Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Social determinants of older adults’ urban design preference: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Urban planning that recognizes and integrates the needs of older adults in urban design provides an environment that allows these people to stay in their homes longer. The aim of the current study was to describe the preferences of a variety of urban design features among older adults living in less densely populated areas and to explore differences by groups of people that are often underrepresented in participatory processes. We conducted a survey of 1,836 older adults (age 65+) in cities and municipalities with <100,000 inhabitants in northwest Germany. Urban design features were analysed separately by individual and contextual factors. The urban design features rated as most important were safety concerns and urban design quality features. Crime safety was most often rated as important. The greatest difference in design preferences was observed for women, the oldest old, people with low education and actively mobile people. Increasing preference for lighting, crossings and separated cycle and footpath was observed by community size. The different emphasis put on urban design features by some groups highlight the importance of a diversity of representation in age-friendly development. Cooperation of different sectors is recommended to assess concerns and fears of the residents to help increase perceived safety.
Performance of a novel epoxy crack sealant for asphalt pavements

ABSTRACT An epoxy resin/powder curing agent crack-repair material (EPCRM) was developed to overcome the limitations of the existing materials used to seal asphalt pavement cracks. The EPCRM was prepared by mixing a powder curing agent with a base solution containing an epoxy resin. The viscosity, tensile properties, compression properties, water stability, interfacial bonding properties, low-temperature crack resistance, and ageing resistance of the EPCRM were tested to evaluate its suitability for crack repair. Other representative sealants were also tested to compare the performance of the EPCRM with that of the representative sealants. Although the elongation at break for the EPCRM was found to be moderate at low temperatures compared with those for the other sealants, the EPCRM exhibited a high tensile bond strength, interface shear strength, and freeze–thaw splitting tensile strength. This indicates that the tensile bond performance, shear resistance, and water stability of the EPCRM are sufficient for crack repairing. After aging, the values of the aforementioned parameters of the EPCRM decreased only slightly, indicating that its durability can satisfy practical requirements.
SSA-LSTM neural network for hourly PM2.5 concentration prediction in Shenyang, China

Atmospheric environment has become the focus of global attention. Fine particulate matter has posed a serious threat to human respiratory system. In order to effectively control atmospheric environment and protect human health, pollutant prediction has become a necessary work for human survival and development. In order to improve the accuracy of PM2.5 prediction, this paper developed a new combined prediction model — SSA-LSTM. Firstly, the observed time series are decomposed into periodic component and noise component by SSA (Singular spectrum analysis). Then, LSTM (Long short-term memory) neural network was used to forecast the decomposed components. Finally, the predicted results of different components are integrated to generate the final predicted results. The results show that the proposed model has a significant improvement in the accuracy of prediction.
Geometrical and topological study of the Kosterlitz–Thouless phase transition in the XY model in two dimensions

Phase transitions do not necessarily correspond to a symmetry-breaking phenomenon. This is the case of the Kosterlitz–Thouless (KT) phase transition in a two-dimensional classical XY model, a typical example of a transition stemming from a deeper phenomenon than a symmetry-breaking. Actually, the KT transition is a paradigmatic example of the successful application of topological concepts to the study of phase transition phenomena in the absence of an order parameter. Topology conceptually enters through the meaning of defects in real space. In the present work, the same kind of KT phase transition in a two-dimensional classical XY model is tackled by resorting again to a topological viewpoint, however focussed on the energy level sets in phase space rather than on topological defects in real space. Also from this point of view, the origin of the KT transition can be attributed to a topological phenomenon. In fact, the transition is detected through peculiar geometrical changes of the energy level sets which, after a theorem in differential topology, are direct probes of topological changes of these level sets.
Tracking control with aperiodic sampling over networks with delay and dropout

This paper introduces a discrete-time technique for output feedback tracking control with aperiodic sampling over networks suffering delay and dropout. Introducing the concept of pseudo sampling, NCS is modelled as a linear parameter varying (LPV) system. Two methods are explained to obtain a convex approximation of the uncertainty region. It is clarified how to perform the approximation to have the uncertainty space as small as possible. Using this uncertainty space, a polytopic approximation is obtained for the LPV model. The approximated model is used to synthesise a controller for set-point tracking and disturbance rejection. An observer is also synthesised based on this model. The simplicity of the model together with a small uncertainty space, results in less conservative LMI conditions. Compared to the existing results, an improved tracking performance is obtained. The final value theorem for discrete-time LTI systems with constant sampling period is extended to time varying sampling periods. This theorem is used to design a feedforward gain for zero steady-state tracking of staircase reference signals.
Bibliotecas acadêmicas e gestão de dados de pesquisa: uma revisão bibliográfica

This article aimed to analyze the challenges faced by academic libraries in the research data management, as it is presented in the scientific literature. To this end, a bibliographic investigation was carried out using the Library and Information Science Abstracts (LISA) database. After careful evaluation, sixteen articles were selected, which constituted the basis for the elaboration of a descriptive model for research data management in academic libraries. The results of this showed that the elaboration of the policy and of the research data management plan, the development of technological infrastructure, the processing and analysis of data, the sharing and preservation of data, and the training of researchers and librarians, are the main actions developed by libraries. However, the libraries face challenges such as dealing with disciplinary differences, the lack of financial resources, the awareness of researchers for developing the research data management plan, the creation of data repositories, the definition of standards for data sharing and archiving, and the lack of training for librarians in research data management services. To overcome all of this, it is concluded that the professional updating of the librarian, is essential.
Covid-19: Implications for Corporate Governance and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Africa

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has undoubtedly brought a lot of disruptions into the world order—lives, livelihoods, national, and international economies and imposed what is now permeating as the “new normal” in all aspects of human activities. In Africa, the combination of severe health and economic crisis has forced governments to resort to issuing different fiscal and monetary measures as they grapple with the debilitating effects of COVID-19 pandemic on their people and economies, struggle to manage economic recessions, and prepare for a post-COVID-19 regeneration. For businesses, the impacts have not been less disruptive as the shocks and waves of uncertainties continue. As corporations battle to survive and sustain business continuity, the rates of corporate bankruptcy and insolvency mid and post COVID-19 remain speculative and uncertain. Yet the strategic roles of modern corporations in the socio-economic development of society, given the sheer volume of their economic resources alone—something that now makes some corporations more economically powerful than some states, have long been established. Drawing insights from the stakeholder’s theories of corporate governance and corporate social responsibility (CSR), this article examines the implications of COVID-19 for corporate governance and CSR, as well as the responses of corporations in Africa to deal with, support, and complement governments’ efforts in combating the pandemic’s menaces. It attempts to outline some of the challenges and significant improvements that are necessary to shape the future of corporate laws and legal reforms in Africa. The article concludes that sound corporate governance practice and corporate investment in CSR can help to shape the performance and resilience of corporations in Africa to adverse shocks such as the present COVID-19 pandemic.
Incorporation of modified cellulose nanocrystals to polyamide nanofiltration membrane for efficient removal of Cr(III) and Pb(II) ions from aqueous solutions

ABSTRACT In this study, thin-film nanocomposite nanofiltration (TFN) membranes were fabricated using interfacial polymerisation by incorporating modified cellulose nanoparticles (mNCs). In the first place, cellulose nanoparticles were modified by AAPTES, and were then dispersed in an organic solvent with the aim of reaction with the polyamide layer of TFC membrane. The resulting membranes were then tested for the removal of Cr(III) and Pb(II) heavy metals ions from wastewater. Modified nanoparticles and nanocomposite membranes were characterised by FTIR, TEM, AFM, SEM, and zeta potential. FTIR results showed the proper mNCs deposition on the surface of membranes. Also, SEM analyses demonstrated that the incorporation of mNCs to TFC membranes led to higher surface roughness. The performance results indicated that the water flux of TFN membranes increased from 42 L·m−2 h−1 to 125 L.m−2 h−1, which might have been due to the higher surface hydrophilicity of TFN membranes, while the rejection rates of Cr(NO3)3 and Pb(NO3)2 were over 99% at and 88%, respectively, showing a competitive and efficient removal of toxic heavy metal ions Pb(II) and Cr(III). Besides, regarding pH of the membranes, rejection performance of the membrane increased with increased pH so that at pH 8.5, the removal rates of Pb(II) and Cr(III) were 93% and 100%, respectively.
The impact of hearing impairment and hearing aid use on progression to mild cognitive impairment in cognitively healthy adults: a longitudinal study of 5721 participants

The increasing prevalence of dementia in older adults warrants attention to the identification of practices that can delay or reduce likelihood of progression to early forms of cognitive impairment, in particular, to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) which is often considered a transitional stage between healthy aging and dementia. In this study, we investigated the effect of hearing impairment and hearing aid usage on cognitive decline and progression to MCI in cognitively healthy individuals. We used data from a large referral-based cohort obtained from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center. The baseline sample included 5721 cognitively normal subjects aged ≥ 40. We found that hearing impairment was associated with increased risk of progression to MCI (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.40, 95%CI, 1.16-1.68, false discovery rate [FDR] P < 0.001) and an accelerated rate of cognitive decline (P < 0.001). Among hearing-impaired participants, hearing aid users were less likely to develop MCI (HR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.23-0.47; FDR P < 0.001) and experienced slower cognitive decline (P = 0.004) when compared to those not using hearing aids. We found no statistically significant differences in risk of conversion to MCI between individuals with normal hearing and hearing-impaired adults using hearing aids (HR, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.99-1.50; FDR P = 0.08). Our findings highlight the need for a randomized clinical trial that will allow us to investigate whether there is a causal relationship between hearing loss, hearing aid use, and conversion to MCI. Such knowledge could provide new and novel insights into prevention of cognitive impairment and dementia.
Impact of Vegetation Physiology and Phenology on Watershed Hydrology in a Semiarid Watershed in the Pacific Northwest in a Changing Climate

Changes in carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration and nitrogen (N) availability can affect land surface processes by regulating physiological (e.g., stomatal opening and closure) and phenological (e.g., leaf area index) responses, which in turn influence terrestrial water cycle dynamics. In this study, we apply the Community Land Model version 5 to investigate how projected environment changes in the 21st century can affect the hydrologic budget in the Upper Columbia‐Priest Rapids watershed, a typical semiarid watershed located in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Nine numerical experiments were performed to quantifying contributions of climate change, CO2 concentration, and N availability to the watershed hydrologic budget under two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) (i.e., RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). Our results show that compared to its historical value, evapotranspiration (ET) over the watershed increases by 15% and 12% by the end of the century under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 in responses to changes in meteorological forcing, and further increases by 16% and 11% when elevated CO2 concentrations are accounted for. The effect of N availability on the water balance is insignificant. Such an increase in ET is contributed by the overall increase in leaf area index of vegetation in response to increases in precipitation and CO2 concentration. However, corn‐dominated regions can respond to these changes differently, caused by its increased stomatal resistance under an elevated CO2 concentration with limited N. Our results demonstrate physiological and phenological responses can modulate watershed hydrologic budgets under projected future changes.
WOUND HEALING POTENTIALS OF LEAF AND BARK EXTRACTS OF DELONIX REGIA

Water and ethanol extracts of the leaves and bark of Delonix regia were studied foe their effects on wound healing in albino rats.Five groups of rats,A-E, of five rats per group were used.Any group to which leaf or bark ectrac was administered orally also received topical treatments of the leaf or bark extract suspension in olive oil.In group A(given water extract of leaves),the mean percentage reduction in wound diameters after 14 days was 78.77%,while the average levels of total protein,protease,ascorbic acid and zinc were 1.03mg/ml, 1.72ug/100ml, 67mg/dl and 1.00ug/100ml respectively.In group B(that received ethanol extract of leaves),the wound diameters reduced by 78.21%. Other parameters were:total protein (1.02mg/ml), protease (1.76ug/100ml), ascorbic acid (66.50mg/100ml) and zinc (3.05ug/100ml). Group C rats(given water extract of bark) had 80.35% reduction in wound diameter and serum levels of total protein,protease,ascorbic acid and zinc were 1.15mg/ml,1.2ug/100ml,80.13mg/100ml and 1.20ug/100ml respectively. Although wound healing took place in the control rats,it was more rapid in those treated with the extract of Delonix regia.Both the water and ethanol extracts were equally effective in promoting wound healing as their average wound diameters after 14 days differed by only about two percents.
Mathematical models of the development of industrial enterprises, with the effect of lagging internal and external investments

The article proposes new models of the dynamic development of enterprises that restore their production through internal and external delayed investments. Differential balance equations for such enterprises are established, which describe changes in factors of production and output. Proportional, progressive and digressive depreciation deductions are considered and their interaction with internal and external investments is investigated. The conditions of the limiting state of work of enterprises are formulated and the corresponding values of the factors of production are calculated. Various options for the development of enterprises, including their stable operation, temporary suspension of their activities for the period of technical re-equipment, and temporary partial curtailment of their production, have been investigated. The regularities of the influence of the volumes of depreciation deductions, internal and external investments on the dynamics of enterprise development are revealed. Numerical analysis of the developed models showed good agreement with the known statistical data on the work of industrial enterprises.
Haute couture-to-table? A study of luxury fashion-brand restaurants/Cafés

ABSTRACT The significant rise in luxury shopping has recently gained much attention. This paper seeks to better understand the factors involved in luxury consumption. Specifically, a list of 10 luxury fashion-brand restaurants/cafés are identified and used to survey customers’ motivations, perceptions, demographics, and purchase behavior. This study finds that brand equity drivers significantly influence individual’s intention to visit other luxury fashion-brand restaurants/cafés, and purchase products that are associate with the luxury fashion-brand restaurants/cafés where he/she has previously patronized. Female customers show loyalty to luxury fashion brand products and revisit that specific fashion brand restaurants/cafés. These findings enrich and update the existing body of knowledge on luxury-branded restaurants/cafés in relation to customers’ decision making. This study also provides practical implications for luxury fashion-brand F&B owners.
FBFET (feedback field-effect transistor)-based oscillator for neuromorphic computing

In this work, we propose a non-linear oscillating circuit using hysteresis characteristics of a feedback field-effect transistor (FBFET). By varying the device design parameters of FBFET, it turned out that we can regulate (a) the size of the oscillation window and (b) the operating voltage of the oscillation circuit. The FBFET-based oscillator would pave a new road for efficient use of neuromorphic computing algorithms.
Resource Allocation Algorithm for Physical Layer of Broadband Power Line Carrier Communication Applied to Electric Internet of Things

Broadband power line carrier communication adopts adaptive orthogonal frequency division multiplexing OFDM technology to effectively increase the communication rate, and provides ample communication resource guarantee for the realization of power multiservice applications. Aiming at the problem of broadband power line carrier communication resource allocation, this paper proposes a low-complexity physical layer resource allocation algorithm. First, based on the equal power allocation method, the set of subcarriers required by each user to meet their minimum rate requirements is determined, and the multi-user resource allocation problem is reduced to a single-user optimal power allocation problem, and then the Lagrange multiplier method is used to optimize the power of the sub-carrier set used by each user to further improve the system throughput. Experiments show that the algorithm in this paper has higher throughput and can meet the minimum rate requirements of more users.
An Approach to Assess Sustainable Supply Chain Agility for a Manufacturing Organization

Worldwide business organizations realize that agility of sustainable supply-chain is a requisite need for survival in a dynamic, competitive, and unpredictable market. The contribution of this research is to explore and evaluate sustainable agility in supply chains for a dairy manufacturing organization located in Saudi Arabia. Other contributions of this research are to update the literature about the different factors contributing to achieve agile supply chain, propose conceptual framework and assessment approach incorporating the relationships between sustainable supply-chain capabilities, enablers, and attributes, and shortlisting the agility barriers and how they would facilitate manufacturing organizations’ performance. The paper presents supply chain agility evaluation approach, which covers identification of agile supply-chain capabilities and drivers. It also presents a conceptual model and a framework to define agility level and barriers within the supply-chain. In the paper, fuzzy logic approach is preferred, owing to its capability to incorporate and deal with problems involving impreciseness and vagueness phenomena. Threshold-value in this study for the case organization is set to 0.24829. The outcome of the adopted approach indicates that 21 attributes performed below the threshold value; these attributes are further categorized as agility barriers. These are the barriers within their supply chain that impact the agility-level. For the case organization, the foremost priority is to enhance maintainability and serviceability to make it flexible and inexpensive to establish an agile responsive supply chain. At the same time, it should have priority to focus on development and integration of their core competencies to deal with cross-functional and cross-enterprise issues in supply chain. For the case organization, the agility level was found “very agile,” although it is below the “extremely agile. ” Thus, a study was developed to understand the behaviour of the supply chain agility and assess/evaluate it to support decision makers in order to develop a strategic solution for different organizational barriers.
Nuevos registros de Cylindrocopturus y la asociación con nuevas especies de Opuntia en el Estado de México

El conocimiento del área de distribución de los insectos de interés agrícola es vital para evaluar su impacto negativo en los agroecosistemas enfocados a la producción de cultivos de alto valor comercial. En este estudio se reportó a Cylindrocopturus biradiatus y C. ganglbaueri por primera vez en los municipios de Toluca, Temascaltepec y San Felipe del Progreso, Estado de México asociados con Opuntia spp. Se incluye a Opuntia robusta, O. huajuapensis y O. microdasys como nuevos hospederos de C. biradiatus así como a C. ganglbaueri ampliando su distribución hacia el Valle de Toluca y Norte del Estado de México. La incidencia de daño atribuida por Cylindrocopturus spp. hacia las areolas del nopal es documentada en este estudio y se espera contribuya al fomento de futuros estudios que permitan evaluar más a fondo la magnitud de sus daños y el diseño de estrategias locales de manejo integrado de plagas.
Enhancement of spin–orbit torque in WTe2/perpendicular magnetic anisotropy heterostructures

Spin–orbit torque (SOT), exerted to a ferromagnet from an adjacent non-magnetic layer, has been widely considered as a promising strategy to realize spintronic devices with high energy efficiency, endurance, and speed. Much effort has been devoted to the search for materials and structures that can generate strong SOTs. Recent investigations showed that two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides provide the potential to produce strong enough SOTs to manipulate the magnetic devices due to rich spin-dependent properties. Here, we present the study of SOT in WTe2/ferromagnet with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy devices, and an enhancement of SOT efficiency with the thickness of WTe2 is observed, which may be ascribed to the spin absorption at the WTe2/Ta interface and the spin Hall effect. This work demonstrates the possibility of manipulating magnetization by 2D materials and an avenue for engineering spintronic devices based on 2D materials.