Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seed removal of Araucaria angustifolia by native and invasive mammals in protected areas of Atlantic Forest

Araucaria Forest is one of the most threatened tropical forests in the world. Wild pig (Sus scrofa) are invasive pig that is expanding through these forests and seed removing that would be available to native fauna. Our aim was to evaluate the rates of seed Araucaria (Araucaria angustifolia) removal by both small, medium, and large mammals in areas with and without wild pig. We conducted a seed-removal experiment with three treatments differing in mammals’ access to seeds, in areas with and without the occurrence of wild pig. Similar numbers of seeds Araucaria were removed by small, medium and large mammals, even in areas with wild pig. However, we verified that seed removal by small mammals is graduate over time, while large mammals, especially wild pig, remove in one event. So, we recommend long-term studies to investigate competition between wild pig and native biota and the effects of wild pig on seed dispersal and seed survival.
Planning a Continuous Vehicle Trajectory for an Automated Lane Change Maneuver by Nonlinear Programming considering Car-Following Rule and Curved Roads

This study proposes a trajectory planning method for an automated lane change maneuver. We consider that the spatiotemporal trajectory of a controlled vehicle can be represented by a polynomial function and estimate the parameters of the polynomial function through nonlinear programming that does not rely on the assumed time horizon of lane change and the assumed final state of the controlled vehicle. When the controlled vehicle achieves its target lane, the state of this vehicle should be constrained by both the position and the speed of the forward vehicle. We integrate a car-following model into the nonlinear programming to constrain the state of the controlled vehicle at the end of the lane change. Notably, the interaction factors are taken into consideration: the motion of the vehicle that follows the controlled vehicle in the target lane can be influenced by the trajectory planning results of the controlled vehicle. The proposed trajectory planning method can simultaneously estimate the motion of the following vehicle and plan the trajectory for the controlled vehicle. Our proposed model can also work for curved road sections. We represent the curve information in the nonlinear programming by a regression model. We solve the nonlinear programming through the sequential quadratic program (SQP) algorithm and design a method to specify an initial guess for the algorithm. This paper finally demonstrates the effect of the proposed trajectory planning method under different scenarios.
Perspektif Feminisme dalam Memahami Permasalahan Hak Asasi Manusia Kelompok Queer di Kota Semarang, Indonesia

Hak Asasi Manusia seharusnya merupakan konsep yang dijunjung tinggi oleh negara dengan sistem demokrasi, salah satunya adalah sexual rights . Oleh karena itu, penegakan HAM bagi kelompok minoritas seksual juga harus menjadi perhatian pemerintah demokratis, termasuk pelindungan kelompok minoritas seksual queer . Kelompok queer ini sejatinya sudah ada dan berkembang dalam budaya asli Indonesia seperti pembagian gender suku Bugis yakni Calalai, Calabai , dan Bissu . Meskipun demikian, penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa penindasan dan diskriminasi terhadap kelompok queer masih marak terjadi. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan teknik pengumpulan data melalui wawancara terarah ( guided interview ) dengan LSM Rumah Pelangi Semarang. Data-data yang terkumpul tersebut kemudian dianalisis menggunakan teori feminisme, gender, dan queer . Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan aktor serta bentuk penindasan terhadap kelompok queer di Indonesia, serta adanya ambiguitas dan distorsi dalam pemahaman seksualitas pada masyarakat Indonesia yang terhegemoni sistem patriarki, menjadi penyebab terjadinya diskriminasi ini.
How Big Data Analytics Boosts Organizational Performance: The Mediating Role of the Sustainable Product Development

Increasing haze pollution and its adverse effects on human health is pressuring academics and practitioners to search for different solutions for environmental sustainability around the world. Similar to other countries, Pakistan is also affected by air pollution, and smog has become a fifth season. In Pakistan, one of the main reasons of smog and air pollution is hazardous emissions from vehicles. As a result, the booming automobile industry of Pakistan is now affected by two major challenges: sustainable product development and organizational performance. To meet these challenges, the study has developed a conceptual model to find the effect of big data analytics on organizational performance by adopting a sustainable development program. For the elimination of standard method biases, the study has used a time lag approach to collect the data in three waves and receive 372 usable responses. The empirical results of PLS-SEM suggest that big data analytics have a positive effect on a sustainable product development and sustainable product development has a positive and significant impact on organizational performance. Moreover, mediation of a sustainable program development is also confirmed between big data analytics and organizational performance. The managerial and theoretical implications of these results are discussed.
Icephobicity studies of superhydrophobic coating on aluminium

Mechanically robust superhydrophobic (SHP) and icephobic performances are highly needed for an anti-icing surface in practical applications. Here, a SHP coating is prepared on the aluminium (Al) substrate using hydrothermal reaction and subsequent modification of hexadecyltrimethoxysilane, showing a water contact angle larger than 158° and a sliding angle (SA) less than 5°. This SHP coating displays a robust hydrophobic performance in acidic or alkaline solutions, after sand abrasion and consecutive icing/deicing cycles. It largely reduces ice adhesive strength and delays starting icing time on Al. Therefore, this work may shine some light in engineering aluminium-based materials to avoid ice accumulation.
Mini-review: antibody therapeutics targeting G protein-coupled receptors and ion channels

Abstract Antibodies are now well established as therapeutics with many additional advantages over small molecules and peptides relative to their selectivity, bioavailability, half-life and effector function. Major classes of membrane-associated protein targets include G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and ion channels that are linked to a wide range of disease indications across all therapeutic areas. This mini-review summarizes the antibody target landscape for both GPCRs and ion channels as well as current progress in the respective research and development pipelines with some example case studies highlighted from clinical studies, including those being evaluated for the treatment of symptoms in COVID-19 infection.
Modeling and Optimization of MeOH to DME in Isothermal Fixed-bed Reactor

Dimethyl ether (DME) is a green fuel that commercially produced in an adiabatic fixed bed reactor by methanol dehydration. In the present work, a shell and tube fixed bed reactor is modeled and optimized for DME production. The reactor is modeled based on mass and energy conservation equations as well as auxiliary equations. In order to estimate the DME production and temperature profile along the reactor, a one dimensional heterogeneous model consist of a set of nonlinear differential and algebraic equations has been solved numerically. Also, The DME production in the isothermal reactor is maximized by adjusting the optimal temperature distribution along the reactor using genetic algorithm. Then, the performance of the proposed isothermal reactor is compared with industrial adiabatic fixed bed reactor. Results showed the higher DME production rate and methanol conversion in the optimized reactor.
Gold Nanorods as Radiopharmaceutical Carriers: Preparation and Preliminary Radiobiological In Vitro Tests

Low-energy electrons (Auger electrons) can be produced via the interaction of photons with gold atoms in gold nanorods (AuNRs). These electrons are similar to those emitted during the decay of technetium-99m (99mTc), a radioactive nuclide widely used for diagnostics in nuclear medicine. Auger and internal conversion (IC) electron emitters appropriately targeted to the DNA of tumors cells may, therefore, represent a new radiotherapeutic approach. 99mTc radiopharmaceuticals, which are used for diagnosis, could indeed be used in theragnostic fields when loaded on AuNRs and delivered to a tumor site. This work aims to provide a proof of concept (i) to evaluate AuNRs as carriers of 99mTc-based radiopharmaceuticals, and (ii) to evaluate the efficacy of Auger electrons emitted by photon-irradiated AuNRs in inducing radio-induced damage in T98G cells, thus mimicking the effect of Auger electrons emitted during the decay of 99mTc used in clinical settings. Data are presented on AuNRs’ chemical characterization (with an aspect ratio of 3.2 and Surface Plasmon Resonance bands at 520 and 680 nm) and the loading of pharmaceuticals (after 99mTc decay) on their surface. Spectroscopic characterizations, such as UV-Vis and synchrotron radiation-induced X-ray photoelectron (SR-XPS) spectroscopies, were performed to investigate the drug–AuNR interaction. Finally, preliminary radiobiological data on cell killing with AuNRs are presented.
VARIABLES DETERMINING MUZAKI LOYALTY IN PAYING ZAKAT, INFAQ AND SHODAQOH AT ZAKAT INSTITUTIONS IN INDONESIA

This study aims to find out, test and analyze: (a) the effect of transparencyon muzaki beliefs; (b) the effect of transparency on muzaki loyalty; (c) theeffect of accountability on muzaki’s trust; (d) the effect of accountabilityon muzaki loyalty; (e) the effect of trust on muzaki loyalty in paying zakat,infaq, and almsgiving at the Amil Zakat Institution in Indonesia. This type ofresearch is explanatory research and using survey method. Data collectiontechnique used was questionnaire containing written questions answeredby respondents, namely muzaki (payer of zakat, infaq and sadaqah) at amilzakat institutions. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling,which set the samples based on criteria. The data analysis technique inthis study used the Partial Least Square (PLS) approach. PLS is a modelof Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) based on components or variants.The results of the study found that (a) accountability has a significantpositive effect on muzaki’s trust; (b) transparency has a significant positiveeffect on muzaki’s trust; (c) accountability has a significant positive effecton muzaki loyalty; (d) transparency has a significant positive effect onmuzaki loyalty; (e) trust has a significant positive effect on muzaki loyaltyin paying zakat, infaq, and almsgiving at the Amil Zakat Institutionin Indonesia. The results of this study suggest that zakat managementorganizations increase the loyalty of donors in paying zakat by increasingdonor’s trust by improving transparency and accountability of auditedfinancial reports and in accordance with PSAK 109.
Understanding flow features in drying droplets via Euler characteristic surfaces—A topological tool

In this paper, we propose a mathematical picture of flow in a drying multiphase droplet. The system studied consists of a suspension of microscopic polystyrene beads in water. The time development of the drying process is described by defining the “Euler characteristic surface,” which provides a multiscale topological map of this dynamical system. A novel method is adopted to analyze the images extracted from experimental video sequences. Experimental image data are converted to binary data through appropriate Gaussian filters and optimal thresholding and analyzed using the Euler characteristic determined on a hexagonal lattice. In order to do a multiscale analysis of the extracted image, we introduce the concept of Euler characteristic at a specific scale r > 0. This multiscale time evolution of the connectivity information on aggregates of polysterene beads in water is summarized in a Euler characteristic surface and, subsequently, in a Euler characteristic level curve plot. We introduce a metric between Euler characteristic surfaces as a possible similarity measure between two flow situations. The constructions proposed by us are used to interpret flow patterns (and their stability) generated on the upper surface of the drying droplet interface. The philosophy behind the topological tools developed in this work is to produce low-dimensional signatures of dynamical systems, which may be used to efficiently summarize and distinguish topological information in various types of flow situations.
The similarity of phonological skills underpinning reading ability in shallow and deep orthographies: a bilingual perspective

ABSTRACT Reading comprehension relies on the integration of phonological, semantic, syntactic and pragmatic language abilities and early reading success is attributed to several interrelated factors. The current study investigated one of these skills, phonological awareness and its relation to six-year-old children’s mastery in reading Maltese and English. The researchers recruited eighty-two bilingual participants attending bilingual schools in Malta and administered two parallel batteries comprising a word reading test and phonological tests/tasks in the two respective languages. Descriptive statistics indicated suitability for further analysis. The Bartlett’s test of sphericity and the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy showed that the data were suitable for multivariate exploration. Principal components analysis identified clear componential structures in both language batteries. A statistical regression analysis identified similar phonological underpinnings across the two single word reading measures. The results showed that specific measures of phonological awareness constituted common phonological underpinnings of reading performance in both Maltese and English, although to different degrees. The results support the notion of similarity in the patterns of association of skills sustaining reading across Maltese and English in bilingual children. The view that the phonological skills driving reading development across alphabetic languages may not differ substantially between different orthographies is supported.
Statistical analysis of the relationship between Quasi-Biennial Oscillation and Southern Annular Mode

The Southern Annular Mode (SAM) is an extratropical pattern that influences the climate of all Southern Hemisphere. However, the variability of this mode is an active area of research. The influence of lower frequency modes on SAM is a path to better knowledge about this pattern. The relationship between Quasi-Biennial Oscillation (QBO) and SAM’s counterpart in the Northern Hemisphere (Northern Annular Mode) has been addressed by previous work. Still, few studies focus on the association between QBO and SAM. The goal of this work was to evaluate the possible QBO-SAM relationship through statistical analyses. This association was investigated by comparing QBO and SAM indices, the latter on different levels of the troposphere and stratosphere, for the 1981-2010 period. The wavelet analysis showed that the SAM indices for troposphere and stratosphere presented variability in many scales, including a two-year band. Cross-wavelets techniques between QBO and SAM ratified that this relation has a complex interaction. There was a significant common high power around the two-year band, with lags varying over the analyzed period, including no lag. Further analysis without lag confirmed previous studies, indicating that the negative (positive) SAM phase is more frequent for easterly (westerly) QBO. However, this was not valid for all months. Some additional analysis suggested that the upward wave propagation to the stratosphere for each QBO phase changes the stratospheric jet and, consequently, the SAM phase.
The organisation of community football, a barrier to environmental change

ABSTRACT Rationale/Purpose The aim of this research was to identify the extent of, and barriers, to pro-environmental activity within community-based, association football clubs in England. Design/Methodology/Approach Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with volunteers at community football clubs in the FA county of “North Country”. Findings The ownership and management of football facilities provides for a low level of independent decision making by clubs and negates the encouragement of pro-environmental activity. Practical implications Strategies for increased environmental activity in football need to look beyond individual clubs and volunteers to the way the sport is organised. Research contribution This research adds to a football and environment literature in its infancy and expands consideration of the non-professional sector of the game in academic work.
Alteration of the pore structure of spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) and maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) due to thermal treatment as determined by helium pycnometry and mercury intrusion porosimetry

Abstract The pore size distribution in wood affects sorption and transport of moisture. In the present paper, the pore structure of spruce and maple was examined in untreated and thermally modified samples. The relative humidities of the specimens were 33%, 43%, 53%, and 76%. Tests were carried out by helium pycnometry and mercury intrusion porosimetry. The results clearly show that thermal treatments change the apparent density, pore structure, and pore size distribution. Measurements by the mercury intrusion porosimetry indicated that the influence of various environmental conditions (humidity, temperature) on the porosity and pore size distribution is small.
Examples of Even Lifting of Structural Elements of Existing Buildings

Two examples of even, vertical lifting of building elements are presented. In the first example, after the raw state of the building was completed, the concept of land development around the building has changed. It involved in particular elevating the ground level by 0.8 m. As a consequence, the entrance to the building would be below the surrounding land. It was decided to lift the above-ground part of the building evenly by 0.80 m in order to avoid this. The lifting of the above-ground part of the building was designed and executed by detaching the building apart at the level of the floor and then lifting it evenly by 0.8 m. For this purpose, eighteen hydraulic jacks were used, installed in the bearing walls in the previously made openings. New technical cellars were additionally constructed as a result of the works. In the second case, the roof truss was raised in the residential building in use. The usable area of the attic was enlarged as a result of the works and the number of posts limiting the freedom of interior design was reduced. In both cases, a system of hydraulic jacks was used to move the structure vertically. With the presented procedure, no damage was caused to both, the building elements that were lifted and those unmoved. In addition, the even lifting of parts of the building allowed to avoid the troublesome dismantling and then restoration in a new location.
Leaching Behavior of Various Trace Metals in Aqueous Medium from Two Fly Ash Samples

By using the batch, continuous, and column leaching methods, an attempt has been made to study the behavior of various metal ions release in water from two fly ash samples collected from two thermal power plants in Orissa, India. The USEPA extraction procedure has been followed to determine the early release of several hazardous elements, and it has been observed that their concentrations are within the prescribed limits for both the fly ash samples. Batch leaching at different pH values shows that trace metal ions release decreases sharply with increase of pH from 3.0 to 8.0. Continuous leaching at the liquid/solid ratio of 20:1 shows that both the samples are mildly acidic in nature with pH value stabilizing at 5.4 to 5.9. This is because of the high Fe and low Ca contents in the samples, where the pH value is controlled by the cyclic release and Fe and Al hydrolysis. An attempt has been made to correlate percentage of decrease in metal ions concentration with those of constants of the formation of different hydrolytic species, namely MeOH + and Me(OH) 2 with increase in pH of the medium. A comparison between repeated leaching in columns using a low liquid/solid ratio and continuous leaching at a high liquid/solid ratio indicates that the general trend of dissolution of metals is essentially similar for both the methods.
Intelligent anvils applied to experimental investigations: state-of-the-art

Since a long time, efforts have been made to improve the accuracy of pressure and temperature measurements in diamond anvil cell experiments performed in experimental petrology and high-pressure physics. Here, we report on the state-of-the-art of the research carried out during past few years with the diamond anvils carrying implanted electronic structures (‘intelligent’ anvils, iAnvils). The electronic structures are inserted a few microns below the diamond surface into the diamond lattice by high-energy implantation of boron. These structures can be used as pressure- and temperature-sensitive devices. Another useful application is the fabrication of micro-heaters integrated in the anvils. Pressure- and temperature-induced responses of the sensors (change of resistance) are quantified by low-current measurement equipment. Calibrations against pressure–temperature parameters are performed using well-known phase transitions or by using equation of state of pure substances. Results of in situ measurements performed on iAnvils under pressure and temperature are presented, together with calibration curves for pressure and temperature. Future experiments on in situ measurements of the conductivity dependence of the sensor structures are discussed.
Biped Walking Control Based on Quadratic Programming and Differential Inequalities

This paper presents a novel method to control a quasi-static bipedal walking based on quadratic programming and differential inequalities using geometric primitives. We allow the center of mass to move anywhere inside the support polygon during the walking cycle, as opposed to classic methods, which usually rely on tracking a desired trajectory for the zero moment point. The constraints keep the robot balance, the pelvis above a minimum height, and prevent the violation of joint limits during the complete walking cycle. Simulation results using the legs of the Poppy humanoid robot show that the trajectories of the closed-loop system converge to the desired center of mass position during the double support phase and the swing foot’s trajectories converge to the desired pose during the single support phase while all constraints are obeyed. Resumo : Este artigo apresenta um novo método para controlar uma caminhada b́ıpede quasi-estática baseado em programação quadrática e em desigualdades diferenciais usando primitivas geométricas. Permite-se que o centro de massa se mova para qualquer lugar dentro do poĺıgono de suporte durante o ciclo de caminhada, diferentemente dos métodos clássicos, que geralmente dependem do rastreamento de uma trajetória desejada para o ponto de momento zero. As restrições também mantêm o equiĺıbrio do robô, a pelvis acima de uma altura mı́nima e evitam a violação dos limites das juntas durante o ciclo completo da caminhada. Os resultados da simulação, usando as pernas do robô humanoid Poppy, mostram que as trajetórias do sistema em malha fechada convergem para a posição desejada do centro de massa durante a fase de suporte duplo e as trajetórias do pé de balanço convergem para a pose desejada durante a fase de suporte simples, enquanto todas as restrições foram respeitadas.