Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Environment‐driven changes in diversity of riparian plant communities along a mountain river

Abstract The study of changes in species richness and composition along rivers has focused on large spatial scales. It has been ignored that in different sections of the river (high mountain area, middle zone, and mouth of the river) the specific environmental conditions can generate different longitudinal patterns of the species richness and composition. In this study, we determine whether species richness and composition of the riparian plant communities change along a mountain river and whether these changes are related to environmental variables. We expect an increase in species richness and turnover along the river, that the upstream communities would be a subset of the downstream communities, and that such would be related to edaphic and hydrologic conditions. To test this, we sampled three strata of the riparian vegetation (upper: individuals with <1 cm of ND, middle: individuals with >1 cm of ND, low: individuals with >1 m tall) in a set of 15 sites that we place along a mountain river. Additionally, we recorded topographic, hydrological, morphological, and soil variables. We performed correlation analyzes to determine whether changes in species richness and turnover were related to increased distance to the origin of the river. Also, we obtained the nestedness and evaluated the importance of environmental variables with GLM, LASSO regression, and CCA. With the increase in distance, the species richness decreases in the upper stratum, but not in the middle and the low stratum (although the highest values were observed near the origin of the river), the turnover increase in all strata and the upstream communities were not a subset of the downstream communities. The changes in species richness and composition were related to topographic (altitude), hydrological (flow), and edaphic (conductivity and pH) variables. Our results indicate that at small spatial scales the patterns of richness and composition differ from what has been found at larger spatial scales and that these patterns are associated with environmental changes in the strong altitude gradients of mountain rivers.
An improved Gaussian distribution based quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization algorithm for engineering shape design problems

Abstract In this article, an improved Gaussian distribution based quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization (IG-QPSO) algorithm is proposed to solve engineering shape design problems with multiple constraints. In this algorithm, the Gaussian distribution is employed to generate the sequence of random numbers in the QPSO algorithm. By decreasing the variance of the Gaussian distribution linearly, the algorithm is able not only to maintain its global search ability during the early search stages, but can also obtain gradually enhanced local search ability in the later search stages. Additionally, a weighted mean best position in the IG-QPSO is employed to achieve a good balance between local search and global search. The proposed algorithm and some other well-known PSO variants are tested on ten standard benchmark functions and six well-studied engineering shape design problems. Experimental results show that the IG-QPSO algorithm can optimize these problems effectively in terms of precision and robustness compared to its competitors.
Factors Inﬂuencing the continuation of start-up companies

Abstract This study investigates the factors that influence the discontinuation of Japanese business start-ups using the resource-based view (RBV) framework. By conducting an empirical study using the binary logit model, this study reveals the factors that caused start-ups that began in 2006 to suspend operations by 2010. According to the results of the analysis, the better the company was prepared for potential threats before it opened, the higher the probability that the business would remain in operation. Moreover, it was found that business continuity is higher when the manager has business experience related to the current business. In terms of model fit, it was found that start-up preparation is more important to continuity than manager attributes.
Hydrogeologic Property Estimation in Plate Boundary Observatory Boreholes Using Tidal Response Analysis

Because of the influence pore pressures have on effective stress, understanding hydrogeologic properties that control fluid flow and pressure distribution is important in characterizing earthquake and deformation processes. Here, we utilize borehole pressure changes in response to earth tides to determine hydrogeologic properties and their time variations for 17 boreholes within the NSF Earthscope’s Plate Boundary Observatory (PBO) network along the San Andreas fault and Cascadia subduction zone. Our analysis considers solutions for both confined and unconfined aquiares. Resulting permeability and hydraulic diffusivity values range from 6.4 × 10 − 16 – 8.4 × 10 − 14 m2 and 1 × 10 − 4 – 9 × 10 − 1 m 2 s − 1 , respectively, whereas specific storage values are generally ~ 1 × 10 − 6 m − 1 . The values are fairly consistent through time, reasonable given lithology, and are comparable to other regional studies. For one borehole, values are also comparable to those determined with traditional aquifer test data. In contrast with previous determinations of the high-frequency poroelastic response to seismic waves, no obvious spatial trends in hydrogeologic properties determined from long-wavelength tidal perturbations are observed. Within the recurring time-series estimates, only one borehole exhibits clear permeability enhancement by earthquakes, whereas nearby boreholes with similar lithology and hydrogeologic property values do not. This highlights the variable susceptibility of rocks to permeability enhancement. Together, these results provide quantitative constraints useful for models of large-scale groundwater flow around large fault systems and the potential hydrologic influence on deformation and fault slip behavior.
Pengaruh Penerapan Advanced Manufacturing Technology dan Operations Improvement Practices terhadap Kompetensi Flexible Manufacturing PT XYZ

The development of the manufacturing nowadays has become very dynamic, as companies are required to be more flexible in order to maintain the sustainability of their business. However, this requirement has not been fulfilled by PT XYZ. Due to this reason, this study aims at examining whether 1) the Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT) has a positive effect on Flexible Manufacturing Competency (FMC); 2) the Operations Improvement Practices (OIP) has a positive effect on Flexible Manufacturing Competency (FMC); 3) the AMT can mediate the effect between OIP and FMC; and 4) the OIP can moderate the influence between AMT and FMC. Primary data were obtained from distributing questionnaires to 112 head of department and senior staff of PT XYZ, which were selected by purposive sampling to employees who were directly related to the production process. Data processing techniques used was partial least square (PLS) analysis which processed through the smartPLS 3 program. The results showed that 1) the AMT variable had a positive effect on FMC 2) the OIP variable had a positive effect on FMC 3) the AMT variable mediated the effect between OIP and FMC, and 4) the OIP variable moderated the effect between AMT and FMC. Abstrak: Perkembangan dunia manufaktur saat ini sudah menjadi sangat dinamis. Akibatnya perusahaan dituntut untuk dapat lebih fleksibel agar dapat menjaga keberlangsungan bisnisnya. PT XYZ merupakan perusahaan otomotif (roda dua) yang belum sepenuhnya memperhatikan kompetensi fleksibilitas manufaktur (FMC). Oleh karena itu, studi ini bertujuan menguji apakah 1) Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT) berpengaruh positif terhadap FMC; 2) Operations Improvement Practices (OIP) berpengaruh positif terhadap FMC; 3) AMT dapat memediasi pengaruh antara OIP dan FMC; serta 4) OIP dapat memoderasi pengaruh antara AMT dan FMC. Data primer diperoleh dari pembagian kuesioner kepada 112 kepala bagian dan staff senior PT XYZ, yang dipilih secara purposive sampling yaitu kepada karyawan yang berkaitan langsung dengan proses produksi. Teknik pengolahan data menggunakan analisa partial least square (PLS) yang diproses melalui program smartPLS 3. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa 1) variabel AMT berpengaruh positif terhadap FMC 2) variabel OIP berpengaruh positif terhadap FMC 3) variabel AMT memediasi pengaruh antara OIP dan FMC, serta 4) variabel OIP memoderasi pengaruh antara AMT dan FMC.
Bridging, nudging and translating: facilitators of local creative industries in Norway

ABSTRACT The article sheds light on an often neglected group of professionals in creative industries, namely the facilitators who work on a local level in order to support and stimulate individual artists and creative microbusinesses. We discuss what characterises the practices of local facilitators, and how they act in order to ensure legitimacy within different contexts. Based on qualitative interviews and participant observation in Norwegian creative industries, and a theoretical approach based on Alexander’s theory on cultural performance and French pragmatic sociology, we argue that the facilitators are networking entrepreneurs with multi-contextual competencies operating in the gaps between art, business and bureaucracy.
Numerical Analysis of Hydrodynamic Loads on Passing and Moored Ships in Shallow Water

In this study, hydrodynamic interactions between passing and moored ships were studied by applying a time-domain numerical simulation method. The boundary value problem for a fluid domain was formulated based on a potential flow theory. A numerical method was developed based on a finite element method with an efficient re-mesh algorithm. Regarding the free-surface boundary conditions, both double-body and free-surface models were considered for examining the free-surface effect on the hydrodynamic forces due to the passing ship. First, numerical results were validated by comparison with the model test results of Kriebel et al. (2005), where generic Series 60 hulls were considered as the target model for the passing and moored ships. In addition, hydrodynamic pressure fields and force time-series were investigated to understand the passing ship problem. Second, a series of numerical simulations were performed to study the effects of the passing ship speed, separation distance, water depth, and relative vessel size, which were used to compare the peak values of hydrodynamic forces. The applicability and limitations of the double-body and free-surface models are discussed for predicting passing ship loads.
Financial literacy and participation in the financial markets in Tanzania: An application of the logit regression model

Background: Financial market participation is explained from the viewpoint of financial literacy, awareness, investors’ risk aversion, and cost of stock market participation but could not be successful. As a result, households’ lack of participation in the stock market remains a puzzle across the world. Aim: The paper examines the factors determining the participation of individuals in the financial markets using the logistic regression model. Categorical data covering a sample of 484 were collected from individuals residing in Arusha, Tanzania. Conclusion: Male and married individuals, as well as people with financial knowledge have a better chance of investing in the financial market despite their education level. Other variables such as risk attitude and level of income play a significant role in influencing individuals’ participation in the financial markets. The policy implication of these results is that increasing training, awareness of the benefits and operations of the financial markets will result in people opting to participate in the financial market, which will, in turn, lead to increased trading of financial assets and hence create a ripple effect to the economy.
Data Traffic Modeling in RPAS/UAV Networks with Different Architectures

Deploying of Fifth Generation and Beyond Fifth Generation (5G/B5G) wireless networks will require wider coverage, flexible connectivity, low latency, support for a large number of user devices, and more bandwidth. This article explores the paradigm that Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPASs) or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are integrated as a communication platform with cellular networks using radio access. It is important to know the possibilities and ways of such integration for effective interaction with RPASs. This paper studies the issues of ensuring the required Quality of Service (QoS) during heavy traffic and the choice of necessary data transmission modes for this. Models of RPAS communication channels with different architectures were created. The relationships between models’ performance and traffic parameters were obtained using the NetCracker Professional 4.1 software. The dependencies of the Average Utilization (AU) on the Transaction Size (TS) were analyzed. The effects of different bandwidths and the Bit Error Rate (BER) were studied. The traffic characteristics in all models were compared.
A Comparative Assessment of Online Learning Readiness for First Year and Final Year Engineering Undergraduates

Measuring student readiness in online learning should also be of great concern to institutions, including all areas from their curricular development to the pedagogies they experience. Although there have been attempts at universities to develop online learning courses, students' readiness has yet to be investigated, particularly for engineering students who take a mix of theoretical and practical-based courses. This study evaluates the readiness of civil engineering students toward the implementation of online learning and their preferences and acceptance towards online instructional delivery and assessment methods. Ways for improvement are proposed in line with the students’ readiness to determine the best desirable practices and strategies for online pedagogy. Respondents are selected from first and final year students, to examine and compare their online learning perspectives. A survey questionnaire was used. Findings revealed that year one and year four students' readiness were relatively moderate for most of the components and relatively high for the components that involved hardware/software requirements and technology skills. Most respondents indicated a moderate acceptance level on online assessment, ranging from a mean score of 3.46 to 3.81. As online learning is gradually becoming another method for life-long and self-determined learning, findings from the study might help university educators to develop better online learning strategies, especially delivery methods and assessments, to help students cope with online learning.
The study of oxygen reduction reaction on Ge‐doped MoS2 monolayer based on first principle

Rational design of electrocatalyst for air cathode with high oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance is highly demanded. However, current low performance of electrocatalyst remains a big challenge. Herein, the possibility of germanium (Ge)‐doped molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) monolayer as a novel electrocatalyst for ORR in alkaline solution was studied based on first principle calculation. The results indicate that oxygen is strongly adsorbed on the surface of Ge‐doped MoS2 monolayer. Moreover, a high barrier should be overcome during H2O molecular dissociation and the barrier of dissociation decreases with the number of doped Ge atoms increasing. Based on the calculation of transition state and Gibbs free energy, the triple Ge atoms‐doped MoS2 monolayer shows the best activity toward ORR with the lowest rate‐determine step barrier of 0.23 eV. Our study may provide a meaningful method for the design of novel MoS2‐based electrocatalyst for ORR.
Soil Microbial Communities Altered by Titanium Ions in Different Agroecosystems of Pitaya and Grape

Pitaya and grape are important cash crops in the Panzhihua and Xichang areas, respectively, where they are well adapted. Titanium is a plant growth-promoting element, but the interaction between titanium and soil microorganisms is poorly understood. ABSTRACT Titanium (Ti) is an element beneficial to plant growth. Application of titanium to roots or leaves at low concentrations can improve crop yield and performance. However, the effect of titanium ions on the bulk soil microbial community of planted crops remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the effects of titanium on soil bacterial and fungal communities. Field surveys were conducted to determine the effect of titanium ions on bulk soil microbial communities in pitaya and grape plantations of Panzhihua and Xichang areas, respectively. Full-length 16S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) amplicon sequencing were performed using PacBio Sequel to further explore the composition and structure of soil microbiota. The application of titanium ions significantly altered the composition and structure of soil microbiota. Root irrigation with titanium ions in pitaya gardens reduced the diversity of soil fungi and bacteria. However, the decline in bacterial diversity was not statistically significant. Meanwhile, foliar spray of titanium ions on grapes greatly reduced the soil microbial diversity. The bulk soil microbiota had a core of conserved taxa, and titanium ions significantly altered their relative abundances. Furthermore, the application of titanium increased the interaction network of soil fungi and bacteria compared with the control group. Thus, titanium ions potentially improve the stability of the soil microbial community. IMPORTANCE Pitaya and grape are important cash crops in the Panzhihua and Xichang areas, respectively, where they are well adapted. Titanium is a plant growth-promoting element, but the interaction between titanium and soil microorganisms is poorly understood. Titanium ions are still not widely used for growing pitaya and grape in the two regions. Thus, we investigated the effects of titanium ions on soil microbial communities of the two fruit crops in these two regions. Microbial diversity decreased, and the community structure changed; however, the addition of titanium ions enhanced cooccurrence relationships and improved the stability of the community. This study provides a basis for the importance of titanium ion application in crop cultivation.
Nitrite build-up effect on nitrous oxide emissions in a laboratory-scale anaerobic/aerobic/anoxic/aerobic sequencing batch reactor

Biological wastewater treatment processes with biological nitrogen removal are potential sources of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. It is important to expand knowledge on the controlling factors associated with N2O production, in order to propose emission mitigation strategies. This study therefore sought to identify the parameters that favor nitrite (NO2 ) accumulation and its influence on N2O production and emission in an anaerobic/aerobic/anoxic/aerobic sequencing batch reactor with biological nitrogen removal. Even with controlled dissolved oxygen concentrations and oxidation reduction potential, the first aerobic phase promoted only partial nitrification, resulting in NO2 build-up (ranging from 29 to 57%) and consequent N2O generation. The NO2 was not fully consumed in the subsequent anoxic phase, leading to even greater N2O production through partial denitrification. A direct relationship was observed between NO2 accumulation in these phases and N2O production. In the first aerobic phase, the N2O/NO2 ratio varied between 0.5 to 8.5%, while in the anoxic one values ranged between 8.3 and 22.7%. Higher N2O production was therefore noted during the anoxic phase compared to the first aerobic phase. As a result, the highest N2O fluxes occurred in the second aerobic phase, ranging from 706 to 2416 mg N m h, as soon as aeration was triggered. Complete nitrification and denitrification promotion in this system was proven to be the key factor to avoid NO2 build-up and, consequently, N2O emissions.
Hybrid power plant bidding strategy for voltage stability improvement, electricity market profit maximization, and congestion management

Sahand Ghavidel, School of Electrical and Data Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia. Email: sahand.ghavideljirsaraie@student.uts. edu.au Abstract This article models a hybrid power plant (HPP), including a compressed air energy storage (CAES) aggregator with a wind power aggregator (WPA) considering network constraints. Three objective functions are considered including electricity market profit maximization, congestion management, and voltage stability improvement. In order to accurately model the WPA, pitch control curtailment wind power levels are also added to the wind power generator models. To optimize all the mentioned objective functions, a multi‐objective Pareto front solution strategy is used. Finally, a fuzzy method is used to find the best compromise solution. The proposed approach is tested on a realistic case study based on an electricity market and wind farm located in Spain, and IEEE 57‐bus test system is used to evaluate the network constraint effects on the HPP scheduling for different objective functions.
Reframing the debate: The distributed systems view of working memory

ABSTRACT In her recent Opinion, Xu argues that visual cortex is non-essential for visual working memory (WM) storage. In our response, we highlight some inconsistencies that undermine Xu’s claims and strengthen the notion that visual regions play a critical role in visual WM. Moreover, we contend that this framing of the debate ignores the larger point that WM storage is unlikely to be the purview of any single brain region. We outline a perspective that we term the “distributed systems view,” which considers WM – and storage in particular – to be distributed across multiple brain regions. This view is bolstered by evidence that a wide array of regions throughout the brain are involved in WM. Viewed in this light, the focus shifts from asking which regions are essential for WM and towards questions about how representations stored within each region complement one another, how they interact, and how they contribute to behaviour.
A Tale of Two Stories: Unsettling a Settler Family’s History in Aotearoa New Zealand

On the morning of the 5 November 1881, my great-grandfather stood alongside 1588 other military men, waiting to commence the invasion of Parihaka pā, home to the great pacifist leaders Te Whiti o Rongomai and Tohu Kākahi and their people. Having contributed to the military campaign against the pā, he returned some years later as part of the agricultural campaign to complete the alienation of Taranaki iwi from their land in Aotearoa New Zealand. None of this detail appears in any of the stories I was raised with. I grew up Pākehā (i.e., a descendant of people who came to Aotearoa from Europe as part of the process of colonisation) and so my stories tend to conform to orthodox settler narratives of ‘success, inevitability, and rights of belonging’. This article is an attempt to right that wrong. In it, I draw on insights from the critical family history literature to explain the nature, purposes and effects of the (non)narration of my great-grandfather’s participation in the military invasion of Parihaka in late 1881. On the basis of a more historically comprehensive and contextualised account of the acquisition of three family farms, I also explore how the control of land taken from others underpinned the creation of new settler subjectivities and created various forms of privilege that have flowed down through the generations. Family histories shape the ways in which we make sense of and locate ourselves in the places we live, and those of us whose roots reach back to the destructive practices of colonisation have a particular responsibility to ensure that such narratives do not conform to comfortable type. This article is an attempt to unsettle my settler family narrative.