Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene Fiber Cement Mortar under Different Loading Speeds

In this work, the relationships between the mechanical properties (i.e., compressive strength and flexural strength) and loading speed of polypropylene fiber (PPF)-incorporated cement mortar at different ages (before 28 days) were studied. A total of 162 cubic samples for compressive strength tests and 162 cuboid samples for flexural strength tests were casted and tested. Analytical relationships between the sample properties (i.e., sample age, PPF content, and loading speed) and compressive and flexural strength were proposed based on the experimental data, respectively. Of the predicted compressive and flexural strength results, 70.4% and 75.9% showed less than 15% relative error compared with the experimental results, respectively.
Dwell‐time‐dependent conditions for exponential stability and hybrid L2 × l2‐gain of linear neutral time‐delay systems with impulsive effects

This article considers the problems of achieving exponential stability and finite hybrid L2 × l2‐gain with respect to continuous and discrete disturbances for linear neutral time‐delay systems with impulsive effects. In the framework of descriptor system representation, a piecewise timer‐dependent Lyapunov functional is introduced to analyze the double impacts of state‐delay and impulse‐dwell‐time on stability of the underlying system. This functional depends on the state over an impulse interval and the state over a delay interval. Its construction is based on a delay‐fractioning scheme which ensures all delay subintervals contains at most one impulse instant. The relations among the augmented state variables are explored by using the impulse‐timer functions and the Newton–Leibniz formula. It is proved that the positive definiteness property of the functional at nonimpulse instants is not necessary for ensuring stability. The hybrid L2 × l2‐gain analysis is carried out by jointly using the introduced functional and a discrete‐time Lyapunov function. The obtain criteria for exponential stability and hybrid L2 × l2‐gain are expressed in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Their effectiveness is verified through two numerical examples.
Patterns of Survival of a Communally Overwintering Rattlesnake Using an Artificial Hibernaculum

Avoiding thermal stress by using hibernacula is fundamental to survival of snakes in temperate environments. Snakes may overwinter alone or aggregate in communal hibernacula to avoid temperature extremes. Limited information is available regarding the overwintering ecology of rattlesnakes, and basic demographic information is necessary for understanding population dynamics, habitat requirements, and management of rattlesnakes. Even less is known about the demographics of species and populations utilizing artificial hibernacula, which may become increasingly important as habitat is lost and/or becomes more fragmented. We used seven years of mark–recapture data of the Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) at an artificial hibernaculum to estimate annual apparent survival, encounter rates, and transition rates between life stages (mature vs. immature) to investigate how these rates vary over time and in response to drought conditions. Further, we described trends in body condition and age structure, as well as trends in the proportion of reproductive females. Apparent survival rates were consistent and high across the study period for all snakes (including immature and mature females and all males; 0.66). The probability of an immature female surviving and transitioning to a mature adult was high and consistent across the study period (0.73). The stable survival and transition rates observed in this study may indicate other demographic rates, such as reproductive output, may be important drivers of population dynamics. This study contributes basic knowledge about population dynamics of communally overwintering rattlesnakes and suggests survival rates were relatively stable for snakes regularly utilizing this artificial hibernaculum.
Weak coordination between leaf drought tolerance and proxy traits in herbaceous plants

1Institute of Evolution and Ecology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; 2Department of Soil Science, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic; 3Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic; 4Institute of Botany, Czech Academy of Sciences, Třeboň, Czech Republic; 5CIDECSIC, Valencia, Spain and 6Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
The impact of social media influencers on travel decisions: the role of trust in consumer decision journey

ABSTRACT The growing presence of social media influencers (SMIs) is increasingly modulating consumer behaviour in the travel industry. Trust is a vitally important topic in influencer and tourism marketing and is responsible for creating and maintaining successful long-term relationships between organizations and consumers. This study uses customer journey theory to explain the impact of SMI trust on customer travel decision-making and focuses on evaluating the role of customer journey constructs (including desire, information search, evaluating alternatives, purchase decisions, satisfaction and experience sharing) in mediating the interrelation between SMI trust and the dimensions of customer journeys. Using Smart PLS to analyze the data collected, the results indicate that consumer trust in SMIs has a positive effect on each phase of travel decision-making. Moreover, each step of the decision-making journey mediates the trust effect on the next step, having a spillover effect on the whole journey, implying continuous SMI input. Tourism marketers are advised to use SMIs to increase and stimulate the desire to travel as clearly, a means by which consumers search for information about their next journey. Besides SMIs as a marketing tool, their trustworthiness serves as a highly important aspect to successfully influence tourists’ destination decision making.
Quantum Computing Aided Machine Learning Through Quantum State Fidelity

Tremendous progress has been witnessed in artificial intelligence within the domain of neural network backed deep learning systems and its applications. As we approach the post Moore’s Law era, the limit of semiconductor fabrication technology along with a rapid increase in data generation rates have lead to an impending growing challenge of tackling newer and more modern machine learning problems. In parallel, quantum computing has exhibited rapid development in recent years. Due to the potential of a quantum speedup, quantum based learning applications have become an area of significant interest, in hopes that we can leverage quantum systems to solve classical problems. In this work, we propose a quantum deep learning architecture; we demonstrate our quantum neural network architecture on tasks ranging from binary and multi-class classification to generative modelling. Powered by a modified quantum differentiation function along with a hybrid quantum-classic design, our architecture encodes the data with a reduced number of qubits and generates a quantum circuit, loading it onto a quantum platform where the model learns the optimal states iteratively. We conduct intensive experiments on both the local computing environment and IBM-Q quantum platform. The evaluation results demonstrate that our architecture is able to outperform Tensorflow-Quantum by up to 12.51% and 11.71% for a comparable classic deep neural network on the task of classification trained with the same network settings. Furthermore, our GAN architecture runs the discriminator and the generator purely on quantum hardware and utilizes the swap test on qubits to calculate the values of loss functions. In comparing our quantum GAN, we note our architecture is able to achieve similar performance with 98.5% reduction on the parameter set when compared to classical GANs. With the same number of parameters, additionally, QuGAN outperforms other quantum based GANs in the literature for up to 125.0% in terms of similarity between generated distributions and original data sets. Keywords— Quantum Machine Learning; Quantum Deep Learning; Quantum Generative Adversarial Networks; Quantum State Fidelity Preprints (www.preprints.org) | NOT PEER-REVIEWED | Posted: 24 March 2021 doi:10.20944/preprints202103.0583. v1
Fundamental aspects of water methane separation in zeolites

The main objective of this thesis was to use molecular dynamics to investigate the methane interactions with zeolite, specifically the Linde Type A-3A, alongside with an investigation into the use of polynomial path integration for water in zeolite. This thesis is a part of a larger collaboration between the separation group at the University of Bergen and Statoil, with the main goal of explaining the reduced lifetime of zeolites. This thesis continued from the work done by the separation group at the University of Bergen. The then used model was suspect to wrongly describe the methane zeolite interactions. Consequently, a new model was tried in order to correctly describe the interactions. The obtained diffusion coefficients for the old and new model, have been compared to reported literature values for a counter-ion free zeolite A. The new model shows an excellent agreement with these values, for a loading of 8 molecules/cavity or more. A simulation using the new model in Linde Type A-3A zeolite, shows that potassium blocks all methane motion in the structure. Furthermore, it was observed that potassium motion, at 500 K under the influence of methane, can lead to unblocking of the 8T-window. This leads us to formulate a hypothesis for the reduced lifetime of LTA-3A zeolite. Polynomial path integration was performed for water in zeolite. This was computational difficult, due to the different forces in the multi-specie system. The results revealed that different paths from ideal gas towards real gas gave large differences in the estimated excess Helmholtz energy. Other methods can thus be better suited for this purpose, for example the particle insertion method.
Two aquaporins, SIP1;1 and PIP1;2, mediate water transport for pollen hydration in the Arabidopsis pistil.

Pollination is the crucial initial step that brings together the male and female gametophytes, and occurs at the surface of the stigmatic papilla cell in Arabidopsis thaliana. After pollen recognition, pollen hydration is initiated as a second critical step to activate desiccated mature pollen grains for germination, and thus water transport from pistil to pollen is essential for this process. In this study, we report a novel aquaporin-mediated water transport process in the papilla cell as a control mechanism for pollen hydration. Coupled with a time-series imaging analysis of pollination and a reverse genetic analysis using T-DNA insertion Arabidopsis mutants, we found that two aquaporins, the ER-bound SIP1;1 and the plasma membrane-bound PIP1;2, are key players in water transport from papilla cell to pollen during pollination. In wild type plant, hydration speed reached its maximal value within 5 min after pollination, remained high until 10-15 min. In contrast, sip1;1 and pip1;2 mutants showed no rapid increase of hydration speed, but instead a moderate increase during ∼25 min after pollination. Pollen of sip1;1 and pip1;2 mutants had normal viability without any functional defects for pollination, indicating that decelerated pollen hydration is due to a functional defect on the female side in sip1;1 and pip1;2 mutants. In addition, sip1;1 pip1;2 double knockout mutant showed a similar impairment of pollen hydration to individual single mutants, suggesting that their coordinated regulation is critical for proper water transport, in terms of speed and amount, in the pistil to accomplish successful pollen hydration.
Towards understanding bold behaviour of large carnivores: the case of brown bears in human‐modified landscapes

Human–wildlife conflicts sometimes involve bold animals that do not fear humans and their activities. Such behaviour is detrimental to both wildlife and people and may lead to conflicts, which can be especially serious for large carnivores. Like most wildlife, these species have adapted to live in highly humanized landscapes by adopting human avoidance behaviours. However, bold individuals exist, which represent a main cause of conflicts, public fear and negative attitudes, that greatly influence management and conservation actions. Although costly decisions are constantly made to deal with such individuals, evidence‐based knowledge of their behaviour, that is how and when they move, especially in relation to human activities, is lacking. We analysed telemetry data of brown bears (Ursus arctos) that were GPS‐collared across Slovenia and Trentino (Italy) to explore spatial behaviour and rhythms of activity of bears that were identified as bold by managers and to assess if and how their behaviour differs from that of their ‘non‐bold’ conspecifics (hereafter, control individuals). Because other factors such as sex and age of the bear, season, daytime and region may affect behaviour, we also included these variables in our analyses. On one hand, bold bears were more active at the daytime and used open areas considerably more often than control bears. On the other hand, although differences in distance to settlements and roads, movement rates and daily home ranges were also found, they were not as pronounced as expected. Instead, other factors were found to affect bear behaviour and, most importantly, we found strong inter‐individual differences in all behaviours. Such results suggest that, although bold bears have some behavioural attributes in common that distinguish them from control bears, each individual differs from one another. Our study represents a first step towards understanding bold bears’ behaviour and provide novel evidence‐based knowledge that can help to better know and manage these individuals.
Polarity and steric effect of di-lateral substitution on the mesophase behaviour of some azo/ester compounds

ABSTRACT Eight homologous series of 2-(or 3-)substituted phenyl 4ʹ-(4″-alkoxy (2ʹ-, or 3″-substituted phenylazo) benzoates (InXY) were prepared in which the suffix ‘X’ refers to the lateral substituent X attached to the terminal benzene ring that carries the alkoxy group, and the suffix ‘Y’ refers to the substituent attached to the other terminal phenyl group. Within each homologous series, the length of the terminal alkoxy group varies from 8 to 16 carbons, while the lateral polar substituents, X and Y, alternatively varies between CH3 and F. The mesophase behaviour was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and identified by polarised optical microscopy. The results were discussed in terms of the polarity and steric effects of the two lateral substituents. Comparative correlations were made to investigate the effect of the second lateral substituent on the mesophase behaviour of the previously investigated mono-laterally substituted analogues. UV–vis spectroscopic study revealed that the compounds I8XY exhibited two absorption bands: low intense bands at 254–263 and a broad band at 364–376 nm. These bands are attributed to the π–π∗ transition of the phenyl rings and the whole mesogenic portion. Graphical Abstract
Binocular function measures as predictors of user performance in stereoscopic augmented reality

Inconsistency between the binocular and focus cues in stereoscopic augmented reality overburdens the visual system leading to its stress. However, a high individual variability of tolerance for visual stress makes it difficult to predict and generalize the user gain associated with the implementation of alternative visualization technologies. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the binocular function and perceptual judgments in augmented reality. We assessed the task completion time and accuracy of perceptual distance matching depending on the consistency of binocular and focus cues in the stereoscopic environment of augmented reality. The head-mounted display was driven in two modes: multifocal and monofocal mode, providing consistent-cues and inconsistent-cues condition, respectively. Participants matched the distance of a real object with images displayed at three viewing distances (concordant with distances of display focal planes in the consistent-cues condition). A thorough vision screening was performed before the experiment. As a result, individuals with low convergent fusional reserves and receded near point of convergence misjudged distances to a higher extent in comparison to others in the inconsistent-cues condition. In contrast, perceptual judgments were fast and less overestimated, as well as no significant effect of binocular function was revealed in the consistent-cues condition. We suggest that the binocular function measures characterizing individual tolerance for visual stress might be used as the predictors of user gain in the comparative assessment of new visualization technologies for the augmentation of reality.
Adsorptive Accumulation of Methylene Blue Dye from Aqueous Effluent by NiFe 2 O 4 -GO Nano-adsorbent

In this article, the Methylene Blue dye adsorption is studied using NiFe2O4-Graphene Oxide composite as adsorbent. The NiFe2O4-graphene oxide (NiFe2O4-GO) nano-composite made by single step solvothermal approach. The characterization study revealed the abundance of functional group and nanomaterial features in prepared material. The MB adsorption is increased with rising adsorbent doses, pH, temperature and initial MB solution concentrations. Pseudo second order kinetic model got fitted by adsorption kinetics. As compared to BET, Temkin, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich model, Langmuir model is suitable for adsorption isotherm. Thermodynamic studies suggest adsorption process’s endothermic nature and spontaneity. The adsorption advances through π-π interaction, H-bonding and electrostatic attraction. Reusability study reveals the prepared adsorbent is a promising as well as cost effective sorbent for high efficiency and excellent renewability.
The Sensitivity of Eyewall Replacement Cycles to Shortwave Radiation

The sensitivity of tropical cyclone secondary eyewall formation (SEF) and subsequent eyewall replacement cycles (ERCs) to shortwave radiation is examined in this study by varying the solar constant and diurnal cycle at different times prior to an ERC using idealized simulations from the Weather Research and Forecasting model. The magnitude of shortwave radiation plays an important role in modifying the timing of the SEF with nonlinear interactions amplifying the SEF formation differences at longer lead‐times. Shortwave radiation has a delaying effect on the SEF and ERC primarily through its modifications of the distribution of convective and stratiform heating profiles in the rainbands. Shortwave radiation reduces both the area and diabatic heating of convection in the model domain, while increasing the amount of stratiform precipitation that has weaker low‐level cooling and upper‐level heating rates. The primary mechanism by which shortwave radiation reduces the diabatic heating profile and frequency of convection in the rainbands is through heating of the mid‐upper troposphere which stabilizes the region and reduces convective available potential energy.
To What Extent Can Non-Native Speaker Teachers Teach Speaking 
Successfully in Foreign Language Learning Context?

In this essay, non-native speaker teachers teaching speaking under the foreign language learning context would be analyzed. Instead of simply regarding native speaker teachers as the absolute priority in teaching speaking, non-native speaker teachers could also effectively impart speaking skills to students with their bilingual proficiency, second language learning experience and direct access to the cultural context of their students. After further studies, the unique competence of non-native speaker teachers would be revealed through this essay.
Port Governance and Territorial Development on the Eastern Shore of the Baltic Sea

For the last 20 years, the baltic Sea has been affected by many upheavals, not only geopolitical but also economic. they have forced ports to transform themselves, and not least to adapt to the evolutions in the marine industry. the eastern baltic ports have moved from a principle of complementarity, instruments of Soviet collectivism, to integration within a global maritime and port system sy nonymous with economic liberalism. Moreover, the issue of modifying governance and port regulations within a region undergoing major change is of particular interest in the baltic area. A literature review, as well as fieldwork based on approximately 20 interviews (with elected officials, representatives of port authorities, directors of handling companies, representatives from chambers of com -merce, lobbyists, etc), brings to light how stakeholder interactions structure the port area, and impact the development of territories (port, urban, hinterland).
Contact Modes and Participation in App-Based Smartphone Surveys: Evidence From a Large-Scale Experiment

Smartphone apps are increasingly being used for population-based survey research. Recruiting people to sign up for an app-based survey is, however, less straightforward compared to traditional surveys, which risks inflating nonresponse as well as the potential for nonresponse bias. By means of an experiment with over 44,000 recently registered job seekers, we present causal evidence on the effects of using different contact modes (email, postal letter, or preannouncement letter and email) on participation rates in an app-based panel survey. Further, using detailed administrative register data, we investigate whether contact modes differentially affect nonresponse bias. We also examine whether the mode of making contact has a lasting effect on panel participation rates and participation rates in momentary assessments collected using the experience sampling method (ESM). Overall, the preannouncement letter and email invitation strategy maximizes participation compared to stand-alone letters and emails, which do not differ significantly in terms of participation rates. Stand-alone letters and the preannouncement approach perform better than emails when it comes to panel participation and submitted ESM episodes.
Benchmark dose risk analysis with mixed‐factor quantal data in environmental risk assessment

Benchmark analysis is a general risk estimation strategy for identifying the benchmark dose (BMD) past which the risk of exhibiting an adverse environmental response exceeds a fixed, target value of benchmark response. Estimation of BMD and of its lower confidence limit (BMDL) is well understood for the case of an adverse response to a single stimulus. In many environmental settings, however, one or more additional, secondary, qualitative factor(s) may collude to affect the adverse outcome, such that the risk changes with differential levels of the secondary factor. This article extends the single‐dose BMD paradigm to a mixed‐factor setting with a secondary qualitative factor possessing two levels. With focus on quantal‐response data and using a generalized linear model with a complementary‐log link function, we derive expressions for BMD and BMDL. We study the operating characteristics of six different multiplicity‐adjusted approaches to calculate the BMDL, using Monte Carlo evaluations. We illustrate the calculations via an example dataset from environmental carcinogenicity testing.