Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Integrating Second Life as a Pedagogical Tool for Interactive Instruction

Technology advances at such a rapid pace that its effective application in higher education is often overlooked and poorly researched prior to its implementation in teaching strategies. The union of technology and pedagogical relevance is a developmental process requiring a review of course goals and objectives and a consideration of whether the technological applications serve to enhance the delivery of instruction. It also requires a well-developed system for delivery of technology instruction that is integrated into the curricular schedule. A strong support staff must be available to facilitate the use of technical applications and to solve problems. This paper provides a case study of the process of designing an innovative curriculum for an introductory lab course in interior design. The course, titled Interior Design Fundamentals Laboratory, provides a conceptual and skills foundation for future interior design professionals. The pedagogy is structured as a collaborative service-learning model incorporating Second Life virtual reality as a delivery mechanism for enhancing the depth of instruction. Relevancy to the millennial generation is considered in the context of the culture of the contemporary teaching and learning environment. The potential for extending applications for global communication and professional exchange is explored. Second Life supports self-directed learning by providing product review, peer interaction, and opportunities for research and critical analysis. The practical, systematic integration of Second Life into a pedagogical framework is feasible and relevant for a wide variety of applications.
Explosive synchronization: From synthetic to real-world networks

Synchronization is a widespread phenomenon in both synthetic and real-world networks. This collective behavior of simple and complex systems has been attracting much research during the last decades. Two different routes to synchrony are defined in networks; first-order, characterized as explosive, and second-order, characterized as continuous transition. Although pioneer researches explained that the transition type is a generic feature in the networks, recent studies proposed some frameworks in which different phase and even chaotic oscillators exhibit explosive synchronization. The relationship between the structural properties of the network and the dynamical features of the oscillators is mainly proclaimed because some of these frameworks show abrupt transitions. Despite different theoretical analyses about the appearance of the first-order transition, studies are limited to the mean-field theory, which cannot be generalized to all networks. There are different real-world and man-made networks whose properties can be characterized in terms of explosive synchronization, e.g., the transition from unconsciousness to wakefulness in the brain and spontaneous synchronization of power-grid networks. In this review article, explosive synchronization is discussed from two main aspects. First, pioneer articles are categorized from the dynamical-structural framework point of view. Then, articles that considered different oscillators in the explosive synchronization frameworks are studied. In this article, the main focus is on the explosive synchronization in networks with chaotic and neuronal oscillators. Also, efforts have been made to consider the recent articles which proposed new frameworks of explosive synchronization.
Improved Techniques in Regression‐Based Streamflow Volume Forecasting

Although multiple linear regression has been used for many years to predict seasonal streamflow volumes, typical practice has not realized the maximum accuracy obtainable from regression. Several techniques can help provide superior forecast accuracy using regression models: (1) Using only data known at forecast time; (2) principal components regression; (3) cross validation; and (4) systematic searching for optimal or near‐optimal combinations of variables. Using no future data requires that a separate equation be used each month that forecasts are made rather than using a single equation throughout the forecast season. Consistency of month‐to‐month forecasts can be obtained by judicious selection of variables to maintain a high degree of similarity in the monthly equations. Results for the South Fork Boise River at Anderson Ranch Dam and other basins in the West indicate that these new regression procedures can give substantial improvements in forecast accuracy over existing procedures without sacrifici.
LOGISTICS OF INTERNATIONAL EXPRESS SHIPPING AND AIR TRAFFIC

The paper studies the relations between logistics of international express shipments and air traffic analysing the basic characteristics of international express shipments that are carried by combined transport, usually road vehicles and aircraft. The paper indicates the possibility of optimising individual technological processes in the logistic chain of express shipments distribution. It analyses the forms for the calculation of time slots in single logistic chain hubs of collecting and delivery of express shipments. It has been shown that the international distribution chains in the air express sector, related to the globalisation process, change the traditional functions of combined ground-air transport. Here, the increased investment into automation plays the crucial role in the development strategies of companies and in the operationalization of the quality policy of numerous carriers of express shipments by air.
Second-line treatment with nivolumab, cabozantinib, regorafenib, or best supportive care in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: analysis at a Hispanic-majority NCI-designated cancer center.

Background In the last four years, six regimens were approved by the Food and Drug Association as second-line therapies for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, there are significant differences between real-world and clinical trial populations. We analyzed survival and toxicities among second-line therapies for HCC in our population. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with advanced HCC who received second-line therapies (tyrosine kinase inhibitor or TKI; immunotherapy or IO) or best supportive care (BSC) at a tertiary-referral cancer center serving the South Texas region. Progression-free survival (PFS) was determined, and adverse events were compared between therapies. Results In our cohort, median age was 60 years (n=65), and 49 (75%) were Hispanic. 58 (89%) patients received second-line therapy. Child-Pugh (CP) score of cohort: A, 18%; B, 55%; C, 26%. Median PFS (mPFS) was 3.1 months with TKI (n=6), 3.3 months with IO (n=27), and 1.3 months with BSC (n=25). There was improved survival with IO compared to BSC [hazards ratio (HR) =0.31; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.15-0.63; P=0.0014]. There was no significant difference comparing IO to TKI (HR =0.94; 95% CI: 0.31-2.86; P=0.92), but a trend to improved PFS with TKI when compared to BSC (HR =0.33; 95% CI: 0.10-1.04; P=0.058). TKI group had significantly more rash (P=0.01) and hand-foot syndrome (P<0.001) compared to IO and BSC. Conclusions Our Hispanic-majority cohort with varying liver dysfunction, including CP-B & C cirrhosis, were more likely to receive IO or BSC. Both second-line treatment groups, IO or TKI, demonstrated increased mPFS compared to BSC and were tolerable compared to BSC, with expected toxicity per class of drug.
The Strategy Focuses of Recreation and Tourism Activities of Ichnia National Nature Park (Ukraine) Design Employing Canvas Business-model and SWOT-analysis

National parks across the world contribute to the preservation of biodiversity, playing simultaneously an outstanding role in sustainable activities, recreation and tourism in particular. Experience with COVID-19 shows that resilience is fundamental to the sustainability of protected area visitation, which was affected in different ways by pandemics. The last decade challenges for the national nature parks of Ukraine, positive impetuses of several successful projects, enhancement of the community role in the environmental issues caused the search for a framing of the strategy of recreation and tourism activity of the national nature park located in Ichnia, Chernihiv oblast, Ukraine. By employing the Canvas business model and SWOT analysis the client-oriented shift in the above park strategy focuses ground prospects for facts-based decision-making and planning. The focuses advised include restructuring of the organizational patterns of the entity; modernisation of information and communication activities; profiling of demand and diversification of values for travellers of different motivation; networking with stakeholders.
Battery Management System Research Based on RS232 and Ethernet

Currently, battery management system is one of the attraction research topics in the battery management technologies. This paper researches a battery management system based on RS232 and Ethernet, which provides the managers manage the remote batteries in the comfortable and large office. It greatly betters the workers working environment and lights the labor strength. Arm as the kernel of the management system, which is programmed by the real-time operate system uc/os. Through analyzing the requirement of the battery management, hardware system and software system are designed by the thought of layering. The layering thought builds the management system, which can be amended to adapt to the other management. It provides the flexible for the battery management system.
Solving Two Stage Stochastic Programming Problems Using ADMM

In this paper, we have dealt with the solution of a two-stage stochastic programming problem using ADMM. We have formulated the problem into a deterministic three-block separable optimization problem, and then we applied ADMM to solve it. We have established the theoretical convergence of ADMM to the optimal solution based on the concept of lower semicontinuity and the Kurdyka-Lojasiewicz property. We have compared ADMM with Progressive Hedging in terms of performance criteria using five benchmark problems from the literature. The comparison shows that ADMM outperforms Progressive Hedging.
Willingness to Communicate and Collaborate: The Key Role of Educational Leadership in Primary Education

This article aims to explore the views of primary school teachers regarding the educational leadership exercised by leader teachers at the human resource management level, and how this can affect their willingness to communicate and collaborate. The theoretical framework analyzes the dimensions of human resource management by a leader teacher, as a communication channel, team empowerer, and creator of a climate of trust. The research was carried out using quantitative method, with a closed digital questionnaire which was completed by 693 primary school teachers from whole Greece. Initially, the analysis was carried out through descriptive statistics and then selected questions were analyzed by statistical inference test. The findings show a shift towards the model of a transformational leader, despite the country’s education system remaining highly centralized. In addition, the findings show a correlation between democratic and cooperative staff management, with the axes of inspiration and responsibility on the teachers’ side. This article highlights whether the communication skills of a leader teacher affect the functioning of the school. The research was carried out during a pandemic and thus it was not possible to collect qualitative data using interviews with leader teachers so that we can have a comparative approach to the issue.
Consideration about problems and solutions of speed estimation method and parameter tuning for speed sensorless vector control of induction motor drives

A classical, model-based, speed sensorless field oriented control method for general purpose induction machine is considered. Improved versions of both speed and stator resistance on-line estimators are presented with the aim of extending control capabilities down to zero speed. Only electrical stator measurements are needed, making the method suitable for general purpose inverter applications. Online rotor resistance tuning is also included to fully compensate for thermal drift. Performance of the proposed drive is investigated by simulation and experiments.
Steroidal Plant Growth Promoters vs. Phytopathogens, via Enzymatic Regulation; An in Silico Approach

Steroidal plant growth promoters (SPGP) have been continuously studied due to their high activity increasing biomass and resistance to diverse stress fac-tors. In our hands, a new SPGP family of 22-oxocholestanic compounds stands out at a comparative level to brassinosteroids (BSs). The potential activity of new SPGP against phytopathogens was studied through in silico molecular docking, these assays were performed with relevant ensymes of phytopato-gens Chitinase B and 1,3-β-Glucanase. Nine Chitinase B inhibitors and two 1,3-β-Glucanase inhibitors were proposed. The launched study analyzed the interactional and spatial level, determining the presence of interactions with key amino acids in receptors in comparison to reference inhibitors. Even more, the AVR4 and ECP6 effectors were also examined. No compound that blocks ECP6 was found; due to, probably, the influence of its highly hydrophilic environment. In the case of AVR4, two SPGP showed a better docking score (DS) than a chitin fragment (endogenous ligand); this fact demonstrates the latent potential of the 22-oxocholestanic derivatives against phytopathogens, with a specific regulation via proliferation inhibition. Moreover, this SPGP does not affect the symbiotic fungi that are beneficial for the natural plant system.
Influence of food images with different macronutrient compositions on serum ghrelin levels: Analysis in healthy males

Serum concentrations of the orexigenic hormone ghrelin fluctuate in anticipation of food intake. Moreover, presentation of food images causes an increase in serum ghrelin levels. Thus, the visual system may have a quantifiable role in the development of hunger via the endocrine system. The influence of macronutrient visualization on ghrelin has not yet been investigated.
Computational mechanistic study in organometallic catalysis: Why prediction is still a challenge

Although computational contributions to the understanding of organometallic homogeneous catalysts have become fairly routine, a step‐change in the application of computational methods would be to achieve efficient, robust, and reliable prediction of the outcome of catalytic transformations. While we concur that there have been a number of recent promising advances in the interactions between computational and experimental mechanistic studies, the mapping of reactivity space remains incomplete and large‐scale studies have to make limiting assumptions which restrict their transferability. Close synergies between characterization and analysis techniques which are integrated with computational data, along with data capture, curation, and exploitation, are vital and develop our understanding of all aspects of the catalytic pathways (including activation and deactivation) and allow the continual refinement of mechanistic understanding, challenged by testing predictions experimentally. Here we review recent examples to formulate a protocol for such interactions.
Nanoengineering Palladium Plasmonic Nanosheets Inside Polymer Nanospheres for Photothermal Therapy and Targeted Drug Delivery

The incorporation of plasmonic nanoconstructs in biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles (NPs), together with therapeutic drugs in a controlled procedure is of interest for different applications in Nanomedicine. Advanced hybrid nanomaterials can be engineered by combining the in situ formation of plasmonic palladium nanosheets (NSs) and the proper ionic nature of the encapsulated drug. This study presents a new procedure to synthesize hybrid nanostructures by a Pickering double emulsion. Anisotropic palladium (Pd) NSs with unique near‐infrared (NIR)‐optical properties can be assembled within a poly lactic‐co‐glycolic acid matrix of < 200 nm NPs, when Pd precursors are in situ reduced via a gas‐phase procedure. The hybrid nanomaterials respond to external NIR light stimulus. The unprecedented precision to assemble, in a single stage, plasmonic nanoconstructs having a total loading selectivity, when encapsulated in combination with hydrophobic drugs, offers new opportunities in the new class of theragnostics, in particular when triggered drug delivery and photothermal therapies are required.
Relationship of prognostic factors in stomach cancer with helicobacter pylori: a retrospective study.

Background and study aims The prognostic value of H. pylori, which infects more than half of the human population living in the world and plays a role in gastric cancer pathogenesis, is controversial. Our aim is to investigate the relationship between H. pylori and prognostic factors in gastric cancer. Patients and methods The data of 110 patients (38 females and 72 males) that underwent surgeries due to gastric cancer between 2014 and 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The relationships between survival (disease-free and overall) and factors such as p53, HER2/neu, Ki-67, neutrophil and platelet lymphocyte ratio (NLR / PLR), histopathological and demographic characteristics were examined. In addition, the results of H. pylori positive and negative groups were compared. Results Sixty-one (55%) patients were H. pylori negative and 49 (45%) were positive. In multivariate analysis, TNM stage, lymph node capsule invasion and NLR were determined as independent prognostic factors in both disease-free and overall survival. Age>62 and PLR>14.3 were determined as independent predictive factors of poor prognosis in overall survival. In univariate analysis, tumor diameter of >4.3 cm, lymphovascular and perineural invasion, and diffuse p53 expression were determined as predictive factors of poor prognosis in disease-free and overall survival. The effectiveness of these markers in prognosis was not different between H. pylori negative and positive groups. Conclusion While age, tumor diameter, TNM stage, lymph node capsule invasion, perineural and lymphovascular invasion, diffuse p53, PLR, and NLR were determined as prognostic factors in gastric cancer, these factors were not affected by the presence of H. pylori.
Research on Electrospinning Process of Pullulan Nanofibers

A kind of pullulan biopolymer nanofibers with diameter of 100～700nm were obtained using redistilled water as solvent through electrospinning technology in this paper. The effects of the spinning solution concentration, applied voltage, flow rate and capillary–screen distance on morphology and diameter distribution of pullulan nanofiber were studied by SEM. The results show that, different parameters had great influence on nanofibers’ morphology and diameter. The optimal parameters of pullulan nanofibers electrospinning were: 22wt. % spinning solution concentration, 31 kV voltage, 20 cm capillary–screen distance and 0.5ml/h flow rate.
ADAPTIVE STRATEGIES EMPLOYED BY THE MICE SECTOR IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19

COVID-19 has brought to the fore drastic and transformative changes to MICE tourism. The current study therefore sought to examine the adaptive responses employed by the MICE sector of South Africa to survive and maintain business continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adopting a qualitative research design, 19 representatives of various subsectors of the MICE industry (including organisers, suppliers, and associations) were interviewed. The data reveals that the immediate strategies implemented by many MICE organisations involved the reevaluation of their operational costs. Moreover, the study found that the sector has readjusted its business models to include virtual events in order to ensure recovery and resilience in light of the pandemic. The study argues the importance of understanding adaptive strategies as broadening theory on tourism and crises (specifically to the MICE sector) as well as understanding the process of sector resilience post-COVID-19.
Characterization of low VAR bipolar transistors using a revised SPICE simulator

The approximation of the Gummel-Poon base width modulation term, q1, that is implemented in conventional versions of SPICE, is discussed. The impact of the approximation of the characterization of low VAR bipolar transistors is described. Comparisons of simulated to measured curves demonstrate the improved accuracy which results from using the unapproximated q1 term. Use of the unapproximated q1 term produces physically meaningful Early voltage parameters and improved simulation accuracy. <<ETX>>
Experimental Study on the Effect of Skin Flexibility on Aerodynamic Performance of Flapping Wings for Micro Air Vehicles

In the present study, the aerodynamic characteristics such as time-averaged lift and drag generation of two flexible membrane (latex thin and thick) wings with different skin flexibilities are compared with those of a conventional rigid (wood) wing to assess the effects of skin flexibility (rigidity) on the aerodynamic performance for flapping flight applications. The experiments are performed in an open circuit wind tunnel of non-return airflow with a test section of (0.3m x 0.3m) and is capable of speeds from 0.5 to 30 m/s. The time-averaged lift and drag as functions of flapping frequency, forward flight velocity and the orientation angle of the flapping motions with respect to the incoming flows are measured by using a strain gauge balance and KYOWA PCD-300A sensor interface data acquisition system. It has been found that flapping motion would bring significant aerodynamic benefits when the flapping flight is in unsteady state regime, with advance ratio less than 1.0. The aerodynamic benefits are found to decay exponentially with the increasing advance ratio. Flapping motion is found to become detrimental for high speed flight applications. It is also observed that the skin flexibility has considerable effect on the aerodynamic performance. The flexible latex thick wing is found to have better overall aerodynamic performance over the rigid wing, especially for low speed applications. The wood (rigid) wing exhibited better lift production performance in quasi steady regime.
An Accelerated Error Convergence Design Criterion and Implementation of Lebesgue-p Norm ILC Control Topology for Linear Position Control Systems

Traditional and typical iterative learning control algorithm shows that the convergence rate of error is very low for a class of regular linear systems. A fast iterative learning control algorithm is designed to deal with this problem in this paper. The algorithm is based on the traditional P-type iterative learning control law, which increases the composition of adjacent two overlapping quantities, the tracking error of previous cycle difference signals, and the current error difference. Using convolution to promote Young inequalities proved strictly that, in terms of Lebesgue-p norm, when the number of iterations tends to infinity, the tracking error converges to zero in the system and presents the convergence condition of the algorithm. Compared with the traditional P-type iterative learning control algorithm, the proposed algorithm improves convergence speed and evades the defect using the norm metric’s tracking error. Finally, the validation of the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is further proved by simulation results.