Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bulgarian vowel reduction in unstressed position: An ultrasound and acoustic investigation

Vowel reduction in Contemporary Standard Bulgarian (CSB) has been variously claimed to involve raising, no change or lowering of the high vowels /iəu/. There is a general agreement that the low vowels /ɛaɔ/ are raised when unstressed. This paper directly measures tongue height using Ultrasound Tongue Imaging (UTI) and relates this measure to the acoustic correlate F1 at vowel midpoint. The six vowels of CSB were paired with respect to frontness (/ɛ, i/, /a, ə/, /ɔ, u/), and the overlap in height of the unstressed lower vowel in each pair was assessed relative to (a) its stressed counterpart and (b) the stressed and (c) unstressed realisations of the lower vowel. There was no evidence of the higher unstressed vowel in each pair being different from its stressed counterpart. The articulatory and acoustic results are not completely aligned, but both diverge from the traditional model of vowel reduction in CSB.
A Qualitative Description of Millennial Nurse Administrators’ Perspectives on Leadership and Their Practice Environment

Introduction: Millennial nurses are beginning to accept leadership roles and will soon take over governance in the nursing profession and healthcare industry. This study aimed to describe the perspectives on leadership and their practice environment of millennial nurse administrators working in tertiary hospitals in Iloilo City, Philippines. Methods: Eight (8) millennial nurse administrators were purposively chosen. Through a qualitative descriptive inquiry by Sandelowski (2000), data were gathered using semi-structured interviews and analyzed employing qualitative content analysis. Results: Twelve (12) meaningful categories were derived directly from the interview transcripts. Millennial nurse administrators perceive leadership by way of (1) directing, (2) guiding, (3) empowering and (4) modeling to staff. They viewed their practice environment as (5) having a harmonious relationship while (6) maintaining professional relationship among the healthcare team members, (7) upholding standards and (8) ensuring client satisfaction as a measure of quality care. Millennial nurse administrators shared feelings of being (9) overwhelmed at the start yet (10) fulfilling in the end. Lastly, they had challenges in (11) dealing with older staff and in (12) assuming the full responsibility and accountability of their unit. Conclusions: Considering the complexities in the healthcare profession, millennial nurse administrators cope with the responsibilities brought by their position as major key players to ensure that unit operations abide with practice standards. Millennial nurse administrators must be provided with understanding, support, and mentoring, to enhance their leadership competencies as they progress into higher leadership positions.
Steering nonholonomic systems in chained form

The authors introduce a nilpotent form, called a chained form, for nonholonomic control systems. For the case of a nonholonomic system with two inputs, they give constructive conditions for the existence of a feedback transformation which puts the system into chained form, and show how to steer the system between arbitrary states. Examples are presented for steering a car and a car with a trailer attached: other examples can be found in the areas of space robotics and multifingered robot hands. The present results also have applications in the area of nilpotentization of distributions of vector fields on R/sup n/. <<ETX>>
2-D parametric analysis of Gas-Liquid Contacting in a Spinning Spiral Contactor

The paper is about a parametric study of counter-current gas-liquid flow in a spinning spiral channel. The study is conducted by solving numerically the governing equations for mass, momentum and species using an interface shape predicted independently. The case of a dilute solute is considered in all the compautaions. The purpose of this study is to examine, for the first time, the role of three key parameters: rotation rate, channel aspect ratio and flow rate of both phases. Interestingly, the results demonstrated that by adjusting the rotation rate ( ), the contacting process could be optimised. For a range between 1000 and 20,000 rpm, it was found that =16,000 rpm gave a maximum mass transfer coefficient. Furthermore, the data showed that the spiral performance was enhanced considerably by changing the channel aspect ratio. Reducing the channel width from 4 mm to 1 mm increased the mass transfer coefficient by a factor of two. Finally, at a given rotation rate and channel aspect ratio, an improvement in mass transfer was observed by adjusting the flow rates of the contacting phases. Increasing the flow rate of both phases increased the mass transfer coefficient also by a factor of two.
Multi-Index Image Differencing Method (MINDED) for Flood Extent Estimations

Satellite remote sensing data are often used to extract water surfaces related to extreme events like floods. This study presents the Multi INDEx Differencing (MINDED) method, an innovative procedure to estimate flood extents, aiming at improving the robustness of single water-related indices and threshold-based approaches. MINDED consists of a change detection approach integrating specific sensitivities of several indices. Moreover, the method also allows to quantify the uncertainty of the Overall flood map, based on both the agreement level of the stack of classifications and the weight of every index obtained from the literature. Assuming the lack of ground truths to be the most common condition in flood mapping, MINDED also integrates a procedure to reduce the subjectivity of thresholds extraction focused on the analysis of water-related indices frequency distribution. The results of the MINDED application to a case study using Landsat images are compared with an alternative change detection method using Sentinel-1A data, and demonstrate consistency with local fluvial flood records.
Quality Criteria for Large Eddy Simulation

CFD is often employed in industry as an alternative to experimental investigations. As a trade-off between the costs involved and accuracy obtained by using DNS and RANS methods, LES is increasingly being used. However, LES results depend heavily on various factors including the grid, the numerical method employed, the boundary conditions and the statistical sampling and convergence criteria. Further, no well-established quality control guidelines are currently available. The current project aims to provide a set of best practice guidelines for LES, with emphasis on a priori determination of the ‘sufficient’ grid density. This first year report presents an introduction to turbulence analysis and a literature review of numerical simulation. The review includes the current methods of quality control and error estimation. Further, the inter-relations of the different turbulence lengthscales and their physical significance have been researched. Some preliminary grid-building guidelines are proposed and successfully tested for plane parallel channel flow test case. These preliminary guidelines are now to be tested and refined by employing different flow configurations. Preliminary RANS results for the next test case, that of concentric jets, have also been presented. Chapter
Ritual Clowns and Laughter in the Religions of the Nepalese Himalayas: The Symbolic Language of Transgressive Sacrality

Abstract:This research explores the comical performances that are staged in the Nepal Himalayas on certain dates of the year fixed by the religious calendar. On these occasions jesters and tricksters turn the ritual performance into a joyful and laughable event and become the very heart of the rituals. The study focuses on the two most closely associated central figures of Indo-Nepalese Hindu culture: Brahmans (and world-renouncing ascetics) and kings. These key characters, who stand at the top of the caste hierarchy, are duly mocked and lampooned for their supposed faults: they are false, greedy, liars, gluttons. Their pranks include disguising as transvestites, illicit behaviour, and scatological gestures. I argue that these farcical events and rituals of inversion display the dark side of religion and express in a theatrical way enduring conflicts between the positive and the negative forces of the universe or between the material plane and transcendental entities that are believed to rule the world. The upside-down elements (mundus inversus) are clearly expressed in these sketches. However, the disorder and confusion exhibited during them remain within the boundaries of social norms. Résumé:La présente recherche traite des représentations comiques qui sont mises en scène dans l'Himalaya népalais à certaines dates du calendrier religieux lunaire. Durant ces mascarades, des bouffons et autres farceurs transforment le rituel en un événement joyeux et drolatique. L'étude est centrée sur deux figures centrales (souvent associées) de la culture hindoue Indo-Népalaise : le brahmane (et l'ascète renonçant) et le roi. Ces deux personnages, qui se situent au plus haut de la hiérarchie sociale, sont moqués et tournés en dérision. Ils sont présentés comme des gloutons, des êtres faux et avides, des menteurs. Les farces en question donnent ainsi une image inversée du monde (mundus inversus). Elles s'accompagnent de gestes scatologiques, de travestissements et de comportements illicites. D'après moi, ces mascarades et rituels d'inversion dévoilent le côté obscur de la religion et expriment d'une manière théâtrale les conflits entre forces négatives et positives de l'univers, ainsi qu'entre les plans matériels et les entités transcendantales qui gouvernent le monde. La confusion et le désordre restent cependant dans les limites des normes sociales en vigueur.
Design Optimization of Microdisk Resonator Using Interior Point Algorithm

This paper presents design optimization of MEMS disk resonator using interior point method. Determining the optimized dimensions of disk resonator for a particular resonance frequency and quality factor along with minimum possible motional resistance is attempted. The algorithm is implemented using MATLAB. The results obtained are compared with a fabricated device. The developed method can provide faster design optimization compared to full wave simulators resulting in significant reduction of design time.
Estrés Psicológico, Burnout y su relación con la Toma de decisiones en Árbitros de Tenis de Mesa: Un estudio de caso en el Cuarto Campeonato de las Universidades Sauditas

Background: Professional referees are exposed to external sources of stress more than ever before and the performance of match officials has recently come under increased attention and scrutiny. Purpose: The overarching aim of this study was to investigate the psychological stress related to decision making and their relation to psychological burnout among table tennis referees in the fourth championship of Saudi universities. The research tool was applied to a sample of 20 referees who participated in the championship. Method: Psychologcal Stress scale constructed by Mustafa and Abdoul (2001) (23 items) was used to measure the psychological stress related to decision making among the referees. Further, in order to measure Referee’s psychological burnout concerning the intensity and frequency a 23 items scale devised by Al-Haramlah (2016) was implemented. An acceptable validity and reliability were calculated for both the scales were found significant. Result: The study showed that, psychological pressures experienced by the table tennis referees which are connected to the difficulty encountered by referees in taking judgment of the refereeing crew as a result of the over-tension during the game. The referees’ also percept a feeling of anxiety and stress while making any decision to settle the results of the match in the final minutes. Conclusion: The results of the study revealed a positive correlation between the psychological stress related to decision making and emotional burnout associated with intensity among table tennis referees.
Microwave synthesis of hydroxyapatite encumbered with ascorbic acid intended for drug leaching studies

ABSTRACT The characteristics properties of hydroxyapatite (HAP, Ca10 (PO4)6(OH) 2) namely, bioactivity, biocompatibility, osteoconductive and adsorption capacity can be tailored over wide assortments by governing the particle composition, particle dimensions, and structure. Pure hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanoparticles were synthesized by a simple straightforward approach using microwave irradiation method. The prepared HAP samples were studied for phase purity using X-ray diffractometer (XRD); functional group analysis using Fourier transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to examine the assembling of the HAP particles. These outcomes validate that shorter rod – like HAP particles can be organized by microwave irradiation technique. The synthesized HAP samples were loaded with ascorbic acid to analyze it’s in vitro drug release studies and its biocompatibility was confirmed by means of MTT assay using Saos-2 cell lines (Human Osteosarcoma Cell Line). Graphical Abstract
Human resource management content and process on employee well-being and job performance: a study in Indonesia public sector

This thesis was designed to test the assumption that human resource (HR) process factors act as moderator variables in the relationship between HR practices and employee well-being (EWB) and job performance (JP). This thesis conducted two steps including Step 1 to explore the relationship between five HR practices and EWB and JP and Step 2 to test whether HR process features on the high level moderate the relationship between HR practices and EWB and JP on the individual level. A multilevel method was conducted to gather data whereby JP data of the employees are collected from their supervisor in their work unit. Further, data is systematically analysed using mixed model analysis method. The research population consists of 432 employees nested in 18 agencies and 72 work units in public sector institutions in Indonesia. As predicted, this thesis found that as a bundle HR practices affect EWB and JP. As single practices, training and development and employee participation have a strong positive direct effect on both EWB and JP. Meanwhile, job security only has a positive effect on EWB. Internal promotion and result-oriented appraisal do not affect both EWB and JP. Next analysis, this thesis only finds that HR process moderates the relationship between HR practices as a bundle and EWB but not for JP. HR process strengthened/weakened the relationship between training and development, internal promotion, and employee participation towards EWB. Further research is recommended to explore another five practices from the different point of view. This study chose five practices that are designed to support employee side instead. Thus, they have a strong effect on EWB. However, the next research should investigate the opportunity for another HR practices to be tested which are predicted affect both EWB and JP, as well as strengthening by the human process.
Simultaneous Inertia Contribution and Optimal Grid Utilization with Wind Turbines

This paper presents findings of a study on continuous feed-in management and continuous synthetic inertia contribution with wind turbines. A realistic case study, based on real measurements, is outlined. A wind turbine feeds into a weak feeder, such that its power has to be adapted to the permissible loading of this feeder. At the same time the wind turbine is to provide inertia to the grid by applying the previously published variable inertia constant controller. It is discussed that optimal grid utilization and simultaneous inertia contribution are mandatory for the frequency control in power systems that are heavily penetrated with renewable energies. The study shows that continuous feed-in management can be combined well with continuous inertia provision. There are hardly any negative consequences for the wind turbine. The benefits for the grid are convincing, both in terms of increased system utilization and in terms of provided inertia. It is concluded that wind turbines can enhance angular stability in a power system to a larger extent than conventional power plants.
Glacier Monitoring Using Frequency Domain Offset Tracking Applied to Sentinel-1 Images: A Product Performance Comparison

The Sentinel-1 mission has now reached its maturity, and is acquiring high-quality images with a high revisit time, allowing for effective continuous monitoring of our rapidly changing planet. The purpose of this work is to assess the performance of the different synthetic aperture radar products made available by the European Space Agency through the Sentinels Data Hub against glacier displacement monitoring with offset tracking methodology. In particular, four classes of products have been tested: the medium resolution ground range detected, the high-resolution ground range detected, acquired in both interferometric wide and extra-wide swath, and the single look complex. The first are detected pre-processed images with about 40, 25, and 10-m pixel spacing, respectively. The last category, the most commonly adopted for the application at issue, represents the standard coherent synthetic aperture radar product, delivered in unprocessed focused complex format with pixel spacing ranging from 14 to 20 m in azimuth and from approximately 2 to 6 m in range, depending on the acquisition area and mode. Tests have been performed on data acquired over four glaciers, i.e., the Petermann Glacier, the Nioghalvfjerdsfjorden, the Jackobshavn Isbræ and the Thwaites Glacier. They revealed that the displacements estimated using interferometric wide swath single look complex and high-resolution ground range detected products are fully comparable, even at computational level. As a result, considering the differences in memory consumption and pre-processing requirements presented by these two kinds of product, detected formats should be preferred for facing the application.
Enabling Blockchain Innovations with Pegged Sidechains

Since the introduction of Bitcoin[Nak09] in 2009, and the multiple computer science and electronic cash innovations it brought, there has been great interest in the potential of decentralised cryptocurrencies. At the same time, implementation changes to the consensuscritical parts of Bitcoin must necessarily be handled very conservatively. As a result, Bitcoin has greater difficulty than other Internet protocols in adapting to new demands and accommodating new innovation. We propose a new technology, pegged sidechains, which enables bitcoins and other ledger assets to be transferred between multiple blockchains. This gives users access to new and innovative cryptocurrency systems using the assets they already own. By reusing Bitcoin’s currency, these systems can more easily interoperate with each other and with Bitcoin, avoiding the liquidity shortages and market fluctuations associated with new currencies. Since sidechains are separate systems, technical and economic innovation is not hindered. Despite bidirectional transferability between Bitcoin and pegged sidechains, they are isolated: in the case of a cryptographic break (or malicious design) in a sidechain, the damage is entirely confined to the sidechain itself. This paper lays out pegged sidechains, their implementation requirements, and the work needed to fully benefit from the future of interconnected blockchains.
Evidence for Shocks and Turbulence in the Taffy Galaxy System from ALMA CO Mapping and VIRUS-P IFU Spectroscopy

We present multiple lines of evidence that gas in the Taffy galaxy system (UGC 12914/5) is in a highly disturbed state as a result of a recent head-on collision between these two gas-rich galaxies. Building on evidence of large quantities of warm molecular hydrogen in the Taffy bridge, and evidence of boosted [CII] emission from Herschel, we observed the Taffy system with ALMA in the CO 2-1 and 3-2 lines, and with the McDonald Observatory VIRUS-P IFU system in the visible light. Strong emission lines were detected from the galaxies and in the bridge with VIRUS-P, showing two dominant velocity components over much of the bridge and parts of both galaxies. We made a detailed analysis of the excitation properties of the ionized gas, finding that a significant amount of the high-velocity component of the bridge gas was consistent with shocks with velocities of 200-300 km/s. Two distinct filaments of ionized gas were found between the galaxies. Our ALMA observations also showed that the dense molecular gas is also highly disturbed. The most remarkable aspect of the ALMA observations is the discovery of a tangled web of molecular filaments in the bridge. The individual filaments are typically 1 kpc in length, are almost unresolved at 60 pc resolution in the other dimension. They also contain clumps that have broad line widths of 80-150 km/s. Although some of the filaments are associated with a prominent extragalactic star formation region located in the bridge, most of the filaments show little obvious sign of star formation despite their apparently high molecular surface densities. Given their high surface densities, it is not clear why the filaments are not forming stars, unless they are magnetically supported. One possibility is that they represent transient density enhancements in a supersonic turbulent multi-phase fluid created in the aftermath of the high-speed collision.
Star-shaped metrics for mechanical metamaterial design

We present a method for designing mechanical metamaterials based on the novel concept of Voronoi diagrams induced by star-shaped metrics. As one of its central advantages, our approach supports interpolation between arbitrary metrics. This capability opens up a rich space of structures with interesting aesthetics and a wide range of mechanical properties, including isotropic, tetragonal, orthotropic, as well as smoothly graded materials. We evaluate our method by creating large sets of example structures, provided as accompanying material. We validate the mechanical properties predicted by simulation through tensile tests on a set of physical prototypes.
The emergence of ‘citizenship’ in popular discourse: the case of Scotland

ABSTRACT The 2014 Scottish Referendum gauged public opinion on the possibility of Scotland leaving the United Kingdom, raising significant questions about the legitimacy of claims to citizenship in the event of independence. Through a mixed methods survey, this study explored the ways in which citizenship emerged in popular discourse in the lead up to the Scottish referendum. Findings point to an emphasis in public discourse on a commitment to and participation in society, instead of the more traditional citizenship markers of ancestry, birthplace or residency. Data indicates a view of citizenship encompassing status and practice, while identity was framed in terms of more static notions of birthplace and ancestry. The salience of social participation was noticeably greater in respondents’ assessment of others’ potential Scottish citizenship than their own. Specifically, the study highlights the salience of relational aspects of citizenship in popular discourse, with an emphasis on social citizenship in preference to legal citizenship. The study constitutes a significant contribution to ongoing discussions about ‘participatory citizenship’ in the field of Citizenship studies, by providing much needed empirical data on social conceptualizations of citizenship.