiovascular disease in insulin resistant individuals. In this thesis, we seek to establish a better understanding of HDL metabolism and reverse cholesterol transport, as they relate to key transcription factors that mediate hepatic insulin signaling, namely the insulin-repressible forkhead transcription factors, FoxO1, FoxO3, and FoxO4 (FoxOs). We demonstrate that mice with liver-specific triple FoxO knockout (LFoxO1,3,4) have increased HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), associated with decreased expression of HDL-C clearance factors, scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) and hepatic lipase, and defective selective uptake of HDL-cholesteryl ester by the liver. As such, we uncover a novel mechanism by which HDL-mediated reverse cholesterol transport to the liver is regulated by the hepatic insulinàFoxO
Ethernet Goes Real-Time: a Survey on Research and Technological Developments

Ethernet is the most popular LAN technology. Its low price and robustness, resulting from its wide acceptance and deployment, has created an eagerness to expand its responsibilities to the factory-floor, where real-time requirements are to be fulfilled. However, it is difficult to build a real-time control network using Ethernet, because its MAC protocol, the 1-persistent CSMA/CD protocol with the BEB collision resolution algorithm, has unpredictable delay characteristics. Many anticipate that the recent technological advances in Ethernet such as the emerging Fast/Gigabit Ethernet, micro-segmentation and full-duplex operation using switches will also enable it to support time-critical applications. This technical report provides a comprehensive look at the unpredictability inherent to Ethernet and at recent technological advances towards real-time operation.
Short-Term Origin-Destination Based Metro Flow Prediction with Probabilistic Model Selection Approach

Reliable prediction of short-term passenger flow could greatly support metro authorities’ decision processes, help passengers to adjust their travel schedule, or, in extreme cases, assist emergency management. The inflow and outflow of the metro station are strongly associated with the travel demand within metro networks. The purpose of this paper is to obtain such prediction. We first collect the origin-destination information from the smart-card data and explore the passenger flow patterns in a metro system. We then propose a data driven framework for short-term metro passenger flow prediction with the ability to utilize both spatial and temporal related information. The approach adopts two forecasts as basic models and then uses a probabilistic model selection method, random forest classification, to combine the two outputs to achieve a better forecast. In the experiments, we compare the proposed model with four other prediction models, i.e., autoregressive-moving-average, neural networks, support vector regression, and averaging ensemble model, as well as the basic models. The results indicate that the proposed approach outperforms the others in most cases. The origin-destination flows extracted from smart-card data can be successfully exploited to describe different metro travel patterns. And the framework proposed here, especially the probabilistic combination method, can improve the performance of short-term transportation prediction.
Implementation of CIPP Model for Quality Evaluation at School Level: A Case Study

Evaluation denotes the monitoring of progress towards desired goals and objectives. The purpose of this study was to evaluate educational quality at schools using Stufflebeam’s CIPP evaluation model (1983). The population comprised the principal, heads of each wing and teachers of various branches of a Welfare School System in Rawalpindi. Data were collected through the CIPP evaluation checklist (2002), semi structured interviews, document analysis and observations. Data were analyzed via content and thematic analysis. Findings indicated that this group of welfare schools focused on quality education by using different means, such as advanced technology, effective communication, relevant courses as well as teaching and learning strategies; however, it was found that teachers focused more on theoretical work and rote learning, which put pressure on students and had a negative effect on their intellectual abilities. Moreover, there was lack of proper space, effective environment and the schools were situated in rented buildings.
Trypanosomes and helminths infections in Mayo Rey Division of Cameroon and impact of concurrent infections on cattle

A survey was carried out to determine the prevalence of gastro-intestinal nematodes and trypanosome infections and their impact on two indicators of cattle health in the Sudano Sahelian Region of Cameroon in June, 2013. A total of 223 cattle were randomly selected from 24 herds and examined for blood parasite infections (parasitaemia) and for gastrointestinal nematode fecal egg counts. The prevalence of helminth infections was 33.62% (95%CI, 27.43 to 39.83%); three types of helminth eggs identified were Strongyles (96.30%), Toxocara (2.47%) and Eimeria (1.23%). The prevalence of trypanosome infection was 9.86% (95% CI, 5.95 to 13.78%); three species of trypanosomes were identified: Trypanosoma congolense (81.82%), Trypanosoma vivax (13.63%) and Trypanosoma brucei (4.54%). Seven animals were found with concurrent infections. Cattle with concurrent infections had a lower mean Body Condition Score than those with trypanosomes or helminths infections alone. The effect of concurrent infection was equally negative on the Packed Cell Volume of cattle but this effect seems to be caused by trypanosome alone following the practice of drenching by pastoralists. Key words: Cattle production, helminths, trypanosomes, body condition score (BCS), packed cell volume (PCV), extensive management system, Sudano Sahelian Region, Cameroon.
A metallicity study of 1987A-like supernova host galaxies

Context. The origin of the blue supergiant (BSG) progenitor of Supernova (SN) 1987A has long been debated, along with the role that its sub-solar metallicity played. We now have a sample of SN 1987A-like events that arise from the rare core collapse (CC) of massive ( 20 M ) and compact (. 100 R ) BSGs. Aims. The metallicity of the explosion sites of the known BSG SNe is investigated, as well as the association of BSG SNe to starforming regions. Methods. Both indirect and direct metallicity measurements of 13 BSG SN host galaxies are presented, and compared to those of other CC SN types. Indirect measurements are based on the known luminosity-metallicity relation and on published metallicity gradients of spiral galaxies. In order to provide direct metallicity measurements based on strong line diagnostics, we obtained spectra of each BSG SN host galaxy both at the exact SN explosion sites and at the positions of other H II regions. We also observed these hosts with narrow H and broadR band filters in order to produce continuum-subtracted H images. This allows us to measure the degree of association between BSG SNe and star-forming regions, and to compare it to that of other SN types. Results. BSG SNe are found to explode either in low-luminosity galaxies or at large distances from the nuclei of luminous hosts. Therefore, their indirectly measured metallicities are typically lower than those of SNe IIP and Ibc. This result is confirmed by the direct metallicity estimates, which show slightly sub-solar oxygen abundances (12+log(O/H) 8.3-8.4 dex) for the local environments of BSG SNe, similar to that of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), where SN 1987A exploded. However, we also note that two objects of our sample (SNe 1998A and 2004em) were found at near solar metallicity. SNe IIb have a metallicity distribution similar to that of our BSG SNe. Finally, we find that the degree of association to star-forming regions is similar among BSG SNe, SNe IIP and IIn. Conclusions. Our results suggest that LMC metal abundances play a role in the formation of some 1987A-like SNe. This would naturally fit in a single star scenario for the progenitors. However, the existence of two events at nearly solar metallicity suggests that also other channels, e.g. binarity, contribute to produce BSG SNe.
Influence of housing systems on stillbirth and mortality rate in preweaning pigs farrowed by different gilt breeds

Abstract The aim of this paper was to investigate the influence of housing systems on stillbirth and mortality rate in preweaning pigs farrowed by different gilt breeds. The investigation included first farrowings of 225 Large White (LW) gilts, 297 Swedish Landrace (SL) gilts and 260 crossbreed gilts (LWxSL) in the period of five years. Despite of positive influence of straw through decreased number of stillborn pigs, especially in LW gilts, in further process of production until weaning, less appropriate microclimatic conditions developed in farrowing houses with straw, especially if accompanied with poor ventilation, can result with higher number of perished pigs and lower number of weaned pigs. Most sensible to unsuitable microclimatic conditions in straw bedded farrowing houses, according to the number of perished pigs before weaning, were the pigs from SL gilts, while the pigs from crossbreed gilts LWxSL were the most resistant. These results suggest that adding straw requires special attention on influence of such production on microclimate conditions in pigs’ biozone in order to maintain its initial benefits in the time of farrowing through the whole preweaning period, especially in pure breeds of gilts.
Thermal mapping as a valuable tool for road weather forecast and winter road maintenance: an example from the Italian Alps

During the winter period ice is likely to form on roads, making pavement surfaces slippery and increasing accident risk. Road surface temperature (RST) is one of the most important parameters in ice formation. The LIFE+ “CLEANROADS” project aims to forecast RSTs in advance in order to support road maintenance services in the timely and effective preparation of preventive anti-icing measures. This support is provided through a novel MDSS (Maintenance Decision Support System). The final goal of the project is to quantitatively demonstrate that the implemented MDSS is capable to minimize the consumption of chemical anti-icing reagents (e.g. sodium chloride) and the associated environmental (water and air) impact while maintaining the current high levels of road safety. In the CLEAN-ROADS system RSTs have been forecast by applying the numerical model METRo (Model of the Environment and Temperature of Roads) to a network of RWIS (Road Weather Information System) stations installed on a test route in the Adige Valley (Italy). This forecast is however local and does not take into account typical peculiarities along road network, such as the presence of road sections that are particularly prone to ice formation. Thermal mapping, i.e. the acquisition of mobile RST measurements through infrared thermometry, permits to (i) identify and map those sections, and (ii) extend the forecast from a RWIS station to adjacent areas. The processing of thermal mapping signals is however challenging because of random variations in the road surface emissivity. To overcome this we have acquired several thermal mapping traces along the test route during winter seasons 2014-2015 and 2015-2016. We have then defined a “characteristic” thermal fingerprint as a function of all its historical thermal mapping signals, and used it to spatialize local METRo forecasts. Preliminary results suggest the high potential of such a technique for winter road applications.
PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT AND GLOBAL SELF-WORTH IN ADOLESCENTS

This study aims to determine whether adolescents’ global self-worth can be predicted through perceived social support from the parents, peers, and teachers. A self-report survey was administrated to a group of adolescents (N=100) with age ranging from 13 to 18 years; selected using the purposive sampling technique. Two scales were used for data collection: the Social Support Scale for Children and Adolescent (SSSCA) and Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents (SPPA), developed by Harter (2012). Multiple Regressions predicting adolescents’ global self-worth from perceived social support (parents, peers and teachers) were conducted. The results indicated that the combination of perceived social support significantly predicted the adolescents’ global self-worth, F (3, 96) = 5.97, p < 0.01. Surprisingly, the finding revealed that increased social support from peers predicted improved global self-worth, (β = .322, p < 0.01), whilst there was no significant contribution from the parents and teachers support towards global self-worth among adolescents. Results are discussed with respect to potential mechanisms through which social support and global self-worth may operate. The implications of the study and recommendation for future research are presented.
Electronically Induced Phase Transitions in Ternary Transition Metal Distannide Systems

Our experimental investigation of the quasi-binary systems TixV1-xSn2, TixFe1-xSn2, VxFe1-xSn2, FexCo1-xSn2, and CoxNi1-xSn2 revealed the interesting sequence of structures CuMg2 → NiMg2 → CuAl2 → CoGe2, where the stability is primarily determined by the valence electron concentration (VEC, number of valence electrons per formula unit). In the range between 12.4 and 14.0 electrons per formula unit, the CuMg2 type has been found to be stable, followed by the NiMg2 type in the region between 13.9 and 14.7 and the CuAl2 type in the region between between 14.7 and 17.1 electrons per formula unit. The three structure types are closely related and represent different stacking sequences of layers consisting of square antiprisms formed by the Sn atoms. The structures of Ti0.62V0. 38Sn2 (CuMg2 type) Ti0.4Fe0. 6Sn2 (NiMg2 type), V0.75Fe0. 25Sn2 (NiMg2 type), and V0.72Co0. 28Sn2 (NiMg2 type) were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The structural sequence is completed by the CoGe2 structure type in t.
Administration's perception about the feasibility of elearning practices at the University of Guyana

Since the genesis of technology, some decades ago, the use of information and communication technologies in educational practices has been steadily increasing. In educational institutions, some form of elearning has been adopted. All over the world, in both developed and developing countries, many universities have embraced this alternative and exciting form of education delivery to enhance the pedagogical practices of their institutions, in order to cater for student learning diversity, and to bridge the geographical gap, making education accessible to all. Since elearning seems to be the catalyst to promote revolutionary instructional practices, the University of Guyana, still largely adopting a traditional approach to learning and teaching, finds itself in a peculiar situation. Taking into consideration the afore-mentioned, this study is based on the perception of the University of Guyana’s administrative body about the feasibility of elearning practices at that institution. Using a mixed methods approach, the University’s administrators were sampled purposively, by means of an online survey. The data were analysed empirically and the results show that while there is room for development, regarding educational practices, the University’s administration generally believes that elearning practices are feasible and should be embraced, once key issues for their adoption are addressed. Recommendation is made for university-wide incorporation of elearning practices.
Location based query using K-Anonymity on location Server to provide Privacy

The Present’s modern world, it is very facile for a person to ken his/her location with the avail of contrivances having GPS facility. When user’s location is provided to LBS, it is possible to user to ken all location dependent information like as location of friends or Most proximate Restaurant, whether or traffic conditions.The massive utilization of mobile contrivances pave the way for the engenderment of wireless networks that can be habituated to exchange information predicated on locations. When the exchange of location information is done amongst entrusted parties, the privacy of the user could be in deleterious. Subsisting protocol doesn’t work on many different mobile contrivances and another issue is that, Location Server (LS) should provide illuming data to user. So we are working on enhancement of this protocol. Keywords: Location based query; location Server; Privacy; Efficiency
Farmers' opinions about the prospects of family farming development in Poland

Rural areas are inhabited by a large proportion of Poland’s population, and farming production is responsible for a considerable quota of the country’s economy. The production is characterized by the occurrence of a large number of individual farms. The quality of life of farmers and other country dwellers plays an important role in sustainable farming and this is why measuring of farmers’ satisfaction level, verifying if their production provides them with satisfying income, and defining prospects and development opportunities are so vital. The aim of the study was twofold. The author wanted to check if Polish farmers can see any possibilities of developing their production, and if so, to establish its direction. The data for the study were obtained during 2014 and 2017 and provided by 155 respondents who filled in questionnaires. The study proved that almost half of the farmers were not satisfied with the income they obtained from farming production. At the same time, most of the respondents stressed that they were willing to pursue alternative operations in order to improve their inadequate economic situation.
Effects of Elaborated Likelihood Model and Attitudinal Change Toward the Investments

Author(s): Park, Myungchul | Abstract: On the spectrum of the persuasion from the basis of Elaborated Likelihood Model (ELM) and Cognitive Dissonance Theory, this paper discusses how persuasion accounts for effects of attitudinal change underlying the elaboration likelihood model. Along with the previous emphasis on the central route and peripheral route as the factors on analysis of persuasion, we hypothesize that one of these routes will affect the result of persuasion. Specifically, we predicted that the participants will be highly persuaded when they are given the central route argument rather than the peripheral route. Participants (n = 344)-mostly non-college students- were randomly selected to participate in an online survey through Mechanical Turk consisting of prompts and questions about the types of investments. The survey contained questions about interest and opinion in the type of investment, using a 9-point Likert scale. The results revealed a significant main effect of interest in bitcoin and gold that showed more preference toward gold, but no signi cant main effect and interaction of peripheral route and central route on interest in the type of investments. Central and peripheral did not significantly differ in their interest of investment types (p = .01). However, gold was significantly more interesting as an investment when compared to bitcoin (p = .95). Our findings suggest that types of persuasion may not matter in trying to persuade people from investing in bitcoin or gold. This might be due to the priming thoughts about the currency and interest. This suggests that such logic required variable, investment, may alter one’s attitude toward investment based on their previous experiences and beliefs playing an important role in their interest in the investment regardless of persuasion route.