Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
STUDIES ON IMPACT RESISTANCE OF SPECTACLE LENS MATERIALS

Introduction: The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Z94.3-07 ballistic impact test for industrial lenses, tests the ability of a lens material to withstand the impact of a 6.4 mm diameter steel ball travelling at a speed of 46.5 ± 0.5 m/s. The specific testing is waived if the lens made of various materials meets a minimum centre thickness requirement. New lens materials, like Hi-Vex, are not included in this list. The first study compared the breakage speed of Hi-Vex lenses to CR39 lenses at different conditioned temperatures. In the process of carrying out the literature review, it became apparent that the definition of lens failure varied. This led to the question as to how naive individuals may interpret a National Standard definition of lens failure after being impacted by a missile. Naive subjects were asked to classify impacted lenses as either pass or fail based on the written CSA Z94.3-07 failure criterion. Purpose: Study 1: To investigate the impact resistance of a mid-index plastic lens material Hi-Vex (n=1.56) at different temperatures. Study 2: To investigate if people actually understood what the CSA classifies as a failed lens. Methods: Study 1: Two groups of plano hard coated lenses were tested: CR39 and Hi-Vex. Lenses were ordered with 3mm centre thickness, cut to 50mm diameter and edged to achieve the Hide-a-Bevel® which was in agreement with the CSA requirement for prescription industrial safety lenses and frames. A pneumatic gun was used to propel a 6.35mm steel ball at the centre of each lens. Impact speed was varied using the Zippy Estimation by Sequential Testing (ZEST) protocol to determine the threshold breakage speed. Combined uncertainties as defined in the International organization for standardization (ISO) Guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement were used to determine the statistical significance of all comparisons of the data sets. Study 2: Ten graduate students from the School of Optometry and ten patients from the general public were given 25 spectacle lenses that had been subjected to the ballistic impact test. They were asked to classify the lenses as either a pass or fail after reading the definition of a failure under the ballistic impact test in CSA Z94.3-07 clause 6.1. 3.1. Lenses were presented to the participants in the same order. The responses of both groups of participants were compared to the classification of two experienced researchers who agreed on 100% of the lens outcomes. Results: Study 1: The threshold breakage speeds of the industrial thickness Hi-Vex and CR39 lenses at 24°C were 50.88m/s and 50.64 m/s and at -29°C, 52.57m/s and 52.56 m/s respectively. Both comparisons were not statistically significant. The corresponding threshold breakage speeds for Hi-Vex and CR39 lenses at -49°C were 66.38m/s and 49.66m/s and at 50°C were 57.01m/s and 53.54m/s respectively. Both comparisons were statistically significant. Study 2: There were only two lenses in which all participants agreed with the outcome. These lenses were…
Integral Cultural Space in Europe: Equal Rights and Transition Processes in the Eastern and Central European Countries

The paper aims to evaluate the main features of the creation and development of the integral cultural space in Europe and the main problems of provision of equal rights in the context of the transition processes in the Central and Eastern Europe. The paper has used the outcomes of the research conducted over the recent several years, dedicated to the diagnostics of the problems of transformations as well as economic and social development in Central and Eastern Europe with a special reference to the development of the integral cultural space and human rights. Major findings show that the creation and development of the integral cultural space in Europe is a very complex and controversial process and in this course various problems and conflicts arise. Therefore, to encourage the creation of the integral cultural space in Europe appropriate cultural policies are necessary to be implemented. These policies may embrace many priorities including: the preservation of cultural diversity, adaptation and dissemination of integrated European dimensions, elimination of inappropriate factors within humanism and democracy of all European countries, provision of equal rights in all groups of modern society. For implementation of key priorities of cultural policies the use of a number of panEuropean scale special programmes is suggested.
A network traffic model with random transmission rate

The in nite source Poisson network model assumes sources begin data transmissions at Poisson time points and continue for random lengths of time. The random transmission times have such heavy tails that the variance is in nite. Transmission rates have been assumed non-random and, usually constant. However, analysis of network data suggests that the transmission rate is also a random variable with a heavy tail. So we consider an in nite source Poisson model with sources transmitting for a random length of time at a random rate. Both the rates and lengths have in nite variance but nite mean and are assumed asymptotically independent, a concept made precise. We carefully discuss equivalent formulations of asymptotic independence and prove a limit theorem for the input process showing that the centered process under a suitable scaling converges to a totally skewed stable L evy motion in the sense of nite dimensional distributions.
Incorporation of nitrogen from amino acids and urea by benthic microbes: role of bacteria versus algae and coupled incorporation of carbon

We investigated the incorporation of nitrogen from amino acids and urea by the micro- bial community in intertidal surface sediment, focusing on the relative contributions of bacteria ver- sus algae to total microbial nitrogen incorporation and the (un)coupled incorporation of carbon from these organic substrates. Dual-labeled ( 15 N and 13 C) urea and an amino acid mixture were added to surface sediment from 2 intertidal mudflats in the Scheldt Estuary (The Netherlands), and 15 N and 13 C were subsequently traced into bulk sediment, total hydrolysable amino acids (THAAs) and the bac- terial biomarker D-alanine (D-Ala) over a 24 h incubation period. All added 15 N from urea and the amino acids was incorporated into microbial biomass within 24 h, with relatively rapid incorporation of 15 N from the amino acids. The bacterial contribution to total microbial 15 N incorporation (derived from 15 N incorporation into D-Ala) was large during the first 1 to 2 h of incubation, but small to negli- gible after 24 h for both substrates, indicating that total 15 N incorporation was dominated by benthic microalgae (diatoms) that also dominated total microbial biomass in the sediment. Comparison of 15 N versus 13 C incorporation into total microbial biomass (THAAs) after 24 h showed strong preferential incorporation of urea-N over urea-C. Incorporation of nitrogen and carbon from the amino acids was partially uncoupled, indicating that a large fraction (≥50%) of amino acid-N was taken up as NH4 +
IMPERFECTIONS SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS OF PITCHED ROOF COLD - FORMED STEEL PORTAL FRAMES

The paper summarizes the results of experimental and numerical simulation programs carried out on full-scale pitched roof cold-formed steel portal frames of back-to-back lipped channel sections with bolted joints in order to evaluate the influence of different type of geometrical and structural imperfections on the structural stability performance of these structures. Double frame units have been tested under: (1) horizontal load, and (2) horizontal and gravity loadings. For numerical simulations the imperfections were taken according to the tolerances specified in EN 1090-2 and the provisions of EN 1993-1-1. Based on this, in case of partially lateral restrained frames, the accuracy of General Method of EN1993-1-1 is investigated.
Resilience and recovery style: a retrospective study on associations among personal resources, symptoms, neurocognition, quality of life and psychosocial functioning in psychotic patients

Background: Personal resources have been identified as important factors in predicting patient healing or symptoms control in schizophrenia. This observational retrospective study aims to explore the influence of resilience and recovery style on the modalities of clinical presentation of the disease, as well as individual functioning and quality of life. Methods: Participants were patients affected by schizophrenia spectrum disorders assessed at different mental health facilities. The rating scales considered are the following: Resilience Scale 10-items (RS); Recovery Style Questionnaire (RSQ); Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA); Schizophrenia Quality of Life Scale (SQLS); Life Skills Profile (LSP); Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Results: Forty-four patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 46 years; the average length of the history of the disease at recruitment was 23 years with an average age at first episode of psychosis (FEP) of 23 years. General psychopathology, neurocognition, and integration recovery style can predict psychosocial functioning and explain ~54% of the LSP variance; RS total score and PANSS general psychopathology score can predict and explain ~29% of the LSP variance. A negative association between PANSS general psychopathology and LSP total score supports the need to reduce first the symptomatology, and then successfully apply other types of interventions. A strong positive association between neurocognition and life functioning was detected, showing that deficits in neurocognition have proved to be important predictors of the functional outcome. Integration was also proven to be significantly associated with a good functional outcome. Psychotic symptoms turn out to be a negative predictive factor, whereas resilience can be hypothesized as a protective factor. Conclusions: Resilience and recovery style “integration” can be considered as two complementary predictive resources for a good outcome; this result supports the need to set up personalized treatments, based on the characteristics of the patients.
A new sterol diglycoside from Conyza floribunda

Chemical investigation of CH 2 Cl 2 and MeOH extracts of Conyza floribunda have led to the isolation of (24S)-ethylcholesta-5, 22E, 25-trien-3- O -glucosyl (1”→ 4’)-rhamnoside ( 1 ), (24S)-ethylcholesta-5,25-dien-3- O -α-glucoside ( 2 ), cyasterone ( 3 ), stigmasta 5, 22-dien-3-acetate ( 4 ), stigmasta 5, 22-dien-3-ol ( 5 ), spinasta 7, 22-dien-3-ol ( 6 ), 3-oxofriedooleanane ( 7 ), 3-hydroxyfriedooleanane ( 8 ), 3-acetoxyfriedooleanane ( 9 ), betullinic acid ( 10 ), quercetin 3- O -α-glucoside ( 11 ), quercetin ( 12 ), myricetin ( 13 ) and kaempferol ( 14 ). Their structures were determined using spectroscopic and physical methods as well as comparison with data available in the literature. Keywords: Conyza floribunda , asteraceae, triterpenes, sterols, flavonols
Double – Diffusive Convection of Non – Newtonian Walters’ (MODELB′) Viscoelastic Fluid through Brinkman Porous Medium with Suspended Particles

In this paper, the double -diffusive convection of Non Newtonian Walters’B′ viscoelastic fluid with suspended particles through Brinkman porous medium is considered. Following the linearized stability theory and normal mode analysis, the dispersion relation is obtained. For stationary convection, it is found that the Darcy number and stable solute gradient have stabilizing effects whereas the suspended particles and medium permeability have destabilizing effects on the system. Graphs have been represented by giving numerical values to the parameters to depict the stability characteristics. The stable solute gradient and viscoelasticity, suspended particles, gravity field and medium permeability are found to introduce oscillatory modes in the system which is non – existent in their absence.
In-vitro cytotoxic and radiosensitizing evaluation of novel 2-pyridone, isoquinoline, chromene and chromenopyridone derivatives

On the account of the reported anticancer activity of 2-pyridone, a new series of ethyl-1,6-dihydropyridine-3-carboxylate ( 4a - j ), 1-oxo-1,2-dihydroisoquinoline-7-carbonitrile ( 6a - h ), 2 H -chromene ( 7 , 8 ) and 3 H -chromeno[3,4- c ]pyridone derivatives ( 9 , 10 ) were synthesized and tested for in-vitro anticancer activity against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) cell line and human liver cell line (HEPG2). The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by analytical and spectral data. Furthermore, radiosensitization study was performed for the most potent compounds ( 4a , 4d , 6a , 6c , 6e and 10 ).
Working Capital Management and Firms Profitability: Evidence from Spinning Sector of Textile Industry of Pakistan

The prime aim of this study was to find out the effect working capital management on profitability of the spinning sector of Textile industry of Pakistan. For this purpose, a sample of 16 Pakistani Spinning companies listed on Karachi Stock Exchange was taken for period of 13 years from 1998-2011. Return on assets (ROA) has been used as a proxy for measuring firm profitability. Working capital management has been measured by current ratio, average collection period, average payment period, cash conversion cycle and inventory turnover in days. Data has been analyzed using Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and Regression analyses. The analyses confirm significant negative impact of inventory turnover and payables turnover in days on profitability. The results also reveal significant positive impact of current ratio on return on assets of firms. Based on the results important policies should be adopted regarding working capital in order to enhance the profitability of the firms. Keywords: Working Capital Management, Profitability, Spinning Industry.
Comparison of tillage systems for paddy rice in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam

In the Mekong delta of Vietnam, wetland rice is the main crop. The traditional rice cropping system with one crop per year changed to a system with two or three crops per year, and mechanised tillage replaced traditional tillage by water buffaloes. Currently, three tillage systems can be distinguished: dry tillage (ploughing and/or rotovating of the unsaturated field), wet tillage (puddling) or a mix of the two systems. The heavy monsoon rainfall causes many problems and strongly reduces the trafficable and workable periods. Tillage requires a high energy input and time pressure is high due to the short periods between crops. Whenever possible, farmers prefer dry tillage in view of soil structural quality, resistance of the crop to lodging (anchoring) and the experience that the typical soil profile is kept in better condition, resulting in higher yields. Experiments were carried on typical heavy clay soils (near Cantho, Cantho province) comparing the three tillage systems in terms of: quality of the seedbed (aggregate size, smoothness), the structure of the arable layer, bearing capacity of the hardpan, and energy expenditure and timeliness of the tillage operations. It was found that (dry) ploughing with a disk plough had a low energy consumption (about 40% of that of the rotavator) but produced a very poor seedbed. Additional disk harrowing or rotary tillage was necessary. One pass with the rotary tiller produced a good seedbed. Where secondary tillage operations on dry soil are required, drying of the soil for at least 6 days is needed to achieve an acceptable quality of the seedbed. A good alternative for the assessment of the surface condition of a rice-seedbed is collecting and quantifying the amount or number of clods larger than 80 mm at the surface.
Unsystematic Risk and Coalition Formation in Product Markets

We study the conjecture that increasing market volatility leads to larger coalitions in an oligopoly. Here, coalition formation decisions are made in a noncooperative game by risk averse firms. They use a sequential offer-counter-offer procedure initiated by Selten and Rubinstein. We find that the conjecture generally fails in a small oligopoly whose firms play a unanimity game but it is validated in an oligopoly that allows open membership. However, it is valid in a small oligpoly if market volatility is sufficiently high, whatever the rule of membership.
On local properties of 1-planar graphs with high minimum degree

A graph is called 1-planar if there exists its drawing in the plane such that each edge contains at most one crossing. We prove that each 1-planar graph of minimum degree 7 contains a pair of adjacent vertices of degree 7 as well as several small graphs whose vertices have small degrees; we also prove the existence of a 4-cycle with relatively small degree vertices in 1-planar graphs of minimum degree at least 6.
Surface Ocean Alkalinity Distribution in the Western North Atlantic Ocean Margins

[1] Total alkalinity (TA) distribution and its relationship with salinity (S) along the western North Atlantic Ocean (wNAO) margins from the Labrador Sea to tropical areas are examined in this study. Based on the observed TA-S patterns, the mixing processes that control alkalinity distribution in these areas can be categorized into a spectrum of patterns that are bracketed by two extreme mixing types, i.e., alongshore current-dominated and river-dominated. Alongshore current-dominated mixing processes exhibit a segmented mixing line with a shared mid-salinity end-member. In such cases (i.e., Labrador Sea, Gulf of Maine, etc.), the y-intercept of the high salinity segment of the mixing line is generally higher than the local river alkalinity values, and it reflects the mixing history of the alongshore current. In contrast, in river-dominated mixing (Amazon River, Caribbean Sea, etc.), good linear relationships between alkalinity and salinity are generally observed, and the zero salinity intercepts of the TA-S regressions roughly match those of the regional river alkalinity values. TA-S mixing lines can be complicated by rapid changes in the river end-member value and by another river nearby with a different TA value (e.g., Mississippi-Atchafalaya/Gulf of Mexico). In the wNAO margins, regression intercepts and river end-members have a clear latitudinal distribution pattern, increasing from a low of ∼300 μmol kg−1 in the Amazon River plume to a high value between ∼500–1100 μmol kg−1 in the middle and high latitude margins. The highest value of ∼2400 μmol kg−1 is observed in the Mississippi River influenced areas. In addition to mixing control, biological processes such as calcification and benthic alkalinity production may also affect ocean margin alkalinity distribution. Therefore, deriving inorganic carbon system information in coastal oceans using alkalinity-salinity relationships, in particular, those of generic nature, may lead to significant errors.
Staff training on choice availability and its effects on adaptive and maladaptive behavior in persons with developmental disabilities in the group home setting

Recent research regarding persons with developmental disabilities has focused on the effects of choice availability on adaptive and maladaptive behavior. Because degree of choice within one's living environment is considered a key element of quality of life, it seems important to evaluate this variable and its relationship to adaptive and maladaptive behavior. In this preliminary study, direct-care staff members in a group-home setting were taught to increase choice opportunities in the areas of eating, leisure, and personal hygiene for residents with mild, moderate, or severe mental retardation. This investigation also examined the effects of increased choice availability on residents' adaptive and maladaptive behaviors. Increased staff training on choice availability was expected to result in improved choice and chemges in levels of adaptive and maladaptive behavior for such residents. Results indicated that direct-care staff members who received training to increase choice reported increased choice opportunities for their residents. Increased choice, however, did not lead to improved levels of adaptive and maladaptive behavior for treatment group residents.
The relationship between diversity training, organizational commitment, and career satisfaction

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the association between employees' perceptions of diversity training (DT) existence and effectiveness with organizational commitment (OC), and career satisfaction (CS). Design/methodology/approach – The analyses in this paper utilize survey data collected between 2006 and 2007 from over 11,000 managers, professionals, and executives working in nine large organizations in corporate Canada. The survey included questions about employees' perceptions of their work experiences and outcomes and their organizations' diversity practices. Comparisons of means as well as multivariate regression analyses were undertaken.Findings – The paper shows that employees who perceived DT to be effective were significantly more committed to their organizations and more satisfied with their careers than employees who perceived DT to be ineffective or non‐existent.Research limitations/implications – The paper examines the linkages between DT, OS, and CS based on survey respons.
Stubborn Reliance on Intuition and Subjectivity in Employee Selection

The focus of this article is on implicit beliefs that inhibit adoption of selection decision aids (e.g., paper-and-pencil tests, structured interviews, mechanical combination of predictors). Understanding these beliefs is just as important as understanding organizational constraints to the adoption of selection technologies and may be more useful for informing the design of successful interventions. One of these is the implicit belief that it is theoretically possible to achieve near-perfect precision in predicting performance on the job. That is, people have an inherent resistance to analytical approaches to selection because they fail to view selection as probabilistic and subject to error. Another is the implicit belief that prediction of human behavior is improved through experience. This myth of expertise results in an overreliance on intuition and a reluctance to undermine one’s own credibility by using a selection decision aid.
Cutting down very simple trees

We study here, by using a recursive approach, the number of random cuts that are necessary to destroy a random tree of size n for simply generated tree families. Crucial for the applicability of such a recursive approach is a "randomness-preservation" property when cutting off a random edge. We can fully characterize the subclass of simply generated tree families, which satisfy this property and show then for for all these tree families that the number of random cuts to destroy a random size-n tree is asymptotically, for n → ∞, Rayleigh distributed.
Fundamental Power Couplers for Superconducting Cavities

Fundamental power couplers (FPC's) for superconducting cavities must meet very strict requirements to perform at high power levels (hundreds of kilowatts) and in a variety of conditions (CS, pulsed, travelling wave, standing wave) without adversely affecting the performance of the cavities they are powering. Producing good coupler designs and achieving operational performances in accelerator environments are challenging tasks that have traditionally involved large resources from many laboratories. The designs involve state-of-the-art activities in RF, cryogenic and mechanical engineering, materials science, vacuum technology, and electromagnetic field modeling. Handling, assembly and conditioning procedures have been developed to achieve ever-increasing power levels and more reliable operation. In this paper, the technical issues associated with the design, construction, assembly, processing, and operation of FPC's will be reviewed, together with the progress in FPC activities in several laboratories during the past few years.