Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modelling natural ventilation for summer thermal comfort in Mediterranean dwellings

ABSTRACT Natural ventilation in apartment dwellings in densely built regions could improve occupants' summer thermal comfort and reduce the rapidly increasing energy demand for cooling. This research identified natural ventilation strategies as energy efficient refurbishment solutions for domestic buildings. Four retrofit strategies were tested against the existing single-sided ventilation of an urban multi-storey apartment building in Greece, using computational fluid dynamics simulations. During buoyancy driven flows, acceptable ventilation rates for comfort could be achieved with the implementation of a wind-catcher and a dynamic façade. Under wind-driven ventilation, these strategies delivered significant increases in ventilation rates (up to seven times) and contributed to reductions in indoor air temperatures of up to 2 °C, relative to the existing strategy. Cooling by water evaporation enhanced the cooling performance of the wind-catcher providing up to 4 °C temperature reductions. The successful performance of the proposed strategies highlights their significant potential for reducing energy consumption and improving thermal comfort.
On the sources of risk preferences in rural Vietnam

In this paper, I provide a new empirical evidence that natural environment can shape individual risk preferences. By combining historical data on climate variation and contemporary survey questions on risk aversion, I find that risk aversion is significantly different for people who live in areas that have suffered high frequency of natural disasters. In particular, individuals highly affected by climate volatility show a long term risk aversion. The finding also supports the hypothesis that when people used to live in risky environment, an incremental increase in risk affects their risk preferences less.
Effect of Californian Red Worm (Eisenia foetida) on the Nutrient Dynamics of a Mixture of Semicomposted Materials

The efficiency of composting processes with and without the addition of Californian red worms (Eisenia foetida ) was evaluated, using manure of dairy cows to generate organic fertilizer. Several parameters were assessed as physiochemical indicators of maturity, such as temperature, pH, C/N ratio, phytotoxicity and macro and micronutrients at 25 and 54 wk (mature and stored products, respectively). A linear model was used in the statistical analysis, with four replicates that included as fixed effects, the composting systems and time. At 25 wk, both systems reduced the C/N ratio to values of 15.5 in vermicompost and 17.1 in semi-compost. The content of total N, N-NO3, Ca and some micronutrients also increased. K and Na concentrations were higher in the compost than in the vermicompost. The mean of pH presented differences in the two systems of decomposition. The germination index, using lettuce seeds (Lactuca sativa L.) var. Grandes Lagos in vitro, of the decomposition products increased in week 25, indicating the degree of maturity reached. The effect of storage was greater stability of the products by reducing the C/N ratio to 8.13 for vermicompost and 7.05 for compost, as well as an increase in available N content in the form of N-NO3 in the case of compost and in the content of Ca, Mg, Na, Zn, Mn and Cu in both systems.
Silicon nanomembrane-based compact true-time-delay module on unconventional substrates

We demonstrate several building blocks of true-time-delay (TTD) network, including subwavelength grating couplers, photonic crystal waveguide TTD lines, and multimode interferometer (MMI) power splitters fabricated on silicon nanomembrane (SiNM) transferred onto unconventional substrates, such as glass, Kapton. Bending tests performed on flexible gratings demonstrate operation even at ~15mm bending radius, with about 5dB loss. The 1×16 cascaded multimode interference (MMI) based power splitter demonstrates uniformity of 0.96dB across all the 16 output channels, and an insertion loss of 0.56dB. The photonic crystal waveguides are designed to provide large time delay values within a short length. Photonic crystal tapers are implemented at the strip-photonic crystal waveguide interfaces to minimize loss and provide larger time delay values. A large group index of ~28.5 is calculated from the measurement data, thus indicating achievability of time delay larger than 58ps per millimeter length of the delay line within a tuning range of 20nm. The demonstrated building blocks present a viable path for obtaining scalable TTD modules on unconventional substrates.
On the interpretation and applicability of κ -distributions

Context. The generally accepted representation of κ-distributions in space plasma physics allows for two different alternatives, namely assuming either the temperature or the thermal velocity to be κ-independent. Aims. The present paper aims to clarify the issue concerning which of the two possible choices and the related physical interpretation is correct. Methods. A quantitative comparison of the consequences of the use of both distributions for specific physical systems leads to their correct interpretation. Results. It is found that both alternatives can be realized, but they are valid for principally different physical systems. Conclusions. The investigation demonstrates that, before employing one of the two alternatives, one should be conscious about the nature of the physical system one intends to describe, otherwise one would possibly obtain unphysical results. © ESO, 2016.
Stability Analysis of Esfarayen Garati Dam using Finite Element Method

In this study, stability and behavior of the dam to static forces during construction and first impounding is analyzed and conclusions are being made using finite element method and computer programs. The analysis purposes are as following: 1) The analysis of hydraulic fracturing in clay core and interactions of internal zones, and consequently, the study of arching phenomenon inside the core. 2) Upstream and downstream slope stability analysis by determining landslide safety factors using calculated stress field in body and foundation of the dam. 3) Evaluation of pore pressure at the end of dam construction, and this analysis can be considered a basis for calculating the period of dam construction operations. In addition, by comparing Ru ratio resulted from stressstrain analysis, limit equilibrium assumptions are controlled. 4) Determination of the dam settlement during construction period for compensating horizontal profile drawdown that gives required information required for calculation of additional embankment. 5) Determination of settlement after construction and during operation of the dam. This value would be used for determination of camber. 6) Seepage analysis and study of drainage currents through construction materials and hydraulic equilibrium of dam and the volume of water drained from foundation and body of the dam according to the results of Lugeon test and steady state analysis for 6 months in filled and 6 months in semi-filled dam reservoir. The method used for computer analysis of strains during construction and first impounding is the effective stress method with respect to water-soil interactions (coupled mechanical-fluid model). For this purpose, Sigma/W stress analyzer component of GeoStudio 2007 software is employed.
The Multiple Effects of Precursors on the Properties of Polymeric Carbon Nitride

Polymeric graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) materials were prepared by direct pyrolysis of thiourea, dicyandiamide, melamine, and urea under the same conditions, respectively. In order to investigate the effects of precursors on the intrinsic physicochemical properties of g-C3N4, a variety of characterization tools were employed to analyze the samples. The photocatalytic activity of the samples was evaluated by the removal of NO in gas phase under visible light irradiation. The results showed that the as-prepared CN-T (from thiourea), CN-D (from dicyandiamide), CN-M (from melamine), and CN-U (from urea) exhibited significantly different morphologies and microstructures. The band gaps of CN-T, CN-D, CN-M, and CN-U were 2.51, 2.58, 2.56, and 2.88 eV, respectively. Both thermal stability and yield are in the following order: CN-M > CN-D > CN-T > CN-U. The photoactivity of CN-U (31.9%) is higher than that of CN-T (29.6%), CN-D (22.2%), and CN-M (26.8%). Considering the cost, toxicity, and yield of the precursors and the properties of g-C3N4, the best precursor for preparation of g-C3N4 was melamine. The present work could provide new insights into the selection of suitable precursor for g-C3N4 synthesis and in-depth understanding of the microstructure-dependent photocatalytic activity of g-C3N4.
Study of adverse drug effects of antiepileptic drugs used in pediatric patients in a tertiary care rural hospital – a Pharmacovigilance study

Objective: To assess the prescription pattern & Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR)) profile of Antiepileptic drug (AEDs) therapy in children of rural population. Materials and Methods: This prospective open label, observational study was carried out over one and half year duration on 142 newly diagnosed epileptic children below 12 yrs age receiving AEDs in pediatric department in a tertiary care rural hospital. Follow up was done every month for 6 months duration. Prescription pattern and incidence, causality and severity of ADRs due to AEDs were assessed at each visit. Results: Out of 142 patients on AEDs, 97.2% patients were on mono-therapy and 2.8% patients were on poly-therapy. Valproic acid was the most commonly prescribed drug (58) and Lorazepam was the least prescribed drug (1). Central nervous system related ADRs (50%) were most common followed by gastrointestinal system (14.7%). Sedation and gastrointestinal distress were among the most frequently reported ADRs and29.4% of probable category while 70.5% ADR’s were possible category. 72% ADRs were mild, 22% were moderate and 5.8% of ADRs were severe. Conclusions: Children receiving AEDs should be closely monitored for the development of any ADRs, especially related to their behavior and cognition. as it can influence their learning and memory, Active surveillance can help in knowing the exact incidence of ADRs. This study emphasizes on the role of patient / parent education and importance of health care professionals in pharmacovigilance studies. Key words: Adverse Drug Reactions, Antiepileptic Drugs, Pharmacovigilance
Experimental study on temperature property along a tunnel axis with flat ceiling in natural ventilation

In this study, detailed measurements of the temperature in a horizontal tunnel with a rectangular cross section were conducted. The temperature decrease along the tunnel axis, the thermal thickness, and the temperature distribution of a steady fire-driven ceiling jet were compared with those for an unconfined smooth-ceiling jet flow. Results of this study showed that the temperature decrease along the tunnel axis was gradual, with the thermal thickness in the tunnel being about two times than that of a ceiling jet under an unconfined ceiling. The temperature distribution in the tunnel exhibits a more bulging shape. Empirical formulae defining the temperature decrease along the tunnel axis, the thermal thickness, and the temperature distribution are also presented.
An analysys of muscle balance in professional fi eld hockey players

Introduction. The purpose of practicing sport is to improve one’s physical fi tness and technical skills. Highly specialized training strengthens particular muscles, which due to repeated overuse may become hypertonic and shortened. This kind of disorder of soft tissues surrounding joints limits the articular range of motion and causes pain, which in effect reduces an athlete’s ability to compete. Aim of Study. The aim of this study was to evaluate the state of muscle balance in fi eld hockey players. The research sample consisted of seventeen professional players from the Polish National Field Hockey Team from 2009. Material and Methods. The research methods included muscle length tests and a questionnaire survey on players’ pain symptoms and their knowledge about maintaining muscle balance. Results. Insignifi cant asymmetric muscle balance disorders were found in the upper limb region. The external rotators of the shoulder joint were the most overused muscles. Signifi cant symmetric muscle length disorders were found in the lower limb region – the iliopsoas was shortened in 100% of cases, and rectus femoris in 63%. Conclusions. Several conclusions were drawn. The most signifi cant one is that all fi eld hockey players exhibit disturbances in muscle length and suffer pain. This research shows which muscles are highly overloaded and should be taken into consideration in developing programs of stretching exercises. To improve the effi ciency of these exercises they should be supervised by an experienced physiotherapist.
CEO Succession, Gender and Risk Taking

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine, within a succession framework, the impact of the gender composition of boards of directors on the gender of the CEOs they appoint, and to assess the impact of newly appointed CEOs' gender on risk taking by the firm.Design/methodology/approach – The authors estimate a two‐stage least squares regression using data on 679 CEO successions in North American firms.Findings – The results show that successor CEOs are more likely to be female the greater the percentage of females on the board, regardless of other succession characteristics such as whether the new CEO is from inside or outside the firm. Furthermore, a change in CEO from male to female is associated with a decrease in several measures of firm risk taking.Research limitations/implications – The sample is restricted to relatively large, exchange‐traded North American firms and may not generalize to other groups.Practical implications – The findings suggest that women aspiring to CEO positions and firm.
Deciphering the presence and activity of fungal communities in marine sediments using a model estuarine system

Fungi are known to play key roles in ecologically important biogeochemical cycles and food webs. Most knowledge of environmental groups of fungi comes from terrestrial environments, and little is known about the potential for terrestrial fungi to colonize marine environments. We investigated the Delaware River estuary and bay as a model estuarine system to study the fungal community changes occurring along a transect from terrestrially influenced waters and sediments to a higher salinity, truly marine system. DNA-based clone libraries and a culture collection built using subseafloor sediment samples revealed that Ascomycota dominated the detected diversity ahead of Basidiomycota and Chytridiomycota. A clear transition in fungal communities from terrestrially influenced and low salinity environments to marine environments was visualized. A complementary RNA-based analysis coupled with fluorescence in situ hybridization of sediments indicated that only few fungi were metabolically active in marine sediments. Cultivation of pelagic and sedimentary fungi allowed clear identification and physiology testing of fungal communities of the Delaware Bay. Most isolates were affiliated to Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, and their growth was analyzed under different concentrations of salinity to test for habitat preference and degree of adaptability. Interestingly, most of the fungi isolated were halotolerant. The present study informs us on the source and fate of fungi that may be buried in the deep marine subsurface and is informative for future investigations of this environment.
Can compulsions be associated with problems in forming an internal model of the completed state of an action ?

Aim: The aim of this study was to test Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is associated with a dysfunctional motor system that cannot appropriately form a forward model of the completed state of an action. Material and Methods: In three computerized experiments, reaction times to verbs denoting different aspects constituted the main dependent variable. They were conducted to test the hypothesis that patients with OCD would have difficulties in sentences with perfective aspect and/or completed actions and, hence, display longer reaction times to associated stimuli. 40 participants with OCD and 40 non-obsessive controls were included in the study. Experiment 1 was a visual lexical decision task in which participants were instructed to decide on the word/non-word status and, simultaneously, on the temporal reference encoded by stimuli presented on the screen. In Experiment 2, participants had to carry out a number of actions and to rate stimulus sentences that represented either accurate or inaccurate descriptions of the completeness of the actions they themselves carried out. In Experiment 3, participants rated the truth-values of stimulus sentences in relation to the tasks that they had previously carried out in Experiment 2. Results: Patients with OCD displayed significantly longer reaction times to sentences with actions in the perfective aspect. Conclusion: The results obtained may be taken as support for the assumption that the feedforward motor control of actions in OCD is problematic.
Quality of life for venous ulcer patients: a comparative study in Brazil/Portugal

Introduction: Venous ulcers are a public health problem that affect quality of life (QOL) and are determined by socioeconomic context, health assistance and lesion characteristics. Aim: To compare the QOL of patients suffering from venous ulcers in Natal/Brazil with patients in Evora/Portugal. Method: Comparative and quantitative research involving 170 individuals suffering from venous ulcers, using the SF-36 instrument. Results: In Portugal, all dominion and dimension averages were higher than in Brazil, especially regarding social aspects (70.62). There were also a larger number of people with positive treatment characteristics. As for the lesion characteristics, these affected QOL dominions and dimensions in both countries. Discussion: The socioeconomic reality in Portugal is different from that in Brazil; the former has a larger variety and quantity of material resources available for lesion treatment. Conclusion: QOL in Portugal is better than in Brazil in terms of the aspects under consideration in this research.
The average influence of decadal solar forcing on the atmosphere in the South Pacific region

Composite mean difference analyses are applied to historical sea level pressure (SLP) and sea surface temperature (SST) data to investigate the spatial dependence of the Pacific climate system response to 11‐year solar forcing. Previous work has found that the SST and SLP responses are most clearly detected near the times of sunspot maxima, which occur as much as two years prior to the centers of the broad decadal solar cycle maxima. In January–February, the SLP response at sunspot maximum is nearly the same on either side of the equator, although the amplitude is larger in the winter hemisphere. The solar influence is seen as above normal SLP in the sub‐Arctic Pacific, as found previously, and as corresponding positive SLP anomalies in the sub‐Antarctic Pacific, as shown here for the first time. These SLP anomalies are associated with previously documented signals at sunspot maxima of greater ocean upwelling and cooling along the Pacific equator, and a poleward extension of the tropical convergence zones in both hemispheres. Previous studies using multiple linear regression methods show the broad decadal solar maxima being associated with the lagged warm response in equatorial Pacific SSTs seen in the composites, which is not inconsistent with the present results. In the South Pacific Ocean, the solar effect is visible in the southern summer in the year before the sunspot number peak. The SST and SLP anomalies in the South Pacific in the solar peaks differ markedly from those in Cold Events (La Niña events) of the Southern Oscillation.
Loughborough University Institutional Repository Flood estimation at ungauged sites using artificial neural networks

Artificial neural networks (ANNs) have been applied within the field of hydrological modelling for over a decade but relatively little attention has been paid to the use of these tools for flood estimation in ungauged catchments. This paper uses data from the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology's Flood Estimation Handbook (FEH) to predict T-year flood events and the index flood (the median of the annual maximum series) for 850 catchments across the UK. When compared with multiple regression models, ANNs provide improved flood estimates that can be used by engineers and hydrologists. Comparisons are also made with the empirical model presented in the FEH and a preliminary study is made of the spatial distribution of ANN residuals, highlighting the influence that geographical factors have on model performance.
Cultivating Moral Student Leaders: The Relationship between Experience as a Resident Assistant and Moral Development

This study compared two groups of college students, resident assistants and non-residentassistants, on their increases in moral development assessed by the Sociomoral Reflective Objective Measure – Short Form (SROM-SF), a moral judgment measure. The study utilized a pre-test/post-test design. Participants were recruited through in-person communication, classroom presentations, or email. Participants responded to the SROM-SF on an online version in the beginning of a fall semester and completed the same online version of the measure again at the end of that fall semester. Results indicated that the RAs exhibited a greater increase in SROM-SF scores over the course of the semester than non-RAs. These findings suggest that RA experiences may contribute positively to the moral development of college students.
Helicity-dependent showers and matching with VINCIA

We present an antenna-shower formalism that includes helicity dependence for massless partons. The formalism applies to both traditional (global) showers and to sector-based variants. We combine the shower with VINCIA's multiplicative approach to matrix-element matching, generalized to operate on each helicity configuration separately. The result is a substantial gain in computational speed for high parton multiplicities. We present an implementation of both sector and global showers, with min/max variations, and helicity-dependent tree-level matching applied through n 4 for V=H ! q q + n partons and throughn 5 forH! n gluons.