Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Forests After Florence: an informal community-engaged STEM research project promotes STEM identity in disaster-impacted students

ABSTRACT Background Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, can have lasting impacts on a community Purpose This research evaluated how participation in an STEM education intervention after an ecological disaster affected students’ persistence, resilience, and STEM identity Sample Hurricane Florence impacted college students (N = 50) were recruited Design and Methods Participants completed pre-test, post-test and daily diary measures before, during and after they completed an intervention where they collected forestry data in their home hurricane-impacted communities Results Participants reported higher STEM identity following the intervention learning experience. Daily interest and enjoyment in science was higher on days when they reported more positive experiences. For resilience, for male students, but not female students, the learning opportunity fostered resilience. Male students reported higher STEM identity on days when they reported more positive learning experiences Conclusion These findings highlight the benefit of STEM education learning opportunities, particular for disaster-impacted students.
Phenetic and Genetic Variability of Continental and Island Populations of the Freshwater Copepod Mastigodiaptomus ha Cervantes, 2020 (Copepoda): A Case of Dispersal?

The diversity of freshwater zooplankton is still little known in Mexico, particularly in reference to insular zooplankton communities. Diaptomid copepods (Crustacea: Copepoda: Calanoida) are a widespread group worldwide, and Mexico harbours high diaptomid diversity. Based on a recent sampling of freshwater zooplankton on a Caribbean Island of Mexico, we present the first record of a diaptomid copepod from an island freshwater ecosystem. It shows the well-known tendency of Neotropical diaptomids to have restricted distributional patterns and high levels of endemism. The species recorded, Mastigodiaptomus ha (Cervantes-Martínez, 2020) appears to have a restricted distribution in the Yucatan Peninsula (YP), and the island as well. In order to explore potential differences between the island and continental populations of this species, its phenetic and genetic diversity was analysed by performing morphological comparisons and also by exploring differences of the habitat conditions and genetic sequences (CO1 gene). Our analysis revealed a low (average = 0.33%) genetic divergence between both populations; likewise, both the morphology and habitat conditions closely resemble each other in these two populations. The low genetic divergence between the continental and island populations of M. ha suggests an early common origin of the species in the geological history of the YP.
Detection of Lung Nodules in Chest Radiographs Using Wiener Filter and D-CNN Model

The automatic and accurate detection of lung tumours or nodules plays a vital role in diagnosing lung cancer. Radiologist have to study multiple chest x-rays to diagnose lung cancer. Since it is a very tedious and time-consuming task, lots of automatic nodule detection and classification techniques based on deep learning have been proposed in recent years. As the previous methods completely rely on deep networks, it increases the computational complexity of the nodule detection process, so in this work, we have proposed a modified wiener filter to remove the adaptive noise from the Chest X-Ray (CXR) images which has not been attempted by any researcher, further to make nodules clearer and contrasting we have enhanced the filtered CXR image by using adaptive histogram equalization (AHE). Later, we have performed classification using the simplified VGG network for Deep Convolutional Neural Network (D-CNN) model to detect and classify the lung nodules from CXR images. As a result, we got an accuracy of 92% in training and 94% on validation, which is then compared with the latest state-of-art works to prove the novelty of our proposed method. The dataset used in our study is taken from the Japan Society of Radiological Technology (JSRT). Finally, we have introduced a Computer Interface (CI) through which the proposed work can be implemented in real-time nodule detection applications in the near future.
Leader–member exchange as a mediator of the relationship between authentic leadership and employee creativity

The purpose of this study was to acquire meaningful insights on the determinants of creativity with a meticulous examination, and by dint of that, expand the concerned literature. To accomplish the same, a conceptual model that includes authentic leadership, employee creativity, and leader–member exchange (LMX) was methodically developed and evaluated. This research is a quantitative study incorporating a self-report survey. The data were amassed from hotel employees in Northern Cyprus. Data from 314 applicable surveys were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)-22 and analysis of a moment structures (AMOS)-18 programs. Based on the findings, it can be deduced that authentic leadership has a considerable impact on employee creativity, while LMX plays an intermediary role in this relationship. The results of this study are useful and relevant for both researchers and policymakers.
Signal detection techniques for scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy

ABSTRACT Scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM) has been playing more and more important roles in investigating electromagnetic properties of various materials and structures on the nanoscale. In this technique, a sharp tip is employed as the near-field antenna to measure the sample's properties with a high spatial resolution. As the scattered near-field signal from the tip is extremely weak and contaminated by strong background noise, the effective detection, and subsequent extraction of the near-field information from the detected signals is the key issue for s-SNOM. In this review, we give a systematic explanation of the underlying mechanisms of s-SNOM, and summarize and interpret major signal detection techniques involved, including experimental setups, theories for signal analysis and processing, and exposition of advantages and disadvantages of such techniques. By this, we hope to provide a practical guide and a go-to source of detailed information for those interested in and/or working on s-SNOM.
Robust Tolerance Design of Bandpass Filter With Improved Frequency Response for Q-Band Satellite Applications

A rectangular waveguide bandpass filter for <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$Q$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-band with simple fabrication is proposed in this letter. The design is based on the use of the first passband replica of commensurate-line stepped-impedance structures and achieves the suppression of their inherent low-pass response. In order to do it, the filter is implemented by rectangular waveguide sections with different widths and heights that can be analytically calculated. The technique is validated by a ninth-order Chebyshev filter with passband between 40 and 43 GHz and fabrication yield equal to 84% for a manufacturing error of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\pm 20~\mu \text{m}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>. The measured results of the prototype fabricated with computer numerical control (CNC) milling are in good agreement with the simulated ones.
Entrepreneurs’ perceptions of official sporting events’ capacity to promote their business in the long term

Abstract Academic literature includes numerous studies on the assessment of the economic impacts of sporting events. Some of these impacts are only temporary and don’t produce a lasting effect on the productive fabric, while others lead to long term developments. Even though residents’ reactions to the long term impacts of these events have been broadly studied, the views expressed by entrepreneurs located in the area of the event remain to be investigated. This article analyses perceptions of entrepreneurs located near the Sierra Nevada Ski and Mountain Resort in Spain relating to their assessment of the long term effects of hosting the 2017 Snowboard and Freestyle Ski World Championship. This paper makes use of a mixed-methods. The qualitative and quantitative analyses reveal a positive assessment of the event’s impact both concerning the promotion of the mountain resort and in terms of its international positioning as a snowboarding and freestyle sports destination.
Maximum Power Point Tracking in the Photovoltaic Module Using Incremental Conductance Algorithm with Variable Step Length

Tracking maximum power in photovoltaic applications is considered a major issue. Because of the change in the output power of solar cells by changing the radiation and temperature, it is required to receive the maximum power from solar array to be achieved the maximum efficiency using maximum power tracking methods. A large number of the maximum power methods have been introduced so far, but each has difficulty in terms of tracking speed and accuracy, and in practice, they have not been able to improve both of these factors. Among the commonly used methods, the incremental conductance method has a good tracking speed and accuracy, but at the same time, it cannot reach both to a desirable value. In this paper, a new method is proposed based on the above method that improves the mentioned factors simultaneously to an acceptable limit. The result of the simulation confirms the correctness of the claim of the proposed method.
From convergence to congruence: European integration and citizen–elite congruence

Recent research argues that European integration has led to an ideological convergence of member state party systems, which is purported to have significant consequences for democratic representation. We argue that convergence of party positions is less problematic if congruence between governed and governing is maintained. We therefore turn to test whether integration has had an effect on congruence between the public and their governing elites. Using five measures of integration, two sources of public opinion data, and expert surveys on political parties, we find little evidence that integration into the European Union reduces congruence between the public and the national party system, government or legislature either ideologically or across five issue areas. These results should assuage concerns about integration’s effect on domestic political representation.
Low-Cost Organic-Substrate Module for Tx–Rx Short-Range WiGig Communications at 60 GHz

This work presents a <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${12}\,\,\times \,\,{12}\,\,\times \,\,{0.6}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> mm<sup>3</sup> ball grid array (BGA) module made of low-cost organic substrates which integrates transmitter (Tx) and receiver (Rx) antennas for short-range 60 GHz WiGig communications. The Tx antenna is a single-element linearly polarized aperture-coupled patch (ACP) antenna achieving a worst −12 dB matching with a broadside realized gain above 5 dBi and a total efficiency higher than 50% in the 57–66 GHz band. The Rx antenna is a single-element single-fed circularly polarized ACP antenna. It exhibits a worst −14 dB matching level from <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${57~}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> to 66 GHz and a worst −10 dB level from <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${47~}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> to 66 GHz (33% relative bandwidth (BW) with respect to 60 GHz). The broadside realized gain is above 5 dBi from <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${61~}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> to 67 GHz and the axial ratio stays below 3 dB for a 14% BW with respect to 60 GHz. Variability of the fabrication process is analyzed by means of extensive measurements of several modules. The effect of the integration of the module in the application PCB and the device casing is also studied for realistic use. The obtained results demonstrate suitability of this high-density interconnect BGA packaging technology for mass production of compact low-cost millimeter-wave (mmW) antenna module for WiGig communications.
Modelling metal-dielectric core-shell nanoparticles with effective medium theories

A new method for calculating the effective dielectric function of a metal-oxide core-shell nanoparticle is presented and compared with existing theories. This new approach can be helpful for predicting the reflectance, transmittance and absorbance spectra of core-shell colloids and nanocomposites which are widely used in photocatalysis or solar energy harvesting.
Nutritional and Keeping Quality of Total Mixed Ration Briquettes Produced for Lactating Dairy Cows

This research aims to find out the feasibility of the formation of different total mixed ration (TMR) briquettes. Six recipes (TMR1, TMR2, TMR3, TMR4, TMR5, and TMR6) were prepared by blending different combinations of forages and concentrates to balance the nutrient requirements of lactating dairy cows. Each TMR briquette was wrapped and stored at room temperature for three months and tested at monthly intervals for nutrient composition and shelf life. A cost analysis was performed to determine economic feasibility. The crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre, acid detergent fibre, neutral detergent fibre, nitrogen-free extract and non-fibre carbohydrate contents were not significantly different among the treatments at preparation and after 3 months of storage. Calcium, phosphorous and magnesium contents of the treatments were significantly different among the treatments at preparation and after three months of storage. There was no risk associated with the potentially toxic metals (Cd, Pb and Hg) in the treatments during the storage. Yeast & mould counts, total plate counts and free fatty acid contents were in the acceptable range in all treatments during the entire storage period. Weights of the briquettes were significantly decreased during the storage; however, heights were not different among the treatments. TMR5 and TMR6 resulted lower production costs per kg. The majority of the nutritional, shelf life and physical parameters were not significantly different among the six TMR recipes tested. Thus, 5 and 6 TMR briquettes were selected as the best two potential recipes for further studies.
Constrained regulation problem for continuous-time stochastic systems under state and control constraints

Constrained regulation problem (CRP) for continuous-time stochastic systems is investigated in this article. New existence conditions of linear feedback control law for continuous-time stochastic systems under constraints are proposed. The computation method for solving constrained regulation problem of stochastic systems considered in this article is also presented. Continuous-time stochastic linear systems and stochastic nonlinear systems are focused on, respectively. First, the condition of polyhedral invariance for stochastic systems is established by using the theory of positive invariant set and the principle of comparison. Second, the asymptotic stability conditions in the sense of expectation for two types of stochastic systems are established. Finally, finding the linear feedback controller model and corresponding algorithm of constrained regulation problem for two types of stochastic systems are also proposed by using the obtained condition. The presented model of the stochastic constrained regulation problem in this article is formulated as a linear programming problem, which can be easily implemented from a computational point of view. Our approach establishes a connection between the stochastic constrained regulation problem and positively invariant set theory, as well as provides the possibility of using optimization methodology to find the solution of stochastic constrained regulation problem, which differs from other methods. Numerical examples illustrate the proposed method.
Inducing Banana Fusarium Wilt Disease Suppression through Soil Microbiome Reshaping by Pineapple-Banana Rotation Combined with Biofertilizer Application

Abstract. Crop rotation and bio-organic fertilizer application have historically been employed as efficient management strategies for soil-borne disease suppression through soil microbiome manipulation. However, details of how this occurs, and to what extent the combination of methods affects soil microbiota reconstruction from diseased soils lacks investigation. In this study, pineapple-banana rotation combined with biofertilizer application was used to suppress banana Fusarium wilt disease, and effects on both bacterial and fungal communities were investigated using the Miseq Illumine sequencing platform. Our results show that pineapple-banana rotation significantly reduces Fusarium wilt disease incidence, and that the application of bio-organic fertilizer causes additional suppression. Bacterial and fungal communities thrive using rotation in combination with bio-organic fertilizer application: taxonomic and phylogenetic α-diversity in both bacteria and fungi increase along with disease suppression. Between the two strategies, bio-organic fertilizer application affects both bacterial and fungal community composition most predominantly, followed by rotation. Large-scale changes in the fungal community composition and special Burkholderia-related network functions contribute to the observed soil borne-disease suppression. Our results indicate that pineapple-banana rotation combined with bio-organic fertilizer application has strong potential for the sustainable management of banana Fusarium wilt disease.
Racial group affect and support for civil liberties in the United States

ABSTRACT Civil liberties are a linchpin of liberal democracy, and are central to the practice and discourse of American politics. However, there is little research exploring whether or to what extent group attitudes influence public opinion on constitutionally guaranteed liberties. For this reason, we seek to shed light on whether the public actually views rights as fundamental, or whether attitudes toward groups – in this case, racial groups – moderate attitudes about civil liberties. We use a series of survey experiments to assess whether public support for constitutional protections – such as those found in the First, Second, and Fifth Amendments – is contingent on respondents’ attitudes toward the group identity of those benefiting from these protections. We show that while Americans do hold civil liberties in high esteem, attitudes toward a variety of constitutional rights are significantly conditioned by attitudes toward the group exercising a given right. Our findings indicate a gap between the ideal of civil liberties and what we see in reality, and suggest that racial attitudes may be endangering a core tenet of our political system.
Quantifying Information Dissemination Rate during Crisis and Location Detection Using Online Social Streams

The widespread practice of Online Social Networking leads to the diffusion of trending information and exchanging various opinions with socially connected people online. Social media steams data extracted from Social Networks has become a vital communication tool and also turn up as an eventual informative platform to catch real human voices at the time of emergency events like disaster. An effective underlying quantification model is proposed in this paper which uses change point detection algorithm to detect events based on the relative streaming tweet density - ratio respectively. A morphological time-series analysis is carried out determine the dissemination of information about crisis events using Information Entropy. Further, the Event - Link ratio (ELR) is estimated to obtain meaningful patterns in events been identified. This paper focus to empirically quantify the information dissemination of the events based on user's tweeting activities. The proposed quantification method is compared with state-of-art techniques in terms of event detection rate, the entropy of information spread. It is found that the accuracy of the proposed method is up to 94% with event detection after 75 seconds. K-Center Clustering (KCC) is used which results in the location detection accuracy of 85%.
Coating of L-Arginine Modified Silica on Magnetite through Two Different Sol-Gel Routes

In this research, magnetite coated with L-arginine modified silica (Fe 3 O 4 /SiO 2 -GPTMS-Arg) has been synthesized through a sol-gel process at a room temperature in two Routes. In Route 1, a precursor of sodium silicate solution (source of SiO 2 ), 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS) as a coupling agent and L-arginine (Arg) as the source of functional groups were added sequentially to magnetite nanoparticles (Fe 3 O 4 ). Gelling was carried out by adding HCl solution dropwise to the mixture to reach pH of 7.0. The product was washed with water and ethanol and then dried at 65 °C for 1 day. In Route 2, sodium silicate solution was added to a mixture of GPTMS and L-arginine, and then the sol obtained was added into magnetite nanoparticles. The results were characterized with FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, atomic absorption spectroscopy and volumetric method to identify functional groups, crystal size, iron ions released and amino groups content, respectively. The results showed that Fe 3 O 4 /SiO 2 -GPTMS-Arg has been successfully synthesized through both two routes. Route 1, however, gave product of Fe 3 O 4 /SiO 2 -GPTMS-Arg more stable and more content of amino groups than Route 2. The presence of amino groups leads to the application of the product for metal ion removal from aqueous solution.
Functional traits predict tree‐level phenological strategies in a mesic Indian savanna

Leaf phenology influences terrestrial primary production by determining the period of carbon uptake. While dominant leaf habit (evergreen/deciduous) is predictable at large scales based on environmental factors, there is substantial variability in the timing of key events such as leaf flush and senescence at smaller site‐level scales. How much of this variability is explained by species functional traits related to a plant's carbon economy? We monitored leaf phenology for 113 individual trees of eleven dominant species in an Indian mesic savanna. Specifically, we related leaf functional traits and wood density to the (i) timing of leaf flush, leaf maturity, peak canopy, and senescence, (ii) duration of leaf deployment, (iii) duration from start of senescence to leaflessness, and (iv) time to attainment of peak mature canopy following leaf flush. We expected species that use resources conservatively (low specific leaf area (SLA), high leaf dry matter content, low leaf nitrogen, and high wood density) to senesce later and retain their leaves longer. For all species, leaflessness was most pronounced in early dry season and leaf flushing occurred in the late dry season. Species with high leaf carbon and dry matter content showed earlier leaf maturation, attained peak mature canopies sooner, and deployed leaves longer. Species with high SLA, leaf nitrogen, and low wood density showed earlier senescence but relationships were weak. In this savanna, phenology at fine scales was indeed associated with species functional traits relating to carbon investment, but these relationships were strong only when intra‐specific variation in phenology was low.