Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seismic Response of Long-Span Triple-Tower Suspension Bridge under Random Ground Motion

Multitower suspension bridge is of different style compared to the traditional suspension bridge with two towers, and consequently the dissimilarity of static and dynamic behaviors is distinct. As a special case of multitower suspension bridge, two long-span triple-tower suspension bridges have been constructed in China and the seismic random response of triple-tower suspension bridges is studied in this paper. A nonlinear dynamic analysis finite element model is established in ABAQUS and the Python language is utilized to facilitate the preprocess and postprocess during the finite element analysis. The procedure for random response calculation of structures based on the pseudoexcitation method is presented, with the initial equilibrium state of structure considered, which may be ignored for long-span bridges during calculating of stochastic response. The stationary seismic random responses of triple-tower suspension bridge under uniform excitation in firm, medium, and soft soil conditions and under spatially varying excitation in soft soil are investigated. The distribution of RMS of random responses of displacements and internal forces of the stiffening girder and towers is presented and discussed in detail. Results show that spatially variable ground motions should be considered in the stochastic analysis of triple-tower suspension bridge.
Estimating the horizontal and vertical directionofarrival directionofarrival directionofarrival ofarrival ofarrival of water-borne seismic signals in the northern Philippine Seaa )

Conventional and adaptive plane-wave beamforming with simultaneous recordings by large-aperture horizontal and vertical line arrays during the 2009 Philippine Sea Engineering Test (PhilSea09) reveal the rate of occurrence and the two-dimensional arrival structure of seismic phases that couple into the deep ocean. A ship-deployed, controlled acoustic source was used to evaluate performance of the horizontal array for a range of beamformer adaptiveness levels. Ninety T-phases from unique azimuths were recorded between Yeardays 107 to 119. T-phase azimuth and S-minus-P-phase timeof-arrival range estimates were validated using United States Geological Survey seismic monitoring network data. Analysis of phases from a seismic event that occurred on Yearday 112 near the east coast of Taiwan approximately 450 km from the arrays revealed a 22 clockwise evolution of T-phase azimuth over 90 s. Two hypotheses to explain such evolution—body wave excitation of multiple sources or in-water scattering—are presented based on T-phase origin sites at the intersection of azimuthal great circle paths and ridge/coastal bathymetry. Propagation timing between the source, scattering region, and array position suggests the mechanism behind the evolution involved scattering of the T-phase from the Ryukyu Ridge and a T-phase formation/scattering location estimation error of approximately 3.2 km. VC 2013 Acoustical Society of America. [http://dx.doi. org/10.1121/1.4818843]
Exact amplitudes of six polarization modes for gravitational waves

The formalism of the exact six polarization modes of gravitational waves is constructed in terms of both the small metric perturbations and the Newman-Penrose scalars. The obtained formulae are applicable to any metric-compatible gravity theories whose gravitational waves propagate along either the null or non-null geodesics. Once a gravity theory, specifically its linearized wave equation, is written, comparison to the observed data of the laser interferometer experiments is direct.
Do Higher Government Wages Reduce Corruption? Evidence Based on a Novel Dataset

This paper employs a novel dataset on government wages to investigate the relationship between government remuneration policy and corruption. Our dataset, as derived from national household or labor surveys, is more reliable than the data on government wages as used in previous research. When the relationship between government wages and corruption is modeled to vary with the level of income, we find that the impact of government wages on corruption is strong at relatively low-income levels.
Determination of heavy metal levels in Oreochromis niloticus and Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus from Ogun River, Nigeria

Comparison of heavy metal levels in Oreochromis niloticus and Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus caught in Ogun River (Nigeria) was carried out to reveal the potential health risks associated with fish consumption from the river. Concentrations of copper, lead and cadmium were determined in the gills, eyes, bone, flesh, liver and stomach of the fish species. Ten fish of each species were obtained commercially and analyzed for the metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Data obtained were subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 5% significant level. The highest concentrations of Cu were observed in the gills of O. niloticus and the eyes followed by liver of C. nigrodigitatus, while the lowest concentrations were detected in the eyes of O. niloticus and bone of C. nigrodigitatus. Lead concentrations were higher in the liver of O. niloticus and gills of C. nigrodigitatus, while the lowest concentrations were detected in stomach of O. niloticus and C. nigrodigitatus respectively. Also, in proximate analysis, composition of dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, ash and carbohydrate contents recorded high in C. nigrodigitatus and O. niloticus and significantly differs. All the metals studied exceeded standard permissible limit for human consumption. Therefore, monitoring of the river is highly recommended, while adequate information, education and training should be strengthened to control further pollution. Key words: Freshwater fish, Africa, contamination, Nile tilapia, catfish.
WHITE ADIPOSE TISSUE AS AN ENDOCRINE ORGAN : THE HYPOTHALAMIC – PITUITARY – ADIPOSE AXIS

The worldwide increase in the prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents during the past decades, in addition to mounting evidence indicating that obesity is associated with an increased incidence of comorbidities and the risk of premature death, resulting in a high economical impact, has stimulated obesity-focused research. These studies have highlightened the prominent endocrine activity of adipose tissue, which is exerted through the synthesis and secretion of a wide variety of peptides and cytokines, called adipokines. In the present review, we have summarized the current knowledge and most relevant studies of adipokine dynamics and actions in children, focusing on the control of
Large soil organic carbon increase due to improved agronomic management in the North China Plain from 1980 s to 2010 s Running head : SOC increase and its driving factors

Agricultural soils are widely recognized to be capable of carbon sequestration that contributes to mitigating CO2 emissions. To better understand soil organic carbon (SOC) stock dynamics and its driving and controlling factors corresponding with a period of rapid agronomic evolution from the 1980s to the 2010s in the North China Plain (NCP), we collected data from two region-wide soil sampling campaigns (in the 1980s and 2010s) and conducted an analysis of the controlling factors using the Random Forest model. Between the 1980s and 2010s, environmental (i.e. soil salinity/fertility) and societal (i.e. policy/techniques) factors both contributed to adoption of new management practices (i.e. chemical fertilizer application/mechanization). Results of our work indicate that SOC stocks in the NCP croplands increased significantly, which also closely related to soil total nitrogen (TN) changes. Samples collected near the surface (0-20 cm) and deeper (20-40 cm) both
Beliefs incentives and economic growth

We integrate a general social norm function which associates status to accumulation of capital and consumption into a simple model of endogenous growth. We show that societies which place a greater weight on capital as opposed to consumption will experience fast growth.Our results are consistent with those obtained by Baumol(1990) in the context of entrepreneurship and by Fershtman and Weiss (1991
INVESTORS’ EXPECTATION ON RATE OF RETURN AND MORAL IMAGE OF COMPANIES

* Hang Seng Management College, Hong Kong ** Corresponding author Department of Business, Gratia Christian College, Hong Kong; UNESCO, Hong Kong Association, Hong Kong; Contact details: Department of Business, Gratia Christian College, 5 Wai Chi Street, Shek Kip Mei, Kowloon, Hong Kong; UNESCO, Hong Kong Association, Room 7, 24/F, Tung Che Commercial Centre, 246 Des Voeux Road West, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong *** Faculty of Social Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong
STUDYING BEHAVIOR ATTRIBUTES AND STUDENT'S ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

To investigate the different factors affecting the performance of top most students at university level, and to compare the perception and significant differences between the male and female students, the present study was conducted by taking a sample of 120 students at University level. Primary data were collected on various factors like student's involvement in their study, role conflict, student's concern regarding study quality, fellow relationship, autonomy in their study and environmental indulgence. Counts, percentages and mean average score (MAS) were used to present the results and Chi-square test was performed for testing the association of the selected attributes with the high performance male and female students. Mann-Whiteny U test was used to compare the significant difference in the factors describing behavior of high performance male and female students regarding their studies. The results of MAS indicate that student's involvement in their studies, quality of study, role conflict, relationship with the fellows, autonomy in their studies and environmental indulgence would affect the performance of the top most male and female students enrolled at university level education. Similarly, a significant (P 0.05). Similarly, peers relationship and autonomy in the study, the mean rank of high performance male students was higher than the female counterparts. Furthermore, the mean rank of high performance male students for autonomy in their studies was significantly (P < 0.05) higher as compared to the female students.
Genetic structure of the tall sea pen Funiculina quadrangularis in NW Scottish sea lochs

The tall sea pen Funiculina quadrangularis has a patchy distribution around the UK, being found in sheltered waters below 20 m depth on the northwest coast of Scotland and Ireland. The limited distribution and sensitivity to bottom fishing activities make F. quadrangularis vulnerable to reduction in population numbers that may lead to genetic isolation and reduced diversity. Because of this vulnerability and low resilience to physical disturbance, the tall sea pen is recognised as a Species of Principle Importance under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act, 2006, UK. (http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ ukpga/2006/16/contents) and is also on the Biodiversity Action Plan list of Priority Species for the UK. In the Mediterranean it is recognised as a sensitive and essential fish habitat because it forms habitat for several commercially important crustaceans. The aim of this study was to understand the current state of the genetic structure and gene flow of F. quadrangularis in areas of NW Scotland. We developed 10 microsatellite markers and used them to genotype 176 samples from four populations. Overall, our results suggest that there is high genetic diversity and high gene flow between colonies of F. quadrangularis in and among locations in Loch Linnhe and Loch Duich. As a result of the high rates of gene flow, genetic differentiation between sites was low. This may provide resilience to human impacts if distant populations have a high connectivity. However, care must be taken, as small but significant isolation by distance was found between the most geographically distant sites and only a small part of the species range was examined in this study. The genetic tools developed here will provide a foundation for wider studies of this vulnerable species.
Comparison of the Clinical Efficacy of Salbutamol with Jet and Mesh Nebulizers in Asthmatic Children

Background. Ultrasonic, jet, and mesh nebulizers have all been used in the treatment for asthma. Mesh nebulizers reportedly offer the best inhalation efficiency.Methods. This study aimed to clarify the utility of themesh nebulizer, compared to jet nebulizers, in the treatment of pediatric asthma patients. Participants included 88 children <6 years old who were receiving treatment for asthma at Murayama Pediatric Clinic. Heart rate, peripheral oxygen saturation in arterial blood, and Mitsui symptom scores were compared before and after treatment with a mesh nebulizer (n = 43) or jet nebulizer (n = 45) using a salbutamol inhalation solution (0.2ml for children ≧ 2 years old, n = 51; 0.1ml for children < 2 years old, n = 37). Results. Other than required inhalation time, clinical findings did not differ betweenmesh and jet groups. In both groups, heart rate increased significantly in patients treated with 0.2ml (1000 microg) of salbutamol. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance. The required inhalation time of the mesh nebulizer was superior to the jet nebulizer. Children ≧ 2 years with mild asthma attacks experienced a significantly increased heart rate in both groups. The dose of salbutamol (0.2ml for ≧2 years) used for asthma attacks should be reconsidered in mild asthma.
Title : Microbial mechanisms of carbon priming effects revealed during the interaction of crop residue and nutrient inputs in contrasting soils Running head : Microbial mechanisms of SOC priming by wheat residue

This article has been accepted for publication and undergone full peer review but has not been through the copyediting, typesetting, pagination and proofreading process, which may lead to differences between this version and the Version of Record. Please cite this article as doi: 10.1111/gcb.14154 This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. DR. LOIC NAZARIES (Orcid ID : 0000-0001-7006-4964) DR. BHUPINDER PAL SINGH (Orcid ID : 0000-0003-1952-9070)
Impact of the semidiurnal lunar tide on the midlatitude thermospheric wind and ionosphere during sudden stratosphere warmings

Variability of the midlatitude ionosphere and thermosphere during the 2009 and 2013 sudden stratosphere warmings (SSWs) is investigated in the present study using a combination of Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (COSMIC) observations and thermosphere‐ionosphere‐mesosphere electrodynamics general circulation model (TIME‐GCM) simulations. Both the COSMIC observations and TIME‐GCM simulations reveal perturbations in the F region peak height (hmF2) at Southern Hemisphere midlatitudes during SSW time periods. The perturbations are ∼20–30 km, which corresponds to 10–20% variability of the background mean hmF2. The TIME‐GCM simulations and COSMIC observations of the hmF2 variability are in overall good agreement, and the simulations can thus be used to understand the physical processes responsible for the hmF2 variability. Through comparison of simulations with and without the migrating semidiurnal lunar tide (M2), we conclude that the midlatitude hmF2 variability is primarily driven by the propagation of the M2 into the thermosphere where it modulates the field‐aligned neutral winds, which in turn raise and lower the F region peak height. Though there are subtle differences, the consistency of the behavior between the 2009 and 2013 SSWs suggests that variability in the Southern Hemisphere midlatitude ionosphere and thermosphere is a consistent feature of the SSW impact on the upper atmosphere.
Effect of Weight Reduction Diets Containing Fish, Walnut or Fish plus Walnut on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Overweight and Obese Women.

BACKGROUND This randomized controlled trial compares the effects of walnuts, fish and the combination of the two on cardiovascular risk factors among overweight or obese females who were losing their weight. METHODS Ninety-nine overweight and obese women were randomized to 3 weight-reducing diets: fish (300 g/week), walnut (18 walnuts/per week) or fish + walnut (150 g fish and 9 walnuts /week) for 12 weeks. Anthropometric indices, systolic & diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, inflammatory markers, serum lipids and coagulating factors were measured. RESULTS The reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) (-5.0 ± 0.3 mm Hg, P = 0.01), fasting blood glucose (FBG) (-12.4 ± 1.9 mg/ dL, P = 0.001), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (-6.2 ± 1.3 mg/dL, P = 0.03), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) (-0.51 ± 0.08 mg/L, P < 0.001), D-dimer (-0.45 ± 0.07 mg/dL, P < 0.001), fibrinogen (-22.4± 4.5 mg/dL, P < 0.001), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (-6.4 ± 0.9 mg/dL, P < 0.001), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (-6.3 ± 0.9 IU/L, P = 0.01), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (-0.08 ± 0.02 ng/mL, P = 0.01), interleukin 6 (IL-6) (-1.6 ± 0.1 ng/mL, P < 0.001) and increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (3.6 ± 0.2 mg/dL, P < 0.001) were significantly higher in the group randomized to the fish + walnut diet compared with either the fish group or the walnut group. A significant decrease was seen in TG (-7.3 ± 1.1 mg/dL, P < 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (-2.0 ± 0.06 mm Hg, P = 0.01) levels in the fish group and the walnut group compared with the fish + walnut group. The change in other risk factors was not different among groups. CONCLUSION The present study shows that the combination of marine and plant omega-3 together is more effective on blood pressure levels, fasting blood glucose, inflammatory markers, serum lipids and coagulating factors than the fish or walnut in isolation.
Measuring Predictors of Student Retention Rates

Problem statement: Colleges and universities place more emphasis on student retention rates than ever before. Educational institutions are intensifying efforts to discourage student departure and preserve their established student base. Economic pressures that bear heavily on academic administration make such efforts highly critical for institutional success. Research on this vital issue is especially important due to the vigorous competition among college and universities to recruit students and maintain enrollment levels. This pressure is heightened by the fact that it costs more to attract students than it does to retain them. Approach: This study uses institutional-based data to examine student attrition levels with the intent to identify their chief determinants and provide the foundation for post-secondary institutions to explore the viability of their own retention programs. Discriminant analysis is used to distinguish those schools that exhibit a higher degree of success in retaining student enrollments from those who suffer higher departure trends. Results: Tuition, student/teacher ratio and the amount of dollar aid offered the students all play substantial roles in encouraging persistence. The acceptance rate and enrollment levels were found to provide less discriminatory power. Conclusion: Students are influenced by the personal attention they receive and the manner in which their chosen institution of higher education caters to their individual needs, problems and concerns. Colleges and universities concerned with student retention would benefit from concentrated programs designed to provide individualized student services that address immediate student needs.
Comparison of Two Different Schemes of Once-weekly Ovum Pick Up in Dairy Heifers

To compare two different schemes, continuous scheme (CS) and discontinuous scheme (DCS), of once-weekly ovum pick up (OPU) with ultrasound-guided follicular puncture technique, Holstein heifers were randomly divided into two groups of five. After characterization of their two normal estrous cycles, the heifers were subjected to consecutive 20 weeks of once-weekly OPU under two schemes: the CS (one week interval between continuous OPU, total 100 OPU sessions performed) and the DCS (OPU fixed to the day 3 and day 10 of each estrus). Then, the status of ovaries and artificial insemination results were observed. On oocyte yield, the total number of punctured follicles using DCS was lower than that using CS, but the mean numbers of punctured follicles and recovered oocytes per session were higher in DCS than CS group. So the total number of recovered oocytes was similar in both groups. There were also no differences in the quality of recovered oocytes, nor in the developmental ability of oocytes fertilized in vitro between groups. The heifers in the DCS group showed regular estrous cycles with stable estrous signs through the periods of before, during, and after OPU, while those in CS group showed longer estrous cycles and less estrous signs during and/or after OPU compared with before period. Furthermore, the mean number of inseminations required for obtaining pregnancy after completion of the experiments was lower in DCS than CS group. The research demonstrates that similar quantity and quality oocytes can be achieved, and the side effects on donors are lower in DCS that needs fewer OPUs than CS group, and DCS is superior to CS.
Studies in Efficient Discrete Algorithms

This thesis consists of five papers within the design and analysis of efficient algorithms.In the first paper, we consider the problem of computing all-pairs shortest paths in a directed graph with real weights assigned to vertices. We develop a combinatorial randomized algorithm that runs in subcubic time for a special class of graphs.In the second paper, we present a polynomial-time dynamic programming algorithm for optimal partitions of a complete edge-weighted graph, where the edges are weighted by the length of the unique shortest path connecting those vertices in the a priori given tree (shortest path metric induced by a tree). Our result resolves, in particular, the complexity status of the optimal partition problems in one-dimensional geometric (Euclidean) setting.In the third paper, we study the NP-hard problem of partitioning an orthogonal polyhedron P into a minimum number of 3D rectangles. We present an approximation algorithm with the approximation ratio 4 for the special case of the problem in which P is a so-called 3D histogram. We then apply it to compute the exact arithmetic matrix product of two matrices with non-negative integer entries. The computation is time-efficient if the 3D histograms induced by the input matrices can be partitioned into relatively few 3D rectangles.In the fourth paper, we present the first quasi-polynomial approximation schemes for the base of the number of triangulations of a planar point set and the base of the number of crossing-free spanning trees on a planar point set, respectively.In the fifth paper, we study the complexity of detecting monomials with special properties in the sum-product expansion of a polynomial represented by an arithmetic circuit of size polynomial in the number of input variables and using only multiplication and addition. We present a fixed-parameter tractable algorithms for the detection of monomial having at least k distinct variables, parametrized with respect to k. Furthermore, we derive several hardness results on the detection of monomials with such properties within exact, parametrized and approximation complexity.