Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determination of Load for Quasi-static Calculations of Railway Track Stress-strain State

When calculating the railway track stress-strain state one usually assumes that total strains are brought immediately from applied load and the process dynamics is taken into account by the respective levels of design force. The dynamic component of the design force depends on various factors that are not always taken into account to the full. The analytical analysis of the calculation methods and the experiment testing data resulted in the following recommendations: for freight trains, especially in the conditions of soft rail support, it is advisable to take into account the effect of adjacent wheels; for modern passenger cars there is no significant load dependence on speed, and the main factor of dynamic component is the track fluctuations.
Parental Alienation Syndrome ( PAS ) : Sixteen Years Later

In 1985, the Academy Forum published my article, "Recent Trends in Divorce and Custody Litigation. " This was the first article in which I described the parental alienation syndrome (PAS), a disorder that I began seeing in the early 1980s. The Forum article is generally considered to be the seminal publication on the PAS, parent to at least 100 peer-reviewed articles. Although this is certainly a source of gratification for me, the sixteen years that have ensued cannot be viewed as a straight path to glory, especially because of controversies that have swirled around the diagnosis. I address here the reasons for the controversies and provide suggested solutions.
Trade Liberalization and Child Labor in China

This paper exploits a quasi-natural experiment – the U.S. granting of Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) to China after China's accession to the World Trade Organization – to examine whether trade liberalization affects the incidence of child labor in China. PNTR permanently set U.S. duties on Chinese imports at low Normal Trade Relations (NTR) levels and removed the uncertainty associated with annual renewals of China's NTR status. We find that the PNTR was significantly associated with the rising incidence of child labor in China. A one percentage point decrease in average export tariffs raises the odds of child labor by a 1.3 percentage point. The effects are greater for girls, older children, rural children, and children with less-educated parents. The effect of trade liberalization on the incidence of child labor, however, disappears in the long run, because trade liberalization can induce exporters to upgrade technology and thus have less demand for unskilled workers.
Effects of season and time of milking on spontaneous and induced lipolysis in bovine milk fat.

Tousova R. , Stadnik L. , Duchacek J. (2013): Effects of season and time of milking on spontaneous and induced lipolysis in bovine milk fat. Czech J. Food Sci., 31: 20–26. The effects were evaluated of different factors on the level of spontaneous (SPO) and induced (IND) lipolysis as defined by the content of free fatty acids (FFA) in milk. Milk samples were collected at monthly intervals throughout the year from both morning and evening milkings either individually in a milking parlour (SPO; n = 10) or from the bulk tank (IND; n = 10). The data were analysed using SAS 9.1. More intensive SPO was observed from March to May with higher FFA contents (+0.034 to +0.523 mmol/100 g of fat; P < 0.05–0.01), and also from September to November (+0.077 to +0.292 mmol/100 g of fat; P < 0.05). More intensive SPO was also detected in the evening milk than in that coming from morning milking (+0.062 to +0.556 mmol/100 g of fat; P < 0.05–0.01). SPO measured immediately after milking was affected by the season and time of milking. The content of FFA characterising IND in bulk milk (0.33–1.10 mmol/100 g of fat) was higher (P < 0.05–0.001) than that due to SPO in individual samples (0.21–0.86 mmol/100 g of fat), especially in those from evening milking compared to morning milking (+0.10 to +0.47 vs. +0.12 to +0.22 mmol/100 g of fat; P < 0.05–0.001).
Formation and stability of transverse and longitudinal sand dunes

The shape of dunes depends on the history of wind regimes and sand availability. In deserts exposed to winds from two different directions but with comparable magnitude, dunes are found to be linear ridges, which are either perpendicular or parallel to the mean wind direction, depending on the angle between the two wind directions. These dunes, respectively observed for small and large angles between winds, are called transverse and longitudinal dunes. In both cases, their large width (hundreds of meters) and evolution time scale (years) strongly limit the investigation of their dynamics and thus our understanding of such structures. Here we show that, under water, similar structures can be obtained but at much smaller space and time scales. Performing controlled experiments together with numerical simulations, we highlight the physical mechanisms at play in the formation and long-term evolution of these structures. We show in particular that, while longitudinal dunes are stable and extend in time, transverse dunes are unstable. They evolve into wavy ridges and eventually break into barchans if the sand supply is too low. This fundamental difference is understood through the study of single sand piles and bars exposed to two winds. In the case of a large angle between winds, a sand pile grows a finger pointing in the average wind direction and transforms into a longitudinal dune. Such an elongation does not occur for a small angle where a sand pile evolves into a barchan. These results explain the morphological differences between straight and long longitudinal dunes and sinuous transverse dunes, while giving keys to infer the wind history or pattern state of development from the observation of dune shapes in the field.
From Macrostructural Forces to Social Connectedness: Uncovering the Determinants of South–South Migration

Current perspectives on international migration emphasize conventional macrostructural influences on flows and focus nearly exclusively on migration from South to North. Given this limited framework, and the rapid growth of South–South migration, important questions remain: Do other factors acknowledged in the theoretical literature, but not yet systematically tested, also affect migration flows? Are South–North models appropriate for explaining South–South migration? This study directly addresses these questions using newly available data on bilateral migration flows and an empirical model that extends conventional gravity models of migration to include social connectedness and world-systemic influences. Further, it offers an original framework for analyzing international migration by examining flows first on a global scale and then disaggregated by region. Findings show that while South–North migration is significantly shaped by world-systems trends, such as trade and investment penetration, South–South migration is more strongly associated with social connectedness factors, such as migrant remittances received in the origin, and the region’s unique demographic pressures. Conflict in the origin significantly increases out-migration regardless of migration type. Findings also reveal the self-interested, benefit-maximizing, and culturally neutral migrant as an incomplete theoretical model. Finally, South–South migration is distinguished from other migration forms and potential avenues for continuing research in the field are identified.
Accuracy assessment of terrestrial laser scanning and digital close range potogrammetry for 3D cultural heritage

There are various surveying techniques used in the field of cultural heritage documentation. Close Range Photogrammetry (CRP) and Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) techniques have been widely used in 3D modeling applications. Various research studies integrate these techniques to enhance the quality of the data acquired. The main objective of this research is to assess the accuracy of TLS and CRP. The two methods are applied to two culture heritage case studies, which are located in the historic district in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The data obtained from both techniques is compared with data captured using traditional surveying techniques as reference data. The results show that TLS tends to be more accurate than CRP. In the first case study (Bab Makkah), CRP and TLS produced 0.044 m and 0.008 m overall RMS error, respectively; while CRP produced 0.025 m and TLS produced 0.021 m in the second case study (Bab Sharif).
Poster : De-mixing Bitcoin Mixing Services

Bitcoin mixing services improve anonymity by breaking the connection between Bitcoin addresses. In the darkweb environment, many illegal trades, such as in drugs or child pornography, avoid their transactions being traced by exploiting mixing services. Therefore, de-mixing algorithms are needed to identify illegal financial flows and to reduce criminal activities. In this paper, we conduct an in-depth analysis of real-world mixing services, and propose a de-mixing algorithm. The proposed algorithm can effectively find relationships among the input addresses and corresponding output ones of mixing services by exploiting the static and dynamic parameters of mixing services.
GENETIC CONTROL OF SEXUAL DIMORPHISM

Institut National de La Recherche AgronomiqueStation de Recherches Avicoles, Domaine de l'Orfrasi&e, 37380 Nouzilly, France SUMMARY Selection could contribute to reduce sexual dimorphism of body weight and its negative consequences. Genetic differences between sexes at slaughter age were first studied. Heritabilities of male and female traits were different and genetic correlations between both traits significandy
The Structure of the Liver of Birds

THIS report is a preliminary study of the liver structure of birds. In it, 14 families were sampled. In a few previous papers, it was shown that the liver of vertebrates in general (except that in the later developmental stages of the Petromyzonidae) is a continuous mass of cells, tunneled by the lacunae hepatis in which the sinusoids are suspended (Elias, 1948; 1949a and 1949b; and Elias and Bengelsdorf, 1951 and 1952). The partitions (laminae hepatis, liver plates) between the lacunae are predominantly two-cells thick in Myxinidae, young Petromyzonidae, Selachii, Osteichthyes, Dipnoi, and Reptilia. Among the Amphibians there is a mixture of liver plates of oneand two-cell thickness within the same organ. In the Mammalia, however (that is, in all forms studied: including representatives of the Monotremata, Marsupialia, Rodentia, Artiodactyla, Perissodactyla, Carnivora, and Primates), the liver plates are always one cell thick. It has been shown that this specific mammalian liver structure provides a more stable construction from a mechanical viewpoint and that it also provides for greater physiological efficiency by increase of cell-blood contact surface and by increase of biliary outlet surface (Elias, 1952). In the same paper, the tentative suggestion was made that the change to liver walls of one-cell thickness was an important, if not indispensable, factor that allowed the rise of the mammals. This organ thus structurally improved, it was suggested, is more adequate for animals of higher metabolism and greater activity than the liver with two-cell-thick walls such as found in the lower vertebrates. In order to test this hypothesis, it became necessary to investigate the liver of the other homoeothermic class of vertebrates, namely that of the birds. Among the vertebrates previously investigated (Elias and Bengelsdorf, 1952) there were two birds, the domestic chicken (Gallus gallus) showing plates of two-cell thickness and the Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) having uniformly one-cell-thick plates. The existence of two different kinds of liver structure in one class of vertebrates made it necessary, in order to gain insight into the avian liver in general, to extend this study to the representatives of as many different avian families as was practical.
Derivatives and Asset Price Volatility: A Test Using Variance Ratios

The implications of the presence of derivative instruments for price movements in underlying financial markets are tested by comparing the variances of price changes over different time horizons before and after the start of organised derivatives trading. It is found that ratios of the variances of multi-day and daily price movements decline for bond prices and stock indices in the United States and Germany, though no such effect is found for Japanese bonds. For the stock indices, the post-derivatives variance ratios are statistically indistinguishable from those that would be characteristic of a random walk, though this is not found to be the case for the bonds. This is interpreted to mean that derivatives accelerate the incorporation of new information into asset prices.
Vietnamese Learners' Ability To Write English Argumentative Paragraphs: The Role Of Peer Feedback Giving

The nature of peer feedback and its impacts on writing in English has attracted much attention of researchers and educators. Recent studies have indicated various types of peer feedback and its positive effects on writing development. This paper presents the results of an investigation into the nature of peer feedback and its effects on learners' writing argumentative essays in a Vietnamese context. The study aimed to explore the types of feedback which competent and less competent learners employed when they reviewed their peers' argumentative paragraphs. The study also aimed to measure the effects of one's giving feedback on their ability to write argumentative paragraphs. The study followed a two-group experimental research design with the participation of twenty-four English learners at preintermediate level of English. Four instruments were used in the study: the worksheet for peer feedback to elicit learners' comments to peers' argumentative paragraphs, the writing tests to examine learners' ability to write argumentative paragraphs before and after the treatment, the feedback coding scheme to code learners' comments and the assessment scale to evaluate learners' argumentative paragraphs. The results showed that both competent and less competent learners generated different types of peer feedback when commenting on their peers' argumentative paragraphs. In addition, the extent to which competent and less competent learners used the types of feedback was the same. Remarkably, giving feedback enhanced the mechanics component of learners' argumentative paragraphs.
Computer-Based vs Paper-Based Examinations: Perceptions of University Teachers.

This research reported teachers’ perceptions about computer-based (CB) vs. paper-based (PB) examinations. Teachers were divided into 7 major categories i.e., gender, departments, designations, qualifications, teaching experiences, computer training certifications and CB examination experiences, which were the key factors to be observed and analyzed to perceive teachers’ attitude regarding CB or PB examinations. It was concluded from the results that overall sampled teachers’ attitudes were positive towards CB examination systems but in some situations they preferred PB as well. Comparatively female, highly ranked, highly qualified, less experienced, teachers who have computer training certificate or degree, and teachers who have CB examination experiences were more positive towards CB examinations.
Ancient Wheat Diet Delays Diabetes Development in a Type 2 Diabetes Animal Model.

AIM The main objective was to investigate the physiological effects of ancient wheat whole grain flour diets on the development and progression of type 2 diabetes in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats, and specifically to look at the acute glycemic responses. METHODS An intervention study was conducted, involving 40 ZDF rats consuming one of 5 different diets (emmer, einkorn, spelt, rye and refined wheat) for 9 weeks. Refined wheat flour and whole grain rye flour were included as negative and positive controls, respectively. RESULTS After 9 weeks of intervention, a downregulation of the hepatic genes PPAR-α, GLUT2, and SREBP-1c was observed in the emmer group compared to the control wheat group. Likewise, expression of hepatic SREBP-2 was lower for emmer, einkorn, and rye compared with the control group. Furthermore, spelt and rye induced a low acute glycemic response. The wheat group had higher HDL- and total cholesterol levels. CONCLUSIONS Ancient wheat diets caused a downregulation of key regulatory genes involved in glucose and fat metabolism, equivalent to a prevention or delay of diabetes development. Spelt and rye induced a low acute glycemic response compared to wheat.
Self-regulation of driving behaviour among older drivers: Findings from a five year follow-up

A follow-up study was conducted into the self-regulatory driving behaviours of a group of older drivers who had been interviewed four to five years previously. Fifty seven drivers aged from 66 to 97 years completed a questionnaire about their health and driving habits, and a sub-set of 44 participants additionally completed a battery of tests assessing psychological functioning, vision, mental status, speed of information processing, visuospatial memory and visual attention. These data were compared with the results obtained four to five years previously. It was found that there had been very little change in self-reported driving confidence and self-reported avoidance of difficult driving situations. However, this lack of change in driving habits contrasted with statistically significant declines in functional ability. Specifically, there were declines in mean scores for measures of mental status, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and visual attention. These findings suggest that self-regulatory behaviour did not increase to compensate for declines in functioning. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E217612.
MOLECULAR SYSTEMATICS AND BIOGEOGRAPHY OF ANTILLEAN THRASHERS, TREMBLERS, AND MOCKINGBIRDS (AVES: MIMIDAE)

Abstract We constructed phylogenetic hypotheses for Greater and Lesser Antillean Mimidae, including five endemic species of tremblers and thrashers that represent the best plausible example of an avian radiation within the Lesser Antilles. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred from analysis of 3,491 base pairs (bp) of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and roughly 780 bp of the nuclear-encoded myoglobin gene. We used a subset of mtDNA gene sequences and pcrRFLP analysis to evaluate the phylogeographic relationships among individuals representing island populations of the Brown and Gray tremblers (Cinclocerthia ruficauda and C. gutturalis), Pearly-eyed Thrasher (Margarops fuscatus), Scaly-breasted Thrasher (Margarops fuscus), and Antillean and continental populations of the Tropical (Mimus gilvus) and Northern mockingbirds (Mimus polyglottos). Phylogeographic analysis distinguished three strongly differentiated mtDNA clades among tremblers, as well as distinct southern (St. Lucia and Martinique) and northern (Dominica to Montserrat) mtDNA lineages of the Scaly-breasted Thrasher. Minor geographic subdivision was also observed between continental and Antillean populations of the Tropical Mockingbird. Phylogenetic analyses of species-level Mimidae relationships that are based on mtDNA and nuclear sequences provide strong support for the monophyly and Antillean origin of a clade that consists of the tremblers, Pearly-eyed Thrasher, and Scaly-breasted Thrasher, but reject the monophyly of the genus Margarops. Phylogenetic analysis cannot confirm the monophyly of all endemic Antillean mimids because of the apparently contemporaneous diversification of the Antillean White-breasted Thrasher (Ramphocinclus brachyurus) with the continental Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) and Black Catbird (Melanoptila glabrirostris). However, an insertion and a deletion in the myoglobin intron 2 sequence support grouping the West Indian thrashers and tremblers, from which we infer that the endemic Lesser Antillean mimids are an indigenous radiation. Assuming a constant mtDNA clock for the Mimidae, the splitting of the Northern and Tropical mockingbird lineages is roughly contemporaneous with the separation of the three trembler clades, as well as the two Scaly-breasted Thrasher clades. Application of a mitochondrial DNA clock ticking at 2% sequence divergence per million years (Ma), suggests that the history of the endemic thrasher and trembler lineage in the West Indies extends back about 4 Ma, and the three distinct clades of tremblers split about 2 Ma ago.
on Bayesian HMM with Eigenvoice Priors

Nowadays, most speaker diarization methods address the task in two steps: segmentation of the input conversation into (preferably) speaker homogeneous segments, and clustering. Generally, different models and techniques are used for the two steps. In this paper we present a very elegant approach where a straightforward and efficient Variational Bayes (VB) inference in a single probabilistic model addresses the complete SD problem. Our model is a Bayesian Hidden Markov Model, in which states represent speaker specific distributions and transitions between states represent speaker turns. As in the ivector or JFA models, speaker distributions are modeled by GMMs with parameters constrained by eigenvoice priors. This allows to robustly estimate the speaker models from very short speech segments. The model, which was released as open source code and has already been used by several labs, is fully described for the first time in this paper. We present results and the system is compared and combined with other state-of-the-art approaches. The model provides the best results reported so far on the CALLHOME dataset.
INFLUENCE OF CORE CULTURAL VALUES ON THE COMMUNICATION BEHAVIOUR OF STAFF IN LIBYAN ORGANISATION ABDUSALAM ABUBAKER

This paper aims to critically review previous studies on the influence of culture on the communication behaviour of staff in Libyan organisations, in order to find deficiencies in this field and to examine the future research focus on this issue. Specifically, it considers recent studies investigating the influence of cultural values on communication in Libyan organisations. The article starts with general definitions of culture, communication behaviours, organisation, and organisational culture. Previous studies of the influence of national Libyan cultural values on the communication behaviour of individuals in organisations are then considered. This literature shows that Libyan culture exhibits high power distance, masculinity and uncertainty avoidance. It is also characterised by low individualism.
Algorithms for testing security in graphs

In this paper we propose new algorithmic methods giving with the high probability the correct answer to the decision problem of security in graphs. For a given graph G and a subset S of a vertex set of G we have to decide whether S is secure, i.e. every subset X of S fulfils the condition: |N[X] \cap S| >= |N[X] \ S|, where N[X] is a closed neighbourhood of X in graph G. We constructed a polynomial time property pseudotester based on the heuristic using simulated annealing and tested it on graphs with induced small subgraphs G[S] being trees or graphs with bounded degree (by 3 or 4). Our approach is a generalization of the concept of property testers known from literature, but we applied our concepts to the coNP-complete problem.
Capstone Cover Page

David Owen (Owen D)1, Joseph Ferguson (Ferguson J)2, Benjamin Keaton (Keaton B)2, Rodney Hansen (Hansen R)2, Gregory Norris (Norris GH)3 and David Aguilar (Aguilar D)2 1Department of Bachelor of Integrated Studies, Weber State University, Ogden, UT 84408 2Department of Athletic Training and Nutrition, Weber State University, Ogden, UT 84408 3Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269