Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Urban Energy Flux: Human Mobility as a Predictor for Spatial Changes

As a key energy challenge, we urgently require a better understanding of how growing urban populations interact with municipal energy systems and the resulting impact on energy demand across city neighborhoods, which are dense hubs of both consumer population and CO2 emissions. Currently, the physical characteristics of urban infrastructure are the main determinants in predictive modeling of the demand side of energy in our rapidly growing urban areas; overlooking influence related to fluctuating human activities. Here, we show how applying intra-urban human mobility as an indicator for interactions of the population with local energy systems can be translated into spatial imprints to predict the spatial distribution of energy use in urban settings. Our findings establish human mobility as an important element in explaining the spatial structure underlying urban energy flux and demonstrate the utility of a human mobility driven approach for predicting future urban energy demand with implications for CO2 emission strategies.
NAC Transcription Factor GmNAC12 Improved Drought Stress Tolerance in Soybean

NAC transcription factors (TFs) could regulate drought stresses in plants; however, the function of NAC TFs in soybeans remains unclear. To unravel NAC TF function, we established that GmNAC12, a NAC TF from soybean (Glycine max), was involved in the manipulation of stress tolerance. The expression of GmNAC12 was significantly upregulated more than 10-fold under drought stress and more than threefold under abscisic acid (ABA) and ethylene (ETH) treatment. In order to determine the function of GmNAC12 under drought stress conditions, we generated GmNAC12 overexpression and knockout lines. The present findings showed that under drought stress, the survival rate of GmNAC12 overexpression lines increased by more than 57% compared with wild-type plants, while the survival rate of GmNAC12 knockout lines decreased by at least 46%. Furthermore, a subcellular localisation analysis showed that the GmNAC12 protein is concentrated in the nucleus of the tobacco cell. In addition, we used a yeast two-hybrid assay to identify 185 proteins that interact with GmNAC12. Gene ontology (GO) and KEGG analysis showed that GmNAC12 interaction proteins are related to chitin, chlorophyll, ubiquitin–protein transferase, and peroxidase activity. Hence, we have inferred that GmNAC12, as a key gene, could positively regulate soybean tolerance to drought stress.
Awe experience triggered by fighting against COVID-19 promotes prosociality through increased feeling of connectedness and empathy

ABSTRACT The promoter of prosocial behavior in fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic needs to be examined. Here, we examined the effect of experienced awe through cross-sectional (Study 1), a 3-wave longitudinal (Study 2) and experimental (Study 3–4) approaches. Study 1 showed that dispositional awe positively predicted one’s prosocial behavior in the pandemic (N = 1281). Study 2 (N = 332) observed that experienced awe predicted higher prosociality, and this relationship was serially mediated by connectedness and empathy. Study 3 (N = 153) and 4 (N = 156) confirmed that elicited awe, compared to that of amusement and neutrality, promoted multiple types of prosociality (Study 3) and willingness of blood donation (Study 4) via serial mediation of connectedness and empathy. These findings suggest that the experience of awe increases one’s connectedness to the world, which in turn enhances empathic concern and prosociality in pandemic fighting.
Incompressible flows and the Boussinesq approximation: 50 years of CFD

We o V er a synthetic exposition on the state of the art for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) relevant to the Navier–Stokes equations with the Boussinesq approximation, smoothly blending a history of the ﬁeld with an accessible exposition of the underlying mathematical rationale, supporting theorems and a survey of the landmark results on the subject. Attention is paid to those e V orts which have opened up new paradigms in modern CFD, the techniques that have emerged as leading candidates as well as their diverse reverberations in producing advancements in our understanding of thermal buoyancy convection (especially Rayleigh–Bénard convection and the so-called Hadley Flow) in both laminar and turbulent conditions.
Backers Beware: Characteristics and Detection of Fraudulent Crowdfunding Campaigns

Crowdfunding has seen an enormous rise, becoming a new alternative funding source for emerging companies or new startups in recent years. As crowdfunding prevails, it is also under substantial risk of the occurrence of fraud. Though a growing number of articles indicate that crowdfunding scams are a new imminent threat to investors, little is known about them primarily due to the lack of measurement data collected from real scam cases. This paper fills the gap by collecting, labeling, and analyzing publicly available data of a hundred fraudulent campaigns on a crowdfunding platform. In order to find and understand distinguishing characteristics of crowdfunding scams, we propose to use a broad range of traits including project-based traits, project creator-based ones, and content-based ones such as linguistic cues and Named Entity Recognition features, etc. We then propose to use the feature selection method called Forward Stepwise Logistic Regression, through which 17 key discriminating features (including six original and hitherto unused ones) of scam campaigns are discovered. Based on the selected 17 key features, we present and discuss our findings and insights on distinguishing characteristics of crowdfunding scams, and build our scam detection model with 87.3% accuracy. We also explore the feasibility of early scam detection, building a model with 70.2% of classification accuracy right at the time of project launch. We discuss what features from which sections are more helpful for early scam detection on day 0 and thereafter.
Assessing Developer Beliefs: A Reply to "Perceptions, Expectations, and Challenges in Defect Prediction"

It can be insightful to extend qualitative studies with a secondary quantitative analysis (where the former suggests insightful questions that the latter can answer). Documenting developer beliefs should be the start, not the end, of Software Engineering research. Once prevalent beliefs are found, they should be checked against real-world data. For example, this paper finds several notable discrepancies between empirical evidence and the developer beliefs documented in Wan et al.'s recent TSE paper "Perceptions, expectations, and challenges in defect prediction". By reporting these discrepancies we can stop developers (a) wasting time on inconsequential matters or (b) ignoring important effects. For the future, we would encourage more "extension studies" of prior qualitative results with quantitative empirical evidence.
Identification of a Bidirectional Promoter from Trichoderma reesei and Its Application in Dual Gene Expression

The cellulolytic filamentous fungus Trichoderma reesei has a strong capability in protein synthesis and secretion and is increasingly used as a fungal chassis for the production of heterologous proteins or secondary metabolites. However, bidirectional promoters that would significantly facilitate multiple genes’ expression have not been characterized in T. reesei. Herein, we show that a 767-bp intergenic region between two polyketide synthase encoding genes that were involved in the biosynthesis of the typical yellow pigment served as a bidirectional promoter in T. reesei. This region was shown to be able to drive the simultaneous expression of two fluorescence reporter genes when fused to each end. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that the driving strength of this bidirectional promoter from each direction reached about half of that of the commonly used promoter PgpdA. Moreover, the co-expression of two cellulase genes driven by this bidirectional promoter enabled T. reesei to produce cellulases on glucose and improved the total cellulase activities with cellulose Avicel as the carbon source. Our work identified the first bidirectional promoter in T. reesei, which would facilitate gene co-expression and find applications in synthetic biology using fungal systems.
The Future of Climate Modelling: Weather Details, Macroweather Stochastics—Or Both?

Since the first climate models in the 1970s, algorithms and computer speeds have increased by a factor of ≈1017 allowing the simulation of more and more processes at finer and finer resolutions. Yet, the spread of the members of the multi-model ensemble (MME) of the Climate Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP) used in last year’s 6th IPCC Assessment Report was larger than ever: model uncertainty, in the sense of MME uncertainty, has increased. Even if the holy grail is still kilometric scale models, bigger may not be better. Why model structures that live for ≈15 min only to average them over factors of several hundred thousand in order to produce decadal climate projections? In this commentary, I argue that alongside the development of “seamless” (unique) weather-climate models that chase ever smaller—and mostly irrelevant—details, the community should seriously invest in the development of stochastic macroweather models. Such models exploit the statistical laws that are obeyed at scales longer than the lifetimes of planetary scale structures, beyond the deterministic prediction limit (≈10 days). I argue that the conventional General Circulation Models and these new macroweather models are complementary in the same way that statistical mechanics and continuum mechanics are equally valid with the method of choice determined by the application. Candidates for stochastic macroweather models are now emerging, those based on the Fractional Energy Balance Equation (FEBE) are particularly promising. The FEBE is an update and generalization of the classical Budyko–Sellers energy balance models, it respects the symmetries of scaling and energy conservation and it already allows for both state-of-the-art monthly and seasonal, interannual temperature forecasts and multidecadal projections. I demonstrate this with 21st century FEBE climate projections for global mean temperatures. Overall, the projections agree with the CMIP5 and CMIP6 multi-model ensembles and the FEBE parametric uncertainty is about half of the MME structural uncertainty. Without the FEBE, uncertainties are so large that climate policies (mitigation) are largely decoupled from climate consequences (warming) allowing policy makers too much “wiggle room”. The lower FEBE uncertainties will help overcome the current “uncertainty crisis”. Both model types are complementary, a fact demonstrated by showing that CMIP global mean temperatures can be accurately projected using such stochastic macroweather models (validating both approaches). Unsurprisingly, they can therefore be combined to produce an optimum hybrid model in which the two model types are used as copredictors: when combined, the various uncertainties are reduced even further.
Development of Plant Protein Derived Tri Angular Shaped Nano Zinc Oxide Particles with Inherent Antibacterial and Neurotoxicity Properties

The synthesis of nanometer-sized metallic nanoparticles utilizing bio-sources is one of the most cost-effective and ecologically friendly approaches. Nano-zinc oxide particles (N-ZnO Ps) were made using a simple green synthesis method using an aqueous zinc nitrate salt and Perilla frutescens crude protein as a protecting and reducing agent in the current work. UV-visible (UV-vis) spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), (energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy) EDX and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) were used to characterize the synthesized N-ZnO Ps. A distinctive UV-vis absorption peak was observed at 370 nm due to N-ZnO Ps. The SEM and HR-TEM pictures revealed N-ZnO Ps with a triangular form. The XRD pattern indicated the wurtzite structure of N-ZnO Ps. Nanoparticles exhibited a zeta potential of −11.3 mV. The antibacterial activity of N-ZnO Ps was tested against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumonia) microorganisms. The N-ZnO Ps were non-toxic to HMC-3 human normal brain microglia cells; however, they exhibited a potential cytotoxic effect on the LN-18 human brain glioblastoma cell line. These results indicate that N-ZnOPs can act as promising antibacterial and anticancer treatments in the prevention of Glioblastoma.
A Novel Synchronous Hybrid Learning Method: Voices from Saudi Arabia

The current article investigates tertiary level learners' satisfaction with a novel synchronous hybrid learning method (SHLM) that combines face-to-face and virtual teaching simultaneously using real-time audio and video technology to facilitate interaction between two groups. The originality of this approach stems from teaching two groups simultaneously (one group face-to-face and the other online) and rotating them consecutively in order to offer them 50% of the classes face-to-face and 50% virtually. This approach gave students equal learning opportunities by studying at home on specific days whilst not depriving them of face-to-face communication with their tutors, as well as establishing contact with their peers. We believe that this learning model has not been implemented in this fashion before and that the study has not been conducted elsewhere. For the most part, it was introduced as a solution to provide face-to-face teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed at examining learners' opinions, motivation, attention, and success in this new learning environment. The study employed a mixed methods approach that included a survey and semi-structured interviews to collect quantitative and qualitative data. The overall results revealed that learners were generally in favor of SHLM. Furthermore, it found that reducing the group sizes from 40 to 20 students had a positive impact on learner satisfaction. Students also highlighted that feeling safe, the use of technology, the teachers' attention during classes, sense of equality, and collaborative efforts between students contributed to their positive learning experience as a whole. Learners also indicated that their experience during classes with various digital tools such as Padlet, Google Jamboard, and Nearpod had a positive impact on their learning. However, the findings from some of the interviews revealed that there was a variation in opinion dependent on the students’ learning style, personality traits, and linguistic ability. Some beginner and intermediate learners pointed out that at times, their proficiency level hindered their understanding when alternating to online classes. The study alluded to the fact that the implemented learning approach is subject to modifications and may remain in place for an extended period in case the pandemic still poses a problem or in the event of a shortage of physical classrooms or faculty. This model can also be applied during emergency remote instruction in educational institutions that have a suitable infrastructure. Since this study only focused on the students’ perception of this hybrid approach, it is recommended that the teachers’ experience with the approach should be examined. It is also recommended that the teaching of the four English language skills should be examined through this model to find whether all the skills can be taught effectively.
Reionization during the dark ages from a cosmic axion background

Recently it has been pointed out that a cosmic background of relativistic axion-like particles (ALPs) would be produced by the primordial decays of heavy fields in the post-inflation epoch, contributing to the extra-radiation content in the Universe today. Primordial magnetic fields would trigger conversions of these ALPs into sub-MeV photons during the dark ages. This photon flux would produce an early reionization of the Universe, leaving a significant imprint on the total optical depth to recombination τ. Using the current measurement of τ and the limit on the extra-radiation content Δ Neff by the Planck experiment we put a strong bound on the ALP-photon conversions. Namely we obtain upper limits on the product of the photon-ALP coupling constant gaγ times the magnetic field strength B down to gaγ B ≳ 6 × 10−18 GeV−1 nG for ultralight ALPs.
Improved algorithms to plan missions for agile earth observation satellites

This study concentrates on management problems of the new generation of the agile earth observation satellite(AEOS). AEOS is a key study object in many countries because of its many advantages over non-agile satellites. Hence, the mission planning and scheduling of AEOS is a popular research problem. This research investigates AEOS characteristics and establishes a mission planning model based on the working principle and constraints of AEOS as per analysis. To solve the scheduling issue of AEOS, several improved algorithms are developed. Simulation results suggest that these algorithms are effective.
Optimal Look-Ahead Strategic Bidding/Offering of Integrated Renewable Power Plants and CAES With Stochastic-Robust Approach

Today, due to the high penetration of renewable energy resources and restructuring of power systems, photovoltaic power plants (PVPPs) and wind power plants (WPPs) as renewable power plants (RPPs) can participate in the electricity markets. However, the intermittent power generation of RPPs may be challenging for the owners of these power plants. In order to mitigate the unpredictable and intermittent power generation of RPPs, energy storage systems like compressed air energy storage (CAES) can be an appropriate solution. In this paper, the optimal day-ahead and look-ahead strategic offering and bidding of integrated RPPs and CAES in the electricity market are investigated. Also, a stochastic-robust approach is proposed for modeling renewable generation and electricity price uncertainty. The proposed mixed-integer linear program (MILP) is formulated in GAMS software under the CPLEX solver. Three case studies are investigated to validate the proposed method. According to numerical results, in the optimistic strategy, the coordinator of RPPs and CAES has more opportunities to participate in the electricity market. But in the pessimistic strategy, due to low electricity market (EM) prices, the coordinator has no more tendency to participate in the electricity market compared to the optimistic strategy.
THE McGILL MAGNETAR CATALOG

We present a catalog of the 26 currently known magnetars and magnetar candidates. We tabulate astrometric and timing data for all catalog sources, as well as their observed radiative properties, particularly the spectral parameters of the quiescent X-ray emission. We show histograms of the spatial and timing properties of the magnetars, comparing them with the known pulsar population, and we investigate and plot possible correlations between their timing, X-ray, and multiwavelength properties. We find the scale height of magnetars to be in the range of 20–31 pc, assuming they are exponentially distributed. This range is smaller than that measured for OB stars, providing evidence that magnetars are born from the most massive O stars. From the same fits, we find that the Sun lies ∼13–22 pc above the Galactic plane, consistent with previous measurements. We confirm previously identified correlations between quiescent X-ray luminosity, LX, and magnetic field, B, as well as X-ray spectral power-law indexes, Γ and B, and show evidence for an excluded region in a plot of LX versus Γ. We also present an updated kT versus characteristic age plot, showing that magnetars and high-B radio pulsars are hotter than lower-B neutron stars of similar age. Finally, we observe a striking difference between magnetars detected in the hard X-ray and radio bands; there is a clear correlation between the hard and soft X-ray fluxes, whereas the radio-detected magnetars all have low, soft X-ray flux, suggesting, if anything, that the two bands are anticorrelated.
Oscillations and pulsations

A theory to describe the observed photospheric 5 minute oscillations, chromospheric 3 minute oscillations, and possible motions of the interior with periods ranging from 40 to 160 minutes is discussed. It is similar to the theory of nonradial stellar oscillations developed to describe the low angluar order modes (one or two wavelengths around a circumference); however, the solar oscillations have thousands of wavelengths around a circumference. The properties of waves in stars, their restoring forces, periods and wavelengths, and their propagation and motions are discussed.
Why Travel to Georgia? Motivations, Experiences, and Country’s Image Perceptions of Wine Tourists

This study examined the wine tourists’ perceptions of the country’s image and the motivations and expectations of experiences in Georgia as a wine tourism destination. A survey of tourists in the most important wine region—Kakheti—resulted in 227 usable questionnaires. Using factor analyses, four dimensions were assigned to the country’s hedonic and aesthetic related image. Based on the experience economy of Pine and Gilmore, two motivational and three experiential factors were identified. Implications for the country’s branding strategy and managing the wine tourist’s experience in Georgia are discussed.
Esophageal Intramural Pseudodiverticulosis Diagnosed by Combining Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, Esophagography, and High-resolution Manometry

Esophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis (EIPD) is a rare disease. A 78-year-old man with dysphagia presented to our hospital. The presence of diffuse esophageal spasm was suspected by his primary-care doctor. High-resolution manometry (HRM) showed no abnormal findings. The patient was diagnosed with EIPD and Candida esophagitis, by esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and esophagography. His symptoms improved after symptomatic treatment for Candida esophagitis with oral administration of an antifungal drug. EIPD should be considered in patients with dysphagia; EGD and esophagography should be performed when diagnosing EIPD.