Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of variable amplitude loading on fatigue life

This paper is a review of published research on variable amplitude loading of steels. The use of service spectra for different industrial sectors and specifically for offshore applications is first considered. Constant amplitude fatigue failure models are not representative for these applications. The JONSWAP spectrum shows potential to be used as service spectrum for offshore structures. Further investigation of variable amplitude fatigue is needed to get insight in the various phenomena linked to the variable amplitude. Observed trends in fatigue crack growth rate in variable amplitude fatigue tests on steels, such as the effects of overloads and underloads (occurring as single events, sequential events or block loadings), are discussed. Furthermore, suggestions of the underlying physical phenomena behind the load interaction effects due to variable amplitude loading are presented. It can be concluded that the plasticity induced crack closure mechanism is the most profound explanation for the acceleration effect in overloads and the retardation effect observed in underloads.
Effect of Chemical Presevatives on Service Life of Selected Wood Species Treated against Pests and Diseases

The effect of different chemical preservatives on service life of selected wood species was evaluated in a field plot at the Forestry research site, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria. Three wood species, Triplochiton scleroxylon K. Schum (Obeche), Gmelina arborea Linn (Gmelina) and Terminalia ivorensis A Chew (Idigbo- Black afara) were used for this study. Two chemical preservatives namely; acid copper chromate and copper citrate at concentrations of 0%, 0.37%, 0.75% and 1.5% each and a mixture of the two preservatives (mixed preservative) at the given concentrations were used in treating stakes of these wood species and their retentions determined. Service life of the stakes was evaluated at the end of six months and insect pest and fungi that infected them identified. The result indicated that obeche had the highest mean retention of 4.04 kg/m 3 . The result also showed that the retention increased with increase preservative concentration, the highest retention of 6.80 kg/m 3 was obtained with mixed preservative at 1.5% concentration. Treated stakes of all the three wood species lasted for the six months of the experiment while the untreated stakes failed within the period. Highest service life rating of 10 (no termite ( Cryptotermes cavifrons Bank) damage) and (-) (no fungal growth) was obtained with mixed preservatives at 1.5% concentration. Based on these findings the use of these preservatives at concentrations of 0.075%- 1.5% to enhance service life is recommended.
Problems of Teaching and Learning Spoken English in Sudan

: This paper investigates the problems and challenges of teaching spoken English in Sudan and its importance in the professional life and academic promotion of teachers. It also tackles the problems of learning spoken English on the part of students. The writer uses a questionnaire addressed to 30 English language teachers from the African Council Basic and Secondary schools in Khartoum North. The data was statistically analyzed by the SPSS program. The findings of this paper indicate that there are major problems that hinder Sudanese students from speaking English. Among these are low income of most learners; lack of the target language environment; under-qualified teachers; inappropriate teaching materials; improper teaching methods; and some psychological factors that hinder students when they speak such as lack of motivation. The study provides some recommendations to tackle these problems and enhance the processes of teaching and learning spoken English in Sudan. These are concerned with developing materials, teachers and learners through steps taken by the educational authorities
Something to Lose and Nothing to Gain

The current investigation explores how power and stability within a social hierarchy interact to affect risk taking. Building on a diverse, interdisciplinary body of research, including work on non-human primates, intergroup status, and childhood social hierarchies, we predicted that the unstable powerful and the stable powerless will be more risk taking than the stable powerful and unstable powerless. Across four studies, the unstable powerful and the stable powerless preferred probabilistic over certain outcomes and engaged in more risky behaviors in an organizational decision-making scenario, a blackjack game, and a balloon-pumping task than did the the stable powerful and the unstable powerless. These effects appeared to be the result of the increased stress that accompanied states of unstable power and stable powerlessness: these states produced more physiological arousal, a direct manipulation of stress led to greater risk taking, and stress tolerance moderated the interaction between power and stability on risk taking. These results have important implications for the way social scientists conceptualize the psychology of power and offer a theoretical framework for understanding factors that lead to risk taking in organizations.
A social work study to measure the impact of socio-economical factors of tourism industry

A B S T R A C T Tourism plays an important role on development of economy especially in developing countries. The proposed study of this paper studies the impact of tourism on developing economic factors such as average income, real estate prices, etc. We have distributed 110 questionnaires among different people who are involved in various positions in the regions and analyzed the data. The survey is looking for the impact of tourism industry in terms of economical and social factors for one of the oldest villages in Iran named Maymand. The results indicate that there is a strong positive relationship, 0.873, between developing economy and tourism. In other word, developing tourism industry will help create more jobs, increase land prices, increase people's income and flourish environment. There is also a positive correlation, 0.854, between social development and tourism industry. This means we could expect a better health care system as well as medical treatment facilities, which helps prevent immigration to big cities.
CYCLIC STRENGTH OF AN ORGANIC SOIL IN TERMS OF THE STATE PARAMETER

The paper investigates the cyclic strength of an organic soil. The “organic” material was carbon made from carbonized wood fully pulverized. Oedometer tests illustrated the correlation between the compressibility and initial density. The critical state line was obtained from triaxial undrained tests. Cyclic undrained triaxial tests were performed at three different densities and three different consolidation stresses σ'c-ο. As the void ratio increases, the cyclic strength at similar σ'c-ο decreases with a progressively smaller rate. For similar void ratio, the cyclic strength decreases as σ'c-ο increases. As the void ratio increases, the effect of σ'c-ο on the cyclic strength is less pronounced. The relationship between the state parameter and the cyclic strength shows a decrease with a progressively smaller rate and a strong correlation coefficient.
TÜRKÇE EĞİTİMİ LİSANS ÖĞRENCİLERİNİN KONUŞMA BECERİSİ ÖZ YETERLİKLERİ

Kisinin kendisini ifade etmek icin gerek gunluk hayatta gerekse meslek yasantisinda en cok basvurdugu dil becerisi konusmadir. Iletisim kurabilmenin ve iletisimin devam ettirilebilmesinin konusma becerisindeki basari ile ilgisi buyuktur. Mesleklerinin icrasi sirasinda konusma becerisini en cok ve en etkili kullanmak zorunda olan meslek ogretmenlik meslegidir. Turkce ogretmenlerinin ise hem konusma becerisini etkili bir sekilde kullanmasi hem de bu beceriyi ogrencilerine kazandirmasi beklenmektedir. Calismada Turkce ogretmeni olmak amaciyla egitim alan ogrencilerin konusma becerisine yonelik oz yeterliklerini belirlemek amaclanmistir. Bu amacla betimsel tarama modellerinden iliskisel tarama modeli kullanilmistir. Veriler Katranci ve Melanlioglu (2013) tarafindan gelistirilen “Konusma Becerisi Oz Yeterlik Olcegi” araciligiyla ve Turkce Egitimi Anabilim Dalinda ogrenim gormekte olan 224 lisans ogrencisinden toplanmistir. Verilerin incelenmesinde aritmetik ortalama ve standart sapma, bagimsiz degiskenler icin t testi ve tek yonlu varyans analizi kullanilmistir. Turkce Egitimi Ana Bilim Dali Lisans Ogrencileri, konusma becerisi oz yeterlik alt boyutlarindan en cok konusma degerlendirme, en az topluluk onunde konusma yeterliliklerine sahip olduklarini dusunmektedir. Cinsiyet ve sinif degiskenlerinin konusma becerisi oz yeterlik algisinda belirleyici olmadigi tespit edilmistir.
SPECIES DIVERSITY, BIOMASS, AND CARBON STOCK ASSESSMENTS OF A NATURAL MANGROVE FOREST IN PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES

Philippines claims international recognition for its mangrove-rich ecosystem which play significant functions from the viewpoint of ecosystem services and climate change mitigation. In this study, we assessed the species diversity of the natural mangrove forest of Bahile, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan and evaluated its potential to sequester and store carbon. Sixteen plots with a size of 10 m × 10 m were established using quadrat sampling technique to identify, record, and measure the trees. Diversity index and allometric equations were utilized to determine species diversity, and biomass and carbon stocks. Sediment samples in undisturbed portions using a 30 cm high and 5 cm diameter corer were collected in all plots to determine near-surface sediment carbon. The diversity index (H' = 0.9918) was very low having a total of five true mangrove species identified dominated by Rhizophora apiculata Bl. with an importance value index of 148.1%. Among the stands, 74% of the total biomass was attributed to the above-ground (561.2 t ha -1 ) while 26% was credited to the roots (196.5 t ha -1 ). The total carbon sequestered and stored in the above-ground and root biomass were 263.8 t C ha -1 (50%) and 92.3 t C ha -1 (17%), respectively. Sediments contained 33% (173.75 t C ha -1 ) of the mangrove C-stocks. Stored carbon was
The Influence of the Application of the Game on Improving Motor Skills and Student Learning Motivation in Learning Physical Sport and Health Education (PSHE)

This Research aimed to examine the effect of game implementation on improving motor skills and student learning motivation in PSHE learning in Seventh grade of 2nd semester student on SMPN 4 Lamongan. This research used quantitative approach with research type of quasy experiment and using matching-only design. In this method the subject of research used two classes namely the seventh grade F, amounting to 28 students as an experimental group and the seventh grade I, amounting to 27 students as a control group. The data collection process was done by pretest and posttest stage using barrow motor ability test to measure motor ability and questionnaire to measure student’s learning motivation. The result of the research showed that there was a significant influence on the role of the game on the improvement of motor ability (7,56%) and there was a significant effect on the improvement of student’s learning motivation (8,28%) seen from t-test result. In addition there were differences in influence through the ANOVA test, as well as the role of the game was more influential than the control group in improving motor skills and student learning motivation. Based on the results of data analysis, it was concluded that learning by applying the game more effectively to improve motor skills and student learning motivation in learning PSHE but still need further development in subsequent research.
Mathematical Abstraction in the Solving of Ill-Structured Problems by Elementary School Students in Korea.

Background:Ill-structured problems are contextualized, require learners to define the problems as well as determine the information and skills needed to solve them. The PISA and TIMSS show that Korean students have difficulty solving problems that connect mathematical concepts with everyday life. Ill-structured problems can also be considered as a way to improve students’ mathematical thinking capacity. Accordingly, they are able to abstract, generalize, and format problems of their daily lives. They learn to reorganize information, the better to focus thinking that leads to new understanding, and they evaluate alternatives in order to find the most appropriate solution.Materials and methods:The flowchart for the problem-solving learning process is: [understanding problem] → [seeking solution] → [applying]. Results:These study results showed that the mathematical abstraction levels and forms of the students can be improved by exposure to mathematical abstraction through a problem solving learning approach using ill-structured problems.Conclusions:The analysis results of the mathematical abstraction levels and forms that the students showed during this study are also meaningful in regard to mathematics teaching and learning, and for the development of advanced mathematical thinking ability in schools. Ill-structured problems with these characteristics can be used for the development of high-level mathematical thinking skills.
Antimicrobial Activity of Natural Agents against Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The antimicrobial (AM) activity of starch‐based films coated with linalool, carvacrol or thymol against Saccharomyces cerevisiae in vitro and/or inoculated on the surface of Cheddar cheese was investigated. In solid medium using the agar diffusion method and in experiments involving the inoculation of the microorganism on the surface of Cheddar cheese, all the films containing these AM agents in coatings demonstrated an inhibitory effect against S. cerevisiae. The results suggest that the overall inhibitory effect of linalool, carvacrol or thymol increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) with the concentration of each of the AM agents in the film coating and that the response is linear in the concentration range of 1 to 5% (w/w) of the AM agent. Thymol had the highest AM efficacy followed by carvacrol, whereas linalool had the lowest efficacy amongst the three systems. The zones of inhibition in the agar diffusion test method at 25°C for S. cerevisiae were found to be 7.6, 7.1 and 6.1 mm for thymol, carvacrol and linalool at 1% (w/w) loading and 13.2, 12.2 and 11.2 mm at 5% (w/w) loading of the AM agents, respectively. The death rates of S. cerevisiae on Cheddar cheese wrapped in films coated with thymol, carvacrol and linalool and stored for up to 28 days at 15°C were found to be 0.044, 0.043 and 0.038 per day at 1% (w/w) loading and 0.077, 0.073 and 0.063 per day at 5% (w/w) loading of the AM agents, respectively. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Methods and Metrics for Human Interaction with Bio-Inspired Robot Swarms

Methods and Metrics for Human Interaction with Bio-Inspired Robot Swarms Sean C. Kerman Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Master of Science In this thesis we propose methods and metrics for human interaction with bio-inspired robot teams. We refine the concept of a stakeholder and demonstrate how a human can use stakeholders to lead a swarm as well as switch the swarm between different collective behaviors. We extend the human interaction metrics of interaction time and interaction effort presented in [1] to swarm systems and introduce the concept of interaction effort. These metrics allow us to understand how well the system performs under human influence. We employ systems theory to estimate these metrics, which is useful because this can be done without performing user studies.
PERSONALITY TRAITS AS PREDICTORS OF LOW-SELF CONTROL, AGGRESSION AND SELF-SERVING COGNITIVE DISORDER: A STUDY AMONG MALAYSIAN MALE MURDERERS

An individual’s personality traits seem to be a factor in developing and shaping violent criminal behaviour. Due to this realization, the present study seeks to explore the relationship of personality traits with low self-control, aggression, and self-serving cognitive distortion. The present study was an observational cross-sectional study using a guided self-administered questionnaire: M-PsychoQ. The source population was the male murderers incarcerated in 11 prisons in Peninsular Malaysia. 71 participants were selected based on a predetermined selection criteria using purposive sampling method. After undergoing the validation processes, the emerged M-PsychoQ consisted of four psychometric instruments: Malay versions of the Zuckerman Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire-40-Cross-Culture (ZKPQ-M-40-CC), Self-control Scale (SCS-M), Aggression Questionnaire (AQ-M-12), and “How I Think” Questionnaire (HIT-M). Regression analyses viz. simple and multiple linear regression approaches were conducted in order to predict whether personality traits would emerge as significant predictors. The findings evidenced certain personality traits as significant predictors of low self-control, high levels of aggression and self-serving cognitive distortion. This study imparts statistical evidence on the role of personality traits as an important predictor of low self-control, high aggression and self-serving cognitive distortion. The results were discussed in relation to the theory and context of murder.
Performance in principal-agent dyads: the causes and consequences of perceived asymmetry of commitment to the relationship

We focus on the principal-agent relationship in a distribution channel. In a services context insurance, we examine how two facets of performance, from the point of view of both the principal and the agent, are influenced by the perceiver's belief that it is more committed to the relationship than is the other party. Using primary data from 255 insurance agent-insurance provider dyads, we show that each side's assessment of how much it benefits from the dyad is related in a potentially dysfunctional manner to its perception of asymmetric commitment. Perceivers rate their performance outcomes from the dyad i.e., harmony and profit highest when they believe they are less committed than their counterpart. Conversely, they rate their own performance outcomes lowest when they believe they are more committed than the other party. We explain this finding in terms of suspected opportunism and offer a partial test of this explanation compared with explanations from theories of equity and power/dependence. Further, we demonstrate that each party's perception of asymmetric commitment partially reflects actual asymmetry, as measured by confidential data collected from both sides. Perceived asymmetric commitment is also shown to be related to levels of communication and dependence in the dyad. Managerial implications for reducing perceived asymmetric commitment and improving the performance outcomes of each dyad member are discussed.
A Comparison of the Least Squares with Kalman Filter Methods Used in Algorithms of Fusion with Dead Reckoning Navigation Data

Different calculation methods and configurations of navigation systems can be used in algorithms of navigational parameter fusion and estimation. The article presents a comparison of two methods of fusion of dead reckoning position with that from a positioning system. These are the least squares method and the Kalman filter. In both methods the minimization of the sum of squared measurement deviations is the optimization criterion. Both methods of navigation position parameter measurements fusion are illustrated using the data recorded during actual sea trials. With the same probabilistic model of dead reckoning navigation, the fusion of DR results with positioning data gives similar outcome. http://www.transnav. eu the International Journal on Marine Navigation and Safety of Sea Transportation Volume 11 Number 4 December 2017 DOI: 10.12716/1001.11. 04.16
Estimation of azimuthal anisotropy in the NW Pacific from seismic ambient noise in seafloor records

We analysed background surface waves in seismic ambient noise by cross-correlating continuous records of eight ocean bottom seismometers and nine differential pressure gauges deployed in the northwestern Paciﬁc Ocean by the PLATE project. After estimating the clock delay and instrumental phase responses of differential pressure gauges by using cross-correlation functions, we measured average phase velocities in the area of the array for the fundamental-, ﬁrst higher- and second higher-mode Rayleigh waves, and the fundamental-mode Love waves at a period range of 3–40 s by waveform ﬁtting. We then measured phase-velocity anomalies of fundamental-mode and ﬁrst higher-mode Rayleigh waves for each pair of stations at a period range of 5–25 s, and corrected the effect of variation in water-depths. The seismic anomalies imply the presence of strong azimuthal anisotropy beneath the eastern part of array. The direction of maximum velocity is approximately N35 ◦ E in the fossil seaﬂoor spreading direction perpendicular to magnetic lineations from the ancient triple junction at this location. The peak-to-peak intensity of shear-wave velocity anisotropy in the mantle is ∼ 7 per cent.
Tracing Causal Mechanisms in Social Movement Research in Southeast Europe: The Cases of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Macedonia – Evidence from the “Bosnian Spring” and the “Citizens for Macedonia” Movements

Abstract Recent anti-governmental social movements in countries of former Yugoslavia have awakened the spirit of contention which had been dormant for almost two decades. The overwhelming economic deprivation, accompanied by the massive violation of basic human rights of the citizens, urged the challengers to take the streets. This paper is focused on comparison of two movements, the “Citizens for Macedonia” movement in the Republic of Macedonia and the “Bosnian Spring” in Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighting the role and influence of movements on the (non)occurrence of policy outputs which articulated claims put forward by social movement organizations (SMOs) as well as other movement actors in the two respective countries. The analysis will be conducted taking into consideration specific social movement related variables like forms/types of claims-making and repertoires of action, as well as wider political process factors such as repression by state actors, and the attitude of allies and opponents of the movements (political parties, mainstream media, general political system characteristics, international community etc.). Regarding the methodological approach, we will apply a mixed comparative research design, with variation both on side of the independent and the dependent variables. Since the outcomes of the movements are already tangible, we will also apply elements of process tracing methodology (PTM), reconstructing the events as much as possible. My primary data collection tools encompass in-depth interviews (approximately 10 per country) with four specific categories of interviewees (SMO representatives, activists, policymakers and key informants) as well as thorough document analysis referring to the policy outputs.
Excess Volatility of Consumption in Developed and Emerging Markets: The Role of Durable Goods

We examine how much of the excess volatility of consumption puzzle in small open economies (Aguiar and Gopinath, JPE 2007) can be explained away by adding consumption of durable goods. Once we account for that, consumption is not as volatile as income for both developed and emerging market economies. However, the fact remains that consumption is still more volatile (relative to income) in emerging markets than in developed ones. We extend Aguiar and Gopinath's model of a small open economy with shocks to trend and cycle to include consumption of durable goods. Based on our simulations of a small open economy model with consumption of durable goods, we question the role for shocks to trend that have been previously documented in the literature.