Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A lightweight low-frequency sound insulation membrane-type acoustic metamaterial

A novel membrane-type acoustic metamaterial with a high sound transmission loss (STL) at low frequencies (⩽500Hz) was designed and the mechanisms were investigated by using negative mass density theory. This metamaterial’s structure is like a sandwich with a thin (thickness=0.25mm) lightweight flexible rubber material within two layers of honeycomb cell plates. Negative mass density was demonstrated at frequencies below the first natural frequency, which results in the excellent low-frequency sound insulation. The effects of different structural parameters of the membrane on the sound-proofed performance at low frequencies were investigated by using finite element method (FEM). The numerical results show that, the STL can be modulated to higher value by changing the structural parameters, such as the membrane surface density, the unite cell film shape, and the membrane tension. The acoustic metamaterial proposed in this study could provide a potential application in the low-frequency noise insulation.
Geographical Variability of the First Baroclinic Rossby Radius of Deformation

Global 1 83 18 climatologies of the first baroclinic gravity-wave phase speed c1 and the Rossby radius of deformation l1 are computed from climatological average temperature and salinity profiles. These new atlases are compared with previously published 5 83 58 coarse resolution maps of l1 for the Northern Hemisphere and the South Atlantic and with a 1 83 18 fine-resolution map of c1 for the tropical Pacific. It is concluded that the methods used in these earlier estimates yield values that are biased systematically low by 5%‐15% owing to seemingly minor computational errors. Geographical variations in the new high-resolution maps of c1 and l1 are discussed in terms of a WKB approximation that elucidates the effects of earth rotation, stratification, and water depth on these quantities. It is shown that the effects of temporal variations of the stratification can be neglected in the estimation of c1 and l1 at any particular location in the World Ocean. This is rationalized from consideration of the WKB approximation.
An investigation of the atherogenicity of intermediate density lipoprotein in people with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus

It is well-accepted that people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) tend to have more adverse lipid profile than those without the disease. There is a lot of information on the adverse role played by low density lipoprotein (LDL) in atherosclerosis, however, much less is known on the intermediate density lipoprotein although both epidemiological evidence and animal and in vitro studies suggests it plays a role in atherosclerosis as well. Hence this thesis examines and compares the atherogenicity of intermediate density lipoprotein (IDL) between people with an without T2DM. In the first study the ability of IDL isolated from people with-and withoutT2DM was investigated and the ability of IDL to induce lipid accumulation was compared. The results show that unlike LDL, IDL could be taken up by the macrophages in its unmodified form and the uptake was not likely to be receptormediated as it is mostly triglyceride (TG) (as opposed to CE) that was accumulated in the cells. It is believed that the triglyceride (TG) in IDL was first hydrolyzed into free fatty acids (FFA) by lipoprotein lipase outside the cells and these FFA were re-esterified to TG once inside the cells. Although there was no difference in the lipid accumulation between the T2DM and control groups, both groups accumulated significant amount of TG in the cells when their IDL was incubated with macrophages in vitro (5830±966 vs 5727±1241, sum of area under curve adjusted for cell protein, p>0.05). On the other hand, only negligible amount of cholesterol ester was accumulated in the cells in both groups and the cholesterol concentrations were similar to the concentration found in the non-loaded cells (21± 5 vs 19±3 vs 16±8, p>0.05). The second study investigated the atherogenicity of IDL by assessing the affinity of IDL to chondroitin sulphate (CS), which is a major proteoglycan found in vessel walls. The results show that IDL isolated from people with and without T2DM both bound to CS at similar affinities (86±0.2 % vs 90±2.0 %) and there were no differences in the composition of the unbound or bound fractions IDL between the two groups. The results also show that IDL bound to CS at two different affinities: lower affinity (lowbound IDL) and higher affinity (high-bound IDL). The high-bound IDL fraction contained significantly lower TG (0.64±0.06 vs 0.39±0.05 mmolL/mg, p<0.01) and phospholipids (0.04±0.01 vs 0.03±0.01 mgdl/mg, p<0.05) than the low-bound IDL fraction but both fractions contained similar concentration of total cholesterol
Influence of structure in the soil-water characteristic curves of two residual soils of granite

This paper discusses the influence of structure in the soil-water characteristic curves (SWCC) of two residual soils of granite formed in a subtropical environment. One soil has a saprolitic nature (named GrSp) and the other shows lateritic behavior (named GrLt). Both materials occur on a slope which presents a extensive history of landslides in the municipality of Sao Jose, Southern Brazil. SWCC of undisturbed and remolded specimens were determined using the filter-paper technique. Undisturbed specimens were collected and remolded specimens were produced by static compression of disintegrated soil to the same void ratio and moisture content of undisturbed specimens. SWCC of saprolitic soil showed curves which were modelled as unimodal but the lateritic soil required the use of bimodal curves because of the structure developed in micro and macro levels. Suction levels measured in GrLt soil were higher than in saprolitic soil. Remolding process changed the levels of suction achieved, which is due to the structure and more specifically to the size of pores in the remolded soils. Hysteresis were verified in both materials, but were far more pronounced in the lateritic soil. Analysis of mercury intrusion porosimetry were carried out in GrSp soil. They showed that remolding generates a different pore distribution from the existing in the undisturbed soil.
Spectroscopic and Photometric Analysis of HS 1136+6646: A Hot Young DAO+K7 V Post-Common-Envelope, Pre-Cataclysmic Variable Binary

Extensive photometric and spectroscopic observations have been obtained for HS 1136+6646. The observations reveal a newly formed post–common-envelope binary system containing a hot ∼DAO.5 primary and a highly irradiated secondary. HS 1136+6646 is the most extreme example yet of a class of short-period hot H-rich white dwarfs with K–M companion systems such as V471 Tau and Feige 24. HS 1136+6646 is a double-line spectroscopic binary showing emission lines of H I, He II, C II, Ca II, and Mg II, due in part to irradiation of the K7 V secondary by the hot white dwarf. Echelle spectra reveal the hydrogen emission lines to be double-peaked with widths of ∼200 km s-1, raising the possibility that emission from an optically thin disk may also contribute. The emission lines are observed to disappear near the inferior conjunction. An orbital period of 0.83607 ± 0.00003 days has been determined through the phasing of radial velocities, emission-line equivalent widths, and photometric measurements spanning a range of 24 months. Radial velocity measurements yield an amplitude of KWD = 69 ± 2 km s-1 for the white dwarf and KK7V = 115 ± 1 km s-1 for the secondary star. In addition to orbital variations, photometric measurements have also revealed a low-amplitude modulation with a period of 113.13 minutes and a semiamplitude of 0.0093 mag. These short-period modulations are possibly associated with the rotation of the white dwarf. From fits of the Balmer line profiles, the white dwarf is estimated to have an effective temperature and gravity of ∼70,000 K and log g ∼ 7.75, respectively. However, this optically derived temperature is difficult to reconcile with the far-UV spectrum of the Lyman line region. Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer spectra show the presence of O VI absorption lines and a spectral energy distribution whose slope persists nearly to the Lyman limit. The extremely high temperature of the white dwarf, from both optical and UV measurements, indicates that the binary system is one of the earliest post–common-envelope objects known, having an age around 7.7 × 105 yr. Although the spectrum of the secondary star is best represented by a K7 V star, indications are that the star may be overly luminous for its mass.
Overflow and Bottom Water Formation In The Southern Weddell Sea

[1] Cold shelf waters flowing out of the Filchner Depression in the southern Weddell Sea make a significant contribution to the production of Weddell Sea Bottom Water (WSBW), a precursor to Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW). We use all available current meter records from the region to calculate the flux of cold water (<−1.9°C) over the sill at the northern end of the Filchner Depression (1.6 ± 0.5 Sv), and to determine its fate. The estimated fluxes and mixing rates imply a rate of WSBW formation (referenced to −0.8°C) of 4.3 ± 1.4 Sv. We identify three pathways for the cold shelf waters to enter the deep Weddell Sea circulation. One path involves flow constrained to follow the shelf break. The other two paths are down the continental slope, resulting from the cold dense water being steered northward by prominent ridges that cross the continental slope near 36°W and 37°W. Mooring data indicate that the deep plumes can retain their core characteristics to depths greater than 2000 m. Probably aided by thermobaricity, the plume water at this depth can flow at a speed approaching 1 m s−1, implying that the flow is occasionally supercritical. We postulate that such supercriticality acts to limit mixing between the plume and its environment. The transition from supercritical to slower, more uniform flow is associated with very efficient mixing, probably as a result of hydraulic jumps.
Charophytes from four Cyclade Islands (Mykonos, Naxos, Paros and Antiparos) in Greece

I have shortly described eleven localities from the Cyclade islands Mykonos, Naxos, Paros and Antiparos, one of which has freshwater, two have brackishwater and the rest are salt lakes. Of special interest are the salt lakes. These lakes are situated close to popular beaches and are therefore exposed to human activities. The lakes at Ag. Prokopios, Kamari, Mikra Vigli, Naxos airport and Fanari beach should be protected. The brackishwater lake near the airport at Naxos has special qualities and should also be protected. The charophytes Lamprothamnium papulosum, Chara canescens, C. galioides and C. aspera were found in this lake. Typical species in the salt lakes are Lamprothamnium papulosum and Ruppia maritima. The salt content in these lakes varied between 1.3% (2003) and 20% (2002). In such environments, L. papulosum can only survive by oospores and/or bulbils. In Kamari, I found specimens of L. papulosum with swollen lower branchlets. In the brackishwater poll at Ormos Amiti I found Chara vulgaris, while Chara globularis was found in freshwater on Mykonos.Totally six species of charophytes have so far been found in the islands.
Radial solutions of singular nonlinear biharmonic equations and applications to conformal geometry.

Positive entire solutions of the singular biharmonic equation ∆2u+ u−q = 0 in Rn with q > 1 and n ≥ 3 are considered. We prove that there are infinitely many radial entire solutions with different growth rates close to quadratic. If u(0) is kept fixed we show that a unique minimal entire solution exists, which separates the entire solutions from those with compact support. For the special case n = 3 and q = 7 the function U(r) = √ 1/ √ 15 + r2 is the minimal entire solution if u(0) = 15−1/4 is kept fixed.
An Intersectional Approach towards Parental Employment in Families with a Child with a Disability: The Case of Belgium

For parents with disabled children labour market participation is difficult since these children require care that exceeds typical parental care. At the same time, disabled children often live in families who belong to social categories that are associated with lower employment probabilities. However, the intersection between disability and social categories is hitherto overlooked in the literature. Drawing on a case study of Belgium, this article empirically examines to what extent parental employment is explained by the child’s disability and/or the family’s social disadvantages. For this, unique and large-scale register data are used. The results show that (1) childhood disability overlapped with social disadvantages; (2) childhood disability inhibited parental employment; but (3) the relationship differed by social category: for single parents, parents with low educational qualifications, and parents having multiple disabled children, disability and social disadvantage reinforced each other.
Monthly Measurement of Daily Timers

Abstract This paper addresses the bias associated with parametric measurement of timing skill based on monthly timer returns when timers can make daily timing decisions. Simulations suggest that the classic Henriksson-Merton parametric measure of timing skill is weak and biased downward when applied to the monthly returns of a daily timer. The paper proposes an adjustment that mitigates this problem without the need to collect daily timer returns. Four tests of timing skill, carried out on a sample of 558 mutual funds, show that very few funds exhibit statistically significant timing skill. More encompassing, the adjusted-FF3 test (based on the specification that incorporates both the proposed adjustment and the Fama-French three-factor model) is the least biased measure of timing skill among the four—it provides for a sharper inference regarding timing skill and helps mitigate biases associated with the choice of investment style.
Helping Oncology Nurses Advise Younger Patients about Self Care: Feasibility of Using Animated and DVD Formats for Nurse Instruction

This study explored the perceptions of oncology nurses about the usefulness of a video-game or an animated DVD intervention designed to teach young patients about self care. The study also measured the effects of these interventions on nurses’ cancer knowledge and perceived self-efficacy to communicate with patients about self-care. Twenty-two oncology nurses were randomly assigned either to use a video game “Re-Mission” or to view instructional animations from the game on DVD. They completed tests and rating scales before and after, then rated the acceptability of the game or DVD. Only ten participants completed the study. For these ten, ratings of the acceptability and credibility of the game or DVD were moderately positive, regardless of age or nursing experience. Self-efficacy for communicating to patients about self-care increased following use of the game or DVD. Cancer knowledge was not affected. It was concluded that oncology nurses in Australia are not generally enthusiastic about the concept of instruction via video game and animated DVD formats, although those who participated rated the experience positively.
Effect of Chlorides on Conductivity and Dielectric Constant in Hardened Cement Mortar: NDT for Durability Evaluation

Dielectric constant and conductivity, the so-called EM properties (electromagnetic), are widely adopted for NDT (Nondestructive Technique) in order to detect damage or evaluate performance of concrete without damage to existing RC (reinforced concrete). Among deteriorating agents, chloride ion is considered as one of the most critical threats due to rapid penetration and direct effect on steel corrosion. In the work, cement mortar samples with 3 w/c (water-to-cement) ratios and 4 levels of chloride addition are considered. Conductivity and dielectric constant are measured in the normal frequency range. They increase with strength of mortar and more chloride ions due to denser pore formation. Furthermore, the behaviors of measured EM property are investigated with carbonation velocity and strength, which shows an attempt of application to durability evaluation through EM measurement.
Structural gravity estimation & agriculture

Recently, discussion about the appropriate estimation of gravity trade models has started in agriculture. Here, we are going to review recent developments in the literature. It appears that fixed effects Poisson Pseudo Maximum Likelihood is not only the only consistent estimator [Santos Silva and Tenreyro, 2006] but also it already allows for a structural fit [Fally, 2012]. Fixed effects in conjunction with the adding-up property of Poisson Pseudo Maximum Likelihood - which has been so far neglected - can be harnessed to directly deduce multilateral resistance indexes (i.e. general equilibrium effects) from reduced-form estimation. This innovation made by Fally will ease comparative statics and incidence analysis, making Poisson Pseudo Maximum Likelihood even more preferable in practice.
EFFECT OF HIGH AMMONIA LEVEL ON STRESS-INDUCED HEMATOLOGICAL CHANGES IN RABBITS: PREVENTIVE EFFECT OF PYRIDOXINE

DYAVOLOVA, M. , I. YANCHEV, D. GUDEV and P. MONEVA, 2013. Effect of high ammonia level on stressinduced hematological changes in rabbits: preventive effect of pyridoxine. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 19: 828-834 The object of the present experiment was to evaluate the effect of air ammonia on some hematological parameters and rabbit response to short-term psychological stress as well as to test the effect of supplemental pyridoxine. Eighteen New Zealand rabbits at the average age of 3.6 months were divided into 3 groups as follows: Control group – reared under low air ammonia levels (6.79±2.55 ppm) and two experimental groupsreared under higher air ammonia levels (21.98±7.84 ppm). The second experimental group was given supplemental pyridoxine (200 mg/l) throughout the 10 day long experimental period. Arterial blood samples were taken at the start (1-st day) and at the end of the experiment (10-th day) as well as before and following exposure to psychological stress. Stress was induced on day 10 by 1 minute “dog barking” PC record in a triple 110 dB playback. The following parameters were evaluated: total erythrocyte and leukocyte counts, hematocrit, peripheral blood leukocyte distribution, rectal temperature, respiratory rate and air ammonia concentration. Ammonia augmented leukocyte counts (P<0.05) and hematocrit levels (P<0.05) while at the same time it thwarted the expected rise in heterophil to lymphocyte ratio in response to stress. Pyridoxine prevented ammonia-provoked increase in total leukocyte numbers (P<0.05) and hematocrit levels (P<0.05) in response to stress. Pyridoxine caused a decrease in respiratory rate (P<0.05) and an increase in rectal temperature (P<0.05) as compared to the unsupplemented rabbits. The results are interpreted to suggest that nitric oxide mediates the effects of both ammonia and glucocorticoids on leukocyte subpopulations, which ultimately may compromise the effect of glucocorticods on heterophil to lymphocyte ratio.
Factors Influencing Potential Acceptance and Adoption of Clean Development Mechanism Projects: Case of Carbon Trade Tree Project among Small Scale Farmers in Njoro District, Kenya

The aim of study was to assess the willingness of small scale farmers to accept and the extent of willingness to adopt carbon trade tree project and by so doing to identify and quantify factors that will influence adoption of carbon trade tree project. The study used multi-stage sampling procedure to select 150 small-scale farmers in Njoro district, Kenya. Both primary and secondary data sources collected using observations and interviews with the help of a semi-structured questionnaire. The double hurdle model was used identify the factors that influence the willingness to accept and the extent the farmers are willing to adopt the carbon tree trade project. Findings of the double hurdle model indicate that gender, household size, farm debt, attitude towards risk, farm size,land tenure, availability of voluntary CDM and perception of the technology were found to influence the willingness to accept the project. Further, age, extension contacts, attitude towards risk, land tenure and perception towards the technology influenced on the extent the farmer is willing to adopt. The study therefore, recommends policy interventions of improved training offarmers and extension officers on agro- environmental programmes, formation of agro-environmental self-help groups by farmers and creation of strategies that would improve socio-economic conditions of smallholder farmers in Kenya.
Measuring EFL Learners' Ability to Recover and Reconstruct Missing Information in Spoken English Discourse

This study was set up to experimentally investigate the extent of EFL learners' ability to locate, decode, recover and reconstruct unstated information presented in discursive conversation. Specifically, the study examines the learners' ability to recover ellipted words, substituted forms and fully deleted sentences. It also sheds light on the techniques used and the obstacles they encounter in this respect. Thirty- five Iraqi sophomores majoring in English took three listening tests consisting of 27 items. The participants were asked to put the heard dialogues or single utterances with omitted information into their original complete and coherent forms. The overall result indicated that EFL learners were poor at identifying and recovering missing information. Data analysis showed that although the participants were able, to some extent, to identify and recover ellipted elements, their performance in recovering substituted element and unstated sentences was quite limited. It was also found that the more cognitively complicated the task is, the harder it will be to recover missing information.
Sharp bounds for the number of the scattering poles

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Operationalizing the Entrepreneurial Pipeline Theory: An Empirical Assessment of the Optimal Size Distribution of Local Firms

This article analyzes the relationship between local economic growth and the distribution of businesses across size categories. The distribution is measured by the employment share in businesses of various sizes and by a business distribution index. The index provides a measure of the extent to which the local economy deviates from an equal employment share in each of nine business-size categories. The authors find strong links between a county's business-size distribution and its economic growth rate and also a difference between the optimal income and job growth-enhancing distributions. In addition, the results indicate that the optimal growth-enhancing distribution of employment has a higher share of the smallest businesses (with one to four employees) than the current average. The results support increased policy emphasis on encouraging small business start-ups and development; however, the optimal development strategy depends on the initial distribution of businesses within a local economy.