Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Advances in pea breeding and genomics: From traditional techniques to modern approaches

Peas, a highly valued annual legume vegetable with a rich history of domestication, are grown globally as a valuable export-oriented cash crop. Despite an increase in cultivation area and production, there has been only a slight improvement in green pea productivity, from 7.7 to 7.8 t/ha, over the last two decades. The primary focus for genetic improvement in peas is developing resistance to various biotic stressors, including diseases such as powdery mildew, downy mildew, rust, wilt, viral infections, and bacterial blight, as well as pests like leaf miners, aphids, pod borers, and pea stem flies. Traditional breeding approaches have played a significant role in the genetic improvement of peas, resulting in the development of several cultivars in various segments; however, advanced breeding techniques such as marker-assisted selection, genomic selection, and genome editing hold great promise in enhancing genetic improvement by facilitating the identification and selection of desirable traits, such as resistance to biotic and abiotic stressors, improved yield, and increased nutrient content, through the introduction of precise genetic modifications. By targeting specific genomic regions associated with desired traits, these techniques can increase the efficiency and precision of breeding programs, ultimately leading to the development of more resilient and productive pea varieties
Keyword Search Shareable Encryption for Fast and Secure Data Replication

It has become a trend for clients to outsource their encrypted databases to remote servers and then leverage the Searchable Encryption technique to perform secure data retrieval. However, the method has yet to be considered a crucial need for replication on searchable encrypted data. It calls for challenging works on Dynamic Searchable Symmetric Encryption (DSSE) since clients must share the search capability of the encrypted data replicas and guarantee forward and backward privacy. We define a new notion called “Keyword Search Shareable Encryption” (KS2E2E) and the corresponding security model capturing forward and backward privacy. In our notion, data owners are allowed to share search indexes of the encrypted data with users. A search index will be updated with a new search key before sharing to guarantee the data privacy of the source database. The target database also inherits data search efficiency along with the shared data. We further construct an instance of KS2E called Branch, prove its security, and use real-world datasets to evaluate Branch. The evaluation results show that Branch’s performance is comparable to classical DSSE schemes on search efficiency and demonstrate the effectiveness of searching encrypted data replicas from multiple owners.
Follower-leader HEXACO personality fit and follower work engagement

ABSTRACT Based on person-supervisor complementary fit and job demands-resources theory, we examined if discrepancies between leaders’ and followers’ HEXACO personality traits are associated with followers’ work engagement. We expected that when leaders score lower on emotionality compared to their followers, they are an important source of support, leading to increases in follower engagement. Additionally, we argue that discrepancies in follower and leader openness to experience – irrespectively of the direction of this difference – constitute a hindrance to followers, resulting in decreased work engagement. Results from 130 matched follower-leader dyads using polynomial regression analyses supported our hypotheses. We additionally found that followers are more engaged in their work when their leader scores higher on emotionality than they do. These findings highlight the crucial role that the interaction of leaders’ and followers’ personality traits plays for followers’ work engagement, which should be an important consideration for organizations when matching leader-follower dyads.
Interpretable Machine Learning for Assessing the Cumulative Damage of a Reinforced Concrete Frame Induced by Seismic Sequences

Recently developed Machine Learning (ML) interpretability techniques have the potential to explain how predictors influence the dependent variable in high-dimensional and non-linear problems. This study investigates the application of the above methods to damage prediction during a sequence of earthquakes, emphasizing the use of techniques such as SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP), Partial Dependence Plots (PDPs), Local Interpretable Model-agnostic Explanations (LIME), Accumulated Local Effects (ALE), permutation and impurity-based techniques. Following previous investigations that examine the interdependence between predictors and the cumulative damage caused by a seismic sequence using classic statistical methods, the present study deploy ML interpretation techniques to deal with this multi-parametric and complex problem. The research explores the cumulative damage during seismic sequences, aiming to identify critical predictors and assess their influence on the cumulative damage. Moreover, the predictors contribution with respect to the range of final damage is evaluated. Non-linear time history analyses are applied to extract the seismic response of an eight-story Reinforced Concrete (RC) frame. The regression problem’s input variables are divided into two distinct physical classes: pre-existing damage from the initial seismic event and seismic parameters representing the intensity of the subsequent earthquake, expressed by the Park and Ang damage index (DIPA) and Intensity Measures (IMs), respectively. In addition to the interpretability analysis, the study offers also a comprehensive review of ML methods, hyperparameter tuning, and ML method comparisons. A LightGBM model emerges as the most efficient, among 15 different ML methods examined. Among the 17 examined predictors, the initial damage, caused by the first shock, and the IMs of the subsequent shock—IFVF and SIH—emerged as the most important ones. The novel results of this study provide useful insights in seismic design and assessment taking into account the structural performance under multiple moderate to strong earthquake events.
Drug Repurposing to Circumvent Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Resistance in Cancer Immunotherapy

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have achieved unprecedented clinical success in cancer treatment. However, drug resistance to ICI therapy is a major hurdle that prevents cancer patients from responding to the treatment or having durable disease control. Drug repurposing refers to the application of clinically approved drugs, with characterized pharmacological properties and known adverse effect profiles, to new indications. It has also emerged as a promising strategy to overcome drug resistance. In this review, we summarized the latest research about drug repurposing to overcome ICI resistance. Repurposed drugs work by either exerting immunostimulatory activities or abolishing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Compared to the de novo drug design strategy, they provide novel and affordable treatment options to enhance cancer immunotherapy that can be readily evaluated in the clinic. Biomarkers are exploited to identify the right patient population to benefit from the repurposed drugs and drug combinations. Phenotypic screening of chemical libraries has been conducted to search for T-cell-modifying drugs. Genomics and integrated bioinformatics analysis, artificial intelligence, machine and deep learning approaches are employed to identify novel modulators of the immunosuppressive TME.
Kinematic and force patterns of interaction of a link caterpillar of a transport machine with the ground

This article proposes a mathematical model of a caterpillar track's force and kinematic interaction with the ground during movement. The presence of a positive displacement of caterpillar tracks was proved even in the absence of slipping. This displacement causes the soil to be sheared and thrown out of the area of contact with the caterpillar. The change in the rotation angles of the tracks and the magnitude of their longitudinal displacement were obtained. A drop in the tension force of the caterpillar track was detected on the active section of the supporting surface between the first and second track wheels. The relationships between the main geometric parameters of the caterpillar track, the vertical load on the track wheels, and the movement of the tracks when the track wheels roll over them are established. Practical recommendations are proposed that contribute to the damping of vibrations when the track roller passes over the caterpillar track.
The Evolution of the Wage Elasticity of Labor Supply Over Time

IZA DP No. 16393 AUGUST 2023 The Evolution of the Wage Elasticity of Labor Supply over Time* The uncompensated wage elasticity of labor supply is a fundamental parameter in economics. Despite its central role, very few papers have studied directly how it has changed over time. We examine the evolution of the uncompensated labor supply elasticity using cross-sectional methods over the last four decades. We find robust evidence that the elasticities weakly increased between 2000 and 2020, which represents a striking reversal from the sizeable declines for single and married women between 1979 and 2000. We additionally find that these changes arose almost entirely on the extensive margin. We then conduct a series of counterfactual simulations to identify which factors are most responsible for these trends. JEL Classification: D10, J22
Interactions between egg parasitoids and predatory ants for the biocontrol of the invasive brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys

The brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys is an Asian species that has become a major agricultural pest in North America and Europe. Ants from the genus Crematogaster are predators of H. halys nymphs in Asia, as well as in the Mediterranean, where known native predators are still few. At the same time, ants usually do not harm H. halys eggs, which are the target of the main biological control agents, the scelionid parasitoids of the genus Trissolcus. However, ants, as generalist predators and territorial organisms, may kill or displace a variety of other insects, potentially interfering with parasitoids and biological control programmes. We conducted laboratory experiments to investigate the interactions between the Mediterranean ant Crematogaster scutellaris and the parasitoids T. japonicus and T. mitsukurii, evaluating the possibility that the ants could damage the parasitized eggs, attack the parasitoids during emergence or interfere with the egg‐laying behaviour of female parasitoids. Our results demonstrate that C. scutellaris is not able to damage parasitized eggs and is not aggressive towards adult parasitoids at any stage. The presence of ants can slow down the parasitization rate in T. mitsukurii females in the smallest laboratory setups; however, this has not been observed in a more natural setting. We suggest that ants may play a complementary role together with egg‐parasitoids in the control of H. halys without interfering with each other.
Significant Off-State Leakage Reduction for n-FinFET by Self-Adaptive TiN Etching

In this work, the OFF-state leakage (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${I}_{ \mathrm{\scriptscriptstyle OFF}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) of short channel (SC) n-FinFETs is revealed to be significantly reduced by the self-adaptive etching of work function (WF) metal TiN. The microloading effect in etch process is employed to realize the self-adaptive etching, which results in a thicker TiN layer with a higher WF on the fin bottom and a thinner TiN layer with a lower WF on the fin top for SC n-FinFETs. No influence is observed for long channel (LC) n-FinFETs, which show the uniform etching of TiN. Such a nonuniform WF distribution can effectively reduce threshold voltage (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${V}_{\text {t}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) roll-off for SC n-FinFETs. The TCAD simulation results indicate the enhanced gate-to-channel control induced by the nonuniform WF distribution. It is experimentally demonstrated that ~28% reduction of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${I}_{ \mathrm{\scriptscriptstyle OFF}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> can then be obtained for SC n-FinFETs using such a low-cost self-adaptive etching process.
Comparative Transcriptomics of Chilodonella hexasticha and C. uncinata Provide New Insights into Adaptations to a Parasitic Lifestyle and Mdivi-1 as a Potential Agent for Chilodonellosis Control

Chilodonella hexasticha is a harmful parasitic ciliate that can cause severe damage to fish and high mortalities worldwide. Its congeneric species, C. uncinata, is a facultative parasite that not only can be free-living but also can parasitize on fish gills and fins. In this study, single-cell transcriptomes of these two species were assembled and characterized. Numerous enzymes related to energy metabolism and parasitic adaption were identified through annotation in the Non-Redundant (NR), Clusters of Orthologous Genes (COG), Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases. The expression of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH), cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (Cox1) and ATP synthase F1, delta subunit (ATP5D) was up-regulated in C. hexasticha compared with C. uncinata. The oxidative phosphorylation process was also enriched in C. hexasticha. The main mitochondrial metabolic pathways in C. hexasticha were depicted and enzymes related to energy metabolism pathways were compared between these two species. More importantly, mitochondrial division inhibitor 1 (mdivi-1) proved to be very effective in killing both C. hexasticha and C. uncinata, which could be a novel drug for Chilodonellosis control. This study can help us better understand the energy metabolisms of C. hexasticha and C. uncinata and provide new insight into novel targets for chilodonellosis control. Meanwhile, the transcriptome data can also facilitate genomic studies of these two species in the future.
Quantum mechanics and classical light

ABSTRACT The similarities between quantum mechanics and paraxial optics were already well-known to the founding fathers of quantum mechanics; indeed knowledge of paraxial optics partly informed quantum mechanics as a wave theory. Likewise quantum mechanical methods have been employed to better understand optics, for example, to determine which optical transformations are in principle realisable and which not. Recently the notion of classical entanglement has been mooted, ushering in a new avenue to explore, perhaps bridging the classical-quantum divide. These developments have raised questions as to which quantum tasks could be implemented with classical light, taking advantage of the wealth of four centuries of experience in optics. In this article we review the similarities as well as differences between optics and quantum mechanics, providing a quantum notation for classical light. We review the evidence for cross-fertilisation between quantum mechanics and classical optics, in particular considering the issue of classical entanglement and its exploitation for quantum tasks. Our work provides a concise theoretical framework punctuated with relevant examples, and critically assesses the current state of the field and its limits. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Convection Cooling Enhancement for Energy Conversion Systems Using Rhombic-Dodecahedral-Zeolitic-Imidazolate-Framework-8-Nanotextured Surfaces

Evaporative cooling is an efficient approach for removing heat from nuclear reactors, solar power plants, solar panels, and energy storage devices, such as lithium-ion batteries and fuel cells. Nanotextured surfaces can provide improved evaporative cooling by increasing the total surface area to enhance the heat transfer rate and reducing the temperatures of local hotspots. In this study, we introduced rhombic dodecahedral zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF8), a class of metal-organic frameworks, via impregnation to create nanotextured surfaces. The impregnation time was varied to obtain various thicknesses of ZIF8. We found that the increased surface area of ZIF8 improved convection cooling, which considerably reduced the temperature of the heated substrate. Air, mist (buoyant aerosols), and spray (inertial droplets) were independently used as coolants to compare the cooling performance of noncoated (bare) and ZIF8-coated substrates. Compared to the noncoated substrate, the optimal ZIF8 film yielded temperature reductions of Δ T = 13 °C and 10°C for air and spray cooling, respectively.
In-flight modification of Ni nanoparticles by tubular magnetron sputtering

A tubular magnetron (TMG) was used for in-flight deposition of Cu over Ni nanoparticles (NPs) pre-synthesized in a planar magnetron-based gas aggregation cluster source. The amount of deposited copper was driven by the magnetron current and magnetic field of the TMG. The structure of the resultant NPs was investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD) and small angle x-ray scattering. Alloying of Cu and Ni was observed in all the cases, yet with the formation of a copper-enriched shell in the case with higher Cu content. XRD and TEM analyses showed that plasma-NP interactions led to the disappearance of Ni crystal lattice defects. For a certain range of the magnetron currents, spontaneous pulsing of the NPs deposition rate was observed which was accompanied by the changes in the NP size distribution and chemical composition. The phenomenon was attributed to the cycle trapping, growth and release of the NPs inside and from the TMG. Such cycle instabilities led to the formation of NP deposits with high polydispersity.
English language teachers’ views of WhatsApp affordances for language learning

This study addresses the pressing need for a deeper understanding of the potential role of WhatsApp in the teaching and learning of English in the context of a foreign language at university level. Specifically, this study explores English language teachers' views on how WhatsApp can be integrated into the teaching and learning process to support the development of language skills and performance. To achieve this, data was collected through semi-structured interviews from 30 English language teachers during the second semester of the academic year 2021/2022 at a university in Saudi Arabia and it was analyzed using a thematic approach. The findings revealed that all the teachers in this study have an avid view of their experience with WhatsApp: it facilitates and supports the development of speaking and writing skills; it promotes informal learning and interaction, encourages the exchange of information, and offers emotional, informational and appraisal support to students. By understanding the potential of WhatsApp for language learning, this study hopes to contribute valuable insights to practitioners, aiding them in developing effective teaching strategies that can leverage the affordances of this digital platform. By harnessing WhatsApp's capabilities, teachers can enhance language learning outcomes and create an environment conducive to student engagement and success.
Investigation to Dual-Frequency Direct Digital Synthesis and Resonance Frequency Tracking in Power Ultrasonic Generator

We propose a novel dual-frequency direct digital synthesis (DDS) module and dual-frequency resonant frequency tracking (RFT) algorithm which can be applied to the power ultrasonic such as micro hole drilling applications. To attain the M-type vibration trajectory of the drilling tool, the dual frequency, which the first and the third order frequency of the transducer, is excited at the same time, and the vibration amplitude of the transducer is controlled in independent or coupling mode. Due to the resonant frequency of the transducer is shifted during the drilling process, the resonant frequency tracking (RFT) of the first-order frequency is developed. In order to accurately achieve the phase between the voltage and current, we propose a fourth order Butter-worth low pass filter to the zero-crossing circuits to realize RFT of the first-order frequency of the transducer. Moreover, a dual-frequency direct digital synthesis (DDS) which can generate a mixed signal output with independent frequency and vibration amplitude control is proposed. Finally, a 100 Watt prototype of dual-frequency ultrasonic generator is established to verify the proposed dual-frequency DDS and RFT.
Learning Media Recommendations and Criteria for the Validity of Junior High School Mathematics Learning Media Books

The low quality of education and the achievement of school accreditation, where one of the assessed aspects is the learning process that should be technology-based, demand teachers to develop instructional media.This research aims to develop reference books and obtain mathematical learning media criteria for junior high school. The research method used is Design Research. Research steps are identification and analysis of problems, drafting prototypes, testing prototypes, and improvements. Research is carried out by reviewing the theories, research results, then developing a learning media reference book that will be used as a teacher's guide in developing mathematics learning media for junior high school. The book that has been developed is further validated by three experts in the field of mathematical learning media. validator consists of lecturers and mathematics teachers for junior high school. The conclusion of this study is that interactive learning is the right learning medium in mathematics learning. Some interactive media that affect math learning outcomes are interactive powerpoints, learning videos, and geogebra media. for the development of learning media, a mathematics learning media reference book was developed for junior high school. References have valid criteria on aspects of the material, language, presentation of materials, and infographics.This research aims to develop reference books and establish criteria for mathematical learning media for junior high school. The research method used is Design Research, which involves the following steps: problem identification and analysis, prototype drafting, prototype testing, and improvement. The research is conducted by reviewing theories and research findings, followed by the development of a learning media reference book that will serve as a teacher's guide for creating mathematics learning media for junior high school. The developed book is then validated by three experts in the field of mathematical learning media, including lecturers and mathematics teachers for junior high school. The conclusion of this study is that interactive learning is an effective medium for mathematics education. Some interactive media that have an impact on math learning outcomes include interactive PowerPoints, instructional videos, and Geogebra. To further enhance the development of learning media, a mathematics learning media reference book has been created specifically for junior high school. This reference book meets valid criteria in terms of material aspects, language usage, presentation of content, and infographics.