Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stochastic Geometry Analysis of User Mobility in RF/VLC Hybrid Networks

The integration of visible light communication (VLC) with existing radio frequency (RF) networks has emerged as a new network architecture to meet the rapidly growing traffic demand. The resulting RF/VLC hybrid network structures offer capacity-per-area improvements due to the use of two technologies operating at different frequency bands and the relatively higher base station (BS) density. However, the reduced BS coverage footprints and the heterogeneous BS types result in challenges for user mobility such as frequent handovers and the need for suitable BS association policies. To help addressing these challenges, in this paper, we conduct a user mobility analysis for RF/VLC hybrid networks by deriving the user-to-BS association probabilities and handover rates. The analysis makes use of stochastic geometry and modeling BSs’ locations via a Poisson point process (PPP). Since PPP modeling has not yet been well established for hybrid RF/VLC networks, we support the applicability of our approach by comparing the user mobility performance to those obtained for an actual deployment, a Matérn hard-core point process (MHCPP) based deployment, and a deterministic square lattice deployment of VLC luminaries. Furthermore, since the handover rates directly depend on the association policies, we consider two popular association policies. Our numerical results show that the PPP, the MHCPP, the square lattice, and the actual deployments have comparable performance in terms of handover rates regardless of the association policy, and they highlight the tradeoff between balancing network load and handover rates achieved by the association policies.
A statistical forecast scheme of precipitation in the Upper Bermejo River Basin in Argentina

ABSTRACT The Bermejo River, located in northern Argentina, has a flow regime controlled by precipitation. In an area characterized by its risk of flooding and land-sliding during the summer, seasonal precipitation forecast becomes a valuable tool for risk assessment and better management of hydric resources. This study focuses on identifying remote forcings of precipitation variability for the upper sub-basin of the Bermejo River Basin, and developing multiple linear regression models of areal spring precipitation (September to November), the beginning of the rainy season, considering predictors monitored on the preceding August. Positive rainfall anomalies in spring relate to higher monthly and maximum daily streamflow in the upper and lower sub-basins. Two forecast models arose as the ones with best performance when using leave-one-out-cross-validation. Predictors involved in these models (four and three predictors, respectively) emphasize the influence of the circulation in middle-low levels over the Pacific Ocean, as well as of the sea surface temperature in the El Niño region and the low-level meridional wind in tropical South America. The two models share similar performance metrics, although the model with less predictors has a better skill for the detection of normal and above-normal rainfall seasons.
A derivative-free nonlinear Kalman filtering approach using flat inputs

ABSTRACT Differential flatness theory has been widely used for both tracking control and state estimation of nonlinear systems. Recently, the concept of flat inputs has been proved to be a valuable tool for control design if the system is non-differentially flat. However, flat inputs have not been used yet to solve state estimation problems for these systems. By constructing flat inputs, we introduced a novel state estimation-based control strategy for both observable non-differentially flat nonlinear systems and differentially flat nonlinear systems whose flat output vector is not a measurable variable, as long as the internal dynamics of the system are stable. The efficiency of the proposed approach is illustrated through two numerical examples. Our findings indicated that we increased the class of systems to which the derivative-free nonlinear Kalman filtering based on differential flatness theory can be applied.
Green self-efficacy for blue-green infrastructure management in a post-disaster recovery phase: empirical research in a small rural community

ABSTRACT Though coastal environments are recognized as important community resources, the post-disaster reconstruction phase, an artificial-oriented strategy for human security and coastal development, may degrade coastal landscapes and avert pro-environmental behaviors. However, the impact of these outcomes has been studied to a limited extent only. This study aimed to explore residents’ pro-environmental behavior, green performance, and motivation for coastal green infrastructure (CGI) through the difference in high-low green self-efficacy (GSE). Survey data was used for a small rural community in Japan, where residents started the Camellia Forest Project as CGI after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami (GEJET) under coastal artificial development. To examine the difference in high-low-GSE by participants’ characteristics, environmental behaviors, and awareness, odds ratios (ORs) were calculated. The results showed that residents’ characteristics – men, retirement age, second-generation household type, and mowing experience – were positively associated with high-GSE. People having high-GSE showed more effects on their coastal green management, Eco-DRR (OR: 6.04, 95% CI, 2.02–18.04), and social cohesion (OR: 6.27; 95% CI, 0.97–14.38) than those with low GSE in the post-disaster recovery process. This study suggests that GSE offers a base to nurture residents’ commitment to a coastal green environmental restoration under CGI development.
Seed Size-Dependent Formation of Fe3O4/MnO Hybrid Nanocrystals: Selective, Magnetically Recyclable Catalyst Systems

A family of Fe3O4/MnO hybrid nanocrystals differing in heterojunction structure and number of MnO domains were synthesized through the seed-mediated growth process of MnO at the surface of Fe3O4 nanocrystal. In this process, the resulting heterostructures, including core/shell, dumbbell-like, and flowerlike structures, were found to be largely influenced by the size of initially injected Fe3O4 seeds. The further transformation of Fe3O4/MnO heterodimer through a nanoscale etching process within silica nanosphere generated the nanoreactor framework composed of a superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanocrystal, a functionalized cavity with a catalytically active Mn3O4 layer, and a porous silica shell. The newly developed nanoreactor successfully catalyzed the cyanosilylation reaction of aromatic aldehydes in a size selective manner and could be recovered magnetically and reused without loss of catalytic activity even after ten successive cycles.
Are macronutrients and micronutrients therapeutic for restoring performance of trees affected by citrus greening? A discussion of current practices and future research opportunities

Abstract Citrus greening, also called Huanglongbing (HLB), has affected citrus production globally. In Florida, the disease has decimated citrus production area and overall fruit yields. Emerging results show that some nutrients applied in a balanced and constant nutrition (BCN) program alleviate tree stress by improving root health, canopy size and tissue nutrient concentration. In this paper, we discuss the current strategies for managing citrus in Florida, and roles of macro- and micronutrients in citrus and other crops. Further, we discuss the role of macro- and micronutrients in potentially restoring root health and tree performance. We wrap up by discussing future research opportunities on the health and nutrition of HLB-affected citrus trees.
Peer and Community Influences on Adolescent Substance Use in the Context of Adverse Childhood Experiences

Both adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and peer influences consistently predict early tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug use. However, less research considers how peer and community influences contribute to or modify the association between ACEs and early substance use. This study addresses these gaps in the literature by analyzing multilevel, longitudinal data from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods (PHDCN; N = 1,912). Unstructured socializing and peer substance use largely explained the association between ACEs and drinking, smoking cigarettes, and illicit drug use in the past month. A history of ACEs magnified the association between peer substance use and the number of cigarettes smoked. Collective efficacy also shaped the associations between peer influences, ACEs, and substance use, but in different ways depending on the substance use outcome analyzed.
Influence of Defects on the Schottky Barrier Height at BaTiO3/RuO2 Interfaces

The Schottky barrier formation between polycrystalline acceptor‐doped BaTiO3 and high work function RuO2 is studied using photoelectron spectroscopy. Schottky barrier heights for electrons of ≈1.4 eV are determined, independent of doping level and oxygen vacancy concentration of the substrates. The insensitivity of the barrier height is related to the high permittivity of BaTiO3, which results in space‐charge regions (SCRs) being considerably wider than the inelastic mean free path of the photoelectrons. SCRs at any kind of interface should, therefore, be more important for the electronic and ionic conductivities in BaTiO3 than in materials with lower permittivity. A Ba‐rich phase at the surface of reduced acceptor‐doped BaTiO3 is also identified, which is explained by the formation of Ti vacancies in the 2D electron gas region at the surface.
International higher education brand alliance: the role of brand fit and world-mindedness

PurposeThis research investigates three major research questions. First, how does brand alliance type, defined by a partner's location and brand quality, affect consumers' emotional value perceptions of higher education brand alliances for dual-degree programs? Second, does perceived brand fit mediate the relationship between brand alliance type and emotional value perceptions? Third, do individual differences in world-mindedness moderate the influence of brand alliance type on emotional value perceptions? Design/methodology/approachIn total, two experiments are performed. Experiment one examines the effect of brand alliance type, at varying combinations of partner brand quality and partner location (domestic or foreign), on consumers' emotional value perceptions. Experiment two examines the moderating role of world-mindedness in the relationship between brand alliance type and consumers' emotional value perceptions.FindingsResults provide evidence that consumers' perception of brand fit mediates the relationship between brand alliance type and consumers' emotional value perceptions of the alliance. Results also indicate that world-mindedness moderates the relationship between brand alliance type and emotional value perceptions.Originality/valueThis research extends the previous literature on higher education dual-degree brand alliances and introduces world-mindedness as an important consumer-based characteristic to consider in this line of research. It answers calls for more research on higher education branding and calls for research into the potential mediating role and importance of brand fit. It provides several theoretical and managerial implications relevant to the higher education brand alliances, particularly in dual-degree programs.
Environmentally friendly thermoelectric sulphide Cu2ZnSnS4 single crystals achieving a 1.6 dimensionless figure of merit ZT

Thermoelectrics (TEs) are an important class of technologies for harvesting electric power directly from heat sources. To design both high performance and environmentally friendly for TE materials, pseudo-cubic structure has great theoretical potential to maximize a dimensionless figure of merit ZT. TE multinary single crystal with pseudo-cubic structure paves a new path to manipulate valley degeneracy and anisotropy with low thermal conductivity caused by short-range lattice distortion. Here, we report a record high ZT = 1.6 around 800 K, realized in totally environmentally benign p-type Na-doped Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) single crystal. The exceptional performance comes from a high power factor while maintaining intrinsically low thermal conductivity. The combination of pseudo-cubic structure and intrinsic properties in CZTS single crystal takes advantage of simple material nature tuning without complex techniques.
Antioxidant and antibacterial activity of ethanolic extract of safflower with contrasting seed coat colors

The present study aimed to investigate total flavonoid (TFC), cyanidin-3-glucoside (Cyd-3-glu) content, and anti-oxidant and antibacterial activities of ethanolic seed coat extract of two safflower genotypes (genotype C111 and A82) with contrasting seed coat colors. Despite the absence of Cyd-3-glu in seed coat extracts of white-seeded genotype C111 versus black-seeded genotype A82 and equal TFC index between the two genotypes, there was no significant difference in their antioxidant activity. Also, the ethanolic extract has growth inhibitory properties in pathogenic bacteria. It seems that differences in type and level of secondary metabolites of the seed coat with different color patterns can result in the ethanolic extract’s antioxidant activity. In addition, the results confirmed that seed coat color has not effect on the level (or severity) of the antibacterial properties of ethanolic seed coat extract.
Desafios do multiprofissionalismo para a redução de danos em Centros de Atenção Psicossocial Álcool e outras Drogas

Resumo O artigo aborda a implementacao da estrategia de Reducao de Danos (RD) por equipes multiprofissionais nos Centros de Atencao Psicossocial Alcool e outras Drogas (Caps AD) do Distrito Federal. A partir dos aportes teoricos dos estudos sobre implementacao de politicas publicas e da sociologia das profissoes, buscou-se refletir sobre as implicacoes do multiprofissionalismo para a traducao da RD em acoes praticas junto aos usuarios dos servicos. Realizou-se pesquisa de campo nas sete unidades de Caps AD do Distrito Federal, onde as atividades cotidianas foram observadas e profissionais foram entrevistados. A analise revelou que: (1) ha variacao substantiva na forma como os profissionais atuantes nos Caps AD interpretam e praticam a RD; (2) suas diferentes formas de entendimento e acao associam-se a formacao profissional em distintos campos de conhecimento (psicossocial versus biomedico); e (3) estas divergencias podem resultar em conflitos entre profissionais e implicar consequencias negativas para os usuarios dos servicos. Discute-se, tambem, os meios encontrados pelas gerencias para a gestao e mitigacao destas implicacoes. Os achados contribuem para reflexoes mais amplas sobre os desafios que se impoem a sustentabilidade do modelo de atencao proposto para os Caps AD.
Geografía de la renta de los hogares en España a nivel municipal: nuevos datos y nuevas posibilidades de geovisualización, exploración y análisis espacial en entornos cloud

En el contexto del cuarto paradigma científico, la Geografía cuenta con una oportunidad única para desarrollar nuevas formas de investigación mediante el diseño y uso de herramientas de geovisualización, exploración y análisis de datos espaciales en plataformas cloud, así como para explotar nuevas fuentes de datos. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar diferentes variables e indicadores del Atlas de distribución de renta de los hogares a nivel municipal para el año 2017, a través del desarrollo de una aplicación web que permite realizar análisis exploratorios de datos espaciales e identificar nuevas hipótesis de trabajo que, finalmente, ayuden a seleccionar y definir las metodologías de análisis. Esta exploración preliminar se basa en las posibilidades de geovisualización multiescalar (geovisores web) y de interacción con los datos en los clientes web, a través del uso de herramientas de filtrado, agrupación o análisis (widgets), así como en las posibilidades de identificación y caracterización de una serie de conglomerados (clústeres), que permiten avanzar en la comprensión de la distribución espacial de la renta y sus fuentes de ingreso en España. Los resultados muestran nuevas tipologías territoriales y patrones espaciales que, además, contribuyen a superar ciertas creencias o ‘estigmas’ territoriales. Este trabajo quiere ser una primera aportación a un proyecto más amplio sobre patrones espaciales y desequilibrios territoriales en España que, además, pueda contribuir a consolidar una nueva forma de hacer Geografía.
Peritoneal dialysis associated-peritonitis: a preventable complication

Peritoneal dialysis is useful renal replacement therapy for patients with end-stage chronic kidney disease. Latin America has 30% of the world population in peritoneal dialysis and within these countries Mexico covers 73% of them. In our country, the Mexican institute of social security (IMSS by its Spanish acronym) serves more than half of the Mexican population that requires renal replacement therapy. In 2014 it represented 15% of total annual cost of the institution. Peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis is the main complication seen in this renal replacement therapy with morbidity and mortality from 2 to 6%. The epidemiology of peritonitis associated with peritoneal dialysis varies according to the continent, country and dialysis center. The rate of peritonitis per year of each center reflects their quality of care. The prevention, diagnosis and treatment of peritonitis impact in the quality of life of the patient, the success of renal replacement therapy, public health costs and associated mortality. This review addresses the epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and preventive measures of peritonitis, focused on the procedures for improving the standards of care.
Holocene Depositional History Inferred From Single‐Grain Luminescence Ages in Southern California, North America

Significant sediment flux and deposition in a sedimentary system are influenced by climate changes, tectonics, lithology, and the sedimentary system's internal dynamics. Identifying the timing of depositional periods from stratigraphic records is a first step to critically evaluate the controls of sediment flux and deposition. Here, we show that ages of single‐grain K‐feldspar luminescence subpopulations may provide information on the timing of previous major depositional periods. We analyzed 754 K‐feldspar single‐grains from 17 samples from the surface to ∼9 m‐depth in a trench located downstream of the Mission Creek catchment. Single‐grain luminescence subpopulation ages significantly overlap at least eight times since ∼12.0 ka indicating a common depositional history. These depositional periods correspond reasonably well with the Holocene intervals of wetter than average climate conditions based on hydroclimatic proxies from nearby locations. Our findings imply a first‐order climatic control on sediment depositional history in southern California on a millennial timescale.
Psychological Contract Management Strategy of Knowledge Workers in Boundaryless Career Era

In boundaryless career era, the organization has become increasingly small, agile and rapid, showing the characteristics of informationization, decentralization, virtualization, flattening and miniaturization. The psychological contract between employees and the organization has changed from "relationship type" to "transaction type". The purpose of this paper is to explore the new changes of the psychological contract of knowledge workers and the corresponding management strategies under the background of boundaryless career era. In the boundaryless career era, the psychological contract characterized by employee loyalty which is in exchange for employment security is gradually replaced by the new psychological contract characterized by performance which is in exchange for employment ability. Therefore, enterprises are required to establish a learning organization to enhance the external employability of knowledge workers through career guidance, and strengthen the practice of human resource management to develop and maintain this new psychological contract, so as to realize the long-term sustainable development of the organization.
A ±45° Dual-Polarized Dual-Beam Series-Fed Metasurface Antenna Array With Stable Beam Angle

A novel method to realize positive phase response of antenna element is proposed conceptually and applied in ±45° dual-polarized dual-beam series-fed metasurface antennas (MSAs). It takes the features of stable beam angle within the relative bandwidth of 10% and dual-polarized dual beams. Benefiting from the positive phase response zone of the antenna, the long-line effect is eliminated and the phase response between the elements is reshaped as expected. Therefore, a stable beam of series-fed array oriented at specific angle is guaranteed accordingly. To achieve the ±45° dual-polarized dual-beam performance, a four-port MSA element with interwoven feeding network is designed and used for further array design. For demonstration, one prototype of MSA array is designed. Considering the band of 4.7–5.2 GHz (10%), the beam angle of the MSAs based on positive phase response control (PPRC) method is oriented to 30°, and the variation versus frequency is less than 6°, which is smaller than the variation of 19° for traditional array. The simulation and measurement results show that stable beam angle is achieved for the dual-polarized series-fed MSA array, indicating a promising candidate for base-station application.
A novel dissimilarity metric based on feature‐to‐feature scatter frequencies for clustering‐based feature selection in biomedical data

Filter feature selection methods have been extensively used for dimensionality reduction in biomedical data analysis. In this article, a novel dissimilarity metric based on feature‐to‐feature (F2F) scatter frequencies is proposed for clustering‐based filter feature selection. The proposed metric is computed by obtaining the feature‐level ranks of samples and identifying the features which assign close ranks to each sample. The order of ranking is determined for each feature by class labels. Samples are represented as a set of affinity sets containing features having rank differences less than a predefined proximity window size. The F2F dissimilarity of a pair of features is computed using the frequency of their appearance in different affinity sets. Features are then clustered into distinct groups using F2F dissimilarity metric. From each cluster, the feature having the highest relevance score is selected. The experiments conducted on ten biomedical datasets confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed method in improving classification performance. Notably, the proposed method outperforms the widely used schemes in terms of both classification under ROC curve and stability.
Preparation and Antibacterial Effects of Sulfate Chitosan

Synthetic condition of sulfate chitosan from chitosan and the influence of molecular weight of sulfat chitosom on the antibacterial effect to two kinds of bacterials have been studied.The results indicate that sulfate chitosan with different molecular can be obtained through varying the reaction temperature and they have different antibacterial effects on St.aureus and E.coli.