Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synchronization for chaotic Lur'e systems based on adaptive quantized state measurements control design

In this paper, the master-slave synchronization of chaotic Lur'e systems is presented by means of quantization measurement of synchronization errors. The quantizer adopted takes finitely many values, which possess a common adjustable time-varying parameter. By using the adaptive laws for the time-varying parameter, and estimating boundary error values of quantization, a new adaptive quantized state controller design method with the quantized state measurements is proposed for chaotic Lur'e systems. Finally, numerical example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed the method.
Lessons learnt from teaching an Applied Drama and Theatre pedagogy online in a digitally divided South Africa

An Applied Drama and Theatre pedagogy is rooted in principles of embodiment, participation and collaboration, praxis and immersion in social contexts. Over the past fourteen years, the Drama for Life department at the University of the Witwatersrand prioritised the implementation of an Applied Drama and Theatre teaching and learning practice that is premised on our bodies operating within social and cultural contexts. Furthermore, the experiential pedagogy is reliant on physical presence and human contact for the purposes of reflection, transformation and education. With the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, this complex pedagogy faced a threat. How can we migrate an Applied Drama and Theatre curriculum to online learning platforms? Can we fully honour its pedagogical objectives remotely? The study explored how Applied Drama and Theatre educators re-envisioned and implemented strategies to maintain the integrity of the embodied pedagogy as it moved online. These collective approaches transpired amidst a disruptive digital divide within a South African context, which impacted connectivity, access and the hopes of a synchronous learning experience. From 2020 to 2021, the ethnographic study tracked and observed Drama for Life and its Applied Drama and Theatre educators as they;1) responded to the pandemic and identified its threats to the pedagogy;2) through processes of experimentation, transitioned the curriculum to online learning platforms;and 3) reflected on their discoveries, challenges and interim solutions throughout the journey. The study found (based on literature and data) that the pandemic provided higher education institutions and practitioners with an opportunity for directed change. Central to the collective strategies remained student centredness and pedagogical alignment. Although certain aspects of the Applied Drama and Theatre pedagogy have undeniably been compromised online, the study demonstrated that with increased efforts to bridge the digital divide, the strategies can be navigated continually with a carefully negotiated balance.
A Survey on Malware Attacks Analysis and Detected

Malware is one of the biggest problems modern internet users face. Private data and pricey computing resources are seriously threatened by the rise in malware attacks. Anti-malware businesses rely on signatures, which do in fact involve regular expressions and strings, to find malware and its related families. Recent malware attacks in recent years have demonstrated that signature-based techniques are error-prone and easily avoided by sophisticated malware programs. This essay provides an introductory overview of malware and analysis techniques used, as well as detection techniques used by researchers.
The contribution of accelerated school readiness program to learning continuity

This study was conducted to assess the contribution of accelerated school readiness programs for learning continuity in Borena and the west Guji Zone. A descriptive survey design was employed. Data were collected from teachers, directors, supervisors, and parent-teacher association members by using questionnaires, focus group discussions, and document analysis methods. The quantitative data were analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics such as mean, standard deviation, and t-test and whereas the qualitative data were analyzed by narration to support the quantitative findings. The result shows that accelerated school readiness program highly enhances students learning continuity for grade one. Besides, this program improved students' academic achievement in grades one and two. Accordingly, it is suggested that the funding organizations and the Ministry of Education should maintain the sustainability and institutionalization of the program particularly in the pastoralist areas since it is a better option of providing preschool education in the country. Keywords: Accelerated school readiness programs; learning continuity; school readiness
X-ray fluctuation timescale and Black Hole mass relation in AGN

Abstract We analyze the fluctuations in the X-ray flux of 20 AGN (mainly Seyfert 1 galaxies) monitored by RXTE and XMM-Newton with a sampling frequency ranging from hours to years, using structure function (SF) analysis. We derive SFs over four orders of magnitude in the time domain (0.03-300 days). Most objects show a characteristic time scale, where the SF flattens or changes slope. For 10 objects with published power-spectral density (PSD) the break time scales in the SF and PSD are similar and show a good correlation. We also find a significant correlation between the SF timescale and the mass of the central black hole, determined for most objects by reverberation mapping.
Minerals and fatty acids profile of armored catfish Pterygoplichthys pardalis from Ciliwung River, Indonesia

Abstract. Wijayanti F, Lisdaniyah A, Hasanah M, Elfidasari D. 2023. Minerals and fatty acids profile of armored catfish Pterygoplichthys pardalis from Ciliwung River, Indonesia. Nusantara Bioscience 15: 58-67. Fish is an important food source in human consumption due to its minerals and fatty acids needed for various body functions. One fish widely eaten by the people around the Ciliwung River, Indonesia is the armored catfish, Pterygoplichthys pardalis (Castelnau 1855). It has great economic value and is easily obtained by the residents along this river. Due to its high protein content, P. pardalis is a potential source of animal protein for humans. The unavailability of information detailing the minerals content and fatty acids in P. pardalis from the Ciliwung River makes it necessary to conduct this research to analyze the fish's minerals content and fatty acid profile. Analyses of minerals, fatty acid contents, and fatty acid profiles were conducted using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS), socletation, and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrophotometer (GC-MS) methods, respectively. The mineral content of P. pardalis from the highest order was calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron, and zinc. Based on P. pardalis body size, large fish had the highest calcium concentration content, and the lowest calcium content was found in the medium fish. The fat content in this fish was very low (<1%), and the content of Saturated Fatty Acids (SFA) was greater than unsaturated ones. Furthermore, palmitate acid was the dominant fatty acid in the fish, while the biggest ratio of omega-6: omega-3 is fatty acids.
On-Chip Quantization- and Correlation-Robust Jitter Measurement for Low Phase Noise and High Frequency Oscillators

For on-chip oscillator phase noise characterization and monitoring a common technique is the measurement of the equivalent cycle-to-cycle jitter. In this brief we show that the quantization introduced to the recorded jitter by the measurement with a time-to-digital converter can be prohibitive for calculating the phase noise, especially at high oscillation frequencies and for spectrally pure oscillators. A second drawback of this method is that supply voltage noise can mask the phase noise due to intrinsic device noise. To avoid these limitations, we investigate an approach where the oscillator under test is compared to an identical replica. The resulting time difference measurements are introduced as delta jitter. The validity of the method is proven in simulation and measurement of an on-chip jitter measurement macro designed in 16nm FinFET CMOS technology. The measurement results indicate both robustness against quantization error and a self-canceling of correlated influences on phase noise in delta jitter measurements.
Choir Management in Ghana: Overcoming Challenges to Sustain Musical Culture and Community Engagement

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to examine the unique challenges faced by choir directors in Ghana and provide recommendations for managing and thriving in this context. It aims to highlight the importance of resilience, resourcefulness, and cultural sensitivity in navigating the funding constraints, limited resources, intense competition, and cultural expectations that characterize the Ghanaian choir environment. Methodology: The methodology used in this article is not explicitly stated. However, the recommendations and insights provided are based on a combination of scholarly research, professional experiences, and observations related to choir management in Ghana. The authors gathered data through a literature review, interviews, and observations to understand the challenges faced by choir directors and identify effective strategies for managing them. Findings: The findings of this study suggest that choir directors in Ghana can overcome challenges and contribute to the country's musical heritage by implementing specific strategies. These include seeking diverse funding sources, engaging with local businesses, cultural organizations, and government agencies for financial support, promoting the unique qualities of their choirs, and emphasizing cultural authenticity, repertoire diversity, and innovative performances to attract audiences and sponsors. Recommendations: The theoretical ideas that informed this article's recommendations and the actual experiences that took place in the Ghanaian choir context validated them. The authors likely drew upon their expertise, scholarly research, and consultation with practitioners to develop and validate these recommendations. They should seek diverse funding sources, engage with local businesses and organizations, and promote the unique qualities of their choirs to attract audiences and sponsors. Policymakers are encouraged to support the development and sustainability of choirs in Ghana by recognizing their cultural significance and providing financial and logistical support. Policies that promote the arts, cultural preservation, and community engagement can contribute to the growth and success of choirs. Additionally, policies addressing funding constraints and resource limitations can alleviate some of the challenges faced by choir directors, enabling them to thrive and contribute to Ghana's musical landscape. The article aims to inspire and guide directors in managing choirs in Ghana, highlighting the potential for cultural enrichment and artistic excellence within this unique context.
Does the income of the chief executive officer affect the quality of corporate financial statements? An evidence from industrial firms in Vietnam

Research aims: This study examines the relationship between the CEOs’ income and the quality of financial statements of industrial firms listed on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HSX) during the three years from 2018 to 2020.Design/Methodology/Approach: This study investigated the influence of CEOs’ characteristics, particularly their income, on the quality of financial statements of listed firms in the Vietnamese industry by using features of information quality proposed by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Random Effects model (REM), Fixed Effects model (FEM), and Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS) regressions were applied for empirical examinations.Research findings: The results of this study demonstrated that a CEO’s income positively affected the quality of corporate financial statements. Additionally, the analysis results confirmed the positive correlation between the firm’s size and the quality of disclosed reports, consistent with prior studies. However, this study uncovered that Big4 auditors did not influence the quality of financial statements.Theoretical contribution/Originality: This study contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive perspective on the assessment of corporate financial statements quality and examining its association with the CEO’s income in the context of an emerging economy.Practitioner/Policy implication: The study is useful for investors and other financial statement users to assess the quality of corporate financial statements through the CEO’s profile; it also contributes as a scientific basis for firms to adjust the compensations offered to their CEOs.Research limitation: This study was limited by looking at the mono-directional impact of the CEO’s income on the financial statement quality. The following studies need a larger sample of industries and countries to strengthen the research findings. Also, further studies can broaden their perspectives to investigate the multidimensionality of this relation.
Dual-Lag Correlation-Based Feature Detection of OFDM Signals with Cyclic Phase Compensation

—This paper presents cyclostationarity-based spectrum sensing algorithm implementation for detection of OFDM signals. The detector utilizes two distinct autocorrelation delays and introduces compensation of the phase difference between the two cyclic autocorrelation functions. This improves detection sensitivity (or alternatively reduces detection time) compared to other similar algorithms while maintaining the constraint on false alarm rate. The phase compensation can be performed without requiring any new information about the signal properties. Furthermore, incorporation of the phase compensation reduces overall computational complexity of the algorithm and therefore leads to simpler implementation that uses fewer logic gates and consumes less power.
Preparation and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticle Cross-linked Polymeric Cages by Freshwater Cyanobacteria and their Bactericidal Evaluation against Multi-Drug Resistant Bacteria

Introduction: Over the past 60 years, numerous modern types of antibiotics have been developed. Antibiotic overuse has been largely responsible for spreading resistant strains that endangering the public's health at an alarming rate. It prompted the pacing advert of new resistance mechanisms and a lessening in the productivity of treating common infectious. Objectives: The present study emphasizes using cyanobacteria silver nanoparticle conjugates (Ag-NPCs) as a drug delivery system to predominantly control Multi-Drug Resistant bacteria. Materials and Methods: The Ag-NPCs were prepared using a sodium alginate calcium chloride cross-linking process. The Ag-NPCs properties have been characterized by UV-vis-Spectroscopy, FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), EDAX (Energy Dispersive Analysis X-Ray), and Scanning Electron Microscopic analysis (SEM) analysis. Results: The SEM and TEM analysis showed that Ag-NPCs have been bio-reduced to the size of 20-22nm that are trapped on the surface. FTIR analysis and EDAX analysis are used to confirm the bio-reduction of Ag-NPCs. The antibacterial activity of Ag-NPCs showed prominent results against four MDR bacteria by exhibiting a zone of inhibition with a range of 2-10 mm
A multicriteria decision based assessment of agricultural solid wastes as potential feedstock for electricity generation in Nigeria

An effective method of managing solid wastes from agricultural processing is through thermochemical conversion to energy-dense and carbon-neutral energy products; which relieves the issue of depleting global resources, solves the problem of over-reliance on fossil fuel, reduces the impact on the environment, and brings economic benefits. In this study, the suitability of agricultural solid wastes as potential feedstock for electricity generation in Nigeria via a combined pyrolysis–steam power plant technology was assessed. Technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution was used to identify the most appropriate raw material for electricity generation among the considered alternatives–rice husk, corncob, and palm kernel shell. These wastes showed high electricity generation potential (232–2077GWh per annum), high profitability index, and high carbon reduction benefit (about1428kg CO2 eq. /m3of bio-oil).
The Dobrushin-Hryniv theory for the two-dimensional latttice Widom-Rowlinson model

We consider the fluctuation of the phase boundary separating two phases of the Widom-Rowlinson model in the plane square lat tice. The phase boundary is conditioned to have specified values of the area underneath and the height difference of two end points. Do brushin and Hryniv studied the phase boundary of the Solid-on-Solid model [DHl] and of the Ising model [DH2], and obtained the central limit theorem for the fluctuation of the phase boundary from the Wulff profile. The phase boundary of the Ising model is well approxi mated by that of the Solid-on-Solid model with the aid of the cluster expansion. Their argument seems to be applicable to the general models which have polymer representation. We apply their theory to the Widom-Rowlinson model. of Solid-on-Solid(SOS) model. This SOS model to the ensemble of (site) self avoiding paths in [O,L] x Z starting from (0,0) and at a site in {x 1 = L}, which do go back in the horizontal a path an SOS path. There are no {Aa}'s for the SOS model.
Digital Lending and Financial Well-Being: Through the Lens of Mobile Phone Data

By leveraging machine-learning algorithms and using nontraditional digital data derived primarily from borrowers’ mobile devices, digital lenders have vastly expanded access to credit in developing economies for millions of individuals without a prior credit history. At the same time, short-term, high-interest-rate digital loans are often issued to borrowers with low financial literacy and are subject to weak consumer protection, raising concerns over predatory lending practices. To examine how access to digital credit influences borrowers’ financial well-being, we take advantage of a proprietary data provided by a large digital lender in Kenya that randomly approves loan applications that would have otherwise been rejected based on the borrower’s credit profile. We find that access to digital credit enhances the financial well-being of borrowers across a variety of mobile-phone-based well-being measures, including their monetary transaction volume, mobility, and social networks, as well as borrowers’ self-reported income and employment. Additionally, we provide some supporting evidence that access to digital credit leads to a greater improvement in financial well-being when borrowers have limited access to credit, take loans for business purposes, and obtain more credit. Overall, we demonstrate that access to short-term, highinterest-rate digital loans can benefit borrowers in developing economies.
Output feedback observer-based dynamic surface controller for quadrotor UAV using quaternion representation

An output feedback observer-based dynamic surface controller is presented for attitude tracking problem of the quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle, which is subject to measurement noise and external disturbances. The dynamics model of the quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle is firstly introduced with the quaternion representation. Subsequently, a nonlinear augmented observer is introduced for simultaneously estimating the unavailable states and uncertain disturbances from the measurement of system output. The output feedback controller based on the nonlinear augmented observer is designed with the dynamic surface control technique. The Lyapunov stability analysis shows that the attitude tracking performance is ensured and all signals of the closed-loop system remain bounded. Finally, simulative and experimental results are carried out to illustrate, compared with other observer-based controller, the effectiveness of the proposed method is better.
Carrier Deflection Behavior in Polypropylene Under Strong Electromagnetic Field

In this article, an experimental device is designed to characterize the asymmetric distribution of charges caused by charge deflection under a magnetic field in the polypropylene (PP) dielectric. Under the magnetic field, the electric potential difference caused by the asymmetric distribution of charges appears on both sides of the sample. The potential difference increases with the enhancement of the magnetic field. The stronger electric field also promotes the accumulation of asymmetric charges. In addition, the charge packet phenomenon is observed in this experiment. Increasing the magnetic field can accelerate the charge packets to reach the dynamic equilibrium, and the enhanced electric field drives the charge packet to move faster toward the opposite electrode.
Epitomic Variational Autoencoders

In this paper, we propose epitomic variational autoencoder (eVAE), a probabilistic generative model of high dimensional data. eVAE is composed of a number of sparse variational autoencoders called `epitome' such that each epitome partially shares its encoder-decoder architecture with other epitomes in the composition. We show that the proposed model greatly overcomes the common problem in variational autoencoders (VAE) of model over-pruning. We substantiate that eVAE is efficient in using its model capacity and generalizes better than VAE, by presenting qualitative and quantitative results on MNIST and TFD datasets.
Farmer–buyer relationships and sustainable agricultural practices in the food supply chain: The case of vegetables in Chile

This study investigates how the relationship between farmers and buyers affects the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs) in the vegetable sector in Chile. Specifically, we focus on the dyadic relationships between farmers and different types of buyers, including besides lead firms, intermediaries, and wholesalers, which have received little attention in the scientific literature. Our analysis focuses on formal and informal contracts as governance forms between farmers and buyers, and explores the correlation between contract provisions (e.g., quality, quantity, and the provision of services), relationship attributes (i.e., satisfaction, trust, and oppor-tunism) and adoption of SAPs. We gathered survey data from 352 vegetable farmers in Chile and employed analysis of variance and logit modeling for our analysis. Our findings indicate that small ‐ scale farmers primarily engage with intermediaries using informal contracts, while medium ‐ scale farmers trade with wholesalers through spot markets,
A proactive player of the future? Working life discourses in the Finnish upper secondary school curriculum

Abstract The present study examines the educational speech that appears in the upper secondary school curriculum. Teaching and the organisation of teaching is guided by the written reality of the curriculum.The Foucaultian approach is applied to study the discursive events, i.e. expressions presented as true. The study is based on the interest in the role of education policy and working life in the construction of the general Finnish upper secondary education curriculum. As an educational policy management document, the curriculum creates an aim for the reality of teaching and learning. It maintains values related to upper secondary education, in this case for career orientation, as discourses of task, fluency, anticipation, and activation. The working life discourses emphasise efforts to accelerate transitions in working life, bring forward career-related decisions, and glorify success and activity. This article discusses the emphasis the working life in the curriculum has for the ideal of Bildung in contemporary upper secondary school education.