Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The perceptions of school administrators concerning "merit" concept: A metaphor study

The aim of this study is to evaluate the perceptions of school principals and teachers about the concept of merit by means of metaphors. Metaphor has been used as a data collection method. The research data were obtained from 185 administrators working in public primary and secondary schools in five central districts of Antalya/Turkey. Easily accessible case sampling, one of the purposeful sampling methods, was used to determine the study group. The data were subjected to inductive content analysis by using metaphorical analysis. One hundred and nine metaphors produced by the participants were used in the analysis process. The findings show that the participants mostly likened the concept of merit to scale, tree, mother, ant, driving license, dress, ladder, car, and water. As a result, it is seen that the participants consider the concept of merit in the context of their hierarchical status and associate them with the features that managers should have. On the whole, school administrators explained the concept of merit in terms of suitability to the task, being capable, fair, indispensable, open to development, diligent, integrative, original and visionary, and being focused on career steps. In particular, it is important that competent managers are seen as people who give confidence to their environment, make the right decisions, and act as mentors. In addition, the perception of merit as a means of promotion in career steps is another important result of the study.
A Firework-Based GMPPT with Variable Sampling Time for PV Systems

Photovoltaic systems have a nonlinear characteristic in which there is one optimum operating point called Maximum Power Point (MPP). However, when PV panels are partially shaded by surrounding objects, there are several MPPs, of which one of them is Global MPP (GMPP). Therefore, conventional Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithms get trapped into local MPPs. As a result, a multitude of Global MPPT (GMPPT) algorithms have been proposed. An outstanding GMPPT algorithm as well as the fast-tracking speed should find GMPP in complicated shading patterns where not only there are lots of MPPs, but also the peaks are close together. Therefore, in this paper, a novel GMPPT based on firework algorithm is proposed which is able to find GMPP in complicated shading patterns with fast tracking speed. Moreover, the firework is combined with Perturb-and-Observe (PO afterwards, P&O algorithm completes the tracking. Furthermore, the variable sampling time technique, based on the system settling time, speeds up the tracking process considerably. Finally, the proposed method is compared with previous works, simulated, and implemented on an experimental setup to prove its superiority.
Characterization of Stratospheric Smoke Particles over the Antarctica by Remote Sensing Instruments

Australian smoke from the extraordinary biomass burning in December 2019 was observed over Marambio, Antarctica from the 7th to the 10th January, 2020. The smoke plume was transported thousands of kilometers over the Pacific Ocean, and reached the Antarctic Peninsula at a hight of 13 km, as determined by satellite lidar observations. The proposed origin and trajectory of the aerosol are supported by back-trajectory model analyses. Ground-based Sun–Sky–Moon photometer belonging to the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) measured aerosol optical depth (500 nm wavelength) above 0.3, which is unprecedented for the site. Inversion of sky radiances provide the optical and microphysical properties of the smoke over Marambio. The AERONET data near the fire origin in Tumbarumba, Australia, was used to investigate the changes in the measured aerosol properties after transport and ageing. The analysis shows an increase in the fine mode particle radius and a reduction in absorption (increase in the single scattering albedo). The available long-term AOD data series at Marambio suggests that smoke particles could have remained over Antarctica for several weeks after the analyzed event.
A Literature Review of EEG-Based Affective Computing in Marketing

Affect plays an important role in the consumer decision-making process and there is growing interest in the development of new technologies and computational approaches that can interpret and recognize the affects of consumers, with benefits for marketing described in relation to both academia and industry. From an interdisciplinary perspective, this paper aims to review past studies focused on electroencephalography (EEG)-based affective computing (AC) in marketing, which provides a promising avenue for studying the mechanisms underlying affective states and developing recognition computational models to predict the psychological responses of customers. This review offers an introduction to EEG technology and an overview of EEG-based AC; provides a snapshot of the current state of the literature. It briefly presents the themes, challenges, and trends in studies of affect evaluation, recognition, and classification; and further proposes potential guidelines for researchers and marketers.
LIDERANDO EQUIPES À DISTÂNCIA UMA CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO NECESSÁRIA SOBRE LIDERANÇA REMOTA E EQUIPES VIRTUAIS

A crise causada pelo coronavirus acentuou uma tendencia que ja vinha ocorrendo ha alguns anos: a adocao do trabalho remoto. Nos ultimos meses, muitas empresas aderiram a este novo modelo que usa as tecnologias da informacao e comunicacao como meio para conectar lideres e liderados nas equipes virtuais. O objetivo deste artigo e identificar os desafios dos lideres e os estilos de lideranca mais adequados para manter o bom desempenho de uma equipe virtual. A pesquisa foi realizada utilizando-se o metodo da revisao integrativa da literatura e foram analisados artigos coletados nas bases de dados Scopus e Web of Science. O estudo revelou que os principais desafios dos lideres de equipes virtuais estao relacionados com: comunicacao, cooperacao, estabelecimento de normas de trabalho e acompanhamento do trabalho da equipe. Alem disso, a literatura nao aponta um estilo ideal de lideranca, mas sugere que os lideres transformacionais tem maior probabilidade de sucesso nas equipes virtuais.
Self-Reference Effect Induced by Self-Cues Presented During Retrieval

The self-reference effect (SRE) refers to better memory for self-relevant than for other-relevant information. Generally, the SRE is found in conditions in which links between the stimuli and the self are forged in the encoding phase. To investigate the possibility that such conditions are not prerequisites for the SRE, this research developed two conditions by using two recognition tasks involving abstract geometric shapes (AGSs). One was the cue-in-encoding condition in which self- and other-cues were presented to construct links with AGSs during the encoding phase, and the other was the cue-in-retrieval condition in which self- and other-cues were presented to construct links with AGSs during the retrieval phase. The SRE was found in both conditions. The findings reveal that self-cues merely presented during the retrieval phase are sufficient to induce the SRE. Links between the stimuli and the self constructed during the encoding phase may not be necessary prerequisites for the SRE.
Characterization of Public Transit Mobility Patterns of Different Economic Classes

This paper analyzes public transit mobility of different economic classes of Curitiba, Brazil, exploring an official smart card dataset provided by the city. With the population divided into subsets corresponding to economic strata, we characterized vital spatial-temporal transit usage patterns, such as departure times and destinations reached by different economic classes. We also constructed a network representing the common origin and destination of public transit users, enabling discovering distinct patterns. Among the results, we observe that with the increase in wealth, the morning activity is postponed (on average for 2 h), and the spatial distribution of the trips becomes more localized compared with lower classes. We also show that our model captures fairly well realistic mobility patterns exploring a cheaper and larger-scale data source by comparing our results with a household travel survey from Curitiba. Understand how people in different economic classes appropriate urban spaces help to provide subsidies for, e.g., more sustainable economic development propositions.
Emigration and First-Year Movements of Initial Wolf Translocations to Isle Royale

Abstract - Canis lupis (Gray Wolf or Wolf) can move great distances with important consequences to the persistence of isolated populations. We used global position system (GPS) tracking technology to summarize the movements of 4 Wolves translocated to Isle Royale National Park, MI, in 2018–2019. We quantified aspects of movement behavior of individual Wolves following translocation to, and an emigration event from the Isle Royale ecosystem.
Attractive electrostatic self-assembly of ordered and disordered heterogeneous colloids

Ionic colloidal crystals are here defined as multicomponent ordered colloidal structures stabilized by attractive electrostatic interactions. These crystals are colloidal analogues to ionic materials including zincblende, rocksalt, cesium chloride, and fluorite. A thermodynamic study revealed that the screening ratio, charge ratio, and monodispersity are critical parameters in ionic colloidal crystal (ICC) formation. Experimentally, small ordered regions were observed under ideal thermodynamic conditions. However, no larger crystalline regions were found in these samples. The kinetics of ICC formation was studied using a variety of computational techniques, including Brownian dynamics, Monte Carlo, and a Newton’s method solver. These techniques have each elucidated properties and processing conditions that are important to crystallization. The Brownian dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations showed that the previous experiments were highly undercooled. Furthermore, a narrow crystallization window was found, demonstrating the need to create particle systems that meet the narrow parameter space where ICCs should be stable. Pair interaction potentials were evaluated for their accuracy using a Poisson-Boltzmann (PB) equation solver. The PB solver was also used to further refine crystalline formation energies so that systems can be more accurately tailored. A surprising result from the PB solver showed that the lowest formation energy occurs when the quantity of surface charges on both particles are equal. Although this result is not predicted by any colloidal pair potentials, it was verified experimentally. This further illustrates that thermal mobility in these systems can be sufficient to maintain a stable solution despite attractive electrostatic interactions. Tailoring particle systems to balance the thermal and electrostatic interactions should allow widespread crystallization. However, these conditions require highly monodisperse particles to be fabricated with controlled surface charge and sizes. Currently these particles are not widely available and further research in this area should aid in the full realization of the ICC concept. In conclusion, all results are integrated to predict which particle systems should be produced to allow the formation of large ordered structures.
Analysis of the level of disclosure of the mission statements of large Brazilian companies,

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to verify the level of disclosure of the survival, growth, and profitability (SGP) construct in the mission statements of Brazilian companies and in the collective discourse of different economic sectors, classified according to the “Biggest & Best” Annual published by Exame Magazine. The research seeks to fill the gap in the field by studying the disclosure of the SGP construct in the mission statements of large Brazilian companies. Considering the mission statement as the genesis of strategic planning, an analysis of the disclosure of the SGP construct allows for a discussion of the relevance of the contribution of the mission statement to the elaboration, implementation, and monitoring of that planning. The benefit of a mission statement aligned with the strategic planning lies in adequate communication to the stakeholders regarding the long-term SGP goals, based on the assumption that comprehensive and objective communication minimizes the risks of failures during the management process. Collective subject discourse (CSD) was used to develop a qualification metric of the constitutive elements of the organizational mission statements, enabling it to be identified whether the Brazilian companies, grouped into different economic sectors, are smoothing, concealing, or omitting the construct formed by the SGP components in their mission statements. This study investigates the presence or not of the SGP components in the collective discourse of mission statements of 220 large Brazilian companies. Most of the companies analyzed in the sample do not include SGP in their mission statements and those that do discuss it with discursive vagueness, lacking clarity in their disclosure of the components. For the academia, this finding contributes to understanding the constituent components of the mission statements of large Brazilian companies. For organizations, the findings indicate the need to reflect on the content to be used in the formulation of their mission statements.
A littoral grass growing inland: genetic diversity of Puccinellia fasciculata around mud volcanoes in Italy

Abstract Puccinellia fasciculata is a littoral miohalophyte with a Mediterranean-Atlantic distribution, uncommonly found in inland sites. The main Italian inland population is located in the Salse di Nirano Reserve, an area internationally renowned for the phenomenon of mud volcanoes. In this study, molecular markers are used to characterize this population and its possible relationships with the nearest littoral conspecific population. A survey of ISSR markers revealed low levels of genetic diversity (He = 0.081 in the inland population, 0.105 in the littoral one) and a weak genetic differentiation (Gst = 0.24 within the inland population, 0.28 among this and the littoral one). A sequence analysis of three non-coding regions of chloroplast DNA found no genetic differentiation both within the inland population and between the two populations, and revealed a common origin for the two dating back to the middle Holocene. The apparent incongruence between the results from the two approaches may be explained by differences between ISSR and non-coding cpDNA markers in capturing signatures related to gene flow; their integrated information implies a mixed reproductive strategy and a common evolutionary history for the two examined populations. Effective conservation strategies are recommended for the inland population of P. fasciculata and its habitat.
2-Methoxyestradiol Protects Against Lung Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Upregulating Annexin A1 Protein Expression

Background: 2-Methoxyestradiol (2ME), a natural 17-β estradiol metabolite, is a potent anti-inflammatory agent, but its effect on ischemia/reperfusion (IR)-induced acute lung inflammation remains unknown. Annexin A1 (AnxA1), a glucocorticoid-regulated protein, is effective at inhibiting neutrophil transendothelial migration by binding the formyl peptide receptors (FPRs). We aimed to investigate whether 2ME upregulates the expression of AnxA1 and protects against IR-induced lung damage. Methods: IR-mediated acute lung inflammation was induced by ischemia for 40 min followed by reperfusion for 60 min in an isolated, perfused rat lung model. The rat lungs were randomly treated with vehicle or 2ME, and the functional relevance of AnxA1 was determined using an anti-AnxA1 antibody or BOC2 (a pan-receptor antagonist of the FPR). In vitro, human primary alveolar epithelial cells (HPAECs) and rat neutrophils were pretreated with 2ME and an AnxA1 siRNA or anti-AnxA1 antibody and subjected to hypoxia-reoxygenation (HR). Results: 2ME significantly decreased all lung edema parameters, neutrophil infiltration, oxidative stress, proinflammatory cytokine production, lung cell apoptosis, tight junction protein disruption, and lung tissue injury in the IR-induced acute lung inflammation model. 2ME also increased the expression of the AnxA1 mRNA and protein and suppressed the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). In vitro, 2ME attenuated HR-triggered NF-κB activation and interleukin-8 production in HPAECs, decreased transendothelial migration, tumor necrosis factor-α production, and increased apoptosis in neutrophils exposed to HR. These protective effects of 2ME were significantly abrogated by BOC2, the anti-AnxA1 antibody, or AnxA1 siRNA. Conclusions: 2ME ameliorates IR-induced acute lung inflammation by increasing AnxA1 expression. Based on these results, 2ME may be a promising agent for attenuating IR-induced lung injury.
Effects of extreme habitat loss on a local population of Reed Warblers Acrocephalus scirpaceus

ABSTRACT Total habitat loss might lead to local extinction of populations, whereas habitat loss that is extreme but partial leaves some chance for their survival. Einot Gibton, a small nature reserve in Israel, has gone through a major structural change, involving the uprooting of much of its reedbed. In an attempt to maintain the local breeding population of Reed Warblers Acrocephalus scirpaceus in the reserve, conservationists retained 10% of the original 7.55 ha of reedbed habitat in the outskirts of the reserve. The Reed Warbler population was monitored in the year before and in the three years following the structural change, to investigate how a local bird population adapts to extreme reduction of its breeding habitat. Management operations occurred mainly while the Reed Warblers were wintering in Africa. After returning in spring their density in the remnant fragments of reedbed was six times higher than before the structural changes. Despite a 47% decline in their breeding success in the first breeding season after the work, site fidelity remained high. The 75% recovery of their habitat three years after its destruction was accompanied by recovery of their breeding success. Faced with planned, accidental or natural loss of habitat, conservationists should try to ensure that parts of the habitat persist, to maintain local populations.
Fishers’ knowledge on the ecology, impacts and benefits of the non-native peacock bass Cichla kelberi in a coastal river in southeastern Brazil

Ethnoichthyology has been used to understand how humans perceive environmental changes, including species introductions. In Rio de Janeiro State, southeastern Brazil, fishers introduced juveniles of peacock bass Cichla kelberi in the Juturnaiba Reservoir in the 1990’s. In the last years, this fish started to be caught in the Sao Joao River, downstream of the dam. This study aimed to identify whether fishers recognize the potential impact of the peacock bass over the native species, to understand the economic valuation they made to the services provided by this species, and if they include management of the non-native peacock bass in their practices. Semi-structured interviews with artisanal and sport fishers were employed between September and October 2016. A total of twenty-five interviews were carried out, 12 with artisanal and 13 with sport fishers. In general, fishers expressed knowledge about biological and behavioral aspects of the peacock bass, but opinions diverged on its impact over the native ichthyofauna. Differently from the artisanal, most sport fishers do not relate the decline in the population of other native species to the occurrence of the peacock bass. Instead, they mention other anthropogenic impacts in the Sao Joao River basin. The later advocate the practice of fish and release for the peacock bass, in order to maintain their population in the study area. The ethnoichthyological knowledge gathered from fishers provide novel information related to the native ichthyofauna, peacock bass introduction and other anthropogenic impacts, and might constitute a powerful tool to the development of sustainable strategies.
State-Customary Interactions and Agrarian Change in Ghana. The Case of Nkoranza Traditional Area

While agrarian change has been a recurrent theme in Ghana’s endeavor for economic development, questions on how land resources should be managed to ensure prompt attainment of economic growth remain unanswered. In Ghana, land is controlled by customary actors, while the state is the custodian of agricultural policies. The need for interaction between the two actors to ensure that the envisioned economic gains from agriculture are attained is paramount. This paper asks questions on how land tenure issues are conceptualized in relation to agricultural policies and the interactions between state and customary actors on land management for agricultural development. The paper uses qualitative research methods comprising 17 key informant interviews and document analysis. Concepts of modernized property rights, ideal and new customary tenure served as the theoretical lens for analysis. The findings indicated that state actors vilify customary tenure by considering it inimical to economic development and requiring it to be replaced. Furthermore, new characteristics of commodification, privatization and professionalization within the new customary system are different from the ideal type customary tenure. The paper argues that a new customary tenure taking shape in the Nkoranza traditional area can be harnessed to bring together two seemingly opposing views on tenure management.
Evolution of combinatorial structure in learned forms through embodied iterated learning in a robot collective

In this study, we use mobile robots as physical entities to model the iterated learning of collections of forms that consist of randomly generated movement sequences. The robots implement an abstract model of embodied iterated social learning in which the forms evolve due to limited perceptual abilities of the robots during multiple learning cycles. It is shown that shared chunks that consisted of similar movement sequences emerge in the learned forms, and as these emergent shared sequences can be learned with high accuracy, they cause a cumulative increase in the learnability of the collections. Therefore, we are able to present robotic experiments in which embodied learning on robots leads to combinatorial structure as a result of cultural interactions in the form of iterated learning without a communicative task.
Multi‐camera multiple vehicle tracking in urban intersections based on multilayer graphs

Vehicle visual tracking is a challenging issue in intelligent transportation systems. The tracking gets more challenging when vehicles change direction at intersections. Undetermined motion flows, occlusion, and congestion are the potential issues of vehicle tracking at intersections. In this study, a new method for tracking multiple vehicles from a multi-view is proposed to overcome occlusion caused at the intersections with undetermined motion flows. In the authors’ method, a multilayer graph is presented that assigns motion flows to distinct layers with different neighbourhoods for each layer represented by the graph's edges. Hence, the vehicle trajectories are distributed among layers such that vehicles entering from the same side with similar motion flows are assigned to the same layer. All multilayer graphs of different views are mapped to the graph of the selected view. Then, tracking is performed on the distinct layers of the mapped multilayer graph by computing min-cost flows. In cases such as vehicle crossing, misdetection, or occlusion, the method can predict the vehicle's tracks by using history, layer neighbourhoods, and other views’ information. Experimental results show a consistency of the ground truth and the analysis obtained using the proposed method in tracking vehicles in the inner part of the intersection.