Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Row crop fields provide mid‐summer forage for honey bees

Abstract Honey bees provide invaluable economic and ecological services while simultaneously facing stressors that may compromise their health. For example, agricultural landscapes, such as a row crop system, are necessary for our food production, but they may cause poor nutrition in bees from a lack of available nectar and pollen. Here, we investigated the foraging dynamics of honey bees in a row crop environment. We decoded, mapped, and analyzed 3459 waggle dances, which communicate the location of where bees collected food, for two full foraging seasons (April–October, 2018–2019). We found that bees recruited nestmates mostly locally (<2 km) throughout the season. The shortest communicated median distances (0.474 and 0.310 km), indicating abundant food availability, occurred in July in both years, which was when our row crops were in full bloom. We determined, by plotting and analyzing the communicated locations, that almost half of the mid‐summer recruitment was to row crops, with 37% (2018) and 50% (2019) of honey bee dances indicating these fields. Peanut was the most attractive in July, followed by corn and cotton but not soybean. Overall, row crop fields are indicated by a surprisingly large proportion of recruitment dances, suggesting that similar agricultural landscapes may also provide mid‐summer foraging opportunities for honey bees.
Informal learning contexts in the construction of physical education student teachers’ professional identity

This study aimed to investigate the significance of informal learning contexts in physical education (PE) student teachers’ professional identity construction. It addressed two research questions: How do informal learning contexts contribute to the construction of PE student teachers’ professional identity? What forms of relationships can be identified between the informal and formal contexts of learning in PE student teachers’ professional identity construction? The data consisted of 20 semi-structured interviews with PE student teachers during the final teaching practice period. The data were analysed using structural and pattern coding methods. The analysis revealed that informal learning contexts contributed to three elements of professional identity construction: professional ambitions, professional values and principles, and professional knowledge and competencies. Three distinct forms of relationships between informal and formal learning contexts in the construction of professional identity were also discovered: complementary, reconstructive and disconnected. Informal learning contexts appear highly influential in the construction of professional identity. The results also point towards a holistic notion of professional identity, where professional and personal aspects of identity merge and overlap in the construction of professional identity.
A Novel Model Predictive Torque Control of SRMs With Low Measurement Effort

This article presents a low-measurement effort and less storage space but an effective method to reduce the torque ripple. First, a torque-balanced measurement method is presented to obtain the flux-linkage characteristics at four torque-balanced positions. Then, a four-order Fourier series model is proposed to describe the entire flux-linkage and torque characteristics. To reduce the storage space, a polynomial-Fourier series model is proposed to describe the torque and current model from the rotor position and flux linkage. Based on the proposed polynomial-Fourier series model, a novel model predictive torque control (MPTC) is implemented to minimize the torque ripple with flux-linkage-based torque estimation. Experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively reduce torque ripple with lower measurement effort and less storage space compared with the traditional MPTC method. The proposed method provides a low effort and convenient way to implement the advanced control of SRMs in the industry application.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Distress Tolerance in Pakistani Men and Women

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is an infectious disease that spread across the world, bringing with it serious mental health problems for men and women. Women in Pakistan are infected with COVID-19 at a much lower rate than men, yet report worse mental health. To explain this paradox, we surveyed 190 participants (46% male) shortly following the country lockdown, focusing on perceptions of the COVID-19 impact and positive adjustment. Measures used in this study included the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale and Distress Tolerance Scale. Factor analysis revealed five distinct areas related to COVID-19, which did not differ by sex. However, men reported higher levels of both distress tolerance and well-being than women. High endorsement of actions to protect against COVID-19 was related to lower distress tolerance scores, but in different ways for men and women. Men, but not women, who endorsed more protective measures to stop the pandemic reported higher DTS absorption scores, and therefore being more consumed by distress; women who endorsed more protective measures to stop the pandemic reported less acceptance of distress than men, as reflected in DTS appraisal scores. An in-depth analysis of women’s beliefs and behaviors related to COVID-19 is warranted to understand why Pakistani women who are infected with COVID-19 at lower rates than men show more mental health symptoms.
The Role of ISIS as a Religious Terrorist Group in the Instability of Libya in the Post-Gaddafi Era: The Case of Sirte

Stability and security remain the two most important objectives in the post-Gaddafi era since no accord has established a legitimate government in Libya yet. The rivalry of the Tripoli and Tobruk governments has resulted in unabating state insecurity in Libya. This article focuses on the strategic city of Sirte where the insecurity was felt most in the post-Gaddafi era. The significance of this city also comes from its strategic location, which makes it the main target for the political actors that want to control Libya. Deriving from these points, this article analyzes the impact and threat of ISIS as the terrorist group in Sirte.
Disease‐related population declines in bats demonstrate non‐exchangeability in generalist predators

Abstract The extent to which persisting species may fill the functional role of extirpated or declining species has profound implications for the structure of biological communities and ecosystem functioning. In North America, arthropodivorous bats are threatened on a continent‐wide scale by the spread of white‐nose syndrome (WNS), a disease caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans. We tested whether bat species that display lower mortality from this disease can partially fill the functional role of other bat species experiencing population declines. Specifically, we performed high‐throughput amplicon sequencing of guano from two generalist predators: the little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) and big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus). We then compared changes in prey consumption before versus after population declines related to WNS. Dietary niches contracted for both species after large and abrupt declines in little brown bats and smaller declines in big brown bats, but interspecific dietary overlap did not change. Furthermore, the incidence and taxonomic richness of agricultural pest taxa detected in diet samples decreased following bat population declines. Our results suggest that persisting generalist predators do not necessarily expand their dietary niches following population declines in other predators, providing further evidence that the functional roles of different generalist predators are ecologically distinct.
Research Framework: Tourist Walkability and Sustainable Tourism Impact on Residents

Tourist walkability has the latent possibility to change how the travelling public moves around tourist destinations. This research paper brings in new perspectives that studies wide-ranging implications of tourist walkability. Set through the lens of Tourism Area Life Cycle, and residents’ perception of community-based tourism, the paper discusses the trepidations and developments in economic, environmental sustainability, quality-of-life satisfaction, and socio-cultural aspects of this urban and recreational tourism activity. A critical review of relevant literature, predominantly from 2011 to 2021 was extracted from ABDC publications, Scorpus, ResearchGate.net and Google Scholar. A new sub-field on tourist walkability and community-based tourism, is of relevance to tourism policymakers and entrepreneurs. A novel research framework is developed. It is proposed for scoping the research context and offer guidelines on proposed themes that can inform scholars when formulating valid and reliable survey measurements for their future works.
Firm Productivity, Technology and Export Status, What Can We Learn from Egyptian Industries?

We explore to what extent the export status and technological choices are related to firm Total Factor Productivity (TFP). Egyptian industrial firms are investigated for the period 2003-2008. The dataset is stratified on five manufacturing industries. Technology being an unobserved phenomenon, a Latent Class Model (LCM) is used to identify its heterogeneity within and across sectors. Translog, Cobb-Douglas, and a mixture of these specifications are used for the estimation of LCMs. Over the five industries, two technology classes prove to be statistically significant. One class provides higher firm productivity levels and is potentially shared by both exporters and non-exporters. Whatever the technology class, except for Food Processing, exporters are found, on average, to have a higher productive performance than non-exporters. Taking into account the potential self-selection effect over the whole sample, Propensity Score Matching (PSM) suggests that the difference is not significant for Food Processing, but varies in the other sectors from 9% in Metal to 32% in Chemistry. When the sample is restricted to labor-intensive technology, which is the largest in terms of number of observations, the premium of export status is about 10%.
Um Modelo de Ciclos Económicos Reais com Taxa de Desconto Endógena e Estado

Introduzimos um factor de desconto endógeno como em Uzawa (1968) e Schmitt-Grohe e Uribe (2003) numa configuração de ciclo de negócios reais com preferências do sector governamental e Greenwood et al. (1988). Calibra-se a economia artificial aos dados búlgaros para o período após a introdução do sistema de currency board (1999-2018). Em particular, analisamos a importância quantitativa do desconto endógeno para a propagação das flutuações cíclicas na Bulgária. Concluímos que a presença de um factor de desconto endógeno melhora o modelo, e que a configuração alargada funciona melhor do que a estrutura padrão do modelo RBC com um factor de desconto constante (por exemplo, Vasilev, 2009).
Automatic Clustering of Gene Ontology by Genetic Algorithm

Nowadays, Gene Ontology has been used widely by many researchers for biological data mining and information retrieval, integration of biological databases, finding genes, and incorporating knowledge in the Gene Ontology for gene clustering. However, the increase in size of the Gene Ontology has caused problems in maintaining and processing them. One way to obtain their accessibility is by clustering them into fragmented groups. Clustering the Gene Ontology is a difficult combinatorial problem and can be modeled as a graph partitioning problem. Additionally, deciding the number k of clusters to use is not easily perceived and is a hard algorithmic problem. Therefore, an approach for solving the automatic clustering of the Gene Ontology is proposed by incorporating cohesion-and-coupling metric into a hybrid algorithm consisting of a genetic algorithm and a split-and-merge algorithm. Experimental results and an example of modularized Gene Ontology in RDF/XML format are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the algorithm. Keywords—Automatic clustering, Cohesion-and-coupling metric, Gene Ontology; Genetic algorithm, Split-and-merge algorithm
Evaluation of the Potency of the Pertussis Vaccine in Experimental Infection Model with Bordetella pertussis: Study of the Case of the Pertussis Vaccine Used in the Expanded Vaccination Program in Algeria

In Algeria, vaccination against pertussis is carried out using the whole-cell pertussis vaccine combined with the diphtheria and tetanus toxoids (DTwp). The quality control of vaccines locally produced or imported is carried out before the batch release. The aim of our work was to evaluate the potency of pertussis vaccines. In the present study, five consecutive trials of potency were conducted on samples of the same batch of (DTwp) using the mouse protection test (MPT) against experimental infection of Bordetella pertussis strain 18323, based on the Kendrick test. The virulence of B. pertussis strain 18–323 was verified by the mortality of mice, with an average LD50 of 338.92, as well as the dose of the lethal test containing a mean number of LD50 of 324.43. The (MPT) test recorded a relative potency of 8.02 IU/human dose, with 95% CL of (3.56–18.05) IU/human dose. The development of the (MPT) at the laboratory of quality control of vaccines and sera at the Pasteur Institute of Algeria was effective in evaluating the potency of whole-cell pertussis vaccines. Interestingly, our study indicates that this potency is necessary for the vaccine quality assurance. Further validation is needed to strengthen the application and routine use of the test.
Analyzing the Variability of the Flexural Rigidity in Pre-stressed Laminated Wood Plates

Although geometrical data describing structures are generally represented by their nominal values, practice has revealed that this is not the more appropriate for prestressed laminated wood plates, once the lamellae present significant size variability. The importance of this variability increases when it affects the height of plate cross sections, they also affect their moments of inertia which depends on the value of the height raised to the third power. Preliminary studies showed standard deviations of almost 10%. As far as stress-laminated plates are regarded, the variability of dimensions along the length of the length of the pieces introduces a new source of variability for the cross section moment of inertia. The obtained surfaces aren’t completely flat, presenting variability due the size variability along the length of the pieces. Consequently, the moment of inertia of the cross section of a stress-laminated plate is not obtained by summing up the individual moment of inertia of each piece. On the other hand, modulus of elasticity also presents a strong variability not only among the height of pieces, but also along their length. Preliminary experiments reveal a standard deviation of 23% for plates from Pinus taeda. The variability of moment of inertia of pieces and of the plate itself was determined, as well as the variability of the modulus of elasticity. The results show that rigidity just can be estimated probabilistically; that softwoods are suited for system of high redundancy; that the calculation of deformations and stress distribution along the structures are dependent on this variability and thus the referred calculations are nothing more than estimations with a certain level of confidence to be established according to the control procedures adopted; and finally that further research must be developed on probabilistic numerical factors to be incorporated to the calculation expressions of rigidity of the cross section of stress-laminated plates.
Enhancing Privacy in Smart Home Ecosystems Using Cryptographic Primitives and a Decentralized Cloud Entity

Within the phenomenon known as the Internet of Things (IoT), an enormous growth is taking place. IoT systems exist in different ways, ranging from industrial applications to user focused systems. A specific subset of a user-focused IoT system is found as Smart Home environments. At Smart Homes, themultiple Smart Objects or Smart Devices are working together, frequently based on sensor input, to increase the comfort and user experience of the home inhabitant(s) and guest(s). Smart Objects can have automated tasks, home security enabling functions or efficiency improving functionality. Apart from great applications of Smart Home devices, threats from a cyber security perspective are present: cyber risks arise due to a variety of threats on such IoT systems. We show that in the development of new Smart Home products or systems, vendors fail to meet requirements for security and privacy are not met. Comparing the current state of the market, the four most used Smart Home ecosystems (Samsung Smartthings, Apple Homekit, Amazon Echo and IFTTT) are surveyed based on three key focus areas: 1. The regulatory compliance of the systems according to the upcoming General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). 2. The commercial threats due to data profiling. 3. The risk of data leaks due to insufficient security. This analysis results in four key observations: 1. Security- and Privacy-By-Design is usually not in place due to the fact that the focus lies on launching a product as soon as possible, e.g. due to market competition; 2. Vendors process (meta)data on the vendors locations resulting in data profiling, which can compromise user privacy; 3. Smart Home ecosystems are not ready for the GDPR; 4. A trade off between privacy, security and utility usually results to the detriment of the first two and favors the latter. We propose a new design for a Smart Home ecosystem. In this design, the focus lies at the privacy of the end-user. We design a network for device-fitting encrypted communication between Smart Devices and User Devices and the Privacy Enforcing Arbiter (or Peter). Peter functions like a hub in the network, managing among others all traffic, user privileges and key distribution. With Peter, the centralized cloud party (vendor) for data storage and data analysis is replaced with a decentralized personal storage and computation entity at home. With our network design, we facilitate the use of IoT devices in home in a privacy-friendly way. Within the network, devices are authenticated using PhysicallyUnclonable Function technology and users are authenticated with a Zero Knowledge Proof. We analyze the privacy and security of our proposed network, based on a series of possible cyber attacks and the upcoming GDPR. Furthermore, we analyze the computational complexity and scalability of the network, based on market conform device power.
Fabrication and Mechanical Properties of Aluminium Composites

The need to develop light albeit strong materials to improve the fuel efficiency in transportation and also to enhance the performance of engineering structures explicitly which requires a good foundation in material science research. In engineering knowledge about composite and its application is necessary because Material research is always focused first when you go for any automotive, aerospace, medical application therefore This book reveals the basic concept of composite and student will also get awareness about techniques to fabricate the required material. “If you waste time, you will become waste with time” Thanks GOD, all family members and friends to make me efficient to do this successfully.
Contactless Micro-Droplet Manipulation of Liquid Released from a Parallel Plate to an Open Region in Electrowetting-on-Dielectric Platform

In electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) platform, the transfer of droplets from the EWOD boundary region (top plate and bottom plate) to the open region is challenging. The challenge is due to the resistance-like surface tension, friction from the top-plate edge, and the so-called boundary. For this purpose, we designed the top plate to minimize the friction resistance at the boundary. The experiment focused on Gibb’s formula and successfully transferred the liquid droplet between the top plate and bottom plate boundary region under a high voltage environment. The threshold voltage for the successful transportation of the droplet between the boundary is 250 V which provides strong pressure to drive the droplet.
Assessing Enabling Competence of Leagile Manufacturing Model and Its Impact on Performance of Small and Medium Factories in Uganda

Purpose: Leagile manufacturing is one of the time-based manufacturing practices used to improve factory performance. It is a practice that combines initiatives of Lean and agile manufacturing under certain enabling competences. Therefore, the purpose of this study is investigate the combinative nature of time-based manufacturing practices under unique enabling competences and their impact on performance of factories in Uganda. Methodology: Firstly, the underlying factor structure of competences and time-based manufacturing was examined was conducted using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Enabling competences and time-base manufacturing practices were modelled and validated for each using confirmatory factor analysis, particularly composite reliability, average variance extracted and convergent validity. A fully fledged structural equation model was used to test the impact of leagile manufacturing on performance of factories. Findings: The study results revealed that time-based manufacturing of lean, and leagile are related but differ, in terms of their enabling competences and philosophical orientation. The findings also revealed that when small and medium factories in Uganda adopt leagile practice, they are likely not improve their performance. This is perhaps due to the fact that small and medium factories have inadequate resources. Practical Implications: The study findings shed more insights on the factors that enable adoption and implementation of time-based manufacturing practices. The extent to which these competences are orchestrated determines the benefits derived from the time-based manufacturing practices. In addition, small and medium enterprises should keenly make a choice on the appropriate practices that purposely reduce their lead time and cost of conversion. Originality: This study investigated the combinative naHow to cite this paper: Nagaaba, N. (2022) Assessing Enabling Competence of Leagile Manufacturing Model and Its Impact on Performance of Small and Medium Factories in Uganda. American Journal of Operations Research, 12, 127-155. https://doi.org/10.4236/ajor.2022. 124008 Received: April 6, 2022 Accepted: June 5, 2022 Published: June 8, 2022 Copyright © 2022 by author(s) and Scientific Research Publishing Inc. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution International License (CC BY 4.0). http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
MergedAutomobile Maintenance Part Delivery Problem Using an Improved Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm

The merged automobile maintenance part delivery problem will attract interests from the merged company due to the reduced delivery cost by collaborative delivery among several automobile part depots. Since the delivery problem is a very complex problem, Voronoi diagram is adopted to simplify this delivery problem by splitting customers into several sets. Then, this paper attempts to solve this delivery problem by using of artificial bee colony algorithm. To improve the performance of the artificial bee colony algorithm, an adaptive strategy is used to control the proportion of scouts and leaders. At last, the computational results for 23 benchmark problems indicate that the proposed algorithm is an effective method to solve the multi-depot vehicle routing problem. Furthermore, the results of a merged automobile maintenance part delivery problem also indicate that the improved artificial bee colony algorithm with Voronoi diagram is feasible for solving this kind of delivery problem.