Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Instabilities of an eastern boundary current with and without large-scale flow influence

Eastern oceanic boundary currents are subject to hydrodynamic instability, generate small scale features that are visible in satellite images and may radiate westward into the interior, where they can be modified by the large-scale circulations. This thesis studies the stability of an eastern boundary current with and without the large-scale flow influence in an idealized framework represented by barotropic quasi-geostrophic dynamics. The linear stability analysis of a meridional current with a continuous velocity profile shows that meridional eastern and western boundary currents support a limited number of radiating modes with long meridional and zonal wavelengths and small growth rates. However, the linearly stable, long radiating modes of an eastern boundary current can become nonlinearly unstable by resonating with short trapped unstable modes. This phenomenon is clearly demonstrated in the weakly nonlinear simulations. Results suggest that linearly stable longwave modes deserve more attention when the radiating instability of a meridional boundary current is considered. A large-scale flow affects the short trapped unstable mode and long radiating mode through different mechanisms. The large-scale flow modifies the structure of the boundary current to stabilize or destabilize the unstable modes, leading to a meridionally localized maximum in the perturbation kinetic energy field. The shortwave mode is accelerated or decelerated by the meridional velocity adjustment of the large-scale flow to have an elongated or a squeezed meridional structure, which is confirmed both in a linear WKB analysis and in nonlinear simulations. The squeezed or elongated unstable mode detunes the nonlinear resonance with the longwave modes, which then become less energetic. These two modes show different meridional structures in kinetic energy field because of the different mechanisms. In spite of the model simplicity, these results can potentially explain the formation of the zonal jets observed in altimeter data, and indicate the influence of the largescale wind-driven circulation on eastern boundary upwelling systems in the real ocean. Studies with more realistic configurations remain future challenges. Thesis Supervisor: Paola Malanotte-Rizzoli Title: Professor Thesis Supervisor: Michael A. Spall Title: Senior Scientist
Can medicinal properties of watercress be relevant to human health? A systematic review based on preclinical study in vivo

Nasturtium officinale (Watercress) is a perennial dicotyledonous herbaceous plant and a member of the Brassicaceae family. The leaves of this plant are used as a home remedy as expectorant and hypoglycemic. They can also be used in the treatment of hyperlipidemia, hypertension, as well as many other chronic diseases. This finding supports the idea of watercress being a health promoter. In addition, this study intends to provide recommendations for future research. This systematic review was performed by Science Direct, MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Scopus from July 2017 to August 2018. A total of 14 preclinical studies with watercress were selected by the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 13 were with rats and mice and 1 fish. The search terms used were “bioactive compounds,” “Nasturtium,” “preclinical study,” and “systematic review. ” For the quality of the individual studies, we adopted the risk of bias. The results of the selected articles with Nasturtium in animals showed positive effects on the improvement of the immune system, hypoglycemic hypercholesterolemia, and anti-inflammatory activity, sex hormones synthesis, the preventive effect on the renal stone formation, and others. Since Nasturtium is widely used for therapeutic and nontherapeutic purposes that trigger its significant value, a new approach is necessary. Different combinations and the numerous medicinal properties of its extract juice and leaves, whether administrated orally or topically, demand further studies about other useful and unknown properties of this multipurpose plant. Finally, it is suggested by our reviewers that more studies with animals to be applied to human health, should be investigated of bioactive compounds from watercress.
Representation of Women in Structural Bureaucratic Positions

The purpose of this study was to explain the level of representation of women in bureaucratic, structural positions and the inhibiting factors they face in occupying bureaucratic, structural positions in East Flores Regency. The research method used is qualitative descriptive with interviews of 13 informants determined through purposive. The results of this study explain that in the last three years, the number of female civil servants in echelons II and III is less than that of men. In 2021, there were three female civil servants left because, in 2020, one of the female civil servants died. Furthermore, in 2022, one of the female civil servants finished her term. The inhibiting factors faced by women in bureaucratic, structural positions are viewed in two forms: 1) internal constraints such as lack of self-confidence and the multiple roles played by women, 2) external constraints related to a) constraints from the family, and b) constraints from society related to the value system and norms. The research is expected as input for East Flores Regency
Autonomous Underwater Robot for Mapping and Localization of Oil Leakage

While the technical world observes various underwater technological advancements, the domain of robotics reaching the underwater realm is grabbing attention from all across the world. In this aspect, extensive research works are being looked forward to. The project aims at placing itself in the void of scarcity of underwater robotics research works. This paper focuses on mapping an underwater environment to detect the epicenter of the oil leakage scenario and traverse the shortest path from the point of launch. The main approach is to achieve autonomous navigation in an underwater environment. Using the mapping technique and instinctive motion, the robot will be capable of generating a map of the environment based on the onboard sensor data.
Brain-computer interface paradigms and neural coding

Brain signal patterns generated in the central nervous system of brain-computer interface (BCI) users are closely related to BCI paradigms and neural coding. In BCI systems, BCI paradigms and neural coding are critical elements for BCI research. However, so far there have been few references that clearly and systematically elaborated on the definition and design principles of the BCI paradigm as well as the definition and modeling principles of BCI neural coding. Therefore, these contents are expounded and the existing main BCI paradigms and neural coding are introduced in the review. Finally, the challenges and future research directions of BCI paradigm and neural coding were discussed, including user-centered design and evaluation for BCI paradigms and neural coding, revolutionizing the traditional BCI paradigms, breaking through the existing techniques for collecting brain signals and combining BCI technology with advanced AI technology to improve brain signal decoding performance. It is expected that the review will inspire innovative research and development of the BCI paradigm and neural coding.
The Effect of Concrete Cover Thickness on the Torsional Resistance of Fibrous, High-strength, Under-reinforced Concrete Beams

This study focuses on the role of concrete cover in enhancing the torsional resistance of peak load in under-reinforced fibrous high-strength concrete beams. In this study, the primary variable that varied from 17 mm to 53 mm was the concrete cover thickness. Four rectangular solid beams were cast and tested to determine the effect of concrete cover thickness on the behaviour of under-reinforced fibrous, high strength concrete beams subjected to pure torsional loading. The test results revealed an 80.6% improvement in the torsional resistance at peak load. In addition, at maximal loads, the twisting angle, shear strain in concrete, transverse reinforcement strain, and longitudinal reinforcement strain were reduced by 70.2%, 90%, 50.6%, and 34.5%, respectively. It is therefore possible to draw the conclusion that the concrete cover has a new function, which is an improvement in torsional resistance at ultimate load that is in addition to protecting the reinforcement from corrosion.
Efficacy of Dry Needling Therapy Versus IASTM on Myofascial Trigger Point in Patient with Neck Pain

Background: The background of the study is soft tissue mobilization and dry needling among neck pain subjects,which indirectly affect functional activity and pressure threshold for pain over the neck area.Purpose: To evaluate the effects of IASTM and dry needling therapy on myofascial trigger points in individualswith neck pain. And assess the effect of pain and functional outcomes by pressure algometer and NDI.Methods: Thirty participants were randomly assigned to the two groups the dry needling therapy (DNT)Group and Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) Group. The pretest measures of pressure painthreshold and functional activity of the neck were assessed by the pressure algometer and the neck disabilityindex, respectively. The intervention DNT Group received dry-needling therapy, whereas the intervention IASTMGroup received IASTM for a duration of 4 weeks. The same tests were measured after 4 weeks of treatment aspost-test values.Result: A substantial difference between the NDT group and the IASTM group was also discovered (p = 0.001). The study showed that dry needling significantly impacts pressure pain threshold and functional activity in neckpain participants. Conclusion: The dry needling therapy effectively improved functional activity and reducedpressure and pain thresholds. Conclusion: Dry needling therapy has emerged as an effective therapeutic option for treating trigger points in theneck and relieving pain associated with them.
Ultra-Low-Noise, Single-Frequency, All-PM Thulium- and Holmium-Doped Fiber Amplifiers at 1950 nm and 2090 nm for Third-Generation Gravitational Wave Detectors

In the context of the E-TEST Interreg project, Fraunhofer ILT develops high stability, narrow linewidth laser seed sources and amplifiers at a wavelength of approx. 2 μm for potential usage in a third-generation gravitational wave detector: the Einstein telescope. While for such an application, there are highest demands on laser parameters such as linewidth, spectral purity, and polarization, especially stability properties such as the relative intensity noise must be optimized. To achieve highest output power stabilities, we develop a multi-stage low-noise holmium-doped fiber amplifier at a wavelength of 2095 nm, which is core-pumped by low-noise thulium-doped fiber lasers at a wavelength of approx. 1950 nm. In this article, we present the concept of the full laser system, and the achieved results for the pre-amplifier section, which perfectly fulfills the E-TEST pre-amplifier requirements. Our pump source, a thulium-doped fiber amplifier, achieves approx. 2 W output power at a wavelength of 1950 nm with 5 MHz linewidth and a polarization extinction ratio of 28 dB. With our holmium-doped fiber amplifier, we demonstrate an output power of approx. 400 mW at a wavelength of approx. 2095 nm with a linewidth of 2 MHz and a polarization extinction ratio of 18 dB. For both currently free-running systems we analyze the relative intensity noise (RIN) and obtained for example RINs of approx. 10−6 Hz−0.5 at a frequency of 100 Hz, which shows the suitability of the concept to achieve highest stabilities. To evaluate our system, we perform a system performance analysis, where we present the influence of signal and pump wavelength, and signal and pump power on the achievable optical-optical efficiencies.
Temperature-Aware Design and Optimization of Reliable Cyber-Physical Systems

Cyber-physical systems (CPS) are widely used for safety-critical applications, including automotive electronics and medical equipment, where reliability and performance are important issues to consider. In the meantime, as the feature sizes of VLSI circuits used in CPS continue to shrink, the power density has increased rapidly, causing a significant rise in chip temperatures. These elevated temperatures have an adverse impact on the system's reliability, performance, and power efficiency. Therefore, it is essential to consider thermal effects during the CPS design process, in particular at the system design level. This paper discusses the challenges of designing and optimizing a CPS, with a focus on the interplay between thermal issues and the stringent reliability and real-time requirements demanded by safety-critical CPS applications. Through this discussion, we will explore the various issues related to CPS design and optimization in the context of different thermal problems. We will also present a temperature-aware task scheduling and mapping technique for heterogeneous CPS platforms consisting of microprocessor cores, GPU processors, and FPGA units. By carefully analyzing and considering thermal impacts during the design process, we can ensure that the CPS to be designed meets the high standards required for safety-critical applications.
High-Density Lipoprotein Is Located Alongside Insulin in the Islets of Langerhans of Normal and Rodent Models of Diabetes

Recent studies have implicated pre-beta and beta lipoproteins (VLDL and LDL) in the etiopathogenesis of complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). In contrast, alpha lipoprotein (HDL) is protective of the beta cells of the pancreas. This study examined the distribution of HDL in the islets of Langerhans of murine models of type 1 diabetic rats (streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DM in Wistar rats) and type 2 models of DM rats (Goto–Kakizaki (GK), non-diabetic Zucker lean (ZL), and Zucker diabetic and fatty (ZDF)). The extent by which HDL co-localizes with insulin or glucagon in the islets of the pancreas was also investigated. Pancreatic tissues of Wistar non-diabetic, diabetic Wistar, GK, ZL, and ZDF rats were processed for immunohistochemistry. Pancreatic samples of GK rats fed with either a low-fat or a high-fat diet were prepared for transmission immune-electron microscopy (TIEM) to establish the cytoplasmic localization of HDL in islet cells. HDL was detected in the core and periphery of pancreatic islets of Wistar non-diabetic and diabetic, GK, ZL, and ZDF rats. The average total of islet cells immune positive for HDL was markedly (<0.05) reduced in GK and ZDF rats in comparison to Wistar controls. The number of islet cells containing HDL was also remarkably (p < 0.05) reduced in Wistar diabetic rats and GK models fed on high-fat food. The co-localization study using immunofluorescence and TIEM techniques showed that HDL is detected alongside insulin within the secretory granules of β-cells. HDL did not co-localize with glucagon. This observation implies that HDL may contribute to the metabolism of insulin.
Development and validation of a scale for "attitudes towards calcium consumption"

Background: Attitude is recognized as a key determinant of health-related behaviors, including calcium intake for prevention of osteoporosis. Most existing instruments that measure attitudes towards calcium consumptionare not appropriate for use in the Thai population because they focus on attitudes towards the consumption of dairy products, which are not a common source of calcium for Thais. Objectives: To develop and validate an instrument for measuring attitudes towards calcium consumption among Thai adults. Methods: An initial attitudinal scale (25 items) was developed and administered to 250 Thais (age ? 20 years) living in Khon Kaen, the largest province in the northeast Thailand, to assess its dimensions using exploratory factor analysis. Three factors were identified. The scale was reduced to 15 items and administered to 733 subjects to validate the identified factor structure and optimize the length of the scale. Results: A three-factor model (10 items) was validated and interpreted as (1) a negative effect of calcium consumption on the body (4 items, reliability = 0.90), (2) the health benefits of calcium consumption for the body (3 items, reliability = 0.78), and (3) the need to take calcium on a regular basis (3 items, reliability = 0.86). The model fitted the data well (relative ? 2 = 1.43, adjusted goodness-of-fit index = 0.98, confirmatory fit index = 0.997, root mean square error of approximation = 0.024). Conclusion: The developed scale is a reliable and useful instrument for measuring attitudes towards calcium consumption. Further research is needed to validate the scale in different populations. Keywords: Attitudes towards calcium, attitudinal scale, calcium, factor analysis, validation of an instrument
Afrocentricity and decoloniality in disciplinarity: A reflective dialogue on academic literacy development

This study explores a transformative method to revise an academic literacy study guide in a Humanities faculty in South Africa. The methodology includes a critical literature review, positioning the study within the framework of Gee's discourse theory and Lea and Street's academic literacy model. The researcher functioned as a research instrument, critically evaluating the practical reasons for the guide's revision and challenges prompting changes. The transformed text maintains its previous structure while adopting discourse, Afrocentric, and decolonial paradigms. Revisions aim to align with disciplinary discourses, critical thinking and to prepare students for nuanced literacies required in the Humanities. The inclusion of Afrocentric and decolonial paradigms involves introducing students to the origins of literacies in Africa, incorporating Indigenous Knowledge Systems, and utilising a Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) narrative. The discussion reflects on the anticipated effectiveness of the guide and address potential challenges during future implementation.
Cross-Scale Spatiotemporal Refinement Learning for Skeleton-Based Action Recognition

As skeleton data becomes increasingly available, Graph Convolutional Networks (GCNs) are popularly adapted to extract the spatial and temporal features for skeleton-based action recognition. However, there are still limitations to be addressed in GCN-based methods. First, the multi-level semantic features fail to be connected, making fine-grained information loss as the network deepens. Second, the cross-scale spatiotempral features fail to be simultaneously considered and refined to focus on informative areas. These limitations lead to the challenge in distinguishing the confusing actions. To address these issues, we propose a cross-scale connection (CSC) structure and a spatiotemporal refinement focus (STRF) module. The CSC aims to bridge the gap between multi-level semantic features. The STRF module refines the cross-scale spatiotemporal features to focus on informative joints in each frame. Both are embedded into the standard GCNs to form the cross-scale spatiotemporal refinement network (CSR-Net). Our proposed CSR-Net explicitly models the cross-scale spatiotemporal information among multi-level semantic representations to boost the distinguishing capability for ambiguous actions. We conduct extensive experiments to demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed method and it outperforms state-of-the-art methods on the NTU RGB+D 60, NTU-RGB+D 120 and NW-UCLA datasets.
Petrographic Microscope Techniques for Identifying Soil Minerals in Grain Mounts

We dedicate this chapter to Dr. John G. Cady and Dr. H.Y. Tu, who conducted petrographic mineralogical analyses and research with grain mounts and thin sections for many years in the former USDA-SCS Soil Survey Lab in Beltsville, MD. Dr. Cady was a mentor for a generation of mineralogists within and outside the federal service, including the fi rst author. Dr. Tu was a meticulous microscopist with a reputation for leaving no grain unidentifi ed.
Forced shift to teleworking: how abusive supervision promotes counterproductive work behavior when employees experience COVID-19 corporate social responsibility

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic necessitated teleworking, which inadvertently led to an impaired communication between supervisors and employees, resulting in abusive supervision. Drawing on the conservation of resources (COR) theory and the social identity theory, this study aims to address this negative association by examining the mediating role of state mindfulness and the moderating role of COVID-19 corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the relationship between abusive supervision and counterproductive work behaviors.Design/methodology/approachThis research employs both qualitative and quantitative research designs. Data collection involved an experimental design with 117 participants (Study 1), a cross-sectional survey with 243 participants (Study 2) and semi-structured interviews with 24 full-time employees (Study 3). FindingsThe results reveal that state mindfulness acts as a mediator in the positive relationship between abusive supervision and counterproductive work behaviors (CWB). Furthermore, COVID-19 CSR mitigates the relationship between abusive supervision and CWB within the organization, but not with the supervisor. Additionally, COVID-19 CSR moderates the impact of abusive supervision on state mindfulness.Practical implicationsThe results emphasize the crucial role of CSR when employees encounter abusive supervision during the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizations and managers should adopt appropriate strategies to enhance employees' perception of CSR. Prioritizing the cultivation of state mindfulness is also recommended, and organizations can provide short-term mindfulness training to improve employees' state mindfulness.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the understanding of abusive supervision and CWB in the context of forced teleworking.
Direct Synthesis of MOF-74 Materials on Carbon Fiber Electrodes for Structural Supercapacitors

The use of fossil fuels has contributed significantly to environmental pollution and climate change. For this reason, the development of alternative energy storage devices is key to solving some of these problems. The development of lightweight structures can significantly reduce the devices’ weight, thereby reducing energy consumption and emissions. Combining lightweight structures with alternative energy storage technologies can further improve efficiency and performance, leading to a cleaner and more sustainable system. In this work, for the first time, MOF-74 materials with different divalent metal ions have been synthesized directly on carbon fiber, one of the most widely used materials for the preparation of electrodes for supercapacitors with structural properties. Different techniques, such as nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms, cyclic voltammetry or galvanostatic charge–discharge, among others, were used to evaluate the influence of the metal cation on the electrochemical capacitance behavior of the modified electrodes. The Co-MOF-74 material was selected as the best modification of the carbon fibers for their use as electrodes for the fabrication of structural supercapacitors. The good electrochemical performance shown after the incorporation of MOF materials on carbon fibers provides a viable method for the development of carbon fiber electrodes, opening a great variety of alternatives.