Crustaceans exhibit discontinuous growth as they shed hard shells periodically. Fundamentally, the growth of crustaceans is typically assessed through two key components, length increase after molting (LI) and time intervals between consecutive molts (TI). In this article, we propose a unified likelihood approach that combines a generalized additive model and a Cox proportional hazard model to estimate the parameters of LI and TI separately in crustaceans. This approach captures the observed discontinuity in individuals, providing a comprehensive understanding of crustacean growth patterns. Our study focuses on 75 ornate rock lobsters (Panulirus ornatus) off the Torres Strait in northeastern Australia. Through a simulation study, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed models in characterizing the discontinuity with a continuous growth curve at the population level. 2023 American Institute of Mathematical Sciences. All rights reserved...

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Increasing developments on the application of copper complexes as dyes are due to their dual function in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) as redox mediators and dye sensitizers. The economical (abundance, low cost) and environmentally friendly properties of copper motivate researchers on the use of copper complexes for replacement of ruthenium-based dyes in solar cells. A novel [Cu(I)(2,9-dmp)(phen-dione)]PF6 (A2) bearing polypyridyl ligands, 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione (phen-dione), 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (dmp) was prepared by metal complexation reaction. The photofunctionality of A2 as a promising photosensitizer in DSSCs was studied. Interestingly, A2 exhibited two absorption peaks, one is detected in the ultraviolet region due to p-p* transition and the other is a metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) band at 405nm in the visible region. A2 was compared to the same complex with Cu(II) ion as the metal centre which only absorbed light in the ultraviolet region thereby.....

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The expenses associated with software maintenance and evolution constitute a significant portion, surpassing more than 80% of the overall costs involved in software development. Refactoring, a widely embraced technique, plays a crucial role in streamlining and minimizing maintenance activities and expenses. However, the effect of refactoring techniques on quality attributes presents inconsistent and conflicting findings, making it challenging for software developers to enhance software quality effectively. Additionally, the absence of a comprehensive framework further complicates the decision-making process for developers when selecting appropriate refactoring techniques aligned with specific design objectives. In light of these considerations, this research aims to introduce a novel framework for classifying refactoring techniques based on their measurable influence on internal quality attributes. Initially, an exploratory study was conducted to identify commonly employed refactoring .....

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Paper-capillary micropumps are advantageous as they are small in size, cost-effective, and easily disposable. However, capillary-based micropumps fabricated using the photolithography technique prevent exchanging of the pumping element. The liquid movement in paper-based micropumps is also difficult to control and manipulate as compared to non-paper-based micropumps. Therefore, in this study, the performance of a multi-angle paper-based capillary micropump that utilizes both hydrostatic and paper-capillary effects with a detachable paper matrix is presented. The design offers enhanced and controllable flow rates based on paper matrix types and platform inclination angles. In addition, the paper matrix pumping element does not involve in the analytical processes but rather only for fluid driving. Standalone operation shows a working range of flow rate comparable to some purely capillary- and hydrostatic-based micropumps reported in the literature. The proposed micropump shows that the f.....

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This study determines the level of financial well-being and marital satisfaction of young married couples in Malaysia and examines the effect of financial well-being on marital satisfaction. This study employed a quantitative approach. Data were collected from a sample of 250 young married individuals, aged 20 to 40 years old with a marriage age of 1 to 10 years, using a self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and Simple Linear Regression. The findings reveal a significant positive effect of financial well-being on marital satisfaction. In conclusion, a favourable perception of financial wellbeing among young married individuals is more likely to increase their marital satisfaction. Thus, the findings propose guidance to tackle financial problems and provide fresh insights to the relevant parties in exploring the plausible solution to overcome financial and divorce problems among young married couples and promote family harmonization 2023, World S.....

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This study aims to investigate the chem-ical composition and acetylcholinesterase activity of essential oil from Syzygium pyrifolium leaves. The es-sential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus and its chemical composi-tion was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Thirty-two volatile components were identified in S. pyrifolium leaves oil, including geraniol (73.8%), ?-pinene (7.0%), ?-pinene (5.7%) and (E)-?-ocimene (4.5%) as the major components. Acetylcholinester-ase activity was evaluated using Ellman method and the essential oil showed strong inhibitory activity (I%: 82.5%). Our findings demonstrate that S. pyri-folium essential oil could be useful for an alternative raw material of food and medicinal products for pharmaceutical applications. 2023, Latin American Applied Research. All Rights Reserved...

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This paper presents a mathematical model for free kick and penalty in Soccer. The modeling is done by assuming the ball moves inside the air fluid and takes into account the influence of the direction, speed, rotation, and the elevation angle of the ball with the ground, and gravitational acceleration of aerodynamic forces such as drag force and Magnus force. The results of this modeling can explain physically how a player can do a very spectacular free kick, the ball soars high over the posse and suddenly dips towards the goal. Moreover, if the player gets the optimal value of the components, goals can be scored from these shots. 2023, Taru Publications. All rights reserved...

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Due to a lack of secure identity following the new developments in a Muslim Royal Town of high-tech modernization in the twentieth century, the craft maker created any motif with an unknown purpose. As a result, the original character of the location will be tarnished, and the image will vanish. This paper aims to identify the qualitative responses of the plant elements reinforcing the Muslim Royal Town of Kuala Kangsar, conducted semi-structured interview participants based on purposive sampling, including professionals, policymakers, and skilled practitioner's categories. The data was analyzed through qualitative coding using Atlas ti 8.0. The significant findings reveal that the flower, the color related to the flag, leaf, and types of plant, tendril/meandering cloud, the shape of the plant, and an element of the plant on a Perak Coat of Arm reflected the royal Muslim town. This finding contributes to assessing the details of the plants' motif representation to assist the city counc.....

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The primary aim of this article is to examine the existing findings of flipped classroom (FC) pedagogy in higher education institutions (HEIs) for teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) context. Relevant studies have been scrutinised based on keywords, such as higher education, online learning, blended or hybrid teaching, flipped classrooms, and English language instruction in EFL environment. A total of 54 out of the selected 162 articles were analysed using the critical review process as the research methodology, and data were analysed using the content analysis technique. The findings revealed that flipped classroom (FC) had been applied in different parts of the world over many years. But, most of the studies are in science and engineering. Flipped classroom (FC) in the English as foreign language context has remained untapped. Most of the studies conclude that flipped classroom (FC) has more benefits compared to its drawbacks. This review makes several recommendations for fu.....

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This paper parses the problem that art education for autistic children in Indonesia is only a compliment. Furthermore, it invites us to explore the nature and essence of art education as a solution again. Art education, which offers the concept of play, actually becomes "mathematical" learning and removes the essence of creative freedom from art education itself. The teacher does not understand the nature and essence of art education, which causes a shift towards the objectification of autistic children as students. This is due to the fact that the paradigm of art education for children with autism in Indonesia is still a discourse. Thus, the intimacy between teacher and student is no longer visible. Therefore, this paper argues about the need to take specific steps towards understanding art education by art teachers, prospective art teacher-students, and parents. It aims to restore the essence and essence of fine arts education as a medium of expression that can help children with aut.....

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