Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Empirical Review on Blockchain Smart Contracts: Application and Challenges in Implementation

– This paper focuses on an extensive review of Blockchain Smart contract applications in real-world scenarios and challenges in it. As in today’s world, Blockchain has got tremendous importance in different types of services, so it will be beneficial to analyze the loopholes in the cybersecurity aspect as well as other technical issues in privacy and governance. A smart contract is the software code that comprises a self-executed set of rules and regulations that runs on Blockchain. To implement various real-world services over different decentralized platforms, a lot of research work is going on. In this paper, a detailed review is done on more than 100 latest published documents based on the Blockchain Smart contract and applications. By following the systematic mapping research methodology first, we have identified paper relevant to our research domain, and then by applying various filters, we extracted relevant information. At last, the article highlighted the challenges and research gaps that have to be addressed in the future.
Orthogonal Gradient Penalty for Fast Training of Wasserstein GAN Based Multi-Task Autoencoder toward Robust Speech Recognition

SUMMARY Performance in Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) degrades dramatically in noisy environments. To alleviate this problem, a variety of deep networks based on convolutional neural networks and recurrent neural networks were proposed by applying L1 or L2 loss. In this Letter, we propose a new orthogonal gradient penalty (OGP) method for Wasserstein Generative Adversarial Networks (WGAN) applied to denoising and despeeching models. WGAN integrates a multi-task autoencoder which estimates not only speech features but also noise features from noisy speech. While achieving 14.1% improvement in Wasserstein distance convergence rate, the proposed OGP enhanced features are tested in ASR and achieve 9.7%, 8.6%, 6.2%, and 4.8% WER improvements over DDAE, MTAE, R-CED(CNN) and RNN models.
Improved waveform decomposition with bound constraints for green waveforms of airborne LiDAR bathymetry

Abstract. Waveform decomposition using the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm is a powerful tool for detecting surface return, bottom return, and volume backscatter return in a superposed green waveform of airborne LiDAR bathymetry (ALB). However, traditional decomposition methods do not handle bound constraints and are easily trapped in local optimum. Thus, the decomposed components may be inconsistent with the measurement principle of ALB. This study proposes an improved waveform decomposition method by setting reasonable lower and upper bounds of waveform parameters to guarantee the fidelity of the decomposed components. First, a comprehensive mathematical model of a green waveform is proposed by considering the early return. Second, the lower and upper bounds of the waveform parameters are given on the basis of the measurement principle of ALB. Finally, improved waveform decomposition is achieved using the comprehensive model and a constrained nonlinear optimization. The proposed method is applied to a practical ALB measurement using Optech coastal zone mapping and imaging LiDAR. Compared with traditional decomposition methods, the improved waveform decomposition not only ensures good fitness but also guarantees the fidelity of the decomposed components.
Health Literacy and Control of Glycaemia in Diabetes and Blood Pressure in Hypertension; A Study Based on Validated Sinhala Version of HLS-EU-Q16

Aims: To validate Sinhala version of HLS-EU-Q16 and asses the relationship between level of health literacy and control of blood sugar among diabetics and blood pressure among hypertensives. Study Design: This study evaluated the psychometric properties of Sinhala translation of HLS-EUQ16 (HLS-EU-Q16-Sinhala) adhering to the standard methods. Following forward and backward translations, the Sinhala version of the questionnaire was applied to a group of 252 patients with chronic non-communicable diseases. Test-retest agreement was examined using a random subgroup of 120 patients. We assessed the association between the level of health literacy and the degree of glycaemic control among diabetics (n=1205, males 453) and blood pressure control among hypertensives (n=755, males 402) selected from outpatient department. Original Research Article Lekamwasam et al.; AJMAH, 18(3): 12-18, 2020; Article no.AJMAH. 56323 13 Results: The HLS-EU-Q16-Sinhala total score ranged from 22 to 72 with mean(SD) of 52.1(7.7). The overall Cronbach alpha was 0.84 and the Corrected item-total correlation ranged from 0.32 to 0.60. The Interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for the test-retest reliability was 0.65(95%CI; 0.550.71). Diabetics with “poor” glycaemic control had low HL (40.0) compared to those with “intermediate” (52.6) or “good” (52.1) control (P=.03), after adjusting for age, gender and education level. Similarly, hypertensives with “poor” blood pressure control had low HL (45.0) compared to “intermediate” (52.3) or “good” (53.5) control (P=.03), after adjusting for the same covariates. Conclusions: This study indicates that the psychometric indices of the Sinhala version of the HLSEU-Q16 are adequate for it to be used to assess HL among Sinhala speaking subjects. Further, it shows that patients with poor HL fail to achieve their primary treatment goals in diabetes and hypertension.
Reallocation of HR Functions: A Study of HR Effectiveness in Banking Sector

The world economy has been facing a huge turmoil in the last few financial years. With constant efforts some improvement was observed in the last financial year as the world economic situation strengthened itself with a lingering effect to subside the effects of slump and registering world gross domestic product of 3.2 percent, the highest since 2011. The impact of world economic growth can be clearly seen on the GDP of India. The IMF sees India as the largest growing economy with a GDP of 7.4 percent even outshining the growth of China’s GDP at 6.8 percent. This growth has presented a challenge for the HR managers to focus more on strategic policy formulation and utilize the growth in the right direction. The line managers’ implement HR functions and in doing so they also influence their team and generate response from them. On the basis of extensive review a conceptual model has been proposed to understand the impact of interpersonal trust as a mediating variable on reallocation of HR functions and HR effectiveness. On evaluating the hypotheses values of CFI = 0.909, NFI = 0.745, GFI = 0.762, CMIN/DF = 1.396, RMSEA = 0.060, and PCLOSE = 0.066, which indicate a good model fit, the model shows the impact of the mediating variable, that is, interpersonal trust on reallocation of HR functions and HR effectiveness.
The Use of Learning Journals with Problem Based Learning Models Against Student Metacognitive Abilities

This study aims to determine the effect of learning journals with Problem Based Learning (PBL) models on the metacognitive abilities of class X students of SMAN on environmental pollution material. This type of research was quasi-experimental research. The study population was all students of class X SMAN as a hypothetical population. The research sample consisted of 72 students consisting of 36 students in class X MIPA 2 as an experimental class and 36 students in class X MIPA 5 as a control class. Data collection used questionnaires and description problems. Validation used in the form of content validation and empirical validation. The analysis technique used the One Way Anova test analysis. Based on the results of data analysis and discussion show that the use of learning journals with problem based learning models has a very significant effect on students metacognitive abilities in biology learning at SMAN 2 Pekanbaru. The magnitude of the value of the analysis of the average score of the metacognitive abilities of the experimental class in the very good category is 125.53 while in the control class in the good category is 107.43. This shows the metacognitive ability of students who follow the use of learning journals with problem based learning models is better than students who follow conventional learning.
Efficiency Improvement of the Parity-Time-Symmetric Wireless Power Transfer System for Electric Vehicle Charging

Wireless power transfer (WPT) is a promising technology for charging electric vehicles (EVs) due to its intelligence, convenience, and reliability. However, achieving high efficiency and high power with wide misalignment tolerance is still a major challenge in commercializing wireless charging technology in EVs. Here, a novel parity-time-symmetric-based WPT (PT-based WPT) system with multiple decoupled receiving coils is developed to address the above issues. The circuit model of this PT-based WPT system is established. Our theoretical analysis shows that the output power and transfer efficiency of the proposed system also remain constant over a coupling coefficient variation. More importantly, compared to the conventional one-receiving-coil PT-based WPT system, the use of multiple receiving coils can effectively improve the transfer efficiency and reduce the current stress of system. In order to evaluate the proposed WPT system, a 1-kW laboratory prototype is built and tested. Experimental results show that a stable of power transfer is maintained with constant transfer efficiency of 96.1% within a range of 100–200-mm air gap. In particular, the same transfer efficiency is achieved at 100-mm air gap within a horizontal tolerance of 240 mm, while a horizontal tolerance of 100 mm at 200-mm air gap.
Unlocking the intraspecific aquaculture potential from the wild biodiversity to facilitate aquaculture development

Domestication of new candidate species remains a long and difficult process often resulting in unfruitful attempts. Early steps in most domestication programs often consider species as a unity, disregarding a part of the biodiversity: the wild intraspecific geographic differentiation. Yet, this differentiation can shape local specificities, which could lead to different domestication predisposition or socio-economic attractiveness between populations. Therefore, considering this population-specific potential could facilitate domestication and subsequent production of new candidate species. Here, we propose a three-step integrative approach to standardize and facilitate new domestication attempts by taking advantage of wild geographic differentiation. The step 1 consists in classifying the wild biodiversity to identify prospective units (i.e. groups of differentiated allopatric populations). The step 2 allows comparing performances of these units in standardized conditions (i.e. rearing system) through a multi-function and multi-trait assessment. Finally, the step 3 highlights units with higher aquaculture potentials through the calculation of an aquaculture potential score. This approach, here applied to fish culture for human consumption, also aims at being extended to other taxa (e.g. crustaceans, molluscs) and other production goals.
A new genus and some cryptic species of Arctic and boreal calloporid cheilostome bryozoans

Study of type and other material using scanning electron microscopy has permitted the recognition of three new species and one new genus of Arctic and boreal calloporid anascans. Originally described from the Gulf of St Lawrence, Callopora whiteavesi is reassigned to Flustrellaria, a calloporid genus not previously reported extant. Material from north-east Greenland misidentified as C. whiteavesi is described as C. weslawski sp. nov. The new genus Septentriopora is introduced for calloporids lacking pore chambers, with a distolateral pair of small interzooidal avicularia that face proximally or proximolaterally, and a reduced ovicell. The type species of Septentriopora, Tegella nigrans, has frequently been misidentified. Many of the supposed records of this species belong to two other species, described here as Septentriopora karasi sp. nov. and S. denisenkoae sp. nov. The apparent ovicell in S. karasi is particularly unusual, being vestigial and kenozooid-like in morphology.
Molecular biology and pathogenesis of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus

Over the last several years, we have experienced an increase of large outbreaks of Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in European countries and neighboring areas. This disease poses a great threat to public health owing to its high mortality rate, modes of transmission and geographical distribution. Clinical symptoms of infection commonly include hemorrhage, myalgia and fever. The complexity of the technical and facility requirements, in combination with the sporadic outbreaks and consequent lack of clinical specimens has resulted in very limited research of Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. To date, there is no vaccine available and a selective antiviral drug for the treatment of the disease is not expected in the near future. Here, we review the most recent findings on the Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus molecular biology and pathogenesis, including aspects of virus–host cell interactions.
The Effects of Thermal and Oxidative Degradation on the Fatty Acid Composition of Food Plants and Animals of Western Canada: Implications for the Identification of Archaeological Vessel Residues

Nineteen experimental cooking residues were prepared in replica cooking pots from meat, fish and plants used as food by the Natives of Western Canada. One set of sherds was stored at room temperature for 4 days; a second set was stored under conditions which simulate long term decomposition. The fatty acid composition of the residues were determined using gas chromatography. As a result of thermal and oxidative degradation, the composition of the cooking residues differs from the original foods but distinct patterns of degradation exist. Criteria are proposed for identifying the former contents of vessels on the basis of the relative percentage of medium chain fatty acids, C18:0 and C18:1 isomers in absorbed residues. The discriminatory capability of the criteria is supported by principal component analysis of the highly degraded residues.
The environmental factors limiting the distribution of shallow-water terebratulid brachiopods

Abstract. The Cenozoic genus Terebratula seems to be an exception to the post-Permian trend in brachiopod retreat to offshore habitats, because it was species rich and numerically abundant in warm-temperate shallow-water environments in the Mediterranean and the Paratethys realms. This was so despite the general dominance of bivalves and the pervasive bioturbation and predation pressure during the Neogene. Terebratula, however, went extinct in the Calabrian (Pleistocene). The optimal environmental conditions for Terebratula during its prime are poorly known. The Águilas Basin (SE Spain) is an ideal study area to investigate the habitat of Terebratula, because shell beds of this brachiopod occur there cyclically in early Pliocene deposits. We evaluate the paleoecological boundary conditions controlling the distribution of Terebratula by estimating its environmental tolerances using benthic and planktic foraminiferal and nannoplanktic assemblages and oxygen isotopes of the secondary layer brachiopod calcite. Our results suggest that Terebratula in the Águilas Basin favored oligotrophic to mesotrophic, well-oxygenated environments at water depths of 60–90 m. Planktic foraminiferal assemblages and oxygen isotopes point to sea-surface temperatures between ∼16°C and 22°C, and bottom-water temperatures between 17°C and 24°C. The analyzed proxies indicate that Terebratula tolerated local variations in water depth, bottom temperature, oxygenation, productivity, and organic enrichment. Terebratula was probably excluded by grazing pressure from well-lit environments and preferentially occupied sediment-starved, current-swept upper offshore habitats where coralline red algae were absent. Narrow temperature ranges of Terebratula species might have been a disadvantage during the high-amplitude seawater temperature fluctuations that started about 1 Ma, when the genus went extinct.
The Developmental Trajectory of Self-Esteem Across the Life Span in Japan: Age Differences in Scores on the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale From Adolescence to Old Age

We examined age differences in global self-esteem in Japan from adolescents aged 16 to the elderly aged 88. Previous research has shown that levels of self-liking (one component of self-esteem) are high for elementary school students, low among middle and high school students, but then continues to become higher among adults by the 60s. However, it did not measure both aspects of self-esteem (self-competence and self-liking) or examine the elderly over the age of 70. To fully understand the developmental trajectory of self-esteem in Japan, we analyzed six independent cross-sectional surveys. These surveys administered the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, which measured both self-competence and self-liking, on a large and diverse sample (N = 6,113) that included the elderly in the 70s and 80s. Results indicated that, consistent with previous research, for both self-competence and self-liking, the average level of self-esteem was low in adolescence, but continued to become higher from adulthood to old age. However, a drop of self-esteem was not found over the age of 50, which was inconsistent with prior research in European American cultures. Our research demonstrated that the developmental trajectory of self-esteem may differ across cultures.
Exploring the term “non-financial information”: an academics’ view

Purpose With the European Union (EU) Directive 2014/95/UE, there is a growing interest in the corporate disclosure of “non-financial information” (NFI). However, no generally accepted definition of this term exists. This paper aims to reflect on the meaning and importance of the NFI definition by investigating how this term is defined in the literature and by exploring scholars’ cognitive perceptions of its meaning. Design/methodology/approach Two different research methods were used. A systematic literature review of NFI definitions was integrated with a survey to a sample of Italian scholars working on the NFI research topic. Findings This study demonstrates that the meaning of NFI is still ambiguous and multifaceted as neither a common understanding nor a single and generally accepted definition of the term exists. As the advent of the EU directive, this term has often referred to information about society and the environment, though most academics define and understand NFI differently, as corporate social responsibility (CSR) issues, intellectual capital information and information that are external to financial statements. These definitions pave the way for conceptualising NFI as a genus and its different understandings (i.e. CSR, ESG information, etc.) as species. Therefore, what constitutes NFI is open to interpretations. Research limitations/implications This paper contributes to enriching the literature on the meaning of NFI and providing further insights into explaining the heterogeneity of the NFI definition. Practical implications This paper provides researchers, practitioners and regulators with some novel insights into the meaning and understanding of NFI. It provides regulators and standard setters with knowledge for building a commonly accepted definition of NFI. Meanwhile, policymakers, regulators, practitioners and academics can contribute to establishing a definition by following three approaches: regulative, open and adaptive. This can help to avoid the risk of an information gap among stakeholder expectations, regulator requests and NFI reporting in practice. Originality/value The literature focussing on the meaning of NFI is still scarce. This study contributes to extending the knowledge of how the term NFI is defined and understood by academics.
Spatial and temporal analyses of citrus tristeza virus in eastern Spain

Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) was monitored for up to 14 years by monoclonal antibody probes via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in five orange and grapefruit orchards with symptomless trees in Valencia and Alicante provinces, Spain. Linear, exponential, logistic, or Gompertz nonlinear temporal models were selected as the most appropriate, depending on the phase of the epidemic during the assessment period and based on correlation of observed versus predicted values and examination of the patterns of residual error. Ordinary runs analysis for within- or across-row association of CTV-positive trees indicated that the disease status of immediately adjacent trees was unpredictable. The beta-binomial index of dispersion for different quadrat sizes indicated a tendency for aggregations of infected trees at quadrat sizes of 2 x 2 or 4 x 4 CTV-positive trees in some plots, which when viewed with ordinary runs suggested the possible presence of longer distance spatial relationships. Two-dimensional distance class (2DCLASS) analysis indicated a random spatial pattern of CTV incidence and general lack of association of infection among adjacent trees. Spatio-temporal distance class (STCLASS) analysis further indicated a lack of spatial dependency among adjacent CTV-positive trees over time. Significant edge effects detected by both 2DCLASS and STCLASS analyses suggested possible spread of CTV from inoculum originating outside the area of the individual plots. Semi-variograms from spatio-temporal geostatistical analyses of four directions of orientation confirmed a lack of spatial dependency of infection among adjacent or nearby trees over time. These combined spatial and temporal analyses gave some insight into possible underlying processes of CTV spread and suggested CTV spread must be predominantly to trees farther away rather than to immediately adjacent trees. If a nonrandom spatial structure of CTV incidence does exist, it may well be of a complexity beyond the detection ability of the spatial analysis methods employed or perhaps on a scale that is larger than the dimensions of the plots studied.
Containergy—A Container-Based Energy and Performance Profiling Tool for Next Generation Workloads

Run-time profiling of software applications is key to energy efficiency. Even the most optimized hardware combined to an optimally designed software may become inefficient if operated poorly. Moreover, the diversification of modern computing platforms and broadening of their run-time configuration space make the task of optimally operating software ever more complex. With the growing financial and environmental impact of data center operation and cloud-based applications, optimal software operation becomes increasingly more relevant to existing and next-generation workloads. In order to guide software operation towards energy savings, energy and performance data must be gathered to provide a meaningful assessment of the application behavior under different system configurations, which is not appropriately addressed in existing tools. In this work we present Containergy, a new performance evaluation and profiling tool that uses software containers to perform application run-time assessment, providing energy and performance profiling data with negligible overhead (below 2%). It is focused on energy efficiency for next generation workloads. Practical experiments with emerging workloads, such as video transcoding and machine-learning image classification, are presented. The profiling results are analyzed in terms of performance and energy savings under a Quality-of-Service (QoS) perspective. For video transcoding, we verified that wrong choices in the configuration space can lead to an increase above 300% in energy consumption for the same task and operational levels. Considering the image classification case study, the results show that the choice of the machine-learning algorithm and model affect significantly the energy efficiency. Profiling datasets of AlexNet and SqueezeNet, which present similar accuracy, indicate that the latter represents 55.8% in energy saving compared to the former.