Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Torsional resistance of high-strength concrete beams

[Abstract]: This paper aims to explore theoretical models for evaluating the torsional behaviour of reinforced concrete beams. The paper investigates the applicability and extension of existing analytical models and constitutive relationships developed for normal strength concrete to high-strength concrete. The verification models include the space truss model, skew-bending theory and softening truss model theory. The paper presents an assessment of the present Australian Standard AS3600 for the torsional capacity of high-strength reinforced concrete beams in order to make suggestions on how to extend the code to cover the HSC range. Recommendations for the torsional design of HSC beams based on lattice model are also presented.
RSNC-based Mechanism against Content Pollution Attack Method in NDN

Network coding facilitates content distribution for named data networking (NDN), which improves the cache hit ratio, decreases average download time and reduces transmission amount. However, NDN is likely to cause content pollution attacks because of the cache mechanism and network coding. Request-specific network coding (RSNC) is a new class of network coding mechanism, by introducing the homomorphic hash mechanism, and this paper proposes a new method based on RSNC mechanism against content pollution attack in NDN. The new method, firstly, ensures consumers receiving linear independent coding blocks by using RSNC. Secondly, the content server adopts content-chunk-based transmission mechanism, and binds the name and content by homomorphic signing the transferred content blocks and names. Thirdly, using dynamic public key technique, our scheme authenticates each generation without updating the initial secret key. Finally, using homomorphic hash can verify the signature receives by intermediate nodes or the destination nodes. By security analysis and proof, the new method can resist the content pollution attack in the named data networking while guaranteeing the network performance and resist the Intra/Inter-GPAs at the same time.
Nesting habits of Hooded Mergansers Mergus cucullatus in northeastern Ontario

We studied the nesting habits of Hooded Mergansers in northeastern Ontario. Twelve females exhibited vigorous nest defence from early incubation onwards; seven incubating females spent 85.3% of their day on the nest, taking an average of 4.7 recesses each day, each with an average duration of 60 minutes. They lost up to 16% body mass during incubation. Our results confirm earlier studies which suggested that interspecific nest parasitism is a common feature of Hooded Mergansers nesting biology.
The Overuse Of Tetracycline Compounds In Chickens And Its Impact On Human Health

Antibiotics have been extensively involved in food biotechnology and have been used in animals for prophylaxis and growth promotion. However, its effect on human health and environment remains in question. Chickens samples from intestine, liver and kidney were analyzed using a tandem quadruple mass spectroscopy high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC/MS/MS). Standard solutions of chlorotetracycline (CTC), deoxycycline (DTC), oxytetracycline (OTC) and tetracycline (TC) were used and the signal intensities were compared with tetracyclines in organ samples. In total, tetracycline values were significantly higher in liver followed by intestine and kidney. TC values were significantly higher in liver and kidney over the intestine while DTC values were significantly higher in liver and intestine over the kidney. OTC values were significantly higher in kidney and intestine over the liver while CTC liver values were significantly higher than in the kidney and intestine. Although the values of the four antibiotics were within the average range of the recommended maximum residue limit (MRL), their impact on environment and human health is a public concern if this trend of antibiotic overuse continues.
Factors influencing academic success or failure of first-year and senior university students: do education students and lecturers perceive things differently?

South African universities are changing in several very important ways; their entry standards are changing, their programmes are focusing more specifically on the outcomes that learners are required to achieve, and their student populations are becoming more diverse. These changes are occurring in a climate of increased accountability. It is, therefore, important for universities to be concerned about the standards of their academic programmes and about the success rates of students. Together, these factors have produced a range of opinions about what needs to happen in universities if the diverse range of students is to be successful in outcomes-based programmes that maintain high standards. Some educators argue that entry standards are the most important determinants of success at university; others maintain that non-academic factors must also be considered. There is considerable evidence that the views and expectations about success held by lecturers and stud ents are not always consistent. This article presents the results of a recent empirical investigation at the University of Pretoria that attempted to identify the post-enrolment factors that lecturers and students perceived as having important influences on students' success in their university studies. The study investigated the different expectations of first-year students, senior students and lecturers and identified numerous important similarities and inconsistencies. Most notably, there was a high and significant correlation between the rankings the three groups (lecturers, first-year students and senior students) gave to 52 factors linked to successful university study. There was also a high and significant correlation between the rankings of lecturers and senior students on 55 factors suggestive of unsuccessful university study. However, the perceptions of first-year students were not strongly correlated with either lectures or senior students. This suggests that First-year students may have unrealistic expectations about the non-academic factors that could reduce their chances of successful study. The results of the research could be used in three ways. University administrators could provide more supportive learning environments to enhance the chances that students will be successful and lecturers could also use the information to enhance the influences of positive factors on student learning. The influence of negative factors could also be minimised accordingly. Finally students could also be assisted and supported to approach university studies in a way that will increase their chances of success. South African Journal of Education Vol.23(4) 2003: 254-263
Solid state interactions in the systems CaO(CaCO3)-Fe2O3 and CuFe2O4-CaO

The solid state interactions in the systems CaO(CaCO3)-Fe2O3 and CuFe2O4-CaO have been studied using X-ray diffraction analysis. The influence of the temperature on the ferrite formation process has been investigated in the range of 900-1200 o C and duration up to 360 min. It has been shown that a mixture of ferrites forms at 1000 o C and interaction of 240 min. The exchange reactions in the systems CuFe2O4-CaO and Cu0.5Zn0. 5Fe2O4-CaO have been studied, too. It has been established that Ca 2+ ions exchange Cu 2+ and Zn 2+ partially and the solubility of copper and zinc in a 7 % sulfuric acid solution increases 10-15 times.
Migration and identity processes among first-generation British South Asians

There has been little scholarly attention to the identities and migratory experiences of first-generation British South Asians, especially from social psychologists. Drawing upon Identity Process Theory, this article examines the inter-relations between migration and identity processes among twenty first-generation British South Asians. The interview data were analysed using qualitative thematic analysis. Results suggested that migration was perceived as a means of enhancing identity and that following migration individuals acquired a ‘higher’ social status in the homeland. Moreover, the psychologically traumatic aspects of migration, such as the loss of community and ‘otherisation’ from one's ethnic ingroup, were outlined. It is argued that migration can have profound socio-psychological implications and that decades later it can continue to shape individuals' sense of self and their attachment to relevant social categories. Furthermore, migration has important outcomes for the extent and nature of British national identification as well one's relationship with the ethnic ‘homeland’.
Deciphering the genetics of pig complex traits through QTL mapping and positional candidate cloing

Most traits in livestock are controlled by multiple genes and are therefore called genetically complex traits. In this thesis, we firstly report the molecular characterization and evaluation of the porcine SOX9 gene as a positional candidate for inguinal/scrotal hernia. The SOX9 gene was assigned to SSC12p13-p14 by FISH and RH-panel analysis. Four polymorphisms were detected and genotyped. Association analyses between the SOX9 gene and pig hernia inguinalis/scrotalis showed that the 18-bp deletion at 223 bp of the 5'UTR had a significant effect on hernia inguinalis/scrotalis in pig (p<0.05). A protein factor binding specifically to the 18-bp-deletion allele was detected using electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Further transfection assays showed that the deletion leads to a dramatic increase in the transcription activation compared to the insertion. We propose that this deletion creates a potential binding site of a transcription factor to enhance SOX9 expression level which might contribute to pig inguinalis/scrotalis through its functions on the development of the male gonad, collagen metabolism and apoptosis.In the present thesis, we also performed a genome-wide scan to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) affecting the traits associated with teat number. A total of 151 microsatellites were genotyped for 560 F2 pigs in a White Duroc×Erhualian intercross. Linear regression method was used to map QTL via QTL Express. Four genome-wide significant QTLs for total teat number (TTN) were detected on SSC4, SSC7, SS12 and SSC13. Four chromosomal regions prominently affecting the teat number of right side (RTN) were identified on SSC3, SS7, SSC12 and SSC15, while only two significant QTLs related to left teat number (LTN) were found on SSC7 and SSC12. The estimated additive effects indicated that Erhualian alleles at the most significant QTLs had positive additive effects compared with the Duroc alleles, except for one QTL on SSC7 at which White Duroc alleles showed increasing teat numbers.
Finite-Time Boundedness Analysis for a Class of Switched Linear Systems with Time-Varying Delay

The problem of finite-time boundedness for a class of switched linear systems with time-varying delay and external disturbance is investigated. First of all, the multiply Lyapunov function of the system is constructed. Then, based on the Jensen inequality approach and the average dwell time method, the sufficient conditions which guarantee the system is finite-time bounded are given. Finally, an example is employed to verify the validity of the proposed method.
Association of different cognitive domains with lifetime history of psychosis and reported antipsychotic-treatment adverse events in bipolar disorders

Summary Aim of the study . The present work aimed to assess the association between cognitive functions, the lifetime occurrence of psychotic symptoms, and reported adverse effects of antipsychotic treatments in patients with bipolar disorders. Methods. In the present work, 44 bipolar disorder inpatients hospitalized in the Affective Disorders Unit of the Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology in Warsaw, were investigated. All of them met the criteria of remission and were prepared for release from the hospital unit. Twenty-two patients were hospitalized in the manic stage of the illness, and 22 were in the depressive stage of illness. Both groups were assessed using adequate psychiatric rating scales (HDRS or YMRS and CAMRS) and neuropsychological tests (WCST, TMT, Stroop Test and Verbal Fluency Test). Results . Patients who had a prior history of psychotic symptoms had poorer verbal functioning in compari- son to subjects without such a history. However, individuals hospitalized in the manic state of disease, and who reported more adverse events after antipsychotic medication during the whole course of illness, had worse results in some parameters of executive function measurements in the WCST test, namely occur- ring in a greater percentage of nonperseverative errors and a lower number of completed categories. Discussion. Generally the results confirm findings according to which, patients with the history of psycho- sis performe worse on neurocognitive tasks. However, the nature of dysfunctions found, generates ques- tions about its relations with the experience of psychosis and antipsychotic treatment. Conclusion: Dif- ferent aspects of cognitive dysfunctions may be related to the experience of psychosis and antipsychotic treatment in patients with bipolar disorders. psychotic symptoms / executive functions / verbal functions / bipolar disorders
Soil Compaction in Sugarcane Fields Induced by Mechanization

Problem statement: Recently in Thailand, the problem of soil compaction, especially associated with more mechanized sugarcane production, has drawn attention from both the government and private sectors. Approach: To understand this problem, investigations of soil compaction using cone penetration resistance and bulk density were conducted in 16 sugarcane fields with 10 fields involving mechanized farming and 6 field's mainly manual labor farming. Results: It was found that the highest bulk density was 1.78 kg m-3 with mechanized farming while the lowest value was 1.24 kg m-3 in the fields cultivated using manual labor. The average value of soil bulk density samples under mechanized farming was 12.6% significantly higher than under manual labor. Cone penetration resistance across cane rows could be significantly divided into two layers at a depth of 45 cm, with the lower layer having higher penetration resistance. The average value of penetration resistance under mechanized farming was 23.3% higher than from manual labor. Cone penetration resistance values exceeded 2 MPa, especially for the fields with more years with ratoon canes and in fields subjected to mechanized farming. Under manual labor farming, the soil cone penetration resistance across cane rows showed a pattern of less scattering at depths less than 45 cm. Conclusion: Soil compaction induced by mechanization was clarified to some extent.
Human Factors in Computing: The Influence of Multimodal Design on Long-Term L2 Vocabulary Retention

This study investigates the influence of multimodal software design on long-term second language vocabulary retention. Our primary hypothesis posits that employing a multimodal design in second language acquisition (SLA) application development will lead to an increase in explicit semantic encoding of second language (L2) words in long-term memory (LTM) and subsequently an increase in long-term word retention. We also demonstrate that speech recognition has evolved sufficiently to be applied as a language learning tool. We investigate many of the existing psychological theories and software engineering paradigms that support our hypothesis. Finally we present a new software engineering model, C-CAD, which responds to a need for a more cognition-centred approach to software design.
Impact of Nutrition Intervention Programme on Performance of High School Kabaddi Players

Abstract The present study was undertaken to study the impact of nutrition education and carbohydrate supplementation on performance of high school kabaddi players of Dharwad, Karnataka. Players were divided in to two groups as control and experimental. Both the groups were assessed for physical measurements, physical performance, nutrient intake and nutrition knowledge, practice before the intervention. Experimental group received nutrition education for 12 contact hours. Later they were supplemented with carbohydrate rich snack (Carbohydrate -72gm) three days before the final match. On the day of competition experimental group received a carbohydrate (6.75%)electrolyte beverage before, during and after the competition. Physical performance was evaluated using AAHPERD physical fitness test. Real match was arranged between control and experimental group to evaluate the field performance. The findings of impact of nutrition education revealed that overall nutrition knowledge level increased significantly by 35% where as practice was improved only 13%. The knowledge improvement was better than practice. Carbohydrate intake after the nutrition education was 70%. This was further improved due to carbohydrate supplementation to 73%, which was significantly more than control group. The physical performance results revealed significant improvement in the selected fitness tests like strength by 12 cm, agility by 1.5 sec, endurance by 432 mts. There was significant improvement in the game performance as evaluated by coaches in experimental group (7.6) and in control group (4.2) and experimental group had won the match. Self-evaluation of performance by players showed intervention program was useful for their sports performance.
A New Species of Hagfish Eptatretus rubicundus (Myxinidae: Myxiniformes) from Taiwan, with Reference to Its Phylogenetic Position Based on Its Mitochondrial DNA Sequence

A new species of hagfish, Eptatretus rubicundus sp nov., collected from the northeastern coast of Taiwan is described. Eptatretus rubicundus sp. nov. was diagnosed by the branchial slime pores and gill apertures arranged in a straight line, the distances from a branchial pore to its immediate preceding and posterior gill apertures were similar; the ventral aorta was not bifurcated; and the combination of the following characters: 5 pairs of gill pouches and gill apertures, gill apertures not crowded, 100-104 total slime pores including those in the branchial region, branchial ducts of approximately the same lengths, the pharyngocutaneous-duct opening fused to the posteriormost left gill aperture, the 1st pair of afferent branchial arteries located between the 1st and 2nd gill pouches, a pair of low, round nasal papillae without supporting cartilage on the roof of the nasal tube, and a pink body. The mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA gene fragment sequences confirmed the most basal position of E. rubicundus sp. nov. in the Eptatretinae. Gene-sequence data on phylogenetic relationships of the species in the previously recognized genera of Quadratus, Paramyxine, and Eptatretus indicated that these genera are not all monophyletic and suggested that they should be combined into a single genus under the generic name Eptatretus. http://zoolstud.sinica. edu.tw/Journals/49.6/855.pdf.
Genetic divergence of parents and F2 segregation in grain amaranths.

AbstractR.M. Pandey. 2009. Genetic divergence of parents and F 2 segregation in grain amaranths. Cien. Inv. Agr. 36(1):77-84. Twenty six accessions of grain Amaranths ( Amaranthus hypochondriacus ), including both indigenous and exotic introductions, were evaluated in the rabi season (winter crop, November-March). Based on D 2 analysis, the accessions were grouped into eleven clusters. Clusters I, II, and III had seven, four, and three accessions, respectively; clusters VII, VIII, IX and X had only one accession in each case. The accession in cluster V had the greatest divergence, closely followed by those of clusters IV and I. The maximum and minimum divergences were revealed between clusters VIII and XI and between II and VII, respectively. The pattern of clustering did not show any relationship with geographic origin. In a study of pattern of F 2 segregation in 25 crosses involving 10 parents distributed in six clusters, eight crosses showed high breeding potential. The parents involved in these eight potential crosses showed moderate genetic divergence.
Overwintering of Trichogramma funiculatum Carver (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) Under Semi-Natural Conditions

Abstract Overwintering of Trichogramma (Trichogrammanza) funiculatum Carver was studied under seminatural temperate conditions by considering development time within eggs of the light brown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana, and survival of adult wasps. Maximum and minimum mean development times were 84 and 63.6 d, respectively, for egg masses parasitized in early winter, and 72.6 and 51.5 d, respectively, for eggs parasitized mid-winter. Adults survived a maximum of 20 d in early winter and 22 d mid-winter. Maternal age did not influence either the development time or longevity of progeny. The lower temperature threshold at which T. funiculatum parasitized host eggs was between 8°C and 9°C. The relationship between temperature and development time in the laboratory was successfully used to predict the emergence of T. funiculatum at low temperatures and under the seminatural conditions. This implies that there is no diapause in T. funiculatum. Instead this species overwinters via a combination of slow development, or quiescence, coupled with increased adult longevity. This information should be useful in enhancing populations of this parasitoid in spring when T. funiculatum can suppress light brown apple moth and other pests.
Change in three dry rangeland species growth and soil properties by compost application

There are different types of compost used as soil conditioners and fertilizers. Plants can have different responses to different forms of compost. This field study was performed to examine the effects of different types of compost on growth factors of three dry rangeland species (Atriplex, Atriplex lentiformis; Saltwort, Seidlitzia rosmarinus; Haloxylon, Haloxylon persicum) and soil properties. The experiment was conducted in the Fars Province of Iran during the year 2010-2011. Compost applications consisted of compost tea, solid compost (SC), solid and liquid mixture (MX) and no compost as the control. The study was a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. The results showed that all the tested compost applications enhanced the growth traits of all three species. It was also demonstrated that the use of compost significantly increased the organic matter (1 % probability level [PL]), nitrogen concentration (5% PL), phosphorous (5% PL) and potassium (5% PL) concentrations of the soil. The soil’s pH level was unchanged (range, 7.3 to 7.6), and the sodium concentration was also significantly decreased (1 % PL) by the use of compost. The higher responses were observed in canopy volume and soil sodium and the lower were observed in stem diameter and soil pH level. Among the three plants in the study, Atriplex showed the best response to the application of compost. Based on the results of this study, it can be recommended that the best compost application to increase growth and improve soil condition is the mixed compost (MX) for Atriplex and the SC for Saltwort and Haloxylon.