Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the importance of analyzing flood defense failures

Flood defense failures are rare events but when they do occur lead to significant amounts of damage. The defenses are usually designed for rather low-frequency hydraulic loading and as such typically at least high enough to prevent overflow. When they fail, flood defenses like levees built with modern design codes usually either fail due to wave overtopping or geotechnical failure mechanisms such as instability or internal erosion. Subsequently geotechnical failures could trigger an overflow leading for the breach to grow in size Not only the conditions relevant for these failure mechanisms are highly uncertain, also the model uncertainty in geomechanical, internal erosion models, or breach models are high compared to other structural models. Hence, there is a need for better validation and calibration of models or, in other words, better insight in model uncertainty. As scale effects typically play an important role and full-scale testing is challenging and costly, historic flood defense failures can be used to provide insights into the real failure processes and conditions. The recently initiated SAFElevee project at Delft University of Technology aims to exploit this source of information by performing back analysis of levee failures at different level of detail. Besides detailed process based analyses, the project aims to investigate spatial and temporal patterns in deformation as a function of the hydrodynamic loading using satellite radar interferometry (i.e. PS-InSAR) in order to examine its relation with levee failure mechanisms. The project aims to combine probabilistic approaches with the mechanics of the various relevant failure mechanisms to reduce model uncertainty and propose improvements to assessment and design models. This paper describes the approach of the study to levee breach analysis and the use of satellites for breach initiation analysis, both adopted within the SAFElevee project.
Economic and social impact of grape growing in Northeastern Brazil

The Northeastern viticultural industry has become a model for the whole Brazil and has been identified as a grape production district. Given the importance of agriculture in the economy of the region our study aims at analysing whether the grape producing activity affects some socio-economic indicators, namely the Theil index, the Human Development Index (HDI) and the unemployment rate over the period 2000-2010. The study is focused on the Northeastern states of Bahia and Pernambuco, two of the poorest and with the highest income inequality among Brazilian States and combines the Difference-in-Differences with the Propensity Score matching method at the municipality level. Results seem to indicate that grape growing plays an important role to guarantee a fairer income distribution. Indeed, the municipalities that grow grape experience a decrease in the level of Theil index by 11.7% compared to the level they would have if they had not participate in grape production. No effect has been found on the HDI and on the unemployment rate. Results are robust to the potential presence of an hidden bias according to the Rosenbaum sensitivity analysis.
Relationship between the Ethical Leadership, Transformational Leadership, Ethical Climate, Organizational Justice and Organizational Citizen Behavior and Organization-Based Self-Esteem Using the Organizational spirituality as a Mediator Variable in an Industrial Organization

This study investigated the relationship between ethical leadership, transformational leadership, ethical climate organizational justice and organizational citizenship behavior and organization-based self-esteem and theorganizational spirituality as the mediatorvariable in an industrial organization in Iran. The sample consisted of 400 employees of an organization who were selected using the multistage random sampling method. Subjects completed the ethicalleadership questionnaire developed by Brown et al, general transformational leadership questionnaire (GTL), ethical climate questionnaire developed by Hunt et al., organizational justice questionnaire developed by Colquitt, organizational spirituality questionnaire developed by Milliman et al, organizational citizenship behavior scale, and organization-based self-esteem scale. Evaluating the proposed model using the structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed. The results show the relatively good fitness of the model to the data. Variables of ethical leadership, transformational leadership, ethical climate, and organizational justice affect organizational spirituality and organizational spirituality affect the variables of organizational citizenship behavior and organization-based self-esteem. Moreover, variables of ethical leadership, transformational leadership, ethical climate, and organizational justice have indirect effect on the variables of organizational citizenship behavior and organization-based self-esteem and theorganizational spirituality.
Analyse acoustique et perceptive des voyelles nasales et nasalisées du Français parisien

L’analyse en parallele du signal de parole et du signal nasal permet de mesurer les durees de coarticulation nasale aux frontieres entre segments nasal et oral. Plus particulierement, la contrainte aerodynamique liee a la production des consonnes occlusives retarde la nasalisation au debut des voyelles nasales subsequentes, l’analyse acoustique de cette partie non nasalisee revele la cible articulatoire sous-jacente a chacune des voyelles nasales, resultats confirmes par des tests d’identification. Ces resultats suggerent que les trois voyelles nasales du francais ne correspondent plus aujourd’hui a leur notation phonetique. Par ailleurs, la coarticulation nasale entre voyelles orales et consonnes nasales indique que l’ouverture du velum (correlee a la duree de nasalisation) entretient une relation etroite non seulement avec la dimension haute/basse de la langue mais aussi avec sa dimension anterieure/posterieure.
Private Label vs. National Brand Price Sensitivity: Evaluating Non-experimental Identication Strategies

Predictions vary on how the price sensitivity of private labels diers from that of other products. Using a large-scale eld experiment we rst show that private label demand is less price sensitive than national brand demand. We then compare the estimates from the experimental study with estimates using the same retailer’s transaction history. This allows us to evaluate several methods for controlling for the endogeneity of prices in non-experimental studies. Measuring price sensitivity in the historical data without accounting for endogeneity performs poorly. Instrumental variables estimates with commodity prices as instruments and regression discontinuity estimates also dier from the experimental benchmark. However, estimates using wholesale prices as an instrument closely replicate the experimental estimates. These ndings indicate that the wholesale price is an eective instrument for retail price.
Magnetic Pulse Welding for Dissimilar and Similar Materials

The Magnetic Pulse Welding (MPW) process, a cold solid state welding process, is an industrial process, operating at several high volume manufacturing facilities. MPW is accomplished by the magnetically driven, high velocity, oblique angle, impact of two metal surfaces. At impact, the surfaces (which will always have some level of oxidation) are stripped off and ejected by the closing angle of impact. The surfaces which are then metallurgically pure, are pressed into intimate contact by the magnetic pressure, allowing valence electron sharing and atomic-level bonding. This process has been demonstrated in the joining of tubular configurations of a variety of metals and alloys [1],[2],[3]. Product designers are frequently constrained by the restrictions of traditional joining technologies, which place certain limitations on the type of joint, the materials that can be joined and the quality of the joint. Solid state welding allows manufacturers to significantly improve their product designs and production results by enabling both dissimilar and similar materials to be welded together, thus providing the opportunity to use lighter and stronger material combinations. Magnetic pulse welding is a fast, noncontact and clean solid state welding process. A review of the main elements of the process is presented here along with typical quality testing results and some applications.
Large-time behavior of one-phase Stefan-type problems with anisotropic diffusion in periodic media

We study the large-time behavior of solutions of a one-phase Stefan-type problem with anisotropic diffusion in periodic media on an exterior domain in a dimension $n \geq 3$. By a rescaling transformation that matches the expansion of the free boundary, we deduce the homogenization of the free boundary velocity together with the homogenization of the anisotropic operator. Moreover, we obtain the convergence of the rescaled solution to the solution of the homogenized Hele-Shaw-type problem with a point source and the convergence of the rescaled free boundary to a self-similar profile with respect to the Hausdorff distance.
Determination of anti-oxidant activities in some melon (Cucumis melo L.) varieties and cultivars under salt stress

Summary The response of the antioxidant system to salt stress was studied in leaves of seedlings of four Turkish melon (Cucumis melo L.) varieties ‘Besni’, ‘Yuva’, ‘Midyat’ and ‘Semame’ and three melon cultivars ‘Ananas’, ‘Galia C8’ and ‘Galia F1’. The anti-oxidant capability of plants was determined by measuring ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities together with levels of the anti-oxidant, ascorbic acid (AA). Salt treatment increased APX activities in stress-tolerant ‘Galia C8’ and ‘Galia F1’ and in moderately tolerant ‘Besni’, ‘Midyat’ and ‘Semame’. These increases were greater in salt-tolerant cultivars. On the other hand, salt treatment did not cause a significant increase in APX activity in the salt-sensitive cvs. ‘Yuva’ and ‘Ananas’. GR activity increased in all varieties and cultivars grown under saline conditions compared to control plants. Increases in GR activities were higher in salt-tolerant and moderately-tolerant varieties than in salt-sensitive ones. Likewise, AA contents increased with salt treatment in all varieties and cultivars except the salt-sensitive ‘Ananas’. The data indicate that melon seedlings respond to salt-induced oxidative stress by increasing both their enzymatic and non-enzymatic anti-oxidant defense systems. These increases were most clear in the salt-tolerant cultivars.
Factors in the Development of Trade Credit: Case Study of Provinces in China

Using Chinese province-level panel data for 2001-9, we investigate significant factors for the development of financial intermediation via trade credit in developing economies. First, we confirm that a competitive market environment, a well-functioning legal system, and greater bank loans for non-state-sector firms promote the development of trade credit in China. Conversely, corruption hinders its development. Second, we find that proper functioning of the legal system and bank lending to non-state-sector firms are highly likely to be the causes of the complex relationships between these determinants. Finally, we observe that an increase in the number of lawyers effectively improves the quality and function of the legal system, which, in turn, alleviates the harmful influence of corruption on trade credit development.
THE INFLUENCE OF ROYAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OTHER BOARD CHARACTERISTICS ON CORPORATE RISK DISCLOSURE PRACTICES

This study focuses on Saudi’s unique social and cultural context and its impact on board attributes and corporate risk disclosure (CRD) by addressing the relationship between royal family members on the board and CRD. Using content analysis of a sample of 307 company-year observations over the period of 2008-2011, the results from the descriptive statistics show a moderate level of CRD practices among firms. The initial and additional results from the panel data analysis show that board characteristics, namely, board size, board independence, royal family members on the board, and meeting frequency of the board of directors are important determinants of CRD in Saudi Arabia. The positive influence of royal family members on CRD in this study contradicts the classic negative relationship between family members on the board and disclosure, which indicates that not all types of families’ members on the board have the same motivation towards corporate disclosure.
Gender and Overconfidence: Effects of Context, Gendered Stereotypes, and Peer Group

Research on Swedish school children has found that boys tend to be overconfident about their grades in mathematics, while girls tend to be underconfident. We find similar results for El Salvadorian children. Mathematics is considered a masculine task and we show that these findings do not carry over to a gender neutral task (social science), where both sexes tend to be overconfident. We find that girls in a single-sex school are more underconfident in their mathematics abilities than girls in a co-ed school, which may suggest that gender stereotypes become reinforced in single-sex environments.
A comparative study of primary three students' oral interaction achievement learning through communication games and role play at Burapa English Programme School of Thailand

This study focuses on primary 3 students’ oral interaction achievement at Burapa English Programme School of Thailand (BEST). Forty students participated in this study. The study used a two experimental group design where the sample was divided in two groups. Group A students learning through communication games and role play as a teaching approach, while group B students learning through role play and communication game as another teaching approach. The purpose of this study is to investigate if there is a significant difference of learning English through two different approaches. First approach is learning English through communication games and role play and the second approach is learning English through role play and communication games. The quantitative data acquired from the experimental groups gave the conclusion that, there was a significant difference in the students’ oral interaction achievement. The study concludes with recommendation for practice for teachers; they can implement different ways in teaching English as a foreign language for students to build up confidence in their English verbal skills. The study also gives recommendation for further research.
Generational Differences: A Look at Dialectic Formation in Cranston, Rhode Island

In most dialects, the pronunciation of the words bear and beer is different. However, dialects found in Charleston, SC and New Zealand merge the vowel sounds found in these words. In both locations, it appears that there is a sound change in progress, resulting in different pronunciations among generations. Cranston, RI may also have this merger and may be undergoing a sound change as well. To explore this possibility, acoustic recordings and analyses have been made of 18 participants from Cranston. Each participant produced different pairs of words that contained the vowels heard in beer and bear. Three different age groups (over 50, 18-26, and 8-12) have been studied to see if there is a difference in the way people of different ages pronounce these vowels. In New Zealand it appears that the merger of these vowel sounds is new. Older adults are more likely to distinguish these vowels than younger generations. In Charleston, the opposite is true; older adults are more likely to merge these two vowel sounds than younger generations. This is indicative that the merger is reversing, going against the theory that mergers cannot be reversed (Garde’s Principle). From the acoustic analysis, it appears that Cranston is following the same pattern as Charleston. The participants over 50 merge these vowel sounds, the young adults either have a complete merger or merge the vowel sounds inconsistently, and children are distinguishing between these vowels. Thus, the merger peculiar to this geographic area is disappearing. A perception study has also been completed to see if the participants consider words containing the vowels in bear and beer to be the same. Results indicate that the majority of older adults (male and female) and male young adults perceive a merger of these sounds and female young adults and children (male and female) perceive a difference between these vowels. Dialects vary significantly across the United States. If one were to listen to a speaker from New York and then a speaker from Texas, one would definitely notice a difference in the two speakers’ dialects because the speakers are not from the same dialect region, a geographic area that shares similar linguistic features, as determined by dialectologists. In addition to vocabulary, dialectologists also study the different pronunciation of sounds among regions. An area where speakers produce the /r/ at the end of a word such as car is considered a different dialect region from an area where speakers do not (Labov, Ash, & Boberg 2005). Language changes over time and dialects, which are variations of a language, as a result also change (e.g., Labov, Ash, & Boberg, 2005; Wolfram & Schilling-Estes, 2006).
Investigation of aluminum single lap adhesively bonded joints

Purpose The purpose of research was to find an optimum overlap length ensuring the settled bearing performance of adhesive bonded joint. At the optimum overlap length it is possible to reach a maximum load bearing capacity using a minimum quantity of applied adhesive. Design/methodology/approach In accordance with experimental test results, an optimum overlap length was achieved. In numerical analysis, the proposed material model (MISO) fits well in simulations. Findings Mechanical properties of adhesive which are often public unknown have very strong influence on reliability of material models used in numerical analysis. Therefore, it was crucial decision of research to made an adhesive specimen for tensile testing. Research limitations/implications At the overlap lengths above critical (optimal) ones, the usage of a MISO material model in FEA is not acceptable any more. In further work is of great interest to verify simulation with other materials model approaches. Practical implications Maximal strength of joint might be reached if optimal overlap length of joint is applied, nevertheless if less adherend material is consumed. Originality/value Originality is in true stress/strain diagram of adhesive which is based on experimental testing of adhesive specimen. Material model in numerical analysis is based on true stress/strain diagram Keywords Adhesive joint analysis, adhesive modeling, single lap joint
PREVALENCE AND FACTORS AFFECTING REM AND SLOW WAVE SLEEP REBOUND ON CPAP TITRATION STUDY IN PATIENTS WITH OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA

Background. In patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) treatment with CPAP results in an increase of REM sleep and slow wave sleep, but there is limited information about the prevalence of REM rebound in patients with OSAS and possible factors related to the rebound. Objective. REM rebound (RR) and slow wave sleep rebound (SWSR) has been described as a frequent phenomenon that occurs during CPAP titration, but the quantity that qualify for RR has not been mentioned in literature. The objective of our study was to determine the prevalence of REM rebound and slow wave sleep rebound in our sleep disorders center, to attempt to define RR and look for factors that may affect RR and SWSR on the first night of CPAP titration. Materials and methods. We included patients who had both baseline polysomnogram (bPSG) and CPAP polysomnogram (cPSG) studies done in the same laboratory. We included 179 patients>18 years with Apnea hypopnea index (AHI)>10/hr on the baseline study, with an adequate CPAP titration study. We compared the percentages of REM sleep and slow wave sleep during bPSG and cPSG. We analyzed the frequency of presentation and looked for the factors affecting RR and SWSR. Results. 179 patients were enrolled (M/F:118/61), with a mean age of 48.6±4 for men, and 51.6±12.9 for women. The mean interval between the bPSG and cPSG was 45 days. The mean REM percentage during the bPSG was 15.55 percent and during cPSG study it was 21.57 percent. We took 6 percent as our differential point as the results became statistically significant at this point (p:0001). We therefore present our data by dividing our patients population with RR 6%. The mean SWS percentage during the bPSG was 8.11±9.68 and during the cPSG was 13.17±10, with a p:0.35 which is not statistically significant. The multiple regression model showed that the variables that contribute more to the REM change are: REM sleep during bPSG (-0.56), bAHI (0.24) and the body mass index (0.081). Conclusions. We suggest that an increase greater than 6% in REM sleep should be considered REM rebound, since 6.15 percent was the statistically significant difference between bPSG REM sleep and cPSG. The prevalence of RR in our group was 46 percent and the variables that contribute more to RR are REM sleep during bPSG, AHI at baseline and body mass index.
A multivariate extension of Value-at-Risk and Conditional-Tail-Expectation

In this paper, we introduce a multivariate extension of the classical univariate Valueat-Risk (VaR). This extension may be useful to understand how solvency capital requirement computed for a given nancial institution may be aected by the presence of additional risks. We also generalize the bivariate Conditional-Tail{Expectation (CTE), previously introduced by Di Bernardino et al. (2011), in a multivariate setting and we study its behavior. Several properties have been derived. In particular, we show that these two risk measures both satisfy the positive homogeneity and the translation invariance property. Comparison between univariate risk measures and components of multivariate VaR and CTE are provided. We also analyze how they are impacted by a change in marginal distributions, by a change in dependence structure and by a change in risk level. Interestingly, these results turn to be consistent with existing properties on univariate risk measures. Illustrations are given in the class of Archimedean copulas.
Master Dissertation

DOM-Sortze is a framework for Semi-Automatic development of Domain Modules, i.e., the pedagogical representation of the domain to be learnt. DOM-Sortze generates Domain Modules for Technology Supported Learning Systems using Natural Language Processing Techniques, Ontologies and Heuristic Reasoning. The framework has been already used over textbooks in Basque language. This work presents the extension that adds English support to the framework, which is achieved with the modification of ErauzOnt. This is the tool that enables the acquisition of learning resources, definitions, examples, exercises, etc. used in the learning process. Moreover, some tests have been made to evaluate the performance of the tool with this new language. Principles of Object-Oriented Programming textbook for Object-Oriented Programming university subject is used for evaluation purposes. The results of this tests show that DOM-Sortze is not tight to a particular domain neither language.