Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reshaping the Regional Order

The traditional underpinnings of international relations in Asia are undergoing profound change, and the rise of China is a principal cause. Other causes include the relative decline of U.S. inouence and authority in Asia, the expanding normative inouence of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the growth of regional multilateral institutions, increased technological and economic interdependence throughout the region, and the amelioration of several formerly antagonistic bilateral relationships. As a result of these processes, the structure of power and the nature of the regional system are being fundamentally altered. China’s growing economic and military power, expanding political inouence, distinctive diplomatic voice, and increasing involvement in regional multilateral institutions are key developments in Asian affairs. China’s new proactive regional posture is reoected in virtually all policy spheres— economic, diplomatic, and military—and this parallels China’s increased activism on the global stage. 1 Bilaterally and multilaterally, Beijing’s diplomacy has been remarkably adept and nuanced, earning praise around the region. As a result, most nations in the region now see China as a good neighbor, a constructive partner, a careful listener, and a nonthreatening regional power. This regional perspective is striking, given that just a few years ago, many of China’s neighbors voiced growing concerns about the possibility of China becoming a domineering regional hegemon and powerful military threat. Today these views are muted. China’s new conadence is also reoected in how it perceives itself, as it gradually sheds its dual identity of historical victim and object of great power manipulation. These phenomena have begun to attract
Hand Detection and Tracking in an Active Vision System

Experimental Results Motivation: In most current teleconferencing or distance learning systems, the camera is fixed or is controlled by an operator. However, in natural communication between people, gesture, facial expression and body language play important roles. A potential avenue for natural interaction in HCI is the use of human gesture. Objective: Tracking a hand in a pointing gesture in a stereo image sequence captured from an active vision system (show in the following figure), and estimating its 3D orientation. The tracker fixates the hand in a normal lecture room with cluttered background, adapting to the motion of the cameras and changes in lighting.
Roles, applications, and trends of concept map-supported learning: a systematic review and bibliometric analysis of publications from 1992 to 2020 in selected educational technology journals

ABSTRACT This study investigates the roles, applications, and trends of concept map-supported education (CMSE) by reviewing the studies published from 1992 to 2020. Several dimensions, such as the media of concept maps, roles of concepts, sample groups, research methods, application domains, learning contexts, research foci, as well as the citation and co-citation relationships, are taken into account based on the technology-based learning model. From the review results, two thematic clusters were found, namely concept map-facilitated knowledge construction in collaborative learning, and concept map-based learning design to improve learning achievement and motivation. The research focused more on the applications in engineering courses, followed by science and language courses, and potential was also found in arts, business or management, and mathematics. Learning contexts for CMSE are mainly in-class activities, followed by online discussion activities; moreover, it was found that the number of applications in digital game-based learning contexts is increasing. In terms of research foci, more studies investigated learners’ performance, attitude/motivation, and perceptions, while less emphasis was put on developing learners’ skills, higher order thinking, as well as collaboration and communication competences. Accordingly, several suggestions for future research of CMSE are provided as a reference for researchers and policy makers.
Collection of Ultra High Spatial and Spectral Resolution Image Data over California Vineyards with a Small UAV

A small UAV was used to collect digital RGB (red-green-blue) and hyperspectral imagery above San Bernabe Vineyards (King City, Calif.) in August 2003. Data from the downsized payload were transmitted across a wireless local area network to a ground receiving station in near-real-time. High spatial resolution (~20 cm) RGB imagery was registered to the grower's GIS database, and used to map vigor differences within fields. High spectral resolution data were collected in 580 channels, and used for more detailed examination of canopy reflectance differences as related to crop vigor. An in-situ wireless sensor web was used to collect a time-series of air temperature data at several locations, simultaneous with the flight.
Shallow velocity structure along the Hirapur–Mandla profile using traveltime inversion of wide-angle seismic data, and its tectonic implications

SUMMARY In order to investigate the velocity structure, and hence shed light on the related tectonics, across the Narmada‐Son lineament, traveltimes of wide-angle seismic data along the 240 km long Hirapur‐Mandla profile in central India have been inverted. A blocky, laterally heterogeneous, three-layer velocity model down to a depth of 10 km has been derived. The first layer shows a maximum thickness of the upper Vindhyans (4.5 km s1) of about 1.35 km and rests on top of normal crystalline basement, represented by the 5.9 km s1 velocity layer. The anomalous feature of the study is the absence of normal granitic basement in the great Vindhyan Graben, where lower Vindhyan sediments (5.3 km s1) were deposited during the Precambrian on high-velocity (6.3 km s1) metamorphic rock. The block beneath the Narmada‐Son lineament represents a horst feature in which high-velocity (6.5 km s1) lower crustal material has risen to a depth of less than 2 km. South of the lineament, the Deccan Traps were deposited on normal basement during the upper Cretaceous period and attained a maximum thickness of about 800 m.
Non-specific effects of vaccination

EDITOR—Shann rightly questions the subtitle to my editorial, “Literature does not support either beneficial or detrimental effects. ” I did not write it and failed to note its insertion by the editor at the last moment before the article went to press—for which I apologise. Of course, there are many well documented non-specific …
Increasing complexity: which drug class to choose for treatment of hypertension in the elderly?

: Treatment of hypertension in the elderly is expected to become more complex in the coming decades. Based on the current landscape of clinical trials, guideline recommendations remain inconclusive. The present review discusses the latest evidence derived from studies available in 2013 and investigates optimal blood pressure (BP) and preferred treatment substances. Three common archetypes are discussed that hamper the treatment of hypertension in the very elderly. In addition, this paper presents the current recommendations of the NICE 2011, JNC7 2013-update, ESH/ESC 2013, CHEP 2013, JNC8 and ASH/ISH guidelines for elderly patients. Advantages of the six main substance classes, namely diuretics, beta-blockers (BBs), calcium channel blockers (CCBs), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and direct renin inhibitors (DRIs) are discussed. Medical and economic implications of drug administration in the very elderly are presented. Avoidance of treatment-related adverse effects has become increasingly relevant. Current substance classes are equally effective, with similar effects on cardiovascular outcomes. Selection of substances should therefore also be based on collateral advantages of drugs that extend beyond BP reduction. The combination of ACEIs and diuretics appears to be favorable in managing systolic/diastolic hypertension. Diuretics are a preferred and cheap combination drug, and the combination with CCBs is recommended for patients with isolated systolic hypertension. ACEIs and CCBs are favorable for patients with dementia, while CCBs and ARBs imply substantial cost savings due to high adherence.
The complete mitochondrial genome of Acanthogobius lactipes and its phylogenetic analysis

Abstract Acanthogobius lactipes is a demersal, euryhaline fish belonging to the suborder Gobiodei. This study sequenced and described the complete mitochondrial genome of A. lactipes for the first time. The circular genome of A. lactipes is 16,592 bp in length and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and a control region. The overall A, C, G, and T contents were 27.78, 27.31, 17.52, and 27.39%, respectively. Based on the 13 protein-coding genes, the phylogenetic tree showed that A. lactipes formed a well-supported cluster with the genus Acanthogobius and rooted with other family Oxudercidae species.
Raman spectroscopy of graphene and related materials

Raman spectroscopy is one of the main characterization techniques for graphene and related materials. It is a non-destructive technique that can give insight in the material ’ s quality, the number of layers, and is sensitive to any changes in electric or magnetic fields, band structure and temperature, making it ideal to probe layered materials.
Economic optimization of microgrid with demand response under source-load uncertainty

ABSTRACT The installed capacity of renewable energy producers has increased, which has accelerated the development of the microgrid system. One of the most significant and difficult issues in the field of microgrids is economic optimization. The reliability of the microgrid is threatened by the unpredictability of renewable energy and the variety of load types. In this study, a two-layer microgrid demand response optimization model that takes into account source-load uncertainty. To address the instability of renewable energy and load demand, this study introduces a hybrid scenario reduction strategy that combines Latin Hypercube sampling and probability distance. Then, a two-layer model is developed an upper optimization model that aims to minimize the demand response cost and a lower optimization model that aims to minimize the overall system cost. Finally, the paper then suggests a teaching-learning crow search algorithm that combines the teaching and learning optimization algorithm with the crow search method to resolve the two-layer optimization model. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the two-layer optimization model and the superiority of the suggested algorithm in optimizing the economic operation of microgrids.
Long‐Term Soil Temperature Database, Reynolds Creek Experimental Watershed, Idaho, United States

We describe long‐term soil temperature data collected at the Reynolds Creek Experimental Watershed (RCEW). These data were collected for over 15 years at five locations representing different climatic regimes and soils in the RCEW. Measurements were made at several depths at each site to a depth of 180 cm in most cases. Each site is located in close proximity to a climate station. Descriptive soil profile information is also available for each site. We illustrate two aspects of the data set, the impact of snow depth on soil temperature and the interannual variability of soil temperature at a site. These data are available to the public via the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Northwest Watershed Research Center anonymous ftp site ftp.nwrc. ars.usda. gov.
A New CCN Number Concentration Prediction Method Based on Multiple Linear Regression and Non‐Negative Matrix Factorization: 2. Application to Obtain CCN Spectra in and Around the Korean Peninsula

The new cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) number concentration (NCCN) prediction method that combines multiple linear regression and non‐negative matrix factorization, hereafter the MLRNMF method, to the aerosol number size distribution data is evaluated and applied to the Korea‐United States air quality (KORUS‐AQ) airborne measurement data. The mean fractional bias (MFB) and the mean fractional error (MFE) were used as performance metrics. The performance metrics of the MLRNMF method for the test data set at several supersaturations (S) (0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8%, and 1.0%) met the performance goal values (MFB and MFE being less than or equal to ±30% and +50%, respectively), and thus, it implies that the MLRNMF method is appropriate at various S. Applying the MLRNMF method to KORUS‐AQ airborne measurement data, it was demonstrated that aerosols in Seoul, Korean Peninsula, East Sea, and South Sea had similar hygroscopicity to each other, and aerosols over the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea showed similar hygroscopicity values during the KORUS‐AQ field campaign. Based on the MLRNMF method, two parameterizations of CCN spectra for a full S range representing various regions in and around the Korean Peninsula in springtime were formulated (Twomey relationship and logarithmic fitting curve). Additionally, it was found that NCCN decreased exponentially with altitude, and the scale height was approximately 1,700 m in the Seoul metropolitan area. The MLRNMF method can be used to create a global distribution map of NCCN or CCN spectra in many regions around the world.
Pn travel times in southern California

The Pn arrivals recorded from the southern California array have been used to demonstrate regional variations in crustal thickness and Pn velocity and to investigate the presence of anisotropy in the mantle. Over 2800 travel times were used in the analysis. The classical time term method was extended to allow the Moho velocity to vary in a block-type structure. The statistical F test shows these effects to be significant. Crustal delays determined depend on both crustal velocities and Moho depth. The Ventura and Los Angeles basins have sediment delays which indicate sediment thicknesses near 10 kin. The Moho depth itself varies by 10 km over southern California with a mean of about 29 kin. Slightly thicker crust is prevalent in the northwestern corner of the array near the Southern Coast Ranges. Five kilometers of rapid thinning between the coast and the Channel Islands is shown by a sharp gradient in the delay times. Normal crustal thicknesses occur over the rest of the array except for the area east of the Salton Trough, where an anomalously thin crust of 22 km exists. This area extends from near the plate boundary into Arizona. While the Peninsular Ranges and the San Bernadino Mountains have small roots, the San Gabriel Mountains have none. Pn velocities range from 7.6 to 8.2 km/s within the array. High velocities are found in the Mojave and offshore regions. Low velocities are found in the Peninsular Ranges and the Transverse Ranges. The analysis supports a mean anisotropy of 0.15 km/s with the fast direction at N 75 o W. This value represents an average of a parameter that varies considerably in the region.
Research Online Research

- As technology such as the Internet, computers and mobile devices become ubiquitous throughout society, the need to ensure our information remains secure is imperative. Unfortunately, it has long been understood that good security cannot be achieved through technical means alone and a solid understanding of the issues and how to protect yourself is required from users. Whilst many initiatives, programs and strategies have been proposed to improve the level of information security awareness, most have been directed at organizations, with a few national programs focused upon home users. Given people’s use of technology is primarily focused upon those two areas: the workplace and home, this paper seeks to understand the knowledge and practice relationship between these environments. Through the survey that was developed, it was identified that the majority of the learning about information security occurred in the workplace, where clear motivations, such as legislation and regulation, existed. It was also found that user’s were more than willing to engage with such awareness raising initiatives. From a comparison of practice between work and home environments, it was found that this knowledge and practice obtained at the workplace was transferred to the home environment. Given this positive transferability of knowledge and the willingness to learn about how to remain secure, an opportunity exists to move away from specific organizational awareness programs and to move towards awareness raising strategies that, whilst deployed in the organization, will develop an all-round individual security culture for users independent of the environment within which they are operating.
Possible Change of Extratropical Cyclone Activity due to Enhanced Greenhouse Gases and Sulfate Aerosols—Study with a High-Resolution AGCM

Abstract To investigate the possible impacts of enhanced greenhouse gases and sulfate aerosols on extratropical cyclone activity, two 20-yr time-slice experiments—the control run and the global warming run—are performed with a high-resolution AGCM (T106) of the Japan Meteorological Agency. In the control run, the atmosphere is forced by the observed SST and sea ice of 1979–98 and present-day CO2 and sulfate aerosol concentrations. In the global warming run, the atmosphere is forced by the observed SST and sea ice of 1979–98 plus the monthly mean anomalies of SST and sea ice at about the year 2050 obtained from a transient climate change experiment with the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) coupled ocean–atmosphere model with a low resolution of R15. The equivalent amounts of CO2 and sulfate aerosol concentrations at about the year 2050 as used in the GFDL R15 model are prescribed. First, the performance of the high-resolution AGCM (T106) in reproducing the extratropical cyclone activity of both.
Simulation and Visualisation of Functional Landscapes:Effects of the Water Resource Competition Between Plants

Vegetation ecosystem simulation and visualisation are challenging topics involving multidisciplinary aspects. In this paper,we present a new generic frame for the simulation of natural phenomena through manageable and interacting models.It focuses on the functional growth of large vegetal ecosystems,showing coherence for scales ranging from the individual plant to communities and with a particular attention to the effects of water resource competition between plants.The proposed approach is based on a model of plant growth in interaction with the environmental conditions. These are deduced from the climatic data (light,temperature,rainfall) and a model of soil hydrological budget.A set of layers is used to store the water resources and to build the interfaces between the environmental data and landscape components:temperature,rain,light,altitude,lakes,plant positions,biomass,cycles,etc.At the plant level,the simulation is performed for each individual by a structural-functional growth model,interacting with the plant's environment.Temperature is spatialised,changing according to altitude,and thus locally controls plant growth speed.The competition for water is based on a soil hydrological model taking into account rainfalls,water runoff, absorption,diffusion,percolation in soil.So far,the incoming light radiation is not studied in detail and is supposed constant.However,competition for light between plants is directly taken into account in the plant growth model.In our implementation,we propose a simple architecture for such a simulator and a simulation scheme to synchronise the water resource updating (on a temporal basis) and the plant growth cycles (determined by the sum of daily temperatures). The visualisation techniques are based on sets of layers,allowing both morphological and functional landscape views and providing interesting tools for ecosystem management.The implementation of the proposed frame leads to encouraging results that are presented and illustrate simple academic cases.
Confounders in chronic stress at work and metabolic syndrome

EDITOR—Chandola et al have fallen into the trap of confusing a clinical clustering of risk factors, the metabolic syndrome, with a physiological construct.1 Their definition of metabolic syndrome is that of the NCEPATP III, a panel concerned with clinical identification of subjects at high cardiovascular risk. The panel report notes that excess body fat (particularly abdominal obesity) is an …
Target Allocation in Multi-UAV Cooperative Search with Communication Constraints

In order to study the impact of communication constraints on targets allocation in cooperative multi-UAV search, we present a novel method of targets allocation in multi-UAV cooperative search with communication constraints.First,a targets allocation model is established based on the UAV dynamic model and cooperative search model.Second,the impact of communication constraints such as range limitation,angle limitation and time delay on targets allocation is analyzed.Restrictions are made that the UAVs can only communicate in the range of communication distance and angle,and Monte Carlo method is employed to validate the impact of communication distance and angle on targets allocation,while the UAV state information compensation method based on state estimation is used to eliminate the impact of time delay.The simulation results show the rationality and validity of this targets allocation method in multi-UAV cooperative search with communication constraints.
Nanoparticles and Their Antibacterial Application in Endodontics

Root canal treatment represents a significant challenge as current cleaning and disinfection methodologies fail to remove persistent bacterial biofilms within the intricate anatomical structures. Recently, the field of nanotechnology has emerged as a promising frontier with numerous biomedical applications. Among the most notable contributions of nanotechnology are nanoparticles, which possess antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Nanoparticles cause the destructuring of bacterial walls, increasing the permeability of the cell membrane, stimulating the generation of reactive oxygen species, and interrupting the replication of deoxyribonucleic acid through the controlled release of ions. Thus, they could revolutionize endodontics, obtaining superior results and guaranteeing a promising short- and long-term prognosis. Therefore, chitosan, silver, graphene, poly(lactic) co-glycolic acid, bioactive glass, mesoporous calcium silicate, hydroxyapatite, zirconia, glucose oxidase magnetic, copper, and zinc oxide nanoparticles in endodontic therapy have been investigated in the present review. The diversified antimicrobial mechanisms of action, the numerous applications, and the high degree of clinical safety could encourage the scientific community to adopt nanoparticles as potential drugs for the treatment of endodontic diseases, overcoming the limitations related to antibiotic resistance and eradication of the biofilm.