Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improving ASTC Performance of As-built Wood-frame Double-shear Panel Wall Assemblies

In wood-frame buildings, structural shear resistance in load-bearing walls is sometimes provided using OSB or plywood sheathing board directly applied on the wood framing. When these panels are used on both internal faces of a double-stud demising assembly with a drywall layer on each finished side, the sound transmission performance is significantly compromised by the air cavity resonance between the panels. This was the subject of a 2015 Acoustics Week presentation. As a follow-up, the mitigating effects of using a resilient mounting for the drywall are investigated from recent field measurements.
Extreme value indicators in highly resolved climate change simulations for the Jordan River area

[1] Understanding changing trends and frequency of extreme rainfall and temperature events is extremely important for optimal planning in many sectors, including agriculture, water resource management, health, and even economics. For people living in the Jordan River region of the Middle East such changes can have immediate devastating impacts as water resources are already scarce and overexploited and summer temperatures in the desert regions can reach 45°C or higher. Understanding shifts in frequency and intensity of extreme events can provide crucial information for planning and adaptation. In this paper we present results from regional climate model simulations with RegCM3 and MM5 centered on the eastern Mediterranean region. Our analysis focuses on changes in extreme temperature and rainfall events. We show that maximum daily summer temperature is expected to increase by between 2.5°C and 3°C, with an increase in warm spell length. Precipitation extremes are expected to increase with longer dry spells, shorter wet spells, and increases in heavy rainfall. Model agreement for the control period 1961–1990 is higher in the southern region than in the north, perhaps because of the complex topography, suggesting that even small differences in spatial scale play an important role. In addition, we notice that the chosen global model plays an important role in determining future temperature trends, while the choice of regional climate model is critical for understanding how precipitation is expected to evolve.
Effect of pre-treatment on the generation of dipeptidyl peptidase-IV- and prolyl endopeptidase-inhibitory hydrolysates from bovine lung

Abstract The aim of this work was to study the effect of two different pre-treatments, high temperature (100 °C, 5 min) and high pressure (600 MPa, 3 min), on the potential of the enzymes papain, collagenase and Alcalase® to generate bioactive hydrolysates containing dipeptidyl peptidase-IV- (DPP-IV; EC 3.4.14.5) and prolyl endopeptidase- (PEP; EC 3.4.21.26) inhibitory peptides from bovine lung. Both pre-treatments resulted in an increase in the degree of hydrolysis over a 24 h period (P < 0.001) and significantly increased the DPP-IV- and PEP-inhibitory activities of the generated hydrolysates (P < 0.001). Generated hydrolysates included an Alcalase hydrolysate of pressure-treated bovine lung, which was the most active, and showed DPP-IV and PEP half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 1.43 ± 0.06 and 3.62 ± 0.07 mg/ mL, respectively. The major peptides contained in this hydrolysate were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and results demonstrated that bovine lung is a good substrate for the release of bioactive peptides when proper pre-treatment and enzymatic treatment are applied.
Percutaneous tenotomy of the Achilles tendon using a 16 gauge needle in the management of clubfoot

Objective: To clinically evaluate, the effectiveness of percutaneous tenotomy of Achilles tendon using a 16 gauge needle in clubfoot treatment by ponseti technique. Material and methods: forty five affected foot were prospectively evaluated in Twenty five patients with ctev attending orthopedics OPD in K R Hospital, Mysore and treated conservatively using ponseti technique between June 2016 and November 2017.out of forty five affected feet ,thirty nine feet required tenotomy and percutaneous tenotomy done using a 16 gauge needle and assessed clinically. Results: all 39 feet successfully managed, the reported complications of conventional tenotomy by knife [excessive bleeding, pseudo-aneurysm or neurovascular compromise] were not encountered with this technique. Conclusion: This percutaneous tenotomy technique using a 16 needle is a simple procedure, safe and very effective and gives predictable results without any complications which were reported with
Study of drought stress effect on some traits of lentil cultivars and the correlations between them

Drought stress, which has a great impact on agricultural and forestry production and often causes yield reduction, is one of the most important agricultural research topics, therefore, in order to assess drought tolerance in lentil cultivars Ardabil region, a factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design with three replications in the 2010 Farm Agricultural Research Station University, Ardebil, was performed. Factors used included two levels of planting conditions (irrigation and non-irrigation) and five lentil cultivars. Results showed that, yield loss of the ILL 1180 under stress was about 23.31% more than normal conditions. This value for the ILL 1324 ranged approximately 35.51%. Also, ILL 1180 showed the lowest tolerance against stress and stress susceptibility index and the highest mean productivity, geometric mean productivity and stress tolerance index indices. ILL 1324 possessed the highest TOL (tolerance index), SSI (stress susceptibility index) and STI (stress tolerance index) and ILL 1237 showed the lowest MP (mean productivity) and GMP (geometric mean productivity) indices, and as such, ILL 1180 and ILL 1251 were the superior cultivars under both conditions in terms of high yield and tolerance against drought stress. ILL 1237 was distinguished as the most susceptible cultivar as well.
Dimension reduction in functional regression using mixed data canonical correlation analysis

We propose a new dimension reduction method, mixed data canonical correlation (MDCANCOR), for functional regression with a scalar response and a functional predictor. MDCANCOR achieves dimension reduction using the canonical correlation analysis between the functional predictor and a set of B-spline basis functions that represent the transformed response space. And we propose a modified version of BIC to determine the dimensionality of the effective dimension reduction (EDR) space. This criterion is generally applicable to dimension reduction problems in functional regression. Asymptotically, we prove that MDCANCOR consistently estimates the directions when the dimensionality of the EDR space is given, and the modified BIC consistently estimates the dimensionality of the EDR space. Both simulation and real data examples show that the MDCANCOR method performs similarly as the regularized functional sliced inverse regression and better than other existing dimension reduction methods.
Aspect sensitivity of polar mesosphere summer echoes observed with the EISCAT VHF radar

The European Incoherent Scatter Scientific Association (EISCAT) Very High Frequency (224 MHz) Radar has been used to investigate the aspect sensitivity of polar mesosphere summer echoes (PMSE) in the period 13–15 July 2010. The aspect sensitivity of PMSE using this radar and at such a high frequency has not been previously reported. Data concerning the aspect sensitivity of PMSE were collected by traversing the antenna beam from the zenith direction, and comparing the received power. Surprisingly, as the intensity received by the oblique beam was often larger than that of the vertical beam, suggesting the presence of tilted dusty plasma layers as a potential cause, a theoretical model was developed to confirm the existence of these layers and their formation process. The experimental results and theoretical model presented help elucidate the structural properties of the possible generation mechanism of strong radar echoes in the polar summer mesosphere region. Citation: Li H, Wu J, Tian R H, et al. Aspect sensitivity of polar mesosphere summer echoes observed with the EISCAT VHF radar. Adv Polar Sci, 2018, 29(1): 34-39, doi: 10.13679/j.advps. 2018.1. 00034
How to Measure the Local Economic Impact of the Universities’ Third Mission Activities?

Nowadays it is more and more important to know that how certain units of regional economy (enterprises, higher education institutions, other units) affect local economy. The economic impact analysis of higher education institutions is more complex than the impact analysis of enterprises, since the complexity of multiple direct and indirect transmissions and effects. The economic effects of higher education institutions (HEIs) are easy to access and easy to systematize using the classification of first, second and third generation universities. The traditional activities of universities have broadened. Beyond the high-quality of education (first generation universities) high- quality research is also necessary (second generation universities), furthermore it is also important that the scientific results should be adapted by the local economy (third generation universities). Generally, there are four substantial problems. First, the definition of impact, second, measuring and estimating first-round expenditures and avoiding double-counting, third, estimating the correct value of the multiplier, fourth, the quantification of third mission activities. The purpose of our study is to reveal the methodology of the quantification of third mission universities regarding the economic impact of universities. We attempt to fully systematize the fundamental challenges of measuring the third mission activities of universities.
Nanoindentation-Induced Structural Deformation in GaN/AlN Multilayers

The mechanical responses of GaN/AlN multilayers grown on Si(111) substrates by using the metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) were investigated by combining the Berkovich nanoindentation and the cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (XTEM) techniques. The prominent mechanical parameters such as the hardness and Young’s modulus of GaN/AlN multilayers were obtained to be 21.6 ± 0.8 GPa and 285.7 ± 12.1 GPa, respectively by operating the Berkovich nanoindenter with the continuous contact stiffness measurements (CSM) mode. The structural deformation behaviors were delineated by XTEM observations taken in the vicinity regions just underneath the indenter tip. It was revealed that the “pop-ins” observed in the load–displacement curve during loading are due primarily to the activities of dislocation nucleation and propagation. There is no evidence of either phase transformation or micro-crack formation observed in XTEM images of GaN/AlN multilayers, which is consistent with no distinct “pop-out” event displayed in unloading curves.
Productivity Measurements of Two Waratah 234 Hydraulic Tree Harvesters in Radiata Pine in New Zealand

Abstract Two Waratah 234 single-grip harvester heads were assessed for productivity and log-processing accuracy while working in radiata pine clearfell operations in New Zealand forests. Estimated productivity, processing stockpiled trees into logs on a landing in a ground-based operation, was 77 m3 per productive machine hour (PMH) in an average tree size of 1.63 m3. In a yarder-based trial, processing trees into logs on a landing, productivity was 77 m3/PMH in an average tree size of 3.1 m3. Length-measuring accuracy in a later trial was shown to be within ± 5 cm for 93% of logs. In a second ground-based trial, estimated productivity for an average extracted tree size of 1.95m3 was: • 51 trees/PMH (100m3) for felling, tree-length delimbing and bunching. • 73 trees/PMH (143m3) for tree-length delimbing (butt-first) and bunching of manually felled trees.
A stochastic-dominance approach to determining the optimal home-size purchase: The case of Hong Kong

We demonstrate how a prospective buyer’s optimal home-size purchase can be determined by means of a stochastic-dominance (SD) analysis of historical data. Using monthly property yields in Hong Kong over a 15-year period to illustrate our procedure, and as a case in point to demonstrate the efficacy of the SD approach, we show that regardless of whether the buyer eschews risk, embraces risk, or is indifferent to it, in any adjacent pairing of five well-defined housing classes, the smaller class provides the optimal purchase, and thus that the smallest class affords the buyer the optimal purchase over all classes in this important housing market – at least where rental yields are of primary concern. In addition, we find that risk averters focusing on total yield would prefer to invest in the smallest and second- smallest classes than in the largest class.
Policy Implementation: Lessons from the Chilean Policy on Public Management Modernization

Abstract This paper analyses the implementation of public management modernization policy between 1990 and 2013, applying the taxonomy by Hasenfeld and Brock (1991). Information analysed in this study comes from 67 interviews with actors who have played key roles in the implementation of modernization initiatives, as well as from official documents, and academic literature. The findings of the study suggest that taxonomy is useful in characterizing the organizational and inter-organizational behavioural patterns that influence policy implementation;also, that the prevalent driving forces help to understand the dynamic of implementation and what capacities, abilities and strategies are required to put into practice a concrete public policy, which appear to be linked to the context in which implementation takes place.
Productivity convergence and economic growth: A frontier production function approach

The empirical growth literature has focused on capital accumulation but largely ignored productivity growth. To address this imbalance, we propose a methodology for analyzing productivity convergence based on frontier production functions. We examine whether departures from the frontier are cointegrated, determine the extent and speed of catch-up, and assess the importance of efficiency changes for economic growth. Using a sample of 26 OECD countries from 1965-90, we find convergence and catch-up is fairly strong among EU countries but not among the G-7. Overall, the ability to absorb new technology is an important source of economic growth.
The policy rationale for cross-sector research collaboration and contemporary consequences

National policies and practices shape the tools and institutional form of cross-sector research collaboration (CSRC). However, because innovation systems vary considerably across different countries, so too has the evolution of policy. In this special issue contributions review the policy processes and their implications in seven countries: Australia; Norway; Germany; the USA; Spain; Ireland; and the UK. Overall the comparisons reveal some common trends. For example, there is a general trend toward the institutionalisation of collaborative processes and practices in formal organisational structures. However, the variation across systems, governance and industrial structures reinforce the need for a diverse approach to CSRC policy. Many policy mechanisms reflect a response to the policy challenge of achieving a balance between maintaining long-term scientific excellence as well as solving short-term problems for industry. A lesson that emerges from the comparative perspective is to also take into account the pressure for organisational change in organisations engaged with CSRC that is driven by these policies. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.
Professionals’ perception of quality physical education learning in selected Asian cities

Abstract Numerous studies have been published heralding the benefits of physical education in school education. Sport and physical activities form the major content in learning and the arrangement serves as the major source of development in students. This paper identifies “quality” as an internationally concerned issue and within the concept, the perceptual framework in learning is then placed with focus. To conduct this study, a sample of N = 799 (11 Asian cities) physical education professionals working in different levels were invited to participate in a questionnaire survey with 37 items designed to forge the conceptualization of quality learning in physical education. Results from statistical analysis showed 24 items grouped in 3 subfactors being retained after EFA, of 37 items that were framed through content analysis to assess the quality physical education learning among the PE professionals. The retained three factors from the EFA were further assessed with robust confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The 3-factor model demonstrated a good fit with the data (CMIN/DF = 7.367, NFI = .888, CFI = .901, PCFI = .748, RMSEA = .089). In this sample, the QPEL demonstrated an acceptable three-factor structure, internal consistency and inter-factor correlation. These items were appropriate to provide the necessary understanding of the diversified practice in the learning of quality physical education.
Ingestion of Korean Red Ginseng after Noise Exposure Can Potentiate Rapid Recovery of Hearing in Mice

One mechanism of inner ear damage by noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Because Korean red ginseng (KRG) has an anti-ROS effect in various tissues, KRG may have a role in preventing NIHL. A window period exists in which ROS formations continue after noise exposure, and further damage can be prevented by antioxidants. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of KRG after exposure to noise. KRG (200 ㎎/㎏) was fed to mice for 3 days after noise exposure. The change in hearing level was analyzed by measuring the auditory brainstem response. To induce a temporary threshold shift (TTS) of hearing, mice were exposed to 110 ㏈ white noise for 3 hours. Fast recovery of hearing was observed in mice fed KRG 1 hour and 1 day after noise exposure for 3 days. The expression of 8-oxoguanine was not observed in the inner ears of mice fed KRG 1 hour after noise exposure, but was evident in the stria vascularis of mice in the control group (noise exposure only). From this study, we conclude that KRG acted as an effective inhibitor of NIHL in TTS cases.
Structural models of metastable phases occurring during the crystallization process of saturated/unsaturated triacylglycerols

Isothermal crystallizations of saturated and mixed saturated/unsaturated triacylglycerols (TAGs) have been studied by simultaneous time-resolved small-angle and wide-angle X-ray scattering measurements (SAXS/WAXS). The projection of the electron density profile along the layer normal derived from the lamellar peaks of the α2-phase can be assembled from two types of molecular dimers initially formed in the liquid state. One dimer corresponds to a typical two-chain packing of TAGs and the other is formed by opposing molecules overlapping by their two-acyl-chain sides. This structure occurs only in triacylglycerols containing both saturated and unsaturated acyl chains. The structural organization of the α2-phase is analogous to smectic A interdigitated phases. In the particular case of 1,3-distearoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycerol, StOSt, the α2-phase can evolve into a mixture of two phases (α1 and γ) with double and triple (2L and 3L) chain packing, respectively. A calculation of X-ray scattering patterns for simulated structures of randomly packed three-chain and two-chain layers of StOSt (2L + 3L) reproduced the three diffuse scattering peaks observed in the experimental SAXS patterns.
Teachers' evaluation of professional development in support of national reforms

As in many other nations, the Turkish education system has undergone many significant curricular and structural reforms in the last decade. This study was designed to learn from teachers about the quality of professional development programs that were designed to support national reforms. Ten years into a period of intensive national reform, teachers reported that professional development activities only moderately satisfied them. We speculate that 'reform fatigue' may be partially responsible for relatively low teacher enthusiasm for mandatory, centrally designed training. Failure to adjust teacher development designs to meet established teacher preferences could undermine ambitious and expensive programs of national education reform.
Building reliable evidence from real-world data: methods, cautiousness and recommendations

Routinely stored information on healthcare utilisation in everyday clinical practice has proliferated over the past several decades. There is, however, some reluctance on the part of many health professionals to use observational data to support healthcare decisions, especially when data are derived from large databases. Challenges in conducting observational studies based on electronic databases include concern about the adequacy of study design and methods to minimise the effect of both misclassifications (in the absence of direct assessments of exposure and outcome validity) and confounding (in the absence of randomisation). This paper points out issues that may compromise the validity of such studies, and approaches to managing analytic challenges. First, strategies of sampling within a large cohort, as an alternative to analysing the full cohort, will be presented. Second, methods for controlling outcome and exposure misclassifications will be described. Third, several techniques that take into account both measured and unmeasured confounders will also be presented. Fourth, some considerations regarding random uncertainty in the framework of observational studies using healthcare utilisation data will be discussed. Finally, some recommendations for good research practice are listed in this paper. The aim is to provide researchers with a methodological framework, while commenting on the value of new techniques for more advanced users.
TRADITIONAL, COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE USE OF CHRONIC DISEASE PATIENTS IN A COMMUNITY POPULATION IN MYANMAR

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine’s (TCAM) use of chronic disease patients in a community setting in Myanmar. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional community survey was conducted in the Kyauk Tan Township with the International Complementary and Alternative Medicine Questionnaire (I-CAM-Q). Results: Of the 1600 participants in the survey, the overall prevalence of any TCAM use (providers, products or self-care) was 95.1% (TCAM provider= 14.6%, TCAM products=65.0%, and self-help TCAM=86.2%) in the past 12 months. For all different types of TCAM providers, TCAM products and self-help TCAM more than 90% of participants perceived the TCAM as very or somewhat helpful. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, older age, no formal education, rural residence and having two or more chronic conditions were associated with any TCAM use. Conclusions: TCAM use, especially TCAM products and self-help TCAM, seem to be common in Myanmar.