Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sliding of ice past an obstacle at Engabreen, Norway

Abstract At Engabreen, Norway, an instrumented panel containing a decimetric obstacle was mounted flush with the bed surface beneath 210 m of ice. Simultaneous measurements of normal and shear stresses, ice velocity and temperature were obtained as dirty basal ice flowed past the obstacle. Our measurements were broadly consistent with ice thickness, flow conditions and bedrock topography near the site of the experiment. Ice speed 0.45 m above the bed was about 130 mm d−1, much less than the surface velocity of 800 mm d−1. Average normal stress on the panel was 1.0–1.6 MPa, smaller than the expected ice overburden pressure. Normal stress was larger and temperature was lower on the stoss side than on the lee side, in accord with flow dynamics and equilibrium thermodynamics. Annual differences in normal stresses were correlated with changes in sliding speed and ice-flow direction. These temporal variations may have been caused by changes in ice rheology associated with changes in sediment concentration, water content or both. Temperature and normal stress were generally correlated, except when clasts presumably collided with the panel. Temperature gradients in the obstacle indicated that regelation was negligible, consistent with the obstacle size. Melt rate was about 10% of the sliding speed. Despite high sliding speed, no significant ice/bed separation was observed in the lee of the obstacle. Frictional forces between sediment particles in the ice and the panel, estimated from Hallet’s (1981) model, indicated that friction accounted for about 5% of the measured bed-parallel force. This value is uncertain, as friction theories are largely untested. Some of these findings agree with sliding theories, others do not.
The Experiences of people in Northern Thailand living with Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A descriptive qualitative study

: Diabetic foot ulcers are a main cause of morbidity related to type 2 diabetes. Living with a diabetic foot ulcer has a significant impact on health-related quality of life and has a negative impact on daily living among people with the condition. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of Thai adults living with diabetic foot ulcers using a descriptive qualitative design. Participants were recruited from the outpatient diabetes and foot clinic at a tertiary teaching hospital in Northern Thailand from January to April 2017 . In-depth interviews were conducted with 13 participants using a semi-structured interview guide. Thematic analysis was used to identify the participants’ experiences and two themes were identified: 1 ) living with a diabetic foot ulcer and 2 ) managing a diabetic foot ulcer. The findings enhance the knowledge of healthcare professionals and the public to understand the experience of having diabetic foot ulcers and contribute to understanding how to manage a diabetic foot ulcer based on the participant’s experiences in the Thai context. Nurses must provide knowledge and self-care skills as part of routine care to improve health-related quality of life for people with diabetic foot ulcers. Pacific Rim Int J Nurs Res 2018; 22(4) 304-318
Not by Twins Alone: Using the Extended Family Design to Investigate Genetic Influence on Political Beliefs

Variance components estimates of political and social attitudes suggest a substantial level of genetic influence, but the results have been challenged because they rely on data from twins only. In this analysis, we include responses from parents and nontwin full siblings of twins, account for measurement error by using a panel design, and estimate genetic and environmentalvariancebymaximum-likelihoodstructuralequationmodeling.Bydoingso,weaddressthecentralconcerns of critics, including that the twin-only design offers no verification of either the equal environments or random mating assumptions.Movingbeyondthetwin-onlydesignleadstotheconclusionthatformostpoliticalandsocialattitudes,genetic influences account for an even greater proportion of individual differences than reported by studies using more limited data and more elementary estimation techniques. These findings make it increasingly difficult to deny that—however indirectly—genetics plays a role in the formation of political and social attitudes.
Combining Speech and Speaker Recognition - A Joint Modeling Approach

Author(s): Su, Hang | Advisor(s): Morgan, Nelson | Abstract: Automatic speech recognition (ASR) and speaker recognition (SRE) are two important fields of research in speech technology. Over the years, many efforts have been made on improving recognition accuracies on both tasks, and many different technologies have been developed. Given the close relationship between these two tasks, researchers have proposed different ways to introduce techniques developed for these tasks to each other.In the first half of this thesis, I explore ways to improve speaker recognition performance using state-of-the-art speech recognition acoustic models, and then research alternative ways to perform speaker adaptation of deep learning models for ASR using speaker identity vector (i-vector). Experiments from this work shows that ASR and SRE are beneficial to each other and can be used to improve their performance. In the second part of the thesis, I aim to build joint model for speech and speaker recognition. To implement this idea, I first build an open-source experimental framework, TIK, that connects well-known deep learning toolkit Tensorflow and speech recognition toolkit Kaldi. After reproducing state-of-the-art speech and speaker recognition performance using TIK, I then developed a unified model, JointDNN, that is trained jointly for speech and speaker recognition. Experimental results show that the joint model can effectively perform ASR and SRE tasks. In particular, experiments show that the JointDNN model is more effective in speaker recognition than x-vector system, given a limited amount of training data.
Wind Stress Dependence on Ocean Surface Velocity: Implications for Mechanical Energy Input to Ocean Circulation

Abstract It is pointed out that accounting for an ocean surface velocity dependence in the wind stress τ can lead to a significant reduction in the rate at which winds input mechanical energy to the geostrophic circulation. Specifically, the wind stress is taken to be a quadratic function of Ua − uo, where Ua and uo are the 10-m wind and ocean surface velocity, respectively. Because |Ua| is typically large relative to |uo|, accounting for a uo dependence leads only to relatively small changes in τ. The change to the basin-averaged wind power source, however, is considerably larger. Scaling arguments and quasigeostrophic simulations in a basin setting are presented. They suggest that the power source (or rate of energy input) is reduced by roughly 20%–35%.
CHARACTERIZATION, EVALUATION AND SELECTION OF COWPEA (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) ACCESSIONS WITH DESIRABLE TRAITS FROM EIGHT REGIONS OF GHANA

One hundred and thirty four accessions of cowpea from eight geographical origins of Ghana were planted at two locations, Bunso (semi-deciduous forest) and Pokuase (coastal savannah) to evaluate their performance and select those with desirable qualitative and quantitative characters for improvement. Qualitative characters evaluated included raceme position, pod colour, flower colour, growth habit and twining tendency. Quantitative characters included days to 50% germination, days to 50% flowering, days to 50% podding, number of branches on main stem, peduncle length, number of pods per plant, pod length, 100 seed weight and seed yield. Forty five accessions with promising characters based on the above characteristics were selected and further analyzed using a dendrogram out of which eleven accessions were selected. All the accessions analyzed showed three raceme positions, six growth habits and four types of flower colour. The hierarchical analysis grouped the selected accessions into three clusters with clustering of accessions not occurring along regional basis. High levels of similarity were revealed among the accessions.
A Cross-Sectional Comparison of Different Resistance Training Techniques in the Squat Exercise

The purpose of this study was to compare the perceived exertion, force and power characteristics of different resistance training techniques in the squat exercise. These techniques included traditional resistance training, super slow, and maximal power training. Fourteen women completed three experimental trials in a randomized crossover design. The traditional resistance training protocol consisted of six sets of six repetitions using 80% of 1RM. The super slow protocol consisted of six sets of six repetitions using 55% of1RM. The maximal power protocol consisted of 6 sets of six repetitions using 30% of 1RM. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) measures were obtained following each set. Also, a session RPE value was obtained 30 minutes following each exercise session. The peak performance system was used to collect kinematical data (peak power, peak force, bar velocity). When comparing average RPE and session RPE, no significant differences were found. Power training had significantly lower (P<0.05) average and session RPE (4.9±1.9 and 4.50±2.1) compared to both super slow training (7.81±1.75 and 7.43±1.73) and traditional training (7.33±1.52 and 7.13±1.73). Comparing the mechanical data showed that the maximum force, maximum velocity and maximum power for the super slow training was significantly less then that of both the power training and traditional training (P<0.05). Although the subjects perceived the super slow training to be more difficult than power training, the kinematic data suggests that this is not the most appropriate method for maximizing peak power, force and velocity.
Macroprudential and Monetary Policies : Implications for Financial Stability and Welfare ∗ January 2014

In this paper, we analyze the implications of macroprudential and monetary policies for business cycles, welfare, and financial stability. We consider a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model with housing and collateral constraints. A macroprudential rule on the loan-to-value ratio (LTV), which responds to credit growth, interacts with a traditional Taylor rule for monetary policy. We compute the optimal parameters of these rules both when monetary and macroprudential policies act in a coordinated and in a non-coordinated way. We find that both policies acting together unambiguously improves the stability of the system. In both cases, this interaction is welfare improving for the society, especially in the case of the non-coordinated game. There is though a trade-offbetween borrowers and savers. However, borrowers can compensate the saver’s welfare loss à la Kaldor-Hicks to achieve a Pareto-superior outcome.
Cell death and degeneration in the symbiotic dinoflagellates of the coral Stylophora pistillata during bleaching

Rising sea temperatures are increasing the incidences of mass coral bleaching (the dissociation of the coral-algal symbiosis) and coral mortality. In this study, the effects of bleaching (induced by elevated light and temperature) on the condition of symbiotic dinoflagellates (Symbiodinium sp.) within the tissue of the hard coral Stylophora pistillata (Esper) were assessed using a suite of techniques. Bleaching of S. pistillata was accompanied by declines in the maximum potential quantum yield of photosynthesis (F-v/F-m, measured using pulse amplitude modulated [PAM] fluorometry), an increase in the number of Sytox-green-stained algae (indicating compromised algal membrane integrity and cell death), an increase in 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluroscein diacetate (H(2)DCFDA)stained algae (indicating increased oxidative stress), as well as ultrastructural changes (vacuolisation, losses of chlorophyll, and an increase in accumulation bodies). Algae expelled from S. pistillata exhibited a complete disorganisation of cellular contents; expelled cells contained only amorphous material. In situ samples taken during a natural mass coral bleaching event on the Great Barrier Reef in February 2002 also revealed a high number of Sytox-labelled algae cells in symbio. Dinoflagellate degeneration during bleaching seems to be similar to the changes resulting from senescence-phase cell death in cultured algae. These data support a role for oxidative stress in the mechanism of coral bleaching and highlight the importance of algal degeneration during the bleaching of a reef coral.
Non-invasive time-lapse imaging of moisture content changes in earth embankments using electrical resistivity tomography (ERT)

Earth structures, such as embankments, require ongoing monitoring and maintenance to identify potential failure zones and to compensate for the effects of settlement. Extreme weather events leading to prolonged periods of desiccation or saturation are becoming more frequent and threaten embankment stability. In this paper the development of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) as a non-invasive tool for characterizing and monitoring earth embankments is described. A study is presented in which ERT was applied alongside conventional intrusive techniques to investigate and monitor a section ofVictorian era embankment on the Great Central Railway. ERT electrodes were permanently installed as a series of linear 2D arrays, both parallel and perpendicular to the long-axis of the embankment. The resulting ERT images, when calibrated using intrusive sampling methods, revealed the spatial variability of the embankment soils and were used to identify major discontinuities between material types at locations associated with poor track geometry. Subsequently time-lapse ERT images were used to monitor moisture content changes in the embankment; these images revealed both the spatial extent and magnitude of water content variations, and were used to assess the effect of an exceptionally prolonged and heavy period of rainfall during the summer of 2007
The Development of Interactive Physics E-Book in Rigid Body Equilibrium and Rotational Dynamics

Abstract: Book one of teaching resources is commonly used in the learning process. The development of Information and Technology, presents the book as an e-book. This research Aimed to produce an interactive e- book of physics. Based on the assessment of characteristics of Senior High School physics lesson and related references of rigid body equilibrium and dynamics of rotation, had been found requiring additional visualization concepts several Compared to common pictures. Moreover, the e-book's pictures display accompanied by relevant definitions did not make the students understand the concept easily. The multimedia integration, for instance, audio, video and animation can be applied to create more apparent object visualization accentuating the e-book's interactive view. This study is research and development with Borg and Gall models are limited to the stage to 4. The result of validity test run by media and material experts and practitioners, described decently that the product is applied as teaching material in physics. The test was also conducted on 18 students who give good criteria against e-book developed interactive physics.
Conversion to organic strawberry management changes ecological processes

A 3-year study on the Central Coast compared conventional and organic Chandler strawberry production systems on former Brussels sprouts land. Soil conditions, arthropod dynamics, soil microorganism populations and plant response factors were monitored and compared in both systems. Yields were significantly lower in the organic production system all 3 years, but the margin progressively narrowed. Price premiums for organic fruit permitted favorable per-acre returns for this system. Further research on ecological processes, improved practices and farm trials is needed to make organic systems more successful.
Stabilization of Nasoenteric Feeding Tubes Using Nasal Bridles In Paediatric Patients.

Purpose: To determine if routine bridling of nasoenteric feeding tubes is a low-morbidity method of decreasing unintended tube dislodgement in pediatric patients. Methods: From November 2012 to June 2015, bridle systems were implemented in 30 pediatric patients with nasoenteric feeding tubes in place for an extended period of time, and data was prospectively collected. Historical cohort controls were 33 tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) repair patients with taped nasoenteric tubes from 2001 to 2012. A second control group was 20 patients with nasoenteric tubes placed under fluoroscopy from February 2012 to July 2013. Analysis compared bridled children with these 2 groups to look at differences in total number tube dislodgements and tube dislodgements per 100 days. Complications related to bridle use were noted. Results: Among the 30 bridled patients, only 4 tube dislodgements were recorded in 1553 total days a tube was in place. During each of these instances, the bridle remained in place. There was a significant association between experimental group and total number tube dislodgements: only 3 of 30 bridled patients experienced tube dislodgements, compared to 18 of 33 TEF patients (p=0.0006) and 9 of 20 patients with fluoroscopically placed tubes (p=0.021). Children with bridled tubes experienced a lower rate of tube dislodgements per 100 days than TEF children with taped tubes (p<0.0001) and children with fluoroscopically placed taped tubes (p<0.0001). Aside from one child presenting with septum erosion and one report of patient fussiness, no complications related to bridle use were identified. Conclusion: We conclude that bridling of nasoenteric feeding tubes provides a safe and effective method of decreasing unintended tube dislodgement and optimizing nutritional delivery in pediatric patients.
Key factors for determining student satisfaction in engineering: a regression study

The aim of this study is to present empirical evidence of the influence of the use of active didactic methodology on satisfaction withregard to teaching received by engineering students in Spain. Student satisfaction is one of the result indicators established, basedon student opinion, to measure the quality of the Spanish university system. It is an important index and is directly related tofacilitating the learning process, because a satisfied student is likely to be more receptive in the teaching/learning process andtherefore, less likely to abandon university studies. This problem is particularly relevant in certain areas of knowledge, like, forexample, Engineering and Architecture. We present here the results obtained in an experimental type study carried out in theEscuela Polite cnica Superior de Zamora, University of Salamanca, Spain. Our aim is to discover the influence of satisfaction levelin relation to the application of active methodologies. In order to do so, we carried out a comparative study and repeatedexperiment (with student samples from two academic years) of the results of satisfaction levels obtained for students following acourse based on traditional methodology consisting of lectures and evaluation by means of a final examination (control group),and for students who followed a course based on a student-focussed teaching/learning methodology consisting of constructivelearning, collaborative work, bLearning resources and learning process integrated evaluation (experimental group). 218 studentsfrom four engineering degree courses took part in the experiment. Based on the variables selected, a satisfaction survey wasdesigned and carried out and, using a multiple regression multivariate statistical technique, the joint relationship of a series ofpredictor variables was analysed in relation to the criterion or dependent variable. The results obtained reveal the existence ofdifferent relationships between predictor variables and criterion, depending on the didactic methodology used. This paper focusesmainly on the stages of the statistical process used to obtain results.
Effects of Short-term Tillage of a Long-term No-Till Land on Available N and P in Two Contrasting Soil Types

The effects of short-term (4 years) tillage (hereafter called reverse tillage [RT]) of land previously under long-term (29 or 30 years) no-till (NT), with straw management (straw removed [SRem] and straw retained [SRet]) and N fertilizer rate (0, 50 and 100 kg N ha-1 in SRet, and 0 kg N ha-1 in SRem plots) were determined in autumn 2011 on ammonium-N, nitrate-N and extractable P in the 0-7.5, 7.5-15 and 15-20 cm soil layers at Breton (Gray Luvisol [Typic Cryoboralf] loam) and Ellerslie (Black Chernozem [Albic Argicryoll] loam), Alberta, Canada. There was no significant effect of RT and straw on ammonium-N, nitrate-N and extractable P in soil. Ammonium-N in soil increased significantly (but small) with N rate in many cases at both sites. Nitrate-N in soil increased with increasing N rate from 0 to 100 kg N ha-1 rate at Ellerslie, and up to 50 kg N ha-1 rate at Breton. Etractable P in soil decreased markedly with increasing N rate up to 100 kg N ha-1 at Breton and up to 50 kg N ha-1 at Ellerslie. In summary, increased N fertilizer rates were usually associated with decreased extractable P and increased nitrate-N in soil, but RT and straw had no effect on these nutrients in soil.
Fungus-mediated biosynthesis of silica and titania particles

The synthesis of inorganic materials by biological systems is characterized by processes that occur at close to ambient temperatures, pressures and neutral pH. This is exemplified by biosilicification in marine organisms such as diatoms while laboratory-based synthesis of silica involves extreme temperature and pH conditions. We show here that silica and titania particles may be produced by challenging the fungus Fusarium oxysporum with aqueous anionic complexes SiF62− and TiF62− respectively. Extra-cellular protein-mediated hydrolysis of the anionic complexes results in the facile room temperature synthesis of crystalline titania particles while calcination at 300 °C is required for crystallization of silica.
The vertical structure and kinematics of grand design spirals

We use an N-body simulation to study the 3D density distribution of spirals and the resulting stellar vertical velocities. Relative to the disc’s rotation, the phase of the spiral’s peak density away fromthemid-plane trailsthatat themid-plane. Inaddition,atfixed radiusthedensitydistribution is azimuthally skewed, having a shallower slope on the trailing side inside corotation and switching to shallower on the leading side beyond corotation. The spirals induce non-zero
Mediation Effect of Resilience on The Relationship Between Self-Efficacy and Competitiveness Among University Students

This study aims to evaluate the mediation role of resilience on the link between self-efficacy and competitiveness among university students in Malaysia. One hundred and thirty-six participants from several universities in Malaysia were recruited to respond to an online form consisted of the following scales: adapted versions of brief resilience scale from Smith et al, self-efficacy scale from Biemann, Kearney and Marggraf, and Personal Development Competitive Attitude Scale from Ryckman, Hammer, Kaczor and Gold. Data was analyzed by using SPSS with PROCESS Macro and full mediation has been observed. Bias-corrected bootstrap confidence interval test indicated that the indirect effect of self-efficacy on competitiveness was significant and the Sobel test had confirmed the significance of the mediation. Further discussion, limitation and suggestion are discussed in the end of the paper.