Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exogenous 2,4-Epibrassinolide Treatment Maintains the Quality of Carambola Fruit Associated With Enhanced Antioxidant Capacity and Alternative Respiratory Metabolism

Brassinosteroids act by delaying fruit ripening. The effects of different concentrations of 2,4-epibrassinolide (eBL) treatments on carambola fruit ripening were investigated. The results show that treatment of 2.8 mg L–1, eBL with 10 min effectively delays ripening and maintains the quality of carambola fruit. This is achieved by retarding color changes and firmness losses while maintaining high level of soluble protein content and vitamin C, and low organic acid content. eBL-delayed senescence may be due to the inhibition of respiration rate and enhanced antioxidant system. It is noteworthy that eBL treatment markedly reduces the content of fructose-6-phosphate (6-P-F) and enhances the activity of cytochrome oxidase (CCO), and the total activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH) and 6-phosphate gluconate dehydrogenase (6-PGDH). eBL treatment induces the IAA and GA contents but reduces that of ABA. In general, senescence retardation and quality improvement by eBL treatment may be due to the enhanced antioxidant capacity and altered respiratory pathways.
Evaluating Uncertainties in Reconstructing the Pre-eutrophic State of the North Sea

The North Sea is affected by eutrophication problems despite the decreasing riverine nutrient fluxes since the late 1980s. Formally, assessment of the eutrophication state of European marine environments is based on their historical state. Model estimates are increasingly used to support monitoring data that often do not encompass such pre-eutrophic conditions. However, various sources of uncertainties emerge when producing these estimates. In this study, we systematically quantify various sources of uncertainties in terms of variability, and assess their importance for the North Sea. For the reconstruction of the historical state, we use two coupled physical-biogeochemical model systems: ECOHAM on a 20-km grid for the European shelf and GPM on a high-resolution (1.5–4.5 km) grid for the Southern North Sea. To gain insights into the impacts due to the uncertainty in riverine loadings, we consider the historical nutrient inputs from two alternative watershed-models (MONERIS and E-HYPE). Overall, the modeled historic state based on E-HYPE shows higher nutrient concentrations compared to the state based on MONERIS, especially in the coastal regions. Assessing the degree of methodological uncertainties by an inter-comparison of different sources and against natural variabilities provides insight into the reliability of the model-based reconstruction of the historical state. We find that in regions influenced by freshwater from major rivers uncertainties owed to riverine loading scenarios exceed the natural sources of variability. For the offshore regions, natural sources of variability dominate over those caused by model- and scenario-related uncertainties. These findings are expected to assist decision makers and researchers in gaining insight into the degree of confidence in evaluating the model results, and prioritizing the need for refinement of models and scenarios for the production of reliable projections.
Ion-Exchange-Assisted Electrochemical Removal of Heavy Metals from Dilute Solutions in a Stirred-Tank Electrochemical Reactor: A Mass-Transfer Study

The rate of diffusion-controlled removal of Cu2+ from a dilute solution containing a fluidized bed of ion-exchange resin in a batch stirred parallel-plate electrochemical reactor was investigated. The variables studied were the concentration of ion-exchange resin, impeller rotation speed, and impeller geometry. The rate of mass transfer of Cu2+ removal was measured in three cases, namely, (i) ion exchange without electrolysis, (ii) electrolysis without ion exchange, and (iii) combined electrolysis and ion exchange. The presence of ion-exchange resin during electrolysis was found to increase the rate of Cu2+ removal by a factor ranging from 1.18 to 1.78 compared to that obtained by electrolysis alone. A simple mathematical model was developed to account for the enhancing effect of ion-exchange particles. The electrical energy consumption decreased in the presence of ion-exchange resin by an amount ranging from 3.6% to 53%. The radial-flow impeller was found to give higher rates of removal than the axial-fl.
Safety and effectiveness of mass drug administration to accelerate elimination of artemisinin-resistant falciparum malaria: A pilot trial in four villages of Eastern Myanmar [version 1; peer review: 2 approved]

Background: Artemisinin and partner drug-resistant falciparum malaria is expanding over the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS). Eliminating falciparum malaria in the GMS while drugs still retain enough efficacy could prevent global spread of antimalarial resistance. Eliminating malaria rapidly requires targeting the reservoir of asymptomatic parasite carriers. This pilot trial aimed to evaluate the acceptability, safety, feasibility Open Peer Review
Naturally-Made Hard Containers for Food Packaging: Actual and Future Perspectives

The huge amount of plastic used in packaging application and the related problems of disposal of the packaging after its use have gained research and industrial interest in both bio-based polymers that are not biodegradable but produced by renewable resources and bio-based compostable polymers, to be used for production of packaging. The production of bio-polymers is more costly than that of conventional fossil fuel-based polymers. Moreover, the range of applications of polymers derived from natural sources was limited due to difficulties in processing natural materials, moisture sensitivity, incompatibility at the interface between natural fillers and polymeric matrices, possible toxicity related to natural material degradation, poor mechanical properties, etc. Mass transfer properties are very important for packaging application, and at present, bio-based packaging generally lacks in maintaining barrier properties compared to traditional petro-derived polymers. The combination of traditional polymers and biodegradable ones in multilayer systems allowed obtaining a good balance of mass transfer properties, but the presence of the non-biodegradable layer negatively affects, and in some cases compromises, the composting of the final packaging. Recent advances in technology are reducing the cost of manufacturing bio-based plastics and are producing materials with an expanded range of properties that has made them suitable for low cost and high demanding applications such as packaging. Chemical modifications of the bio-based polymers, as well as blending with biodegradable additives or polymers are the preferred solutions to improve and control the properties of these materials. In this work, several materials derived from biomasses such as polyesters (poly lactic acid, poly hydroxyl alkanoates), polysaccharides (starch), vegetal and animal proteins, etc., which can be used in hard packaging applications are reviewed. Modification and processing of bio-based products with additives, polymers and natural fibers (cellulose, wood fibers, etc.) are discussed as well. The suitability of these materials for the industrial processing required for the production of hard food packaging is reported critically in order to evidence the challenges and perspectives for polymers derived from renewable resources to be applied in this sector.
OESense: employing occlusion effect for in-ear human sensing

Smart earbuds are recognized as a new wearable platform for personal-scale human motion sensing. However, due to the interference from head movement or background noise, commonly-used modalities (e.g. accelerometer and microphone) fail to reliably detect both intense and light motions. To obviate this, we propose OESense, an acoustic-based in-ear system for general human motion sensing. The core idea behind OESense is the joint use of the occlusion effect (i.e., the enhancement of low-frequency components of bone-conducted sounds in an occluded ear canal) and inward-facing microphone, which naturally boosts the sensing signal and suppresses external interference. We prototype OESense as an earbud and evaluate its performance on three representative applications, i.e., step counting, activity recognition, and hand-to-face gesture interaction. With data collected from 31 subjects, we show that OESense achieves 99.3% step counting recall, 98.3% recognition recall for 5 activities, and 97.0% recall for five tapping gestures on human face, respectively. We also demonstrate that OESense is compatible with earbuds' fundamental functionalities (e.g. music playback and phone calls). In terms of energy, OESense consumes 746 mW during data recording and recognition and it has a response latency of 40.85 ms for gesture recognition. Our analysis indicates such overhead is acceptable and OESense is potential to be integrated into future earbuds.
Exploring Sketch-based Character Design Guided by Automatic Colorization

Character design is a lengthy process, requiring artists to iteratively alter their characters’ features and colorization schemes according to feedback from creative directors or peers. Artists experiment with multiple colorization schemes before deciding on the right color palette. This process may necessitate several tedious manual re-colorizations of the character. Any substantial changes to the character’s appearance may also require manual re-colorization. Such complications motivate a computational approach for visualizing characters and drafting solutions. We propose a character exploration tool that automatically colors a sketch based on a selected style. The tool employs a Generative Adversarial Network trained to automatically color sketches. The tool also allows a selection of faces to be used as a template for the character’s design. We validated our tool by comparing it with using Photoshop for character exploration in our pilot study. Finally, we conducted a study to evaluate our tool’s efficacy within the design pipeline.
Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol in Oblique lumbar interbody fusion(OLIF): a case-controlled study

Background Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) attempts to decrease the surgical stress response to minimize postoperative complications and improve functional rehabilitation after major surgery, but it have not been widely utilized in spinal surgery. This study is to evaluate the implementation of an ERAS pathway for patients undergoing oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) surgery.Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of patient who underwent OLIF in 2018 prior to ERAS (“pre-ERAS” ,n=23) and in 2019 after ERAS was instituted (“ERAS”, n=24). Major outcomes were collected included demographics, length of hospital stay, financial cost, postoperative complications, off-bed time and perioperative factors. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the pain. The ERAS pathway and compliance with pathway elements were also recorded.Results After ERAS implementation, we found no significant differences in the baseline characteristics between the two groups. In our study, the mean stay in the hospital was significantly lower (p= 0.033) in the ERAS group (15.3±3.9 days) compared to the standard pathway group (13.0±3.1 days). In comparison to the standard group, we also found a variation between the financial costs of surgery and hospitalization [(16446.5±4353.3)vs(14237.7±2784.9) USD, P < 0.05]. The ERAS group manifested a lower blood loss compared with the pre-ERAS group with statistical significance [(68.3±57.1)vs(119.3±104.8) ml, P < 0.05]. There was no significant difference in operative time, complications, and 30-d readmission rates ( P > 0.05 ). Pain scores between the two groups showed a significant difference during the 3th hour and 6th hour (P < 0.05). Conclusion Institution of an ERAS protocol appears to accelerate functional recovery and reduce length of stay, financial costs and decreased pain.
Conceptual Model for Adoption of Mobile Banking Technology in Savings and Loans Cooperatives

—In an effort to maintain competitiveness and sustainability, organizations must pay attention to the needs of their members. The use of online applications amidst conditions that limit human mobility is urgently needed. This study aims to analyze the technology adoption of Saving and Loans Cooperatives (KSP) mobile banking based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). This research uses a descriptive approach, conducted by survey method through the use of a questionnaire. The control variables in this study were gender, age, education, profession and understanding of technology. The result of this research is a mobile banking technology adoption model that can be implemented in analyzing technology acceptance. The model describes 2 main factors that influence members' decisions in using technology, namely user trust factors and user attitude factors. User attitude factors consist of usability, ease of use and consumer awareness. User trust factors consist of risk awareness and social influence.
Pore-water and proton transport in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell: Molecular dynamics and mono- and bimodal wetting treatments of mesopore hydrated Nafion

PORE-WATER AND PROTON TRANSPORT IN POLYMER ELECTROLYTE MEMBRANE FUEL CELL: MOLECULAR DYNAMICS AND MONOAND BIMODAL WETTING TREATMENTS OF MESOPORE HYDRATED NAFION by Gi Suk Hwang Chair: Massoud Kaviany Water states and water/proton transport in nanopores of hydrated Nafion, an chosen electrolyte in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell, are explained using molecular dynamics (MD) aided bimodal pore-size/water-wetting model. The bimodal model is developed based on the effective Debye screening length for pore water confined by heterogeneously ionized surface, and using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements and existing pore-size distribution. The smaller pores (1 nm) critically confine water and promote capillary condensation (hydrophilic-like), while hindering transport. The larger pores (4 nm) delay the condensation (hydrophobic-like), while allowing bulk-like transport. In a pore network, the small pores selectively wet, while the large pores provide dominant adsorption and transport channels, a novel attribute of the bimodal model. Also, in contrast to the existing Nafion backbone-hydration model, a hydration-dependent, temperature-dependent sulfonic acid surface density is proposed. Using the bimodal model, the pore-water states with capillary condensation in large pores and the transition jump in adsorption are predicted and in agreement with experiments, with negligible contribution from the small pores. This transition also results in the proton conductivity jump by allowing dominant proton hopping through the larger pores in the network. The bimodal wetting describes the capillary water flow, where the small hydrophilic-like pores provide dominant flow channels, whereas water in the large pores remains immobile due to adsorption only. This water flow network results in lower liquid saturation distribution, in general agreement with the limited experimental results. At elevated temperatures, it is suggested that the sulfonic acid surface site density reduces due to pore surface stretching (relaxing backbone), resulting in hydrophobicity, most pronounced in the large pores. This delays the capillary condensation and decreases adsorption, and masks the transition in proton conductivity. The pore-water state/content for optimal cell operation is also discussed. PORE-WATER AND PROTON TRANSPORT IN POLYMER ELECTROLYTE MEMBRANE FUEL CELL: MOLECULAR DYNAMICS AND MONOAND BIMODAL WETTING TREATMENTS OF MESOPORE HYDRATED NAFION
Towards resolving two fundamental issues in semantic role theory

The current state of semantic role theory is investigated to understand the reason or reasons why, even after so long, there remains no agreement to date about two fundamental issues:  how many roles are needed and what they are;  how to distinguish a valid set of roles from an invalid one. The goal of this paper is to explore possible answers, not to assume they are final. Table of
Implementation on Quality-of-Control for Image-Based Control Systems using Algorithmic Approximation

Picture Processing (IP) applications have gotten renowned with the presence of capable computations and negligible exertion CMOS cameras with significant standard. In any case, IP applications are register concentrated, eat up a huge load of energy and have long taking care of times. Picture assessment has been proposed by late works for an energy-capable arrangement of these applications. It also diminishes the impact of long getting ready occasions. The test here is that the IP applications oftentimes work as a piece of more prominent shut circle control systems, for instance advanced driver help structure (ADAS). We propose a construction for execution appraisal of picture surmise on a shut circle auto IBC structure. Our construction is written in C++ and uses V-REP as the propagation environment. For the generation, V-REP runs as a laborer and the C++ module as a client in concurrent mode. We show the electiveness of our framework using a fantasy based equal control model.
Experimental study of Descriptive and Inferential Analytics Approaches for Real Estate Buyers using ‘R’ T ools

- In the building industry, analytics has altered the fundamental pattern of data processing and forecasting. Delights, the lobbying firm of a newly established real estate buyer, is aiming to penetrate the Melbourne property market. In order to generate insights on various aspects of this booming market, senior management is keen to capitalize on large volumes of historical real estate data. Insights can vary through location, seasonality, price patterns, area features, land features, property features and numerous other aspects. A massive dataset of real estate transactions in Melbourne, near 20,000 records from 2017, has been obtained by the company. Huge quantities of structured and unstructured data are generated in the industry and we will help a company make a game-changing decision with this knowledge. In this article, the descriptive and inferential analytics approach is used to extract insights into the real estate industry.
THE IMPORTANCE AND PRACTICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP FOR BPR OF UNIVERSITIES IN CHINA

Nowadays in China, the higher education is changed to be popularized and to cultivate developing talents that is the way for university to increase more students. Meanwhile the traditional process and mode of educational management cannot satisfy the new demands in the new era, therefore the trends of educational reform that can create new system and improve the quality has become an important issue. That‟s why university should try to reengineer the outmoded management process. Reform and developing is always the theme of the administration of university. Organization Business Process Reengineering is a theory and methodology from business administration and becomes an inner demand and conscious option, that is one of a good method used to cure the chronic disease of higher education in China. However, during the actual mechanical process, difficulties are more than expectation, thus, the transformational leadership is necessary for this “revolution”. This essay will firstly explain the definition of Business Process Reengineering and transformational leadership, followed by describing the difficulties and problems. Then, it analyzes the significance and necessity of transformational leadership. The concept of transformational leadership as a leadership theory was by Burns. This concept was used in political organizations initially. Bass introduced the concept of transformational leadership into business organizations, it can improve the ability of employees, discover the potential of the organization, and ultimately realize organizational change and innovation by promoting cooperative behavior within the organization. Bass proposed the four dimensions of transformational leadership; charismatic leadership, visionary motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration. It can be seen that transformational leadership is process-oriented, which emphasizes the integrity of the organization and aims to promote the development and transformation of the organization through the development of organization members. Finally, it prospects the future which is about improving the effectiveness and efficiency of leadership.
Crisis Management on Education Policies during Covid-19: The Case of China, USA and Italy

COVID-19 is a global pandemic and affects countries in several dimensions such as health system, economy and education. The current study seeks to report and compare implementations of educational policy during COVID-19 pandemic in China, USA and Italy within the framework of crisis manage-ment process. The current study is descriptive in that it seeks to document sources on the phenomenon COVID-19 pandemic and explore similar or different implementations of educational policies. The findings indicate that educational policies are implemented in mostly similar patterns except slight differences in administrative approaches. Although the outcomes of the policies will be evident in the future, some implications can be listed as flexible and systematic planning of educational policies, collaboration and cooperation among authorities and schools, improving internet infrastructure and providing flexible educational programs. It is expected that investigation of educational policies and implementations in pandemic will guide in terms of managing crisis in educational issues.
Segmentation of Images using Fuzzy CMeans with Spatial and Intensity Constraint Membership Linking

To segment images the suitable and well-organized clustering method is fuzzy C-means (FCM). Nevertheless, FCM is lagging due to non-robustness and leading to inaccuracy for noise images. This paper proposed a revised FCM schemein order to segment the noise and is termed as FCM_SICM. For instance,to obtain the local spatial and the intensity of image the filtering technique; fast bilateral filter is acquired. Later, the absolute variance of image among the bilateral filtered and actual image is employed and the joint of the variance image and itself obligeunoriginal FCM including the intensity and local spatial evidencecorrespondingly. As a final point the membership is associated with the previous iteration by making the additive of all the functional membership gradescomputed at each and every cluster in the formula of squared logarithmic methodin the expressed objective function as denominator. Experimental validation proves that the proposed technique attainsgreater segmentation operation in terms of its performance.
PiCoEDL: Discovery and Learning of Minecraft Navigation Goals from Pixels and Coordinates

Defining a reward function in Reinforcement Learning (RL) is not always possible or very costly. For this reason, there is a great interest in training agents in a task-agnostic manner making use of intrinsic motivations and unsupervised techniques [7, 6, 15, 2, 14, 3]. Due to the complexity to learn useful behaviours in pixel-based domains, the results obtained in RL are still far from the remarkable results obtained in domains such as computer vision [5, 4] or natural language processing [1, 12]. We hypothesize that RL agents will also benefit from unsupervised pre-trainings with no extrinsic rewards, analogously to how humans mostly learn, especially in the early stages of life.