Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization and TCAD Modeling of the Lateral Space Charge Accumulation in Epoxy Molding Compound in Packaged HV-ICs

The reliability of high-voltage (HV) integrated circuits (ICs) can be significantly affected by space charge accumulation at the interface between the passivation layer and the epoxy molding compound (EMC) which acts as encapsulation material. The incorporation of moisture, which significantly increases the EMC conductivity, can lead to a stronger distortion of the electric field with a consequent breakdown instability. Moreover, the distance of the integrated-circuit active regions from the peripheral bond pads and wire would require a thorough optimization. To investigate the role played by the EMC under such conditions, a dedicated test chip made by an array of charge sensors covering short distances from bon-pads has been manufactured. A novel technique has been used to estimate the amount of space charge in the EMC independent of the bias applied to the bond pads. The outcome of the experiments has been explained by performing 2-D TCAD simulations of the structure under investigation which accurately account for the charge transport mechanisms of the EMC.
Daily precipitation statistics in regional climate models: Evaluation and intercomparison for the European Alps

[1] An evaluation is undertaken of the statistics of daily precipitation as simulated by five regional climate models using comprehensive observations in the region of the European Alps. Four limited area models and one variable-resolution global model are considered, all with a grid spacing of 50 km. The 15-year integrations were forced from reanalyses and observed sea surface temperature and sea ice (global model from sea surface only). The observational reference is based on 6400 rain gauge records (10–50 stations per grid box). Evaluation statistics encompass mean precipitation, wet-day frequency, precipitation intensity, and quantiles of the frequency distribution. For mean precipitation, the models reproduce the characteristics of the annual cycle and the spatial distribution. The domain mean bias varies between −23% and +3% in winter and between −27% and −5% in summer. Larger errors are found for other statistics. In summer, all models underestimate precipitation intensity (by 16–42%) and there is a too low frequency of heavy events. This bias reflects too dry summer mean conditions in three of the models, while it is partly compensated by too many low-intensity events in the other two models. Similar intermodel differences are found for other European subregions. Interestingly, the model errors are very similar between the two models with the same dynamical core (but different parameterizations) and they differ considerably between the two models with similar parameterizations (but different dynamics). Despite considerable biases, the models reproduce prominent mesoscale features of heavy precipitation, which is a promising result for their use in climate change downscaling over complex topography.
A growth simulation model as a support tool for conservation management strategy in a mountain protected area

The effectiveness of protected areas to conserve biodiversity depends on conservation management strategies and their application, usually to specific protected areas. This paper presents the results of an assessment of the conservation management strategy for a protected mountain area dominated by Norway spruce forests. The study was based on the prediction of future forest ecosystem development using a SYBILA growth simulation model. This model predicts the changes of forest stand over 25 and 50 years in the context of the conservation management strategy that is part of the broader management plan. The article presents a case study of acidophilous spruce forests below the alpine tree line in the Hruby Jesenik Mountains (Czech Republic), where the forest ecosystems are protected under the Natura 2000 European network and the Czech national system of protected areas. Conserving the character of forest habitats, especially those that are historically affected by humans, is the main target of conservation management strategies. Synthesizing the growth simulation results allows an assessment of the conservation management strategy in achieving management targets. The paper highlights the importance of growth simulation models as support tools for the assessment and creation of adaptive conservation management strategies in mountain protected areas. Profile
AN AXIOM FOR NONSEPARABLE BOREL THEORY1

Kuratowski asked whether the Lebesgue-Hausdorff theorem held for metrizable spaces. A. Stone asked whether a Borel isomorphism between metrizable spaces must be a generalized homeomorphism. The existence of a Q set refutes the generalized Lebesgue-Hausdorff theorem. In this paper we discuss the consequences of the axiom of the title, among which are "yes" answers to both Kuratowski's and Stone's questions. The axiom states that a point finite analytic additive family is o discretely decomposable. We show that this axiom is valid in the model constructed by collapsing a supercompact cardinal to <*>2 using Levy forcing. Our proof displays relationships between o discretely decomposable families, analytic additive families and d families.
Supply and Demand Analysis of Water Resources Based on System Dynamics Model

Humans require clean water for industrial, agricultural, domestic and ecological purposes. Due to climate change and population increase, the lack of clean water resources is becoming more and more serious. A system dynamics model of water resources is proposed for alleviating water shortage, changing the imbalance between supply and demand, promoting sustainable patterns of consumption and production, protecting and managing water resources. First, a water supply and demand model combining principles and methods of system dynamics was constructed by analyzing the factors that influence water resources. The model is divided into five subsystems according to the water’s purpose, i.e. a supply amount subsystem, an industrial water subsystem, an agricultural water subsystem, an ecological and domestic water subsystem, and a sewage water subsystem. In the model, the supply and demand index can indicate whether scarcity occurs as well as the degree of scarcity. The province of Shandong, China was picked as object of research. Relevant statistical data were analyzed to predict the supply and demand index in Shandong in 15 years using the model. Water scarcity in Shandong is explained through social and environmental drivers by addressing physical and economic decline. Finally, an intervention plan was formulated to avoid water shortage from occurring in the next 15 years.
Forest Resources of the United States, 1997

Forest resource statistics from the 1987 Resources Planning Act (RPA) Assessment were updated to 1997 to provide current information on the Nation`s forests. Resource tables present estimates of forest area, volume, mortality, growth, removals, and timber products output in various ways, such as by ownership, region, or State. Current resource data are analyzed and trends since 1987 are noted. Resource trends are placed within the context of changes in the timber resources since 1953. A fold-out forest type map produced from satellite imagery provides a visual display of the location of forest land.
Identification and genomic characterization of Pseudomonas spp. displaying biocontrol activity against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in lettuce

Lettuce is an economically major leafy vegetable that is affected by numerous diseases. One of the most devastating diseases of lettuce is white mold caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Control methods for this fungus are limited due to the development of genetic resistance to commonly used fungicides, the large number of hosts and the long-term survival of sclerotia in soil. To elaborate a new and more sustainable approach to contain this pathogen, 1,210 Pseudomonas strains previously isolated from agricultural soils in Canada were screened for their antagonistic activity against S. sclerotiorum. Nine Pseudomonas strains showed strong in vitro inhibition in dual-culture confrontational assays. Whole genome sequencing of these strains revealed their affiliation with four phylogenomic subgroups within the Pseudomonas fluorescens group, namely Pseudomonas corrugata, Pseudomonas asplenii, Pseudomonas mandelii, and Pseudomonas protegens. The antagonistic strains harbor several genes and gene clusters involved in the production of secondary metabolites, including mycin-type and peptin-type lipopeptides, and antibiotics such as brabantamide, which may be involved in the inhibitory activity observed against S. sclerotiorum. Three strains also demonstrated significant in planta biocontrol abilities against the pathogen when either inoculated on lettuce leaves or in the growing substrate of lettuce plants grown in pots. They however did not impact S. sclerotiorum populations in the rhizosphere, suggesting that they protect lettuce plants by altering the fitness and the virulence of the pathogen rather than by directly impeding its growth. These results mark a step forward in the development of biocontrol products against S. sclerotiorum.
Design AFSI APPS (Airport Flight Service Information) as an Android-Based Air Transport Information Application

Air transport has become the primary mode of connecting global regions, supporting international trade, cultural exchange, and economic growth. Data from Indonesia's Central Statistics Agency (BPS) shows a significant contribution of the transportation and warehousing sectors to the country's GDP, reaching IDR 208.52 trillion in the first quarter of 2022, with the largest growth occurring in air transportation at 53.2% from the previous year. However, the rapid growth in the aviation industry has also increased the need for accurate and timely information regarding aviation. Unfortunately, there are often communication problems where passengers still experience delays in check-in and boarding, which has the potential to hamper flight operations. To overcome this problem, Airport Flight Service Information (AFSI) comes as a solution that integrates various features and information related to flights and airports and provides a holistic flight experience. AFSI APPS consists of six main features, namely ticket search and booking, flight reminders, baggage tracking system, language translator, weather monitor, and an interactive airport guide in the form of a virtual tour. This study applies the R&D methodology of the Waterfall model by Pressman (2015), which is currently in stage 3 of 5 stages. The output of this research is in the form of a design from AFSI APPS, which needs to proceed to the next stage for further implementation. AFSI APPS is expected to help passengers overcome potential problems during the trip, provide relevant information, and provide necessary guidance so that air travel is more enjoyable and efficient.
Mechanisms controlling export production at the LGM: Effects of changes in oceanic physical fields and atmospheric dust deposition

Using a biogeochemical ocean model that includes the iron cycle, we carry out preindustrial (control, CTL) and glacial (Last Glacial Maximum, LGM) climate simulations focusing on changes in export production (EP). The model successfully reproduces general trends of a paleoclimate reconstruction of EP at the LGM except over the Atlantic Ocean. By conducting a series of sensitivity simulations, we investigate the mechanism controlling EP at the LGM in each basin. In the Southern Ocean, the model successfully reproduces the dipole pattern of the paleoreconstruction: the higher‐latitude decrease and lower‐latitude increase of EP. It is found that the lower‐latitude increase of EP comes from iron fertilization effects by enhanced dust deposition, while the higher‐latitude decrease of EP is caused by the reduction of surface shortwave due to spreading of sea ice there. We also find that increased dust input in other basins remotely affects EP in the Southern Ocean. In the Pacific Ocean, the model suggests that iron fertilization effects are dominant in open ocean regions. In the Atlantic Ocean, the model simulates overall reduction of EP, whereas the paleoreconstruction suggests the increase in some regions. We propose that the Atlantic response is strongly affected by distribution of iron limitation in a control climate. In our CTL simulation, the biological production is limited not by iron but by phosphate in the Atlantic Ocean, which leads to the decrease of EP in spite of the significant increase of dust deposition there. It is implied that the accurate evaluation of iron limitation in the present ocean is critical for evaluating changes in EP and associated reduction of atmospheric CO2 concentration at the LGM.
Is the relationship between lending interest rate and non-performing loans nonlinear asymmetric ? Malaysian evidence

This paper addresses the question whether the relationship between lending interest rate and non-performing loans is nonlinear asymmetric or not. Lending interest rate has an inherent implicit cost on the credit issued by banks with implication on loan defaults. In this regard, high level of non-performing loans ( NPLs) will depress economic growth owing to many banks refusing to lend. This paper makes the initial attempt to test the non-linear asymmetric relationships between lending interest rate and NPLs by using the NARDL approach and provides a direction of Granger causality between the lending interest rate and NPLs. Malaysia is used as a case study. The finding tends to indicate that lending interest rate and NPLs has an asymmetric relationship in the short-run and symmetric relationship in the long-run. This paper suggests that banks can improve their quality credit management by streamlining their collection process and the quality of customers in order to reduce the number of NPLs in the short-run. Besides, banks can keep their total risk low by diversifying their loan portfolios.
Chinese parents’ intention to vaccinate their 0–5-year-old children with the EV-71 vaccine against hand, foot, and mouth disease and willingness-to-pay

Background This study aimed to determine the intention and willingness-to-pay (WTP) of Chinese parents/guardians to vaccinate their children with the EV-71 vaccine. Knowledge levels about hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) and the EV-71 vaccine were also investigated. Methods A cross-sectional, self-administered online survey was conducted between November 2022 and March 2023. A stratified multi-stage random sampling method was used to recruit parents/guardians of children aged 0–5 years in southeastern China. Results A total of 3,626 complete responses were received. The mean knowledge score of HFMD was 9.99 (±4.23) out of a total of 14 points. The majority of the participants reported a somewhat willing intent (58.8%), followed by an extremely willing intent (28.9%). Participants who did not consider the EV-71 vaccine expensive (OR = 2.94, 95%CI 2.45–3.53) perceived that the EV-71 vaccine is effective (OR = 2.73, 95%CI 1.52–4.90), and a high knowledge level of HFMD (OR = 1.90, 95%CI 1.57–2.29) had the highest significant odds of having an extremely willing intent to vaccinate their children with the EV-71 vaccine. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) of WTP for the EV-71 vaccine was CNY¥200/USD$28 (IQR CNY¥100-400/USD$14-56). The highest marginal WTP for the vaccine was mainly influenced by the perceived high cost of the vaccine. Those participants who did not consider the EV-71 vaccine expensive had more than 10 times higher odds of vaccinating their children (OR = 10.86, 95%CI 8.49–13.88). Perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers were also significant influencing factors in the highest marginal WTP. Conclusion The findings demonstrate the importance of improving health promotion and reducing the barriers to EV-71 vaccination. Therefore, it is important to improve health promotion and reduce the barriers to EV-71 vaccination.
Association between maternal stress and premature milk cortisol, milk IgA, and infant health: a cohort study

Background Maternal stress is pervasive in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Maternal stress is associated with changes in human milk (HM) immunomodulatory agents, which may impact neonatal health. We sought to determine the association between maternal stress, HM immunoglobulin A (IgA) and cortisol, and to assess how these milk components correlate with infant immune and neurodevelopmental outcomes. We then compared how these associations persist over time. Methods The study design involved a cohort study of exclusively breastfeeding mothers and their singleton moderately preterm (28–34 weeks) infants admitted to the NICU. We collected maternal serum, maternal saliva, and first-morning whole milk samples, and administered maternal stress questionnaires at 1 and 5 weeks postpartum. We analyzed the samples for HM IgA (using a customized immunoassay in skim milk) and for HM and salivary cortisol (using a chemiluminescent immunoassay). Infant illness was assessed using the Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology II (SNAP II) and SNAP II with Perinatal Extension (SNAPPE II), and infant neurodevelopment were assessed using the Test of Infant Motor Performance. We analyzed changes in HM IgA and cortisol over time using paired t-tests. Furthermore, we performed correlation and regression analyses after adjusting for gestational age (GA), corrected GA, and infant days of life. Results In our study, we enrolled 26 dyads, with a mean maternal age of 28.1 years, consisting of 69% white, 19% Black, and 8% Hispanic. Cortisol: Salivary and HM cortisol were closely associated in week 1 but not in week 5. Though mean salivary cortisol remained stable over time [2.41 ng/mL (SD 2.43) to 2.32 (SD 1.77), p = 0.17], mean HM cortisol increased [1.96 ng/mL (SD 1.93) to 5.93 ng/mL (SD 3.83), p < 0.001]. Stress measures were inversely associated with HM cortisol at week 1 but not at week 5. IgA: HM IgA decreased over time (mean = −0.14 mg/mL, SD 0.53, p < 0.0001). High maternal stress, as measured by the Parental Stressor Scale: neonatal intensive care unit (PSS:NICU), was positively associated with HM IgA at week 5 (r = 0.79, P ≤ 0.001). Higher IgA was associated with a lower (better) SNAP II score at week 1 (r = −0.74, p = 0.05). No associations were found between maternal stress, salivary cortisol, HM cortisol, or HM IgA and neurodevelopment at discharge (as assessed using the TIMP score). Furthermore, these relationships did not differ by infant sex. Conclusion Maternal stress showed associations with HM cortisol and HM IgA. In turn, HM IgA was associated with lower measures of infant illness.
Monitoring spatial and temporal water quality changes in Iowa lakes using airborne hyperspectral imagery

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has identified more than 20,000 water bodies across America as polluted mainly due to agricultural non-point source pollution. Current techniques for monitoring and assessing the quality of waters in streams, reservoirs, lakes, and estuaries involve on site measurements and/or the collection of water samples for subsequent laboratory analyses. While this approach yields accurate measurements for a point in time and space, it is expensive, laborious, and cannot provide a temporal or spatial overview of water-quality trends. To overcome this liability, state and local agencies are seeking alternative and more cost effective methods. A study was performed during the summer and fall of 2004 on two lakes in Eastern Iowa, Silver Lake and Casey Lake. The goal of the research was to explore whether the combination of hyperspectrai remote sensing, GIS, and water sample analysis can simplify and accelerate the protocol for assessing water quality in Iowa lakes with an acceptable degree of accuracy. Hyperspectral images were collected using an airborne platform during the first week of the months from June through October 2004. Water samples and GPS points were collected nearly simultaneously with the hyperspectral images. By analyzing relationships between reflectance at specific wavelengths and water sample data, prediction algorithms were created. The prediction algorithms were applied to the hyperspectral images to create spatially continuous water quality maps. Maps of chlorophyll a were created for both lakes with an accuracy of R squared = 0.7672. The chlorophyll a maps showed highest concentrations of chlorophyll a in early July and lowest in September and October. Maps of turbidity were created for both lakes also with an accuracy of R squared= 0.7620. The highest turbidity occurred in early July and the lowest occurred in September. Secchi disk depth maps were created for Silver Lake with an accuracy of R squared = 0.8888. The smallest Secchi disk depths occurred in June and July and increased into October. Secchi disk depths were unable to be predicted in Casey Lake due to the clarity of the water and bottom reflectance being collected by the hyperspectral sensor. Examination of the water quality maps made from the hyperspectral images provides a more complete record of the trend in water quality for these two lakes over the study period. They also supply a more detailed understanding of the spatial and temporal variation in the water quality of the two lakes. MONITORING SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL WATER QUALITY CHANGES IN LAKES USING AIRBORNE HYPERSPECTRAL IMAGERY A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Arts Nathan Robert Green University of Northern Iowa December I 2005 This Study by: Nathan Robert Green Entitled: MONITORING SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL WATER QUALITY CHANGES IN IOWA LAKES USING AIRBORNE HYPERSPECTRAL IMAGERY Has been approved as meeting the requirement for the Degree of Master of Arts
Development of a New Tool for Writing Research Key Information in Plain Language

Background: The complexity of research informed consent forms makes it hard for potential study participants to make informed consent decisions. In response, new rules for human research protection require informed consent forms to begin with a key information section that potential study participants can read and understand. This research study builds on exiting guidance on how to write research key information using plain language. Objective: The aim of this study was to develop a valid and reliable tool to evaluate and improve the readability, understandability, and actionability of the key information section on research informed consent forms. Methods: We developed an initial list of measures to include on the tool through literature review; established face and content validity of measures with expert input; conducted four rounds of reliability testing with four groups of reviewers; and established construct validity with potential research participants. Key Results: We identified 87 candidate measures via literature review. After expert review, we included 23 items on the initial tool. Twenty-four raters conducted 4 rounds of reliability testing on 10 informed consent forms. After each round, we revised or eliminated items to improve agreement. In the final round of testing, 18 items demonstrated substantial inter-rater agreement per Fleiss' Kappa (average = .73) and Gwet's AC1 (average = .77). Intra-rater agreement was substantial per Cohen's Kappa (average = .74) and almost perfect per Gwet's AC1 (average = 0.84). Focus group feedback (N = 16) provided evidence suggesting key information was easy to read when rated as such by the Readability, Understandability and Actionability of Key Information (RUAKI) Indicator. Conclusion: The RUAKI Indicator is an 18-item tool with evidence of validity and reliability investigators can use to write the key information section on their informed consent forms that potential study participants can read, understand, and act on to make informed decisions. [HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice. 2024;8(1):e29–e37. ]