Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Laser beam focusing through the atmosphere aerosol

Distortions of the scattered laser beam (λ=0.65μm) were numerically estimated by means of Shack-Hartmann technique and experimentally measured. The ability to focus laser beam, passed through the scattering suspension of polystyrene microspheres in distilled water, using bimorph deformable mirror was investigated both numerically and experimentally. Shack-Hartmann technique was used to measure the local slopes of the Poynting vector, and CCD camera was used to analyze the intensity distribution of the focal spot in the far-field. Bimorph deformable mirror with 14 electrodes was utilized in order to increase the focusing efficiency of the laser beam. The voltages to be applied to the mirror electrodes were calculated using three techniques: LSQ (least squares) fit-error minimization by Shack-Hartmann sensor, Hillclimbing optimization by Shack-Hartmann sensor and Hill-climbing optimization by the far-field CCD camera.
How congruent are parent reports on 3–4-year-old children’s language skills with other sources of data?

Background Parental report measures such as the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories (CDIs) are frequently used to study communicative skills of children under 3 years of age. Less is known about the usability of such reports for assessing communication skills in older children due to their advanced language skills, and a higher variety of communicative partners and communication contexts. Aims To assess the concurrent and predictive validity of the Estonian (E) CDI-III at ages 3;0 and 4;0 years. The first research goal was to examine its concurrent variability—associations with teacher reports and directly measured language skills. The second goal of the study was to investigate the predictive validity of parent reports—the degree to which parent-and teacher-reported language scores for children at age 3;0 are useful for predicting examiner-administered language comprehension and production scores 1 year later. Methods Estonian monolingual children were investigated longitudinally at ages 3;0 (n = 104; M age = 35.77 months, SD = 0.84; 42% males) and 4;0 (n = 87; M age = 48.18 months, SD = 1.16; 42% males) years. Children were assessed with the parent-reported ECDI-III, with teacher-reported assessments on children’s talkativeness, vocabulary size and grammatical skills, and the examiner-administered New Reynell Developmental Language Scales IV (NRDLS). Results Results indicated significant positive relationships between the ECDI-III total scores, teacher reports, and directly measured language comprehension and production scores, demonstrating concurrent validity of parental reports of children language skills at both ages. When controlling for mothers’ education, children’s gender, and reported language difficulties, parental and teacher reports were predictive of language production scores, whereas only parental reports predicted comprehension scores 1 year later. None of the controls was predictive of later language comprehension and production scores. Conclusion In sum, good concurrent and predictive validity of the ECDI-III shows that the instrument is a valid tool for assessing communicative skills in Estonian children. Results suggest that parent reports can offer useable information also about communicative skills of children older than three years.
Fitting Multivariate Linear Mixed Model for Multiple Outcomes Longitudinal Data with Non-ignorable Dropout

Measurements made on several outcomes for the same unit, implying multivariate longitudinal data, are very likely to be correlated. Therefore, fitting such a data structure can be quite challenging due to the high dimensioned correlations exist within and between outcomes over time. Moreover, an additional challenge is encountered in longitudinal studies due to premature withdrawal of the subjects from the study resulting in incomplete (missing) data. Incomplete data is more problematic when missing data mechanism is related to the unobserved outcomes implying what so-called non-ignorable missing data or missing not at random (MNAR). Obtaining valid estimation under non-ignorable assumption requires that the missing-data mechanism be modeled as a part of the estimation process. The multiple continuous outcome-based data model is introduced via the Gaussian multivariate linear mixed models while the missing-data mechanism is linked to the data model via the selection model such that the missing-data mechanism parameters are fitted using the multivariate logistic regression. This article proposes and develops the stochastic expectation-maximization (SEM) algorithm to fit MLMM in the presence of non-ignorable dropout. In the M-step maximizing likelihood function is implemented via a new proposed Quasi-Newton (QN) algorithm that is of EM type, while maximizing the multivariate logistic regression is implemented via Newton-Raphson (NR) algorithm. A simulation study is conducted to assess the performance of the proposed techniques.
Piecewise Polynomial Model Reduction Method for Nonlinear Systems in Time Domain

Model order reduction (MOR) of nonlinear systems draws great attention in the past several decades. This paper presents a new MOR method in time domain for nonlinear dynamical systems. The new algorithm is based on the combination of the Taylor series expansion for the state variable x(t) and the trajectory piecewise polynomial technique. Firstly, the nonlinear system is approximated by a piecewise polynomial representation. Then, based on the Taylor series coefficients of x(t), we formulate the projection matrix V for the piecewise polynomial system and the compact model of the piecewise polynomial system is obtained in the following. Besides, error estimation and stability analysis are also presented in this paper. Finally, two nonlinear systems are tested to verify the effectiveness of the algorithm.
Influence of customer experiences on the preference for online bus booking services in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

This study examined the influence of customer experience on the preference for online bus booking services in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Specifically, the study aims to: i) Determine the influence of familiarity with online booking services on the customer preference for online bus booking services, ii) Examine the influence of perception on the customer preference for online booking services, iii) Examine the influence of customer satisfaction on the customer preference for online bus booking services. The study employed a convergent parallel research design whereas both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. A sample of 384 users of buses for their transport was involved using a questionnaire that was administered through Google form as one of the web-based tools. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis whereas quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics whereas mean scores, standard deviations, frequency, and percent were computed. Further, a binary logistic regression model was performed to analyze quantitative data. The findings show that customer perception and satisfaction were statistically significant in influencing customers’ preference for online bus booking. The study recommends to all key players in the bus transport sector make use of the findings to enrich policies and strategies in the adoption of online bus booking.
Continuous presence of genetically diverse rustrela virus lineages in yellow-necked field mouse reservoir populations in northeastern Germany

Abstract Rustrela virus (RusV; species Rubivirus strelense, family Matonaviridae) was discovered in different zoo animal species affected by fatal encephalitis. Simultaneous RusV RNA detection in multiple yellow-necked field mice (Apodemus flavicollis) suggested this rodent as a reservoir of RusV. Here, we investigated 1,264 yellow-necked field mice and sympatric other small mammals from different regions in Germany for RusV RNA using an optimized reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) protocol and high-throughput sequencing. The investigation resulted in the detection of RusV RNA exclusively in 50 of 396 (12.6 per cent) yellow-necked field mice but absence in other sympatric species. RT-qPCR-determined tissue distribution of RusV RNA revealed the highest viral loads in the central nervous system, with other tissues being only very rarely affected. The histopathological evaluation did not reveal any hints of encephalitis in the brains of infected animals despite the detection of viral RNA in neurons by in situ hybridization (ISH). The positive association between the body mass of yellow-necked field mice and RusV RNA detection suggests a persistent infection. Phylogenetic analysis of partial E1 and full-genome sequences showed a high diversification with at least four RusV lineages (1A–1D) in northeastern Germany. Moreover, phylogenetic and isolation-by-distance analyses indicated evolutionary processes of RusV mostly in local reservoir populations. A comparison of complete genome sequences from all detected RusV lineages demonstrated a high level of amino acid and nucleotide sequence variability within a part of the p150 peptide of the non-structural polyprotein and its coding sequence, respectively. The location of this region within the RusV genome and its genetic properties were comparable to the hypervariable region of the rubella virus. The broad range of detected RusV spillover hosts in combination with its geographical distribution in northeastern Germany requires the assessment of its zoonotic potential and further analysis of encephalitis cases in mammals. Future studies have to prove a putative co-evolution scenario for RusV in the yellow-necked field mouse reservoir.
Salicylic Acid as a Salt Stress Mitigator on Chlorophyll Fluorescence, Photosynthetic Pigments, and Growth of Precocious-Dwarf Cashew in the Post-Grafting Phase

Salicylic acid is a phytohormone that has been used to mitigate the effects of saline stress on plants. In this context, the objective was to evaluate the effect of salicylic acid as a salt stress attenuator on the physiology and growth of precocious-dwarf cashew plants in the post-grafting phase. The study was carried out in a plant nursery using a randomized block design in a 5 × 4 factorial arrangement corresponding to five electrical conductivity levels of irrigation water (0.4, 1.2, 2.0, 2.8, and 3.6 dS m−1) and four salicylic acid concentrations (0, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 mM), with three replications. Irrigation water with electrical conductivity levels above 0.4 dS m−1 negatively affected the relative water content in the leaf blade, photosynthetic pigments, the fluorescence of chlorophyll a, and plant growth and increased electrolyte leakage in the leaf blade of precocious-dwarf cashew plants in the absence of salicylic acid. It was verified through the regression analysis that salicylic acid at a concentration of 1.1 mM attenuated the effects of salt stress on the relative water content and electrolyte leakage in the leaf blade, while the concentration of 1.7 mM increased the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments in precocious-dwarf cashew plants.
Development and state-of-the art in green elevators technologies: A survey

Green elevators represent a new standard in all elevator facilities. This paper analyzes all new technologies that need to be applied, and this refers to the energy efficiency of the drive, the use of a different configuration, and the changed components on the elevator. This paper also deals with models that change the classic motion of the elevator and emit low energy consumption. It is of the key importance to show which countries strive to replace all their plants with new configurations and regulations, where the most important fact is to perform an impact assessment on an annual basis. The main goal of this paper is to show that all components designed at the experimental level should be introduced into standard plants and reduce their production cost. From a comprehensive analysis of the previous research, it is concluded that the most significant advantages are achieved by using new electrical schemes, components , and energy sources that are not connected directly to the power distribution grid. At the end, from the corresponding literature, it is concluded that many major manufacturers in the elevator industry have to apply the modern technology from their development centers to existing standard elevators, in order to meet all new ecological and emission standards.
PERBANDINGAN METODE DEDUKTIF DENGAN INDUKTIF TERHADAP HASIL BELAJAR MATEMATIKA DITINJAU DARI MOTIVASI BELAJAR SISWA

Abstrak: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui gambaran hasil belajar matematika yang menggunakan metode deduktif dan induktif, gambaran hasil belajar matematika yang menggunakan metode deduktif dan induktif, perbedaan yang signifikan antara metode deduktif dengan induktif terhadap hasil belajar matematika ditinjau dari motivasi belajar siswa. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian quasi eksperiment . Populasi dalam penelitian ini ialah seluruh siswa kelas XII IPS MAN Wajo terdiri dari 4 kelas, yang berjumlah 86 siswa. Penentuan sampel dengan cara random. Instrumen yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah tes hasil belajar dan angket motivasi belajar matematika. Teknik analisis yang digunakan adalah statistik deskriptif dan analisis statistik inferensial dengan uji F ANAVA dengan interaksi. Berdasarkan hasil analisis statistika deskriptif, diperoleh nilai rata-rata hasil belajar siswa menggunakan metode deduktif adalah 74,91 dan metode induktif adalah 88,95, nilai rata-rata motivasi belajar matematika siswa menggunakan m e tode deduktif adalah 65,73 dan metode induktif adalah 68,23. Berdasarkan analisis inferensial, diperoleh F 0 > F tabel (3,911 > 3,24) dan nilai Sig. F table, thus Ho is rejected. Therefore, it is concluded that there is a significant difference between Inductive Method and Deductive Method on Mathematics Learning outcome. As for the hypothesis II, the result obtained shows that F 0 > F table, thus Ho rejected, then it is concluded that there are differences between students who have high motivation, moderate motivation and low motivation in their learning outcomes in mathematics. For the hypothesis III, it is revealed that F 0 > F table (3.911> 3.24) and the Sig value < α = 0.021 <0.05, hence Ho is rejected, where it indicates that there is a significant difference between Inductive Method and Deductive Method towards the learning outcome in mathematics based on the learning motivation of students in social sciences major of grade 12 of Islamic Senior High School Wajo, Wajo regency.
Generation of azimuthally modulated circular superlinear Airy beams

We demonstrate a new type of circular Airy beam, the azimuthally modulated circular superlinear Airy beam, generated by utilizing a diffraction element, whose transmission function is the sum of the transmission function of the element, generating a “petal” pattern and the transmission function of the element generating a circular Airy beam. We investigate the propagation dynamics of such beams and demonstrate that their autofocusing and self-healing properties are strongly dependent on the number of generated petals. In addition, we propose a simple way to control the shape of the caustic of the generated laser beams with a fixed number of generated petals. We believe that these results can be very useful for lensless laser fabrication and laser manipulation techniques, as well as for the development of new filament plasma multi-channel formation methods.
Analysis of Brand Awareness and Brand Image Strategies on Lake Toba Tourists' Interest through the F1H20 Power Boat Digital Marketing Strategy in Balige, North Tapanuli

The main objective of this study is to analyze the effect of brand awareness and brand image on the interest of Lake Toba tourists through digital marketing strategies. The approach used in this research is associative and quantitative, using path analysis. The population and sample of this study were micro, small, and medium enterprises around the location of the Lake Toba Powerboat F1H20 event in Sibola Hotang Village, Balige District, Samosir Regency, North Sumatra Province, totaling 93 people. The sampling technique used is quota sampling. The sample size in this study consisted of 93 respondents. The results showed that the effect of brand awareness on visitor interest had an original sample size of 0.550, P-Value 0.000 < P-Table 0.05, and T-value 4.374 > T-Table 1.196. The effect of brand image on visitor interest has an original sample size of 0.507, a P-value of 0.036, a P-table of 0.05, and a T-value of 3.666. T-Table 1.196. The effect of brand awareness through digital marketing on visitor interest has an original sample of 0.235 with a P-Value of 0.040 < P-Table 0.05 and a T-value of 2.051 > T-Table 1.196. The influence of brand image through digital marketing on visitor interest has an original sample of 0.435 with a P-Value of 0.040 (P-Table 0.05) and a T-Value of 3.051. T-Table 1.196. Finally, the effect of digital marketing on visitor interest has an original sample size of 0.435, a P-Value of 0.040, a P-table of 0.05, and a T-value of 3.051. T-Table 1.196.
Developing organisational excellence: Applying benchmarking for guiding and measuring police agency performance – Abu Dhabi Police case study

The process of developing organisational excellence requires identifying benchmarks and a model or framework to guide the operationalisation of an organisation's aspirations. Developing evidence through application of strategies to meet benchmark criteria requires commitment at all levels of an organisation to demonstrate a sustained quality level of achievement through continuous improvement to standards of excellence. This article presents the process and outcomes for a police organisation (Abu Dhabi Police [ADP]) utilising the European Foundation for Quality Management (EfQM) criteria to guide development and measurement of organisational excellence. In 2021 ADP were awarded a 6 Star Global Award from the EfQM. This case study explores the extent to which EfQM is an effective framework for organisational excellence in policing.
Demonstration of steering acoustic waves by generalized Eaton lens

We demonstrate an acoustic generalized Eaton lens that steers an acoustic wave to a desired angle, to propose a design method for gradient-index devices using the sub-wavelength structure to shape an acoustic wave. Based on investigations on the effective parameter with several methods: the S-parameter retrieval method, Floquet-Bloch calculations, and multiple scattering theory (MST) for the cylindrical rigid rod structure, we speculate the design process to realize inhomogeneous refractive index distribution. For realization of a high effective index (∼2), the MST design inevitably fails, whereas the Floquet-Bloch calculations and S-parameter retrieval give identical results. By appropriately designing a two-dimensional array of cylindrical PMMA rods, we experimentally verify the acoustic generalized Eaton lenses for steering angles of 15° and 45°. Furthermore, the use of non-resonant metamaterials enables the proposed devices to work in the broad frequency range from 4 to 8 kHz.We demonstrate an acoustic generalized Eaton lens that steers an acoustic wave to a desired angle, to propose a design method for gradient-index devices using the sub-wavelength structure to shape an acoustic wave. Based on investigations on the effective parameter with several methods: the S-parameter retrieval method, Floquet-Bloch calculations, and multiple scattering theory (MST) for the cylindrical rigid rod structure, we speculate the design process to realize inhomogeneous refractive index distribution. For realization of a high effective index (∼2), the MST design inevitably fails, whereas the Floquet-Bloch calculations and S-parameter retrieval give identical results. By appropriately designing a two-dimensional array of cylindrical PMMA rods, we experimentally verify the acoustic generalized Eaton lenses for steering angles of 15° and 45°. Furthermore, the use of non-resonant metamaterials enables the proposed devices to work in the broad frequency range from 4 to 8 kHz.
Floating-Domain Integrated GaN Driver Techniques for DC–DC Converters: A Review

This paper presents the design challenges and advanced circuit techniques of integrated gate drivers for non-isolated buck converters using gallium nitride (GaN) devices to achieve fast switching and high conversion efficiency. Focusing on the essential tradeoff considerations, we first explain the detailed circuit-level issues of realizing normal and safe operations regarding integration feasibility, device safety, operation reliability, and power-stage loss alleviation when driving a GaN switch. Accordingly, we review the state-of-the-art techniques for improving various aspects of the performance, including on-chip bootstrapping enhancement, over-voltage and false-switching prevention, electromagnetic interference (EMI) noise suppression, and adaptive driving optimization. We further highlight the feature advantage of distinct techniques in specific performance/function aspects, aiming to bring GaN driver design insights and providing technical references regarding the technical superiority and limitations of improving the overall converter performance.
The black-Scholes formula and the Greek parameters for a nonlinear Black-Scholes equation

We study the Greek (risk) parameters of a nonlinear Black-Scholes partial differential equation whose nonlinearity is as a result of transaction costs. These parameters are derived from the Black-Scholes formula of the nonlinear Black-Scholes equation ut + 1 2σ suss(1 + 2ρsuss) = 0 by differentiating the formula with respect to either a variable or a parameter in the equation. The Black-Scholes formula and all the Greek parameters are of the form 1 ρ f(s, t) and therefore they blow at ρ = 0. AMS Subject Classification: 35K10, 35K55
In silico Characterization of Heat Shock Protein HSP27 in Mammals

Dairy animals have a significant role in every country’s agricultural economy. Livestock is the major sub-sector of the agricultural industry and the value of dairy products is increasing globally. Under pathological circumstances heat shock proteins (HSPs) promote protein repair, folding, refolding of misfolded peptides, and possible breakdown of irreparable proteins. Heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) is a member of the small heat shock protein family (sHSPs) also called HSPB1. HSP27 is crucial in the regulation and progression of different types of tumors and also acts as an oncotherapeutic target in humans and other mammals especially sheep. By using computational tools, a detailed in silico investigation of HSP27 sequences from humans and sheep has been examined with respect to their structural, functional, expression and phylogenetic properties. An extensive study has been made to compare the human protein with that of other mammals using computational tools. However, the sequences of HSP27 in humans and sheep are closely linked with each other. Although the sequences of HSP27 vary, their structural characteristics and functional properties remain the same. In this study, hydrophilic proteins with an average molecular weight of 27kDa were discovered both in humans and sheep. This study helps to understand the economic worth of dairy animals worldwide. HSP27 phosphorylation has been predicted as an anticancer agent. Recent research shows that new strategies have been developed for cancer treatment based on therapy of HSP27. This research will highlight the characterization and significant role of HSP27 in sheep.