Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative analysis of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and micro-computed tomography on measurements

Microscopic measurements are widely used in scientific research and the correct equipment to perform these evaluations could be critical to determine study results. Regarding microscopic measurements, three of the most used methods are: Optical Microscopy (OM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Micro-computed Tomography (MCT). It is important to select the best method for assessing diverse parameters, considering operational characteristics of the method, the equipment efficiency, and the machinery cost. Aim: Therefore, the main objective of this study was to define which is the most useful measurement method for assessing magnitudes below 0.4 mm. Methods: Ten dental implants, with known dimensions as defined by the manufacturer were randomly distributed. Two blinded observers assessed the distance between the second and the third screw vortex of the implants using three suggested methods. The true distance was defined to be 0.5 mm. Results: The assessed distances were: 0.597±0.007mm for OM, 0.578±0.017mm for SEM, and 0.613±0.006mm for MCT. The assessed distances were significantly different when the methods were compared (P>0.01). All measurements were into the CAD tolerances. Conclusion: It was possible to conclude that linear measurements between 595 and 605 μm could be performed by any of the described technologies.
Casting light on energy efficiency: evidence on consumer inattention and imperfect information

ABSTRACT We investigate consumer inattention and imperfect information regarding the financial benefits of energy-efficient lighting using a randomized controlled trial with 1084 observations. Results suggest that subjects generally know about cost savings of light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs – the central lighting technology of the future – but largely underestimate the magnitude of these savings. As a result, stated willingness-to-pay for an LED bulb increases on average by 2.53€ through the provision of information on expected lifetime costs. Additional evidence hints at further consumer confusion about attribute differences between lighting technologies.
Aspects regarding the validation of mechanical solutions through the finite element method for the human upper limb

The work presents a few results regarding the static and dynamic analysis of some biomechanical components through the finite element method. Models, representing parts of the human upper limb, have been studied using static trials. Another study was carried out in order to determine the dynamic behavior of the model for total arm prosthesis. The models have been created with the aid of the SolidWorks program and the trials with the HyperMesh program. Considering the fact that we wish to emphasize the way in which such analyses can be done with a finite element method, from meshing to the obtaining of results, as well as their comparison to the results obtained experimentally, we shall present only a few relevant examples for such studies.
A common column density threshold for scattering at 3.6 μm and water-ice in molecular clouds

Context. Observations of scattered light in the 1 5 m range have revealed dust grains in molecular cores with sizes larger than commonly inferred for the di use interstellar medium. It is currently unclear whether these grains are grown within the molecular cores or are an ubiquitous component of the interstellar medium. Aims. We investigate whether the large grains necessary for e cient scattering at 1 5 m are associated with the abundance of waterice within molecular clouds and cores. Methods. We combined water-ice abundance measurements for sight lines through the Lupus IV molecular cloud complex with measurements of the scattered light at 3.6 m for the same sight lines. Results. We find that there is a similar threshold for the cores in emission in scattered light at 3.6 m ( 9:7 = 0:15 0:05, AK = 0:4 0:2) as water-ice ( 9:7 = 0:11 0:01, AK = 0:19 0:04) and that the scattering e ciency increases as the relative water-ice abundance increases. The ice layer increases the average grain size, which again strongly increases the albedo. Conclusions. The higher scattering e ciency is partly due to layering of ice on the dust grains. Although the layer can be relatively thin, it can enhance the scattering substantially.
Development of a Hydrogeological Conceptual Model for Shallow Aquifers in the Data Scarce Upper Blue Nile Basin

Rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa commonly rely on shallow hand-dug wells and springs; consequently, shallow aquifers are an extremely important water source. Increased utilisation of shallow groundwater could help towards achieving multiple sustainable development goals (SDGs) by positively impacting poverty, hunger, and health. However, these shallow aquifers are little studied and poorly understood, partly due to a paucity of existing hydrogeological information in many regions of sub-Saharan Africa. This study develops a hydrogeological conceptual model for Dangila woreda (district) in Northwest Ethiopia, based on extensive field investigations and implementation of a citizen science programme. Geological and water point surveys revealed a thin (3–18 m) weathered volcanic regolith aquifer overlying very low permeability basalt. Hydrochemistry suggested that deep groundwater within fractured and scoriaceous zones of the basalt is not (or is poorly) connected to shallow groundwater. Isotope analysis and well monitoring indicated shallow groundwater flow paths that are not necessarily coincident with surface water flow paths. Characteristics of the prevalent seasonal floodplains are akin to “dambos” that are well-described in literature for Southern Africa. Pumping tests, recharge assessments, and hydrometeorological analysis indicated the regolith aquifer shows potential for increased utilisation. This research is transferrable to the shallow volcanic regolith aquifers that overlie a substantial proportion of Ethiopia and are prevalent throughout the East African Rift and in several areas elsewhere on the continent.
Waveforms in massive gravity and neutralization of giant black hole ringings

A distorted black hole radiates gravitational waves in order to settle down in a smoother geometry. During that relaxation phase, a characteristic damped ringing is generated. It can be theoretically constructed from both the black hole quasinormal frequencies (which govern its oscillating behavior and its decay) and the associated excitation factors (which determine intrinsically its amplitude) by carefully taking into account the source of the distortion. In the framework of massive gravity, the excitation factors of the Schwarzschild black hole have an unexpected strong resonant behavior which, theoretically, could lead to giant and slowly decaying ringings. If massive gravity is relevant to physics, one can hope to observe these extraordinary ringings by using the next generations of gravitational wave detectors. Indeed, they could be generated by supermassive black holes if the graviton mass is not too small. In fact, by focusing on the odd-parity l=1 mode of the Fierz-Pauli field, we shall show here that such ringings are neutralized in waveforms due to (i) the excitation of the quasibound states of the black hole and (ii) the evanescent nature of the particular partial modes which could excite the concerned quasinormal modes. Despite this, with observational consequences in mind, it is interesting to note that the waveform amplitude is nevertheless rather pronounced and slowly decaying (this effect is now due to the long-lived quasibound states). It is worth noting also that, for very low values of the graviton mass (corresponding to the weak instability regime for the black hole), the waveform is now very clean and dominated by an ordinary ringing which could be used as a signature of massive gravity.
A study on Liquidity and Profitability of Private B anks in Sri Lanka.

The recent crisis has underlined the importance of sound bank liquidity management. In response, regul ators are devising new liquidity standards with the aim of ma king the financial system more stable and resilient . Liquidity is most significant discipline of Banks’ Profitabil ity. Liquidity maintenance is an operational tool t hat helps to determine ‘how does a bank choose their liquidity a ssets? ’ bank liquidity maintenance is then the comp osition or structure of its liquidity assets. This Study aims to examine the impact of liquidity on profitability of banking sector in Sri Lanka from 2008 to 2012. To conduct t his research, samples were selected from all commer cial banks in Sri Lanka. After data were collected from secondary sources of those samples, these data were presented and analyzed by using correlation and reg ression tools. In this research, the researcher con cluded about the hypothesis providing, then clarify the research findings, after that the researcher formed a final conclusion. Some important suggestions also were given for the future studies. According to the analyses, showed t hat liquidity ratio has strong positive correlation wit h return on assets. Otherwise there is no relations hip between liquidity and banks’ profitability. There is no sig nificant impact of liquidity on profitability of ba nking sector in Sri Lanka.
Effects of Micro Credit on Welfare of Households: The Case of Ainamoi Sub County, Kericho County, Kenya

This study examined factors affecting access of micro credit, the levels availed and their effects on households’ incomes and expenditures in Kericho County, specifically in Ainamoi Sub County, Kenya. In the study area, different portfolios have been used to extend credit, suggesting ability to reach a wide section of all cadres of the population. However, the impact on the welfare across beneficiaries had not been established. This study sought to fill this knowledge gap. To capture this, a sample of 96 households which had accessed micro credit was compared with a similar number which had not accessed micro credit. Stratification of households was done according to their membership to microfinance institutions. Random sampling method was used to select loan beneficiary households. The data was collected by administration of a structured questionnaire and it was analyzed using the SPSS and other statistical techniques. Heckman selection model was applied to identify the factors and their effect on the level of participation of households in the micro credit. Difference in difference (DID) model was used to analyze the effects of micro credit on incomes and expenditure of households. From the findings, this study concluded that participation in microcredit program resulted in improvement of the beneficiaries’ quality of life. From the study, Policy implications were drawn for improving access and the levels of participation in micro credit programme. Key words: Micro credit, Households, Heckman selection model, Difference in Difference.
The Relationship between Substance Abuse, Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Assault in College Students

Numerous studies demonstrate linkages between substance abuse, intimate partner violence (IPV), and/or sexual assault (e.g., Nabors, 2009; Rivera, Phillips, Warshaw, Lyon, Bland, & Kaewken, 2015; Santana, Raj, Decker, & Silverman, 2006). For ages, college students have been associated with substance abuse (e.g., Hingson, Zha, and Weitzman, 2009; O’Malley & Johnston, 2002). Substance abuse has been associated with IPV and sexual assault (Nabors, 2009; Rivera, Phillips, Warshaw, Lyon, Bland, & Kaewken, 2015; Santana, Raj, Decker, & Silverman, 2006). Although much research has been conducted on the relationships between substance abuse and intimate partner violence (including sexual violence), little research has been conducted to examine how big of a problem these variables are on small, religiously affiliated college campuses. In light of the current #MeToo climate, there seems to be a ripe context for exploring this topic. The purpose of this study was to find out if correlations exist between substance abuse, IPV, and sexual assault on a sample of students enrolled in a medium-sized religiously affiliated college campus. If findings are as predicted, a prevention and intervention program can be developed. Participants in the study were students, at a medium-sized Christian university, participating in a Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS) program. This presentation will briefly review literature, discuss the study methodology, and involve participants in a discussion regarding implications of findings. The Relationship between Substance Abuse, Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Assault in College Students A Thesis Presented to The Faculty of the School of Social Work Abilene Christian University In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Science in Social Work By Erin K. DeOtte May 2019 This thesis is dedicated to my family and friends who encouraged me, believed in me, and prayed for me every step of the way. I could not have done this without you. TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES . iii
Assessment of Urediniospore Germination of Puccinia striiformis at Various Temperatures on Agar and Detached Leaves of Wheat

The percentage of urediniospore germination of two isolates of yellow rust {Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) namely, WYR 69/10 |Race 104E 137(1)] and isolate WYR 79/4 |Race 41E 139 (4)], was studied at various temperatues between 5-20°C on agar and the adaxial surface of detached leaves on a layer of benzimidazole agar. Four replicates for five temperature treatments were arranged as a preliminary investigation to find the most appropriate temperature for the subsequent comparison of spore germination on the host material under investigation. Mean percentage values were analysed separately and the levels of urediniospore germination at different temperatures were compared using analysis of variance and StudentNewman-Keuls techniques. Spore germination of both isolates was high over the temperature range 5-10°C, but dropped significantly at 15-20°C . At the cooler temperatures 5° , 7.5° and 10°C , isolate WYR 69/10 consistently germinated at a higher level than isolate WYR 79/4 , whereas at 20°C, the latter isolate gave the highest figures. This observation indicates that both isolates germinated most effectively at 10°C on agar and detached leaves.
Effect of Handwheel Diameter and Orientation on Torque Production Capabilities

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS In this study, we determined that the torque production capabilities are maximized using larger handwheel diameters (as large as 70 cm) in a horizontal orientation (0°). When using a 70 vs. 35 cm handwheel, torque production capabilities increased by 89.7%. Larger handwheels may allow operators to work at lower percentages of their maximum physical capacities, helping to reduce their risks of injuries. Handwheels at a slanted orientation (45°) reduced torque production capabilities, and therefore should be avoided in handwheel design. Our results also indicated that torque production capabilities may be considerably lower than both existing standards and the actual torque demands experienced in practice. Recommended torque limits are proposed, and cumulative distributions of the collected torque data are presented, which may serve future standard developers in defining appropriate torque limits for the health and well-being of valve operators. TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: Handwheels are prevalent across numerous industries for regulating the flow of material within a valve. There are, however, no well-established design guidelines for handwheels, which can be found in different diameter sizes and orientations, and often require forces beyond an operator’s physical capacity. Purpose: The purposes of this study were to: (1) determine the effects of handwheel diameter and orientation on torque production capabilities; (2) propose recommended torque limits (RTL) to accommodate operator physical strength; and (3) explore gender differences in torque production capabilities. Methods: Sixty college students (gender balanced) participated in this study. Four handwheel diameters were examined (35, 45, 60, and 70 cm), each at three different orientation angles (0, 45, and 90° from horizontal). In each diameter-orientation combination, participants performed maximal isometric torque exertions on the handwheels. Cumulative distributions of capabilities were determined, and RTLs were derived based on the 25th percentile torque strength of females. Results: As diameter increased, torque production capabilities also increased. The 0° orientation was associated with the highest torques for all handwheel diameters. The 45° orientation was associated with the lowest torques, especially at the larger diameters. Female participants had approximately half (45–51%) the torque production capabilities of male participants. The proposed RTLs ranged between 26.4 and 57.6 Nm, depending on the diameter and orientation of the handwheel. Conclusions: To maximize torque production capacity, a large diameter handwheel – as large as 70 cm – in a horizontal orientation (0°) is recommended. Handwheels in a 45° orientation should be avoided because this reduces torque production capabilities. RTLs are proposed to accommodate the torque capacity of a general population.
Release Form Production of a Plasmid to Facilitate Gene Interuption of the Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene from Bacillus subtilis

ii List of Figures . iii List of Abbreviations . iv Dedication . vii Acknowledgments . viii Chapter 1: Background . 1 Chapter 2: Methods . 12 Chapter 3: Results . 24 Chapter 4: Discussion . 35 Chapter 5: Conclusions . 38 References . 39
The Wolf ( Canis lupus ) in Greenland: A Historical Review and Present Status

In the past few decades, little information on the wolf (Canis lupus) in Greenland has been published. The decline of the species and its extirpation in the late 1930s from East Greenland is well documented. Since then, there has been a tendency for wolves sighted in the North and East Greenland National Park to be classified as temporary visitors wandering afar from adjacent Canada, with no prospect of survival in Greenland for anything but a short period. In view of the virtual absence of human population in this vast region, that assumption may not be accurate. There is now abundant evidence to indicate that a renewed immigration and dispersal of wolves has been taking place during the last years, with a migration route from Ellesmere Island eastward across North Greenland into Peary Land, and then southward into the fjord region of central East Greenland. The wolf is reoccupying its former range and by the winter of 1983 wolves had reached the Scoresby Sund region - the species' southernmost territory of the 1930s. Examination of the published records and all available unpublished data provides a historical picture of the status of the wolf in Greenland, from which some conclusions can be made regarding populations, pack size, migration routes, feeding habits and travelling distances.Key words: wolf, Canis lupus, Greenland, history, distribution, migration, re-establishment, High Arctic
Comparison of choroidal thickness between amblyopic and non-amblyopic eyes

Our study examined the choroidal thickness profile of children with myopic anisometropic amblyopia and compared the thickness with the fellow eyes. The choroidal thickness was measured with the enhanced depth imaging with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Manual segmentations of the choroid were performed on a 25-raster horizontal scan. The choroidal thickness measurements of the 9 subfields defined by the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) were evaluated. The mean spherical equivalent of the amblyopic eyes was -10.80 ± 0.41 D and the fellow eyes was -4.40 ± 2.05 D. The mean best corrected visual acuity of the amblyopic eyes and the fellow eyes were 0.94 ± 0.27 and 0.14 ± 0.05 logMAR respectively. The amblyopic eyes have longer axial length (26.46 ± 0.44 mm) compared to the fellow eyes (23.59 ± 1.18 mm). The average subfoveal choroidal thickness was 124.30 ± 40.71 µm in the amblyopic eyes and 246.80 ± 58.63 µm in the fellow eyes. The horizontal and vertical distribution pattern of choroidal thickness in amblyopic eyes was different from the fellow eyes. In amblyopic eye the choroidal thickness reduced from the temporal region to the nasal region. The fellow eyes had thickest choroid at the subfoveal area, followed by the temporal region and nasal region. In conclusion, the choroid was thinner in the amblyopic eyes than that of the fellow eyes at all regions.
The intrinsic and extrinsic motivation subscales of the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire: A Rasch-based construct validity study

Abstract The study is a first validity study investigating the psychometric properties of the Danish translation of the intrinsic and extrinsic motivation subscales of the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire in a higher education context. Rasch family measurement models were employed emphasizing unidimensionality, local independence of items, and differential item functioning (DIF). The sample consisted of three consecutive year-cohorts of BA psychology students in a second semester course on personality psychology (N = 590). Results showed Intrinsic Motivation (IM) and Extrinsic Motivation (EM) to be separate subscales, weakly and negatively correlated. Neither subscale fit the pure Rasch model, but departures could be adjusted for in graphical loglinear Rasch models (GLLRMs): the IM fit a GLLRM adjusted for age-DIF on one item and local dependence between two items; the EM fit a GLLRM with local dependence between two items. Targeting of the subscales was good. Reliability was good for the EM subscale and, for the oldest students, on the IM subscale. Failure to adjust the IM score for the DIF discovered would lead to a Type I error, and future research should address this issue, as the other studies located showed (possibly spurious) age differences in the same direction as the unadjusted results in this study.
Failure of curved brittle layer systems from radial cracking in concentrated surface loading

A study was made of radial crack evolution in curved brittle layers on compliant support substrates. Three-dimensional boundary element analysis was used to compute the stepwise growth of radial cracks that initiate at the bottom surfaces of glass on polymeric support layers, from initiation to final failure. The algorithm calculates reconstituted displacement fields in the near-tip region of the extending cracks, enabling direct evaluation of stress-intensity factors. Available experimental data on the same material systems with prescribed surface curvatures were used to validate the essential features of the predicted crack evolution, particularly the stability conditions prior to ultimate failure. It was shown that the critical loads to failure diminish with increasing surface curvature. Generalization of the ensuing fracture mechanics to include alternative brittle-layer/polymer-substrate systems enabled an explicit expression for the critical load to failure in terms of material properties and layer thicknesses. Implications concerning practical layer systems, particularly dental crowns, are briefly discussed.