Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An investigation of the prevalence of stress among graduate and post-graduate Indian students during COVID 19 pandemic by means of factor analysis

Objective: Since December 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has posed a considerable threat with its associated high mortality, infection, and hazard of physical, mental, emotional, financial, and spiritual stress (WHO, 2020). A large number of students are affected due to a chronic break from classroom academic activities, the pressure of being hired for an internship or final placement and staying at home. The main focus of this learning is to know the stressors of graduate and post-graduate Indian students and their major hurdles during the COVID-19 lockdown. Further, the study aims to facilitate a proposed model of training, by combining 7 psychosocial variables of emotional resilience which might empower the students to cater to stressors and improve personal, academic, and professional effectiveness (Chen et.al, 2020; Horesh et.al, 2020) Methods: Using a convenience method, an internet survey of the 6-item COVID-19 Student Stress Questionnaire (CSSQ) (modified version Zurlo et.al, 2020) was conducted on students across India. together with their demographic details, the participants also reported their study patterns and challenges during their confinement period. The statistical scores for the responses were calculated and also the demographic variables analyzed using the factor analysis technique. (Ahorsu et.al,2020) Findings, discussion, and implications: The findings suggest that self-awareness, self-regulation, mental agility, optimism, self-efficacy, sense of belonging and psychological safety may be the important emotional resilience to be developed among the Indian students to cope with physical, mental, emotional, financial, and spiritual stressors confronted by them during COVID 19 pandemic to increase personal and professional effectiveness (Maria et.al, 2020, Zurlo et.al. 2017) Conclusion: The study has several practical implications for counseling psychologists, academicians, parents, life coaches handling youth and mental health workers related to the graduate and post-graduate education sector (Taylor et.al, 2020; Sahu et.al, 2020).
Optimal Price-maker Trading Strategy of Wind Power Producer Using Virtual Bidding

This paper proposes a stochastic optimization model for generating the optimal price-maker trading strategy for awind power producer using virtual bidding, which is a kind of financial tool available in most electricity markets of the United States. In the proposed model, virtual bidding is used to improve the wind power producer's market power in the day-ahead (DA) market by trading at multiple buses, which are not limited to the locations of the wind units. The optimal joint wind power and virtual trading strategy is generated by solving a bi-level nonlinear stochastic optimization model. The upper-level problem maximizes the total expected profit of the wind power and virtual bidding while using the conditional value at risk (CVaR) for risk management. The lower-level problem represents the clearing process of the DA market. By using the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) conditions, duality theory, and big-M method, the bi-level nonlinear stochastic model is firstly transferred into an equivalent single-level stochastic mathematical program with the equilibrium constraints (MPEC) model and then a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model, which can be solved by existing commercial solvers. To reduce the computational cost of solving the proposed stochastic optimization model for large systems, a method of reducing the number of buses considered for virtual bidding is proposed to simplify the stochastic MPEC model by reducing its decision variables and constraints related to virtual bidding. Case studies are performed to show the effectiveness of the proposed model and the method of reducing the number of buses considered for virtual bidding. The impacts of the transmission limits, wind unit location, risk aversion parameters, wind power volatility, and wind and virtual capacities on the price-maker trading strategy arealso studied through case studies.
Serum levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) and cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) in dogs diagnosed with cutaneous lymphoma

effusive clinical condition may have contributed to the non-significant increase in the serum concentration of CA 125. The results of this study did not show a clinical significance in the concentrations of the serologic markers sIL-2R and CA 125 in dogs with cutaneous lymphoma for use as auxiliary and non-invasive methods for tumor staging and to relate to the prognosis. However, more large-scale studies evaluating animals throughout the period of treatment that involve the tumor microenvironment are needed to better characterize the influence of sIL-2R and CA 125 on the cancerous behavior of cutaneous lymphoma in dogs.
Vacation Queueing Model for Performance Evaluation of Multiple Access Information Transmission Systems without Transmission Interruption

We consider a MAP/PH/1-type queueing system with server vacations as a model that is useful for the analysis of multiple access systems with polling discipline without transmission interruption. Vacation of the server corresponds to the service providing competitive information flows to the polling system. In this paper, we consider a vacation queueing model under pretty general assumptions about the probabilistic distributions describing the behavior of the system and the realistic assumption, in many real-world systems, that ongoing service cannot be terminated ahead of schedule. We derive the criterion of the stable operation of the system and the stationary distributions of the system states and the waiting time. An illustrative numerical example is presented.
Rhamnolipid Biosurfactants—Possible Natural Anticancer Agents and Autophagy Inhibitors

Background/Aim: A number of biologically active substances were proved as an alternative to conventional anticancer medicines. The aim of the study is in vitro investigation of the anticancer activity of mono- and di-Rhamnolipids (RL-1 and RL-2) against human breast cancer. Additionally, the combination with Cisplatin was analyzed. Materials and Methods: Breast cell lines (MCF-10A, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) were treated with RLs and in combination with Cisplatin. The viability was analyzed using MTT assay, and investigation of autophagy was performed via acridine orange staining. Results: In contrast to the healthy cells, both tested cancer lines exhibited sensitivity to RLs treatment. This effect was accompanied by an influence on the autophagy-related acidic formation process. Only for the triple-negative breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) the synergistic effect of the combined treatment (10 µM Cisplatin and 1 µg/mL RL-2) was observed. Conclusion: Based on studies on the reorganization of membrane models in the presence of RL and the data about a higher amount of lipid rafts in cancer cell membranes than in non-tumorigenic, we suggest a possible mechanism of membrane remodelling by formation of endosomes. Shortly, in order to have a synergistic effect, it is necessary to have Cisplatin andRL-2 as RL2 is a molecule inducingpositive membrane curvature.
Seasonal and spatial distribution of heavy metals in an industrially affected river sediment and evaluation of ecological risk, health risk & pollution source

Present study sketched to quantify heavy metals (Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, As) in sediment samples (Dry and Rainy season) of an industrially affected river namely Shitalakshya by Energy Dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) technique. Different geochemical indices and multivariate statistical analysis were applied to define the accumulation, source and level of metal pollution in the sediment samples and probabilistic health risk implications due to dermal contact of sediment was also evaluated. Study revealed mean heavy metal (HM) concentrations in a sequence of Mn > Zn > Cu > Cr > Ni > Pb > As > Cd for both the seasons and almost all the elements were found within the suggestive standard value by various agencies with an exception of Cd and As. Enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF) and pollution load index (PLI) indicated a high level of contamination by HM and a moderate level of Ecological risk was assessed for both the season. Hazard Index (HI), known as non-carcinogenic health risk for all the elements studied found bellow 1, indicating no harm for health and total carcinogenic risk also revealed the safe range. Results of multivariate statistical analysis indicates, the possible sources are mostly anthropogenic which may be owing to discharge of untreated wastes from various industries, metal and waste dumping sites, oil and refinery industries, glass and ceramic industries as they are located closely to the sampling sites of the Shitalakshya river.
Face Mask Detection Using LabView

Rapid worldwide spread of Corona virus Disease 2019 (COVID 19) has resulted in a global pandemic. In present scenario due to covid-19, the mask has been an important part of our live for our safety as well as for the others safety so there is a need for efficient face mask detection applications in crowded areas like shopping malls, Public transportation etc. To ensure safety of the people in the surroundings. Face Mask Detection using NI LabVIEW. In this project a real-time system is developed to detect whether the person is wearing a mask or not by acquiring a real-time image of him through a Camera. The main challenges in detecting the mask are there are masks with various colors and patterns and secondly the background, light intensity are also the factors that affect the result. So, all these factors should be taken into consideration while developing the system in real-time. This system used for this application consists of vision development module. Vision development module helps to develop applications for machine vision and image processing applications we can use it with LabVIEW for real- time systems. A camera with good pixel quality is used for image acquisition. The captured image is of RGB format, it is difficult to analyze the image in this format, so it undergoes color plane extraction in this only a single plane of the image is considered which separates the mask from surroundings and results in a grey scale image for further processing. The image later is compared to a custom-made template dataset using pattern matching algorithm from vision assistant which helps to detect the mask region. overlaying techniques are used to highlight the mask region which shows that the person is wearing the mask.
Bifunctional electrocatalysts for Zn–air batteries

Rechargeable metal–air batteries have recently attracted significant attention because of their high theoretical energy output and low cost. Among metal–air batteries, Zn–air batteries (ZABs) have garnered renewed interest as one of the most viable future options to power energy grids and electric vehicles. However, the slow oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetics represent a limiting factor for the energy conversion efficiency of state-of-the-art ZABs. The focus of this review is the latest advances related to the development of non-precious metal catalysts. Four groups of bifunctional catalysts used in primary/secondary ZABs are reviewed. These include transition metal oxides (single/mixed-metal oxides, spinels and perovskites), transition metals, carbon-based materials and precious metals/alloys. ZAB electrochemistry and challenges originating from individual components of the system, such as the Zn electrodes, electrolytes and separators, are also outlined. In addition, the design and architecture of the air-electrode are discussed for future development of ZABs.
A comparison of most to least prompting, no‐no prompting and responsive prompt delay procedures

Discrete trial training is a commonly used to teach children with autism spectrum disorder and related intellectual disabilities. A number of prompting and error correction strategies can be implemented when using discrete trial training. These strategies need to be effective and efficient. We compared a novel procedure, responsive prompt delay, to most to least prompting and no ‐ no prompting. A parallel treatments design, nestled in a modified multiple probe design (Horner & Baer, 1978), was used to compare the three procedures with three participants. The responsive prompt delay procedure was at least as effective as the most to least prompting and no ‐ no prompting procedures for three participants; the time required for each participant to master the skills was variable across procedures.
Economic Impact of the Move to Strategic Reporting in the U.K.

The demand for enhanced corporate reporting has surged amidst debates as to its benefits. In 2013, the United Kingdom (U.K.) mandated Strategic Reporting (SR) for corporations, replacing Enhanced Business Reporting (EBR) (a form of enhanced Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A)). We identify factors associated with high-quality SR, studying its economic impact. We also examine the economic impact of changes from EBR to SR. Using proprietary data from PwC U.K., we find corporate governance, financial resources, external monitoring mechanisms and CSR performance are key drivers for high-quality SR. Regarding economic impact, we find a positive association between the disclosure quality of Strategic Reports and capital market benefits, including higher liquidity, lower cost of capital, and more accurate, less dispersed analysts’ forecasts. The effects of higher liquidity and lower cost of capital are more pronounced in the post- compared to pre-SR period, suggesting SR enables more effective capital market communication than EBR.
Effects of MgO-ZSM-23 Zeolite Catalyst on the Pyrolysis of PET Bottle Waste

The pyrolysis reaction of poly(ethylene terephthalate) or PET bottle waste was conducted comparatively in two cases: without catalyst and with MgO-ZSM-23 zeolite catalyst. The pyrolysis of PET was successfully decomposed to the product of liquid/wax, char, and gas (major product). Applying MgO-ZSM-23 catalyst, the product shows pronounced higher yield of gas (72.5 vs. 58.7 wt.%) and less yield of char solid (8 vs. 17.6 wt.%). The gas product shows less yield of CO2 (75 vs. 98 wt.%) but gives higher hydrocarbon gas fractions of C1–C5 (25 vs. 2.1 wt.%). In liquid/wax products, the catalytic pyrolysis shifted the product spectrum from higher molecular weight, e.g., biphenyl, terphenyl to benzene derivatives, predominantly in “benzoic acid”.
The Importance of Internal and External Factors for the Selection Decision of Expatriates

Today’s global business environment sets the platform for international employee assignments. As organisation globalise their operations, the roles and responsibilities of the Human Resource department are transformed and face the pressure of globalisation. Therefore, the selection of expatriates to fill international assignment is challenging because of the complex nature of internal and external factors of the selection decision of expatriates like Cost, Expatriate Performance, Expatriate Failure, Political factor, Legal factor, Economic factor, Socio-culture, Family requirements, and Multinational enterprise requirements (MNE), etc. The result of the studies shows the complex nature of the expatriate selection decision during the international assignment which will have a huge impact on the selection decision of expatriates and the success of the organisation on the global level market in the world of competition.
Business cycles and tourism imports in the South Pacific

The demand for international tourism in Australia and New Zealand is vital to the South Pacific’s tourism-reliant islands. However, at the time of this study these two countries find themselves in precarious economic situations. The question addressed by this study is, will tourism imports in these two countries pick up on the back of economic recovery? We answer this question using time-difference analysis and the newly developed Hamilton filter. The short answer is yes, but more so in New Zealand than Australia. The key findings of this study are that tourism demand in both Australia and New Zealand is pro-cyclical, tourism demand cycles in New Zealand strongly lag business cycles by 1 year, whereas in Australia, they weakly lag business cycles by one quarter, and, overall, tourism demand and business cycles in New Zealand share a stronger association than they do in Australia.
Português Língua Estrangeira: uma proposta de ensino sistêmico

Desde o anúncio da necessidade de ações que versem sobre a internacionalização no âmbito do Ensino Superior brasileiro, inúmeros foram os projetos e programas propostos e desenvolvidos em universidades federais, dentre os quais se destaca o Idiomas sem Fronteiras (IsF). Nesse sentido, tendo como finalidade dar visibilidade e compartilhar estudos e práticas de ensino, este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar princípios do Ciclo de Ensino e Aprendizagem norteadores no desenvolvimento de cursos de Português como Língua Estrangeira no IsF na Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), bem como os resultados de uma experiência docente, vivenciada a partir de um levantamento qualiquantitativo e interpretativista envolvendo discentes estrangeiros matriculados em cursos de graduação e pós-graduação na UFSM. Desse modo, a perspectiva teórica e metodológica adotada se baseia nos estudos de Martin e Rose (2008) e Rose e Martin (2012). Os resultados alcançados sinalizam o perfil de acadêmicos estrangeiros na universidade e apontam algumas de suas demandas de aprendizagem sobre a Língua Portuguesa usada no Brasil. A experiência realizada envolveu o desenvolvimento de atividades de desconstrução, construção conjunta e individual de textos e resultou na publicação de um livreto de resenhas de filmes. Os textos produzidos pelos alunos serviram como instrumento de avaliação do processo de ensino e aprendizagem e da eficácia dos postulados de Martin e Rose (2008) e Rose e Martin (2012) no contexto situado.
Review on dust deposition and cleaning methods for solar PV modules

Dust accumulation significantly affects the solar PV(Photovoltaic) performance, resulting in a considerable decrease in output power, which can be reduced by 40% with the dust of 4 g/m2. Understanding the dust deposition characteristics of PV modules can provide theoretical support for selecting dust cleaning methods and formulating cleaning strategies. This paper introduced the factors affecting dust accumulation and presented the research status of dust deposition mechanisms. Moreover, the dust cleaning methods were discussed and compared. In future research, a comprehensive particle deposition model including surface energy and other factors could be established to explore the dust accumulation mechanism. Additionally, investigating the particle deposition condition to determine the deposition of particles is beneficial to understanding the dust accumulation characteristics and predicting the dust accumulation amount. Compared with mechanical cleaning methods, the cleaning effect of electrostatic (cleaning efficiency can reach 90%), coating, and acoustic wave methods is superior. If the three methods can be combined, using an electrostatic or coating method to remove small particles and acoustic waves to remove large particles is a promising approach.
High speed rail as urban generator? An analysis of land use change around European stations

ABSTRACT New High-Speed Rail stations are often expected to act as catalysts for regional and local urban and economic development. Accessibility improvements are assumed to increase locational attractiveness for households and companies, motivating municipal decision-makers to allocate land for urban development projects, particularly in the immediate vicinity of new stations. However, most empirical studies call such automatic effects into question, pointing to the importance of additional local factors, such as station location within the urban context. We construct a dataset of 232 stations in 11 countries in Europe to analyse evolving station placement strategies as well as land use changes in the surroundings of High-Speed Rail stations before and after construction. We find that stations close to the existing urban fabric and well connected by complementary regional and local public transport are on average associated with more land use change, while peripheral stations outside of metropolitan regions hardly attract any development.
Board Effectiveness, Entrepreneurial Orientation and Corporate Culture: Evidence from an Emerging Economy

There is a dearth and mixed empirical evidence regarding the relationship between corporate board effectiveness and entrepreneurial orientation in a large-scale organizational setting. The purpose of this paper is to address this deficiency by investigating the link between board effectiveness and entrepreneurial orientation including the possible moderators that influence such a connection in an emerging country context. A quantitative survey was conducted representing the top 100 listed non-financial companies in Sri Lanka. Correlation and hierarchical regression analysis were employed in testing the hypotheses of the study. Study findings indicated that entrepreneurial orientation is significantly associated and predicted by board effectiveness in Sri Lankan context. The relationship between board effectiveness and firm innovative behavior is significantly moderated by the corporate cultural characteristics measured via competing value framework. The study is noteworthy due to, (1) the adoption of a multi-theoretic perspective to conceptualize board effectiveness, (2) an attempt to link resource-dependency theory and the resource-based view of entrepreneurship to understand the aforementioned link between board effectiveness and entrepreneurial orientation, (3) an attempt to understand the role of corporate culture to strengthen the aforementioned link. The study has a momentous value for theoretical advancement in corporate governance and entrepreneurship literature. The study findings provide a notable practical value for board members, senior decision-makers, and policymakers in emerging countries.