Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hadoop Job Scheduling Using Improvised Ant Colony Optimization

Hadoop Distributed File System is used for storage along with a programming framework MapReduce for processing large datasets allowing parallel processing. The process of handling such complex and vast data and maintaining the performance parameters up to certain level is a difficult task. Hence, an improvised mechanism is proposed here that will enhance the job scheduling capabilities of Hadoop and optimize allocation and utilization of resources. Significantly, an aggregator node is added to the default HDFS framework architecture to improve the performance of Hadoop Name node. In this paper, four entities viz., the name node, secondary name node, aggregator nodes, and data nodes have been modified. Here, the aggregator node assigns jobs to data node, while Name node tracks aggregator nodes. Also, based on the job size and expected execution time, an improvised ant colony optimization method is developed for scheduling jobs.In the end, the results demonstrate notable improvisation over native Hadoop and other approaches. Keywords-Hadoop, Virtualization, MapReduce, Job Scheduling, Improved Ant Colony Optimization.
Fault Diagnosis of Rolling Bearing Using Improved Wavelet Threshold Denoising and Fast Spectral Correlation Analysis

Rolling bearings are important parts of mechanical equipment. However, the early failures of the bearing are usually masked by heavy noise. This brings about difficulties to the extraction of its fault features. Therefore, there is a need to develop a reliable method for early fault detection of the bearing. Considering this issue, a novel fault diagnosis method using the improved wavelet threshold denoising and fast spectral correlation (Fast-SC) is proposed. First, to solve the discontinuity of the hard threshold function and avoid the constant deviation triggered by the soft threshold function, a piecewise continuous threshold function is proposed by using a new threshold selection rule to denoise the original signal. In the new threshold function, the adjuster α is introduced to improve the traditional wavelet denoising algorithm, so as to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the original signal more effectively. Then, the denoised signal is analysed by Fast-SC to identify the rolling bearing fault features. Finally, simulation analysis and experimental data demonstrate that the proposed approach is effective for rolling bearing fault detection compared with Fast-SC and the combined method based on traditional wavelet threshold and Fast-SC.
Deposition Time and Annealing Effects of ZnO Seed Layer on Enhancing Vertical Alignment of Piezoelectric ZnO Nanowires

Well aligned crystalline zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires (NWs) on ZnO/Au/Ti/Si substrates were grown by so-called “hydrothermal synthesis”. ZnO seed layers with different thicknesses ranging from 5 to 100 nm, achieved by controlling the deposition time, were prepared by radio-frequency sputtering, followed by a post-annealing treatment in air at 400 °C. The effects of deposition time and annealing treatment of ZnO seed layers on the subsequent growth of ZnO NWs were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The experimental results reveal that the quality and growth behaviors of ZnO NWs are strongly dependent on both the thickness and the heat treatment of the ZnO seed layers. This work is an optimization step of an easy, cost-effective, and industrially scalable process flow recently developed for the fabrication of a high performance, nanocomposite-based stretchable nanogenerator (SNG) on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate. The morphological improvement of hydrothermally grown ZnO NWs may therefore lead to higher performance SNGs for the targeted application of mechanical energy harvesting, in order to supply flexible and wearable electronics.
Phylogenomic Analysis of the PEBP Gene Family from Kalanchoë

The PEBP family comprises proteins that function as key regulators of flowering time throughout the plant kingdom and they also regulate growth and plant architecture. Within the PEBP protein family, three subfamilies can be distinguished in angiosperms: MOTHER OF FT AND TFL1-like (MFT), FLOWERING LOCUS T-like (FT-like), and TERMINAL FLOWER1-like (TFL1-like). Taking advantage of the genome sequences available from K. fedtschenkoi and K. laxiflora, we performed computational analysis to identify the members of the PEBP gene family in these species. The analyses revealed the existence of 11 PEBP genes in K. fedtschenkoi and 18 in K. laxiflora, which are clustered in two clades: FT-like and TFL1-like. The PEBP genes had conserved gene structure and the proteins had highly conserved amino acid sequences in the positions crucial for the protein functions. The analysis of Ka/Ks ratio revealed that most recently duplicated genes are under positive selection. Despite being an economically important genus, the genetics underlying the regulation of flowering in Kalanchoë is poorly understood. The results of this study may provide a new insight into the molecular control of flowering that will allow further studies on flowering control in Kalanchoë.
Challenges in the definition of input motions for forensic ground-response analysis in the near-source region

This article scrutinizes the determination of input motions for forensic ground-response analysis in the near-source region, based on recorded surface ground motions at strong-motion station sites, from the same event. The first part of the article draws upon observed ground motions from the 22 February 2011 6.2 Mw Christchurch earthquake to discuss key challenges of the problem associated with the strong spatial variation of ground motion in the near-source region. Effects from the complexity of the rupture, propagation of seismic waves through complex geological structures, and site characteristics are explored. It is argued that, because of the strongly varying source-path “signature” on near-source ground motions, “reference” input motions for ground-response analysis must be specific to, and have similar signature characteristics (be “compatible”) with, the target site which is subject to the analysis. The second part of the article presents a four-step procedure for the derivation of site-specific input motions involving (1) determination of the reference layer where the input motion is to be applied in the analysis, (2) record selection considering the appropriateness of the recording station site for deconvolution and its compatibility with the target site, (3) deconvolution of the selected record to remove local site effects from the recorded ground motion, and (4) scaling of the deconvolved motion to account for differences in the source-to-site distance between the recording station and the target site. As part of the proposed procedure, a novel (amplitude-duration) scaling method is presented. Results from one-dimensional (1D) effective-stress analysis of two target Christchurch sites using input motions from the proposed procedure are used to critically evaluate the procedure and discuss essential requirements for its successful application.
Genomes and Developmental Control A 190 base pair , TGF-β responsive tooth and fi n enhancer is required for stickleback Bmp 6 expression

The ligands of the Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) family of developmental signaling molecules are often under the control of complex cis-regulatory modules and play diverse roles in vertebrate development and evolution. Here, we investigated the cis-regulatory control of stickleback Bmp6. We identified a 190 bp enhancer 2.5 kilobases 50 of the Bmp6 gene that recapitulates expression in developing teeth and fins, with a core 72 bp sequence that is sufficient for both domains. By testing orthologous enhancers with varying degrees of sequence conservation from outgroup teleosts in transgenic reporter gene assays in sticklebacks and zebrafish, we found that the function of this regulatory element appears to have been conserved for over 250 million years of teleost evolution. We show that a predicted binding site for the TGFb effector Smad3 in this enhancer is required for enhancer function and that pharmacological inhibition of TGFb signaling abolishes enhancer activity and severely reduces endogenous Bmp6 expression. Finally, we used TALENs to disrupt the enhancer in vivo and find that Bmp6 expression is dramatically reduced in teeth and fins, suggesting this enhancer is necessary for expression of the Bmp6 locus. This work identifies a relatively short regulatory sequence that is required for expression in multiple tissues and, combined with previous work, suggests that shared regulatory networks control limb and tooth development. & 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
User Acceptance of Interactive Student Activities Management System: A Proposed Theoretical Model

Interactive Student Activities Management System (iSAMS) is a web-based system in Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Melaka that provides information on student bodies and activities. iSAMS developed to react as an integrated management platform during the COVID-19 outbreak since student activities are essential and need to carry out. This research's main objective was to investigate how the iSAMS interface and functions affect users' intentions and attitudes when using the system. Thus, we explored the key predictors of user acceptance of iSAMS and proposed the theoretical model for user acceptance. A conceptual structural model was developed by integrating heuristic evaluation (HE) and technology acceptance model (TAM) to identify which key predictors influence the user acceptance of iSAMS. We adopted HE and TAM in developing the model, and as the outcome, we categorized HE into three categories: system support, user interface design, and navigation. Then, we identified three of TAM’s predictors, which are perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and behavioural intention to use. The hypothesis supported each of the predictors as the measurement since we required improvements for the iSAMS usability. The proposed research framework is simple to implement and can be adapted for other developed systems since it is essential in determining the system's usability and user acceptance.
Looking for Ticks from Space: Using Remotely Sensed Spectral Diversity to Assess Amblyomma and Hyalomma Tick Abundance

Landscape heterogeneity, as measured by the spectral diversity of satellite imagery, has the potential to provide information on the resources available within the movement capacity range of arthropod vectors, and to help predict vector abundance. The Spectral Variation Hypothesis states that higher spectral diversity is positively related to a higher number of ecological niches present in the landscape, allowing more species to coexist regardless of the taxonomic group considered. Investigating the landscape heterogeneity as a proxy of the resources available to vectors may be relevant for complex and continuous agro-forest mosaics of small farmlands and degraded forests, where land cover classification is often imprecise. In this study, we hypothesized that larger spectral diversity would be associated with higher tick abundance due to the potentially higher number of hosts in heterogeneous landscapes. Specifically, we tested whether spectral diversity indices could represent heterogeneous landscapes, and if so, whether they explain Amblyomma and Hyalomma tick abundance in Benin and inform on their habitat preferences. Benin is a West-African country characterized by a mosaic landscape of farmland and degraded forests. Our results showed that both NDVI-derived and spectral predictors are highly collinear, with NDVI-derived predictors related to vegetated land cover classes and spectral predictors correlated to mosaic landscapes. Amblyomma abundance was not related to the predictors considered. Hyalomma abundance showed positive relationships to spectral diversity indices and negative relationships to NDVI-derived-ones. Though taxa dependent, our approach showed moderate performance in terms of goodness of fit (ca. 13–20% R2), which is a promising result considering the sampling and scale limitations. Spectral diversity indices coupled with classical SRS vegetation indices could be a complementary approach for providing further ecological aspects in the field of disease biogeography.
Estimation of Mode I Fracture of U-Notched Polycarbonate Specimens Using the Equivalent Material Concept and Strain Energy Density

Polycarbonate (PC) has a wide range of applications in the electronic, transportation, and biomedical industries. In addition, investigation on the applicability to use PC in superstrate photovoltaic modules is ongoing research. In this paper, PC is envisioned to be used as a material for structural components in renewable energy systems. Usually, structural components have geometrical irregularities, i.e., notches, and are subjected to severe mechanical loading. Therefore, the structural integrity of these components shall consider fracture analysis on notched specimens. In this paper, rectangular PC specimens were machined with straight U-notches having different radii and depths. Eight different notch radii with a depth of 6.0 mm were tested. In addition, three notch depths with a radius of 3.5 mm were considered. Quasi-static fracture tests were performed under displacement-controlled loading with a speed of 5 mm/min. Digital image correlation technique was used to capture the strain fields for un-notched and notched specimens. It was assumed that fracture occurs at the onset of necking. The equivalent material concept (EMC) along with the strain energy density criterion (SED) were employed to estimate the fracture load. The EMC-SED combination is shown to be an effective and practical tool for estimating the fracture load of U-notched PC specimens.
Evaluation of the Perspective of ERA-Interim and ERA5 Reanalyses for Calculation of Drought Indicators for Uzbekistan

The arid and semiarid regions of Uzbekistan are sensitive and vulnerable to climate change. However, the sparse and very unevenly distributed meteorological stations within the region provide limited data for studying the region’s climate variation. The aim of this work was to evaluate the performance of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Re-Analysis (ERA)-Interim and ERA5 products for the fields of near-surface temperature, humidity, and precipitation over Uzbekistan from 1981 to 2018 using observations from 74 meteorological stations. Major results suggested that the reanalysis datasets match well with most of the observed climate records, especially in the plain areas. While ERA5, with a high spatial resolution of 0.1°, is able more accurately reproduce mountain ranges and valleys. Compared to ERA-Interim, the climatological biases in temperature, humidity, and total precipitation from ERA5 are clearly reduced, and the representation of inter-annual variability is improved over most regions of Uzbekistan. Both reanalyses show a high level of agreement with observations on the standardized precipitation evaporation index (SPEI) with a correlation coefficient of 0.7–0.8. Although both of these ECMWF products can be successfully implemented for the calculation of atmospheric drought indicators for Uzbekistan and adjacent regions of Central Asia, the newer and advanced ERA5 is preferred.
The Influence of the Way of Planning Teaching Content on the Effectiveness of Mastering Self-Defence Techniques

Introduction. The improvement of a learning process through transferring a skill already acquired to another one which is being learnt is one of the factors contributing to increasing the effectiveness of teaching. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of teaching performed on the basis of two plans, i.e. a traditional (intuitive) one and a network one. Methods. A pedagogical experiment covering 13 weekly sessions of self-defence elements were taught. The control group was taught according to an algorithm developed in a traditional (intuitive) way, whereas the experimental group was taught according to a algorithm developed on the network model. After the sessions had been completed, five experts evaluated the acquisition level of three randomly selected elements. The results obtained by 32 men (average age 21.29 ± 0.76 years) from the experimental group and 32 men from the control group (average age 21.18 ± 0.87 years) were analysed statistically with the student’s t-test, two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Fisher post-hoc test. Results. The experts did not differ in evaluating both groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, no interactions were revealed (p < 0.05) between the method of planning the teaching programme and the experts who evaluated the acquisition level of the taught elements. The only significant difference between the experimental group and the control group was observed in the method of planning the teaching programme, according to which self-defence elements were taught (p < 0.01). Conclusions. The acquisition level of the taught self-defence elements according to the algorithm developed by basing it on the network model turned out to be significantly higher than in the case of those elements taught in the traditional (intuitive) planning process.
Applying Diffie-Hellman Algorithm to Solve the Key Agreement Problem in Mobile Blockchain-based Sensing Applications

Mobile blockchain has achieved huge success with the integration of edge computing services. This concept, when applied in mobile crowd sensing, enables transfer of sensor data from blockchain clients to edge nodes. Edge nodes perform proof-of-work on sensor data from blockchain clients and append validated data to the chain. With this approach, blockchain can be performed pervasively. However, securing sensitive sensor data in a mobile blockchain (client/edge node architecture) becomes imperative. To this end, this paper proposes an integrated framework for mobile blockchain which ensures key agreement between clients and edge nodes using Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman algorithm. Also, the framework provides efficient encryption of sensor data using the Advanced Encryption Standard algorithm. Finally, key agreement processes in the framework were analyzed and results show that key pairing between the blockchain client and the edge node is a non-trivial process.
Cascade donor–acceptor organic ferroelectric layers, between graphene sheets, for solar cell applications

Organic ferroelectric layers sandwiched between graphene sheets are presented as a model of a solar cell. The investigated systems display many advantageous properties: (1) the cascade energy-level alignment; (2) simultaneous donor and acceptor character depending on the charge-carrier direction; (3) the charge-transfer excitonic type; (4) induced polarization of the electrodes, leading to a substantial work-function change of the anode and cathode – around ±1.5 eV.
Professional scepticism and the accounting classroom

ABSTRACT Professional scepticism forms an integral part of a professional accountant’s skill set and is fundamental to their training. Recent revisions to IESs 2, 3, 4 and 8 reflect changes in the market expectation in relation to professional scepticism. In this paper, we answer calls for additional research into professional scepticism by investigating its role and training beyond audit. We also consider the important role that education can play in developing the trait professional scepticism. Through semi-structured interviews of academics, employers and the professional bodies, we find that professional scepticism is not considered a specific learning outcome nor is its development specifically evaluated. Despite being relevant across different accounting roles, educators do not consciously embed professional scepticism within accounting units other than auditing. We provide examples of how professional scepticism is addressed in the accounting curriculum and consider whether employers’ expectations are being met.
‘Congratulations for your day’: benevolent attitudes during March 8 in Mexico

ABSTRACT Sexist attitudes reinforce gender inequality, but, are they absent on Women’s Day? This research examines the extent to which, in some contexts, Women’s Day can activate sexist attitudes that reinforce structural inequalities between men and women. Based on ambivalent sexism theory, we propose that people are more likely to agree with benevolent sexist attitudes on Women’s Day than on any other day. In Study 1 (N=190) we measured sexist attitudes on Women’s Day and then one month later. We found that participants asked on Women’s Day reported more benevolent sexism than participants asked a month later. Benevolent sexism was stronger on Women’s Day for men (who scored higher for both hostile and benevolent sexism than women). In order to establish causality, in Study 2 (N=175) we used an experimental paradigm in which we made Women’s Day more salient (against the control condition). Results showed that participants assigned to the Women’s Day experimental condition indicated more support for benevolent sexist attitudes than those assigned to the control condition and again (men scored higher on both dimensions of sexism across both conditions). This research provides evidence of the potential unintended effects of International Women’s Day and the challenges that women still face.
The I and We of Team Identification: A Multilevel Study of Exhaustion and (In)congruence Among Individuals and Teams in Team Identification

The social identity approach to stress proposes that the beneficial effects of social identification develop through individual and group processes, but few studies have addressed both levels simultaneously. Using a multilevel person–environment fit framework, we investigate the group-level relationship between team identification (TI) and exhaustion, the individual-level relationship for people within a group, and the cross-level moderation effect to test whether individual-level exhaustion depends on the level of (in)congruence in TI between individuals and their group as a whole. We test our hypotheses in a sample of 525 employees from 82 teams. Multilevel polynomial regression analysis revealed a negative linear relationship between individual-level identification and exhaustion. Surprisingly, the relation between group-level identification and exhaustion was curvilinear, indicating that group-level identification was more beneficial at low and high levels compared with medium levels. As predicted, the cross-level moderation of the individual-level relationship by group-level identification was also significant, showing that as individuals became more incongruent in a positive direction (i.e., they identified more strongly than the average team member), they reported less exhaustion, but only if the group-level identification was average or high. These results emphasize the benefits of analyzing TI in a multilevel framework, with both theoretical and practical implications.