Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bayesian quantile semiparametric mixed-effects double regression models

Semiparametric mixed-effects double regression models have been used for analysis of longitudinal data in a variety of applications, as they allow researchers to jointly model the mean and variance of the mixed-effects as a function of predictors. However, these models are commonly estimated based on the normality assumption for the errors and the results may thus be sensitive to outliers and/or heavy-tailed data. Quantile regression is an ideal alternative to deal with these problems, as it is insensitive to heteroscedasticity and outliers and can make statistical analysis more robust. In this paper, we consider Bayesian quantile regression analysis for semiparametric mixed-effects double regression models based on the asymmetric Laplace distribution for the errors. We construct a Bayesian hierarchical model and then develop an efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling algorithm to generate posterior samples from the full posterior distributions to conduct the posterior inference. The performance of the proposed procedure is evaluated through simulation studies and a real data application.
Uncertain Random Data Envelopment Analysis: Efficiency Estimation of Returns to Scale

Evaluating efficiency according to the different states of returns to scale (RTS) is crucial to resource allocation and scientific decision for decision-making units (DMUs), but this kind of evaluation will become very difficult when the DMUs are in an uncertain random environment. In this paper, we attempt to explore the uncertain random data envelopment analysis approach so as to solve the problem that the inputs and outputs of DMUs are uncertain random variables. Chance theory is applied to handling the uncertain random variables, and hence, two evaluating models, one for increasing returns to scale (IRS) and the other for decreasing returns to scale (DRS), are proposed, respectively. Along with converting the two uncertain random models into corresponding equivalent forms, we also provide a numerical example to illustrate the evaluation results of these models.
Antimicrobial Resistance; The Subtle Killer, in the Mid of Covid-19

The emergence and spread of COVID-19 around the world have been followed by an increase in antibiotics consumption. This is particularly due to the concern of secondary bacterial infections in COVID-19 patients partly due to the misconception of using antibiotics in treating the disease. The challenge in the situation is that currently in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA), identification and susceptibility of bacterial are uncommon practice in the hospitals. Healthcare providers are unable to effectively discriminate between bacterial and viral infections. Additionally, there remains a strong deliberation on the most effective way of treating COVID-19 infections. Thus, the use of antibiotics employed in COVID-19 patients could drag a second silent pandemic of bacteria resistance of antibiotics. On the other hand, the challenge of COVID-19 has thus increased the awareness and the importance of cleanliness such as hand washing, disinfection, and another equally esteemed hygiene measure that has helped to lessen the spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Though the above hygiene strategy is important, studies are needed to assess the development of AMR in the era of COVID-19. Resistance; The Subtle Killer, in the Mid of Covid-19.
Estimation of aboveground biomass from PolSAR and PolInSAR using regression-based modelling techniques

Abstract In the field of forestry studies, microwave remote sensing has broad applications due to the penetration into the semi-transparent media. This feature is used for the estimation of biophysical parameters and monitoring of deforestation. Therefore, the estimation of biophysical parameters is essential for assessing carbon stock management. Hence, the aboveground biomass (AGB) using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data is recognized as typical approaches in forest application. However, the integrated use of polarimetric (PolSAR) and interferometric (PolInSAR) data might be more efficient tools for AGB mapping. Accordingly, in this study with the integrated data, the efficiency of machine learning techniques including random forest regression (RFR) and multiple linear regression (MLR) model were assessed and compared for the prediction of AGB. The analyses were performed using an image pair of fully polarimetric Radarsat-2 C-band data set and the related field data of Malhan Forest Range, Dehradun Forest Division, which were collected using the systematic sampling technique. Particularly, the training and testing of the models were done using the field sample plots. The experimental results showed that the RFR algorithm provided a better prediction result of AGB than the MLR model. The correlation coefficient (R 2) and root-mean-square error (RMSE) for the RFR algorithm was estimated to be around 0.65 and 24.33 Mg/ha, respectively, while for the MLR model, R2 and RMSE are estimated as 0.54 and 33.05 Mg/ha, respectively. Therefore, it was concluded that the prediction of AGB through the machine learning technique using PolSAR and PolInSAR data has a significant advantage for accurate estimation of the AGB.
Interpreting anomalies observed in oxide semiconductor TFTs under negative and positive bias stress

Oxide semiconductor thin-film transistors can show anomalous behavior under bias stress. Two types of anomalies are discussed in this paper. The first is the shift in threshold voltage (VTH) in a direction opposite to the applied bias stress, and highly dependent on gate dielectric material. We attribute this to charge trapping/detrapping and charge migration within the gate dielectric. We emphasize the fundamental difference between trapping/detrapping events occurring at the semiconductor/dielectric interface and those occurring at gate/dielectric interface, and show that charge migration is essential to explain the first anomaly. We model charge migration in terms of the non-instantaneous polarization density. The second type of anomaly is negative VTH shift under high positive bias stress, with logarithmic evolution in time. This can be argued as electron-donating reactions involving H2O molecules or derived species, with a reaction rate exponentially accelerated by positive gate bias and exponentially decreased by the number of reactions already occurred.
Photocatalytic Selective Oxidation of Ammonia in a Semi-Batch Reactor: Unravelling the Effect of Reaction Conditions and Metal Co-Catalysts

Photocatalysis has been used for the oxidation of ammonia/ammonium in water. A semibatch photoreactor was developed for this purpose, and nanostructured TiO2-based materials, either commercial P25 or prepared by flame spray pyrolysis (FSP), were used as catalysts. In the present work, we investigated the effect of (i) metal co-catalysts, (ii) pH, and (iii) ammonia concentration on the efficiency of oxidation and on the selectivity to the undesired overoxidation byproduct, i.e., nitrites and nitrates. Several metals were added to both titania samples, and the physicochemical properties of every sample were studied by XRD, BET, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The pH, which was investigated in the range of 2.5–11.5, was the most important parameter. The optimum pH values, resulted as 11.5 and 4.8 for P25 and FSP respectively, matching the best compromise between an acceptable conversion and a limited selectivity toward nitrite and nitrate formation. For both titania samples (P25 and FSP), ammonia conversion vs. nitrite and nitrate formation were highly dependent on the pH. At pH ≥ 9, the initial rate of photooxidation was high, with selective formation of overoxidized byproducts, whereas, at a more acidic pH, the conversion was lower, but the selectivity toward nitrogen formation was higher. P25 samples added with noble metal co-catalysts (0.1 mol% Ag, Au, Pd, Pt) at pH = 11.5 remarkably increased the selectivity to nitrite and nitrate, while, in the case of FSP samples (pH = 4.8), the co-catalysts increased the selectivity toward N2 with respect to the unpromoted catalyst and also the conversion in the case of Au and Pt. Reactivity was discussed, leading to the proposing of a mechanism that correlates the activity with either surface adsorption (depending of the surface charge of the catalyst and on pH) or the homogeneous reactivity of oxidizing species.
User Abnormal Viewing Behavior Detection Method Based On Canopy-FCM and Improved Isolation Forest Algorithm

In order to analyze the users’ viewing behavior more accurately, allow IPTV service providers to provide better services to users, and improve the user’s viewing experience, this paper proposes a detection method of abnormal user viewing behavior based on Canopy-FCM and improved isolation forest algorithm. First, the collected viewership data is preprocessed and stored with the user viewing behavior matrix, then the Canopy-FCM clustering algorithm is used to classify users with the same rating behavior. Then, an improved isolated forest algorithm is used to perform anomaly detection and analysis on the users classified above, and finally screen out abnormal user viewing behaviors. Finally, NMI indicators and ROC curves are used to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm to verify the feasibility of the proposed anomaly detection method. The results show that the method proposed in this paper has a high precision and recall rate for detecting users with abnormal ratings.
Development of Iron-Doped Hydroxyapatite Coatings

It is known that iron is found as a trace element in bone tissue, the main inorganic constituent of which is hydroxyapatite. Therefore, iron-doped hydroxyapatite (HApFe) materials could be new alternatives for many biomedical applications. A facile dip coating process was used to elaborate the iron-doped hydroxyapatite (HApFe) nanocomposite coatings. The HApFe suspension used to prepare the coatings was achieved using a co-precipitation method, which was adapted in the laboratory. The quality of the HApFe suspension was assessed through dynamic light scattering (DLS), ultrasonic measurements, and zeta potential values. The hydroxyapatite XRD patterns were observed in the HApFe nanocomposite with no significant shifting of peak positions, thus suggesting that the incorporation of iron did not significantly modify the hydroxyapatite structure. The morphology of the HApFe nanoparticles was evaluated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used in order to investigate the morphologies of HApFe particles and coatings, while their chemical compositions were assessed using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The SEM results suggested that the HApFe consists mainly of spherical nanometric particles and that the surfaces of the coatings are continuous and homogeneous. Additionally, the EDS spectra highlighted the purity of the samples and confirmed the presence of calcium, phosphorous, and iron in the analyzed sample. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the HApFe suspensions and coatings was evidenced using osteoblast cells. The MTT assay showed that both the HApFe suspensions and coatings exhibited biocompatible properties.
Identification of lithology and fluid content using simultaneous inversion in the “IM” field of the North Sumatra Basin

The “IM” field is an oil and gas exploration field located in the North Sumatra Basin. It was previously identified that in this field hydrocarbons were found in the form of gas condensate. This study aims to characterize the reservoir in terms of lithological distribution and fluid content. The research includes carbonate reservoir targets located in Middle Miocene Malacca Limestone. The data used in this study are 3D seismic data and two wells data. The simultaneous inversion method is applied to process data so that research objectives can be achieved. The simultaneous inversion method produces Acoustic Impedance (Zp), Shear Impedance (Zs). The results show that in the gas reservoir the acoustic impedance (Zp) value is around 16542 - 18917 (ft/s*g/cc) and the shear impedance(Zs) is around 8375 (ft/s*g/cc) while in the water reservoir the acoustic impedance (Zp) value is around 21292 - 23667 (ft/s*g/cc) and the shear impedance (Zs) is around 18500-20525 (ft/s*g/cc). The results showed that the reservoir distribution has a North West-South East orientation.
Simulation of Groundwater Flow in an Aquiclude for Designing a Drainage System during Urban Construction: A Case Study in Madrid, Spain

A detailed hydrogeological study was carried out due to the recent occurrence of unexpected problems associated with the flooding of the water table during excavations in the area of a major urbanization work in Madrid. The numerous exploratory drilling excavations carried out allowed for the development of a conceptual model of the complex hydrogeological functioning in clay formations in an urban area. The clays have very little natural recharge, and the underground flow is highly conditioned by the topography and a fold-fault. Modelling with MODDFLOW confirmed and quantified this conceptual model and also allowed for the design of an efficient network of 1.5 km-long drainage trenches. The design of this drainage network was influenced by the difficult balance that must be respected in order not to contaminate the water with sulphates from the nearby gypsum substrate. This is to guarantee the quantitative and qualitative sustainability of the groundwater. The follow-up and monitoring of the water tables and the quality of the groundwater for more than a year after the excavation of the drainage trenches guaranteed the results of the research.
Get WISE (Wellness through Intergenerational Social Engagement): An Intergenerational Summer Program for Children and Long-term Care Residents

ABSTRACT A diverse intergenerational (IG) program, the Get WISE program, was implemented at a long-term care facility with a nearby childcare center and a local university. Pre-post measures from the children regarding perceptions of older adults, and from the long-term care residents regarding their self-rated health, depressive symptoms, and perceptions of resident-youth interactions were collected. Significant improvements were observed in perceptions of resident-youth interactions. Children’s responses expanded from stereotypes of physical aging to positive temperaments and activities of older adults. IG programs can improve the quality of relationships between participants and have cognitive, health, and quality of life benefits.
Short communication Synergistic antinociception by the cannabinoid receptor agonist anandamide and the PPAR-α receptor agonist GW7647

The analgesic properties of cannabinoid receptor agonists are well characterized. However, numerous side effects limit the therapeutic potential of these agents. Here we report a synergistic antinociceptive interaction between the endogenous cannabinoid receptor agonist anandamide and the synthetic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) agonist 2-(4-(2-(1-Cyclohexanebutyl)-3-cyclohexylureido)ethyl)phenylthio)-2methylpropionic acid (GW7647) in a model of acute chemical-induced pain. Moreover, we show that anandamide synergistically interacts with the large-conductance potassium channel (KCa1.1, BK) activator isopimaric acid. These findings reveal a synergistic interaction between the endocannabinoid and PPAR-α systems that might be exploited clinically and identify a new pharmacological effect of the BK channel activator isopimaric acid. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Identifying Geomorphic Process Domains in the Synthetic Landscapes of West Virginia, USA

Human activities such as mining, agriculture, and urbanization have resulted in severe, large‐scale alteration to landform organization and associated geomorphic processes. The mountaintop mining (MTM) region of West Virginia, USA has experienced dramatic topographic alteration, by removing steep slopes and introducing plateau‐like areas at ridgelines and benches on valley fills. The resulting engineered landforms create synthetic landscapes, disconnected from previous geomorphic processes. Invoking the process domain concept, we compare differences in slope‐area relations, cumulative area distributions (CADs), elevation, slope, upslope accumulated area, and a slope*area product before and after mining to adjacent unmined sub‐catchments in five study basins. Differences in the slope‐area relation include a 42% slope reduction in low drainage areas, corresponding to hillslopes, unchanneled valleys, and debris flow dominated channels, which may fall below thresholds required for debris flow processes. The curved slope‐area relation that represents valley incision by debris flows is replaced by slope‐area relations that resemble basins where gullying and the stream power law dominate. Extremely high chemical weathering of unconsolidated valley fills materials may facilitate process domain shifts from debris flows to gullying and fluvial erosion. The characteristic power law scaling break in CADs that represents the headward limit of the channelized network is subdued in post‐mined sites and may reflect headward channelized network extension in mined basins. Slope‐area relations and CADs present a unique topographic signature of MTM activity, potentially providing an analytical approach to assess impacts on underlying geomorphic processes for other synthetic landscapes such as cities or large‐scale agricultural production.
Central Place Theory and the Emergence of Floating Markets in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam

This research re-examines Walter Christaller (1933)’s central place theory paradigm to explain the emergence of a network of floating markets in the Mekong River Delta’s dense network of rivers and canals. Because road transportation is underdeveloped, floating markets play an important role for local people. They provide access to transportation and opportunities to trade, especially for the region’s diverse agricultural products. Furthermore, the floating markets support inland infrastructures. This research challenges Christaller’s (1933) assumptions about population thresholds and geographical range, and Mulligan et al.’s (2012) understanding of interaction among consumer choices, company aggregation and functional hierarchy. It finds that riverine traders employ flexible transaction strategies.
FACTORS AFFECTING LOCAL FARMERS ADOPTION OF EUCALYPTUS WOODLOT IN JAMMA DISTRICT, SOUTH WOLLO ZONE, AMHARA REGIONAL STATE OF ETHIOPIA

Eucalyptus is one of the most widely planted exotic tree species grown in Ethiopia. The spices have been planted as a woodlot by local farmers and became one of the most economically important tree plants. The main objective of the study was to identify factors that determine the local farmers’ decision making of eucalyptus woodlot production in Jamma District, Ethiopia. The survey was carried out on 150 local farmers who were selected through systematic random sampling. The collected raw data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analysis. The result of the study shows that landholding size, Farmers' education level; the age of the farmers were positive significantly affecting the adoption of eucalyptus woodlot. On the other hand fertility of land, family size and distance from the market was affecting the farmer's adoption of Eucalyptus woodlot production negatively. To protect the forest from deforestation and increase the income of households, it recommends that policymakers should work with stakeholders to create an enabling policy environment to support Eucalyptus production in Ethiopia.
A Comparative Study on Air Pollution Characteristics in Four Key Cities during 2013 in Guangxi Province, China

Based on ambient air quality data of the four key cities (Nanning, Liuzhou, Guilin, and Beihai) in Guangxi, China, along with an analysis of the main emission sources, topographic features, weather conditions, and backward trajectories, the variation of main air pollutants and pollution episodes in the four cities were studied. Results showed that air pollution was most serious in Liuzhou and Guilin, followed by Nanning and Beihai. PM2.5 was the dominant pollutant in each city, followed by O3, PM10, and NO2. Concentrations of SO2 and CO did not exceed their National Ambient Air Quality Standard Grade II limit values. In the cities, the concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and SO2 were high during fall and winter and low during spring and summer, while the concentrations of O3 were high during fall and low during the other seasons. Concentrations of CO were low during summer and high during the other seasons in Nanning and Liuzhou, while they were high during spring and winter and low during summer and fall in Guilin and Beihai. In these cities, pollution episodes resulted mainly from stagnant accumulation and showed characteristics of regional pollution. However, pollution levels and durations for each city were different due to differences in main pollution sources, local geography, and weather conditions. The influences of air masses on the four cities were similar. They were mainly influenced by local emission sources in the spring, while during autumn, long-distance transportation from Hunan and Hubei was significant. In winter, air pollution in Nanning and Beihai was mostly affected by local emission sources, and that in Liuzhou and Guilin was mainly affected by long-distance transportation from the south and northeast of Guangxi.
Numerical Solution of a Nonlinear Diffusion Model for Soybean Hydration with Moving Boundary

Abstract Variable diffusivity and volume of the grains are taken into account in the diffusion model that describes mass transfer in soybean hydration. The variable space grid method (VSGM) was used to consider the increase in grain size, and the diffusivity was considered an exponential function of the moisture content. An equation for the behavior of the grain radius as a function of time was obtained by global mass balance over the soybean grain and the differential equation considered that the increase in radius happens due to the influence of the convective and diffusive fluxes at the surface of the grains. The model was solved by an explicit numerical scheme which presented satisfactory results. The results showed the behavior of moisture profiles obtained as a function of time and radial position and also showed how the grain radius increased with time and changed the solution domain of the diffusion equation.
Building MOF Bottles (MIL-101 Family as Heterogeneous Single-Site Catalysts) Around H 3 PW 12 O 40 Ships: An Efficient Catalyst for Selective Oxidation of Sulfides to Sulfoxides and Sulfones

The direct encapsulation of tungstophosphoric acid (PW12) into MIL-101 was done (PW12@MIL(101)en). The addition of PW12 to the synthesis mixture of MIL-101 yielded the direct encapsulation of chromium-containing polyoxometalates (POMs) inside the metal organic framework (MOF) structure, with a good distribution over the MIL-101 crystals. Another PW12 composite (PW12@MIL(101)im) was prepared via the impregnation of the polyoxometalate in MIL-101. The structural and textural characterizations of PW12@MIL(101) were done using FTIR, X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption-desorption, and TEM. XRD and adsorption–desorption analysis showed that the mesostructure of MIL-101 remains intact after vanadium oxide modifications, while spectral technique showed the successful immobilizing of the neat vanadium oxide inside the MIL-101 cavities. PW12@MIL(101) has emerged as highly efficient and heterogeneous catalyst for selective oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides and sulfones because of its high specific surface area, tuneable pore size, and unique structure. KeywordsMetal-organic Frameworks (MOFs); MIL-101; Heterogeneous Catalyst; Phosphotungstic Acid (PW12); Encapsulation; Impregnation