Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PUBLISHED VERSION

This paper presents a new nondestructive approach for evaluating the residual longitudinal stresses in rails. The developed approach utilises the acoustoelastic effect to infer the longitudinal stress from the measured speed of Rayleigh waves propagating along the longitudinal direction. The measured Rayleigh wave speed along the longitudinal direction is shown to vary significantly across the height of the rail section, which can be directly correlated to the residual stress profile in the rail section. Unlike existing residual stress measurement techniques, such as hole-drilling or sectioning, the developed approach can be potentially applied for the in-situ residual stress measurement, without taking the rail out of service. Introduction Residual stress determination in rails is paramount for accurate life prognosis and assessment of fatigue damage [1]. Traditional methods for stress evaluation include the sectioning method, holedrilling, and X-ray diffraction. However, these methods require the rail to be taken out of service during evaluation. Additionally, cutting and hole-drilling are destructive techniques, which limits their usefulness for field measurements, while X-ray diffraction is expensive [2] and unable to differentiate between microand macro-residual stresses, making measurements potentially unreliable [1]. Ultrasonic methods, which utilise the acoustoelastic effect, can potentially provide accurate, nondestructive residual stress measurement and can be applied in-situ. Use of the acoustoelastic effect to measure stresses has been well documented in literature. Previous studies have utilised longitudinal waves for through-the-thickness evaluation, and critically refracted longitudinal waves for sub-surface stress interrogation [3]. The major drawback of such methods is the limited interrogation distance achievable with bulk (longitudinal and shear) waves. Guided waves are a type of ultrasonic wave capable of propagating long distances without significant attenuation [4], and therefore may be more suitable for stress monitoring applications. In particular, Rayleigh (surface) waves have previously been used to determine applied stresses in aluminium structures [5]. Rayleigh waves can be generated via mode conversion of longitudinal waves using a wedge. The difference in material properties between the wedge and rail specimen causes the longitudinal wave generated by an ordinary ultrasonic transducer to refract into a Rayleigh wave, which travels along the surface of the rail. The wedge angle required for Rayleigh wave generation is determined using Snell’s law (Eq. 1, where ccLLww is the longitudinal wave speed in the wedge and ccRR is the Rayleigh wave speed in the rail). The Rayleigh wave can be detected either using another wedge transducer, or using non-contact instruments, such as an air-coupled transducer or Laser Doppler vibrometer. Due to the non-contact
Mating behaviour, female receptivity and male-male competition in the intertidal crab Hemigrapsus sexdentatus (Brachyura: Grapsidae)

Female receptivity and male-male competition were studied in a laboratory population of the New Zealand rock crab Hemigrapsus sexdentatus. Mating only occurred in the few days prior to oviposition, when females had mobile gonopore opercula. After mating, males guarded females constantly and mated with them repeatedly until the females laid eggs. Isolated females remained receptive for significantly longer than females housed temporarily or constantly with males in the lab- oratory. The duration of female receptiveness can, therefore, vary in relation to the presence of males. Male-male competition was high with frequent attacks on pairs by other males. Large males mated significantly more often than medium and small males, and were more likely to take over a female from another male. However, large and small male H. sexdentatus both adjusted the ejaculate size according to the size of the female; i.e. transferred relatively large ejaculates to large females, and were equally able to transfer ejaculates to small and large females during the first mating in the sea- son. Post-copulatory guarding reduced the risk of sperm competition. Although male-male competi- tion appears to be the dominant factor in pair-formation, the ability of females to extend their recep- tivity in the absence of males, will have an impact on the operational sex ratio, and on the extent of male-male and sperm competition.
PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF ORAL NON-CANDIDA ALBICANS CANDIDA CARRIAGE IN DENTURE WEARERS IN SANA'A CITY- YEMEN

The objective of this study was to contrast the prevalence and species of colonization of Non-Candida albicans (NCAC) in the oral cavity of denture wearers and non-denture wearers; also asses associated risk factors of their colonization. A total of 208 subjects were studied: 104 denture wearers and 104 non-denture wearers, matched by age, sex, comprised the experimental control groups, respectively. Each subject was instructed to perform oral rinsing using a phosphate-buffered saline solution, which was expectorated processed for the recovery of Candida species on on Sabouraud dextrose agar. Isolates were identified by culturing on chromogenic Candida agar noting species-specific colony characteristics. There was a significant oral carriage rate of NCAC among denture wearers (5.83% versus 11.1% in controls) with associated risk factor (5.4) (PV<0.001). The most common isolated NCAC were C. Krusi C.tropicalis with significant OR (5.5 4.7 respectively). When co-infections were considered, there was highly significant association of C. albicans + C. krusi oral colonization in cases (OR=4.56, PV<0.001). There was a significant oral carriage rate of NCAC among male denture wearers (36.9%, OR=6.6, PV˂0.001). In addition, there was a significant rate of NCAC colonization with complete denture (rate= 50%, OR=2.4, PV= 0.02). While no significant increase associated with colonization of NCAC with partial, acrylic /or chrome cobalt denture. Based on the results of this study ability of NCAC were greater in denture wearers than non-denture wearers, also greater risk of NCAC were found with males, older ages, complete denture.
Determinants of Innovation Culture amongst Higher Education Students.

Globalisation has made many higher educational institutions reassess their educational contents and research activities in order to enhance innovation culture amongst students of higher education. Many universities now focus on research activities and research funding in raising their reputation and ranking which in turn will improve student intakes, external funding, and student marketability. This paper aims at developing a model of innovation culture which leads to desirable student innovative behaviours. Using a literature-derived questionnaire, data were collected from 1,008 undergraduate students from five public research universities in Malaysia. Findings from structural equation modelling analysis indicate that self-efficacy, effective communications, and climate for innovation are the determinants of innovation culture. While no differences were found for climate for innovation, the findings revealed that self-efficacy, effective communication, and innovation culture to have significant effect on innovative behaviour, indicating the importance of communication and self-belief in building innovation culture and moulding intended behaviour regardless of the situations or environmental conditions.
Women quitters in exit competitions: Reliable indicators of women's risk aversion?

Information from television game shows has recently been used to measure women's risk aversion. Researchers have abstracted from this evidence to explain the underrepresentation of women at senior levels in politics, business and management. But how reliable is this type of data? Using data for 483 male and female participants in a simulation of the TV game show 'Deal or no Deal', we find that women on average exit 0.45 rounds earlier than men, confirming the higher risk aversion for women. We also find that if we were to select women with comparable earnings and education to men, being female is less of an obstacle towards risk-taking behaviour than in the absence of these controls. Specifically, women would now be seen to exit 0.12 rounds earlier, rather than 0.45 rounds earlier. Experiments need to be mindful of controlling for these background factors when assessing the nexus between risk-taking and gender.
On the existence of non-trivial steady-state size-distributions for a class of flocculation equations

Flocculation is the process whereby particles (i.e., flocs) in suspension reversibly combine and separate. The process is widespread in soft matter and aerosol physics as well as environmental science and engineering. We consider a general size-structured flocculation model, which describes the evolution of floc size distribution in an aqueous environment. Our work provides a unified treatment for many size-structured models in the environmental, industrial, medical, and marine engineering literature. In particular, the mathematical model considered in this work accounts for basic biological phenomena in a population of microorganisms including growth, death, sedimentation, predation, surface erosion, renewal, fragmentation and aggregation. The central objective of this work is to prove existence of positive steady states of this generalized flocculation model. Using results from fixed point theory we derive conditions for the existence of continuous, non-trivial stationary solutions. We further develop a numerical scheme based on spectral collocation method to approximate these positive stationary solutions. We explore the stationary solutions of the model for various biologically relevant parameters and give valuable insights for the efficient removal of suspended particles.
Transitional relation exploration for typical loess geomorphologic types based on slope spectrum characteristics

Abstract. Based on the Chinese Geomorphologic Database at 1 : 1 000 000 scales, the distribution of the typical loess geomorphologic types (such as the loess tableland, loess ridge and loess knoll) is acquired in the Loess Plateau of China. Then, based on the SRTM (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission) digital elevation model (DEM) data and topographic analysis methods, the slope spectrums are computed for the typical loess geomorphologic types and their subtypes. Through achieving the tendency line of the slope spectrum and analysing the slope spectrum characteristics of the loess typical geomorphologic types, the transitional relationships are explored: (1) the general rule is that loess tableland transitions to loess ridge, and then to loess knoll. (2) The specific relationships for the subtypes are as follows: in loess tableland, the transition is from loess terrace to complete tableland, then to residual tableland, and finally to beam tableland. In the loess ridge, the transition is from oblique ridge to knoll ridge, and the final stage is the loess knoll.
Evidence from Happiness Data

Are unhappiness, high concern for money and scarcity of social capital different faces of the same phenomenon? Economists tend to treat these variables as distinct correlates of well-being. On the contrary, positive psychologists argue that they all relate to materialism, a system of personal values ascribing great importance in life to extrinsic motivations and low priority to intrinsic motivations. Using data from two European cross-sectional surveys and the German Socio-Economic Panel, I test the hypothesis that material interests, proxied by the effects of individual and reference income on well-being, are associated with low levels of social capital. The results suggest that people with scarce social capital tend to have greater material interests, whereas the negative effect of income comparisons on well-being is eliminated for individuals exhibiting the highest levels of social capital. The implication of such finding is that promoting social capital reduces people’s material concerns and has positive impact on their well-being. The results from a country-level analysis additionally show that, since social capital moderates the importance of income for well-being on individual level, the well-being gap between income groups is significantly smaller in countries with higher social capital.
Micropropagation of an adult tree- Wrightia tinctoria

Multiple shoots were induced in vitro from nodal shoot segments of a 30-yr-old plus tree having enhanced axillary branching. Initiation of culture was strongly influenced by the nature of explant and the season of harvesting. Nodal segments (91%) from young lateral branches produced an average of 5 shoots per node in 3 weeks on agar solidified MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg l -1 benzylaminopurine (BAP). After establishment of cultures and initiation of shoot buds, a cluster of shoots including mother explant, was transferred to medium containing a lower concentration of BAP (1.0 mg l -1 ). A three-fold rate of shoot multiplication during every subculture of 3 weeks was achieved. Nodal segments from in vitro raised shoots were also used to initiate a new culture cycle. The shoots could be multiplied for at least 24 months without loss of vigour. The shoots (71%) were successfully rooted when their lower ends were dipped in pre-autoclaved indole-3-butyric acid solution (100 mg l -1 ) for 10 min followed by their implantation on modified MS medium (major salts reduced to 1/4 strength) containing 200 mg l -1 activated charcoal. Out of 2000 plants, 1600 (80%) were successfully hardened under greenhouse conditions and more than 200 have been planted out in soil where they are growing well.
SMEs' Growth Heterogeneity - Evidence from Regional Developments

Previous empirical research on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) frequently struggled with the extreme heterogeneity of these frms. We scrutinise one major source of this heterogeneity: SMEs' growth development. Based on a large dataset of French, Italian, UK and US firms between 2000 and 2008, we find that SMEs fall in two categories in all countries: One large group of firms that display only slow growth and one much smaller group that actively seek strong growth. We show that the growth factors particularly of the slowly-growing firms vary strongly between the countries. European SMEs differ mainly in the growth effects of their ownership structures. US firms set themselves apart via the growth impact of their capital structures. Strongly-growing SMEs, in contrast, develop much more homogeneously in cross-country comparison.
Community Pharmacy-Based Program for Patients with Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

ABSTRACT The aim of our study was to develop and implement an education program both for moderate and severe asthma patients and patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (all stages) at community pharmacy conditions and to evaluate its influence on the patients' quality of life. A prospective, randomized, controlled trial was carried out in community pharmacies (n = 24) in Sofia and Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Community-dwelling patients with asthma and COPD participated in the study. An asthma and COPD education and monitoring program was implemented. Intervention patients received information about their disease, instruction on the appropriate use of medication, training in the inhaler technique; ADRs during treatment; recognition of early signs of exacerbation, information about the identification and control of asthma/COPD attacks; tobaccoism and efficacy of different methods on smoking cessation; control patients received routine dispensing services. The parameters assessed at baseline and at 1 2, and 3 months were health-related quality of life, PEF and FEV1% levels, inhaler technique, hospitalization rates, and patient satisfaction with the pharmacy services. The health-related quality of life of the intervention patients improved at 3 months (P = 0.044). In the same time period, PEF and FEV1% significantly improved for intervention patients compared to the control groups (P = 0.009). The inhaler technique improved in the intervention groups (P = 0.021). As a whole, the community-based pharmaceutical care program was appreciated by the participants and had a positive impact on the QoL of patients with chronic lung diseases, their inhaler technique, and PEF and FEV1% rates.
Root subsystems of rank 2 hyperbolic root systems

Let $\Delta$ be a rank 2 hyperbolic root system. Then $\Delta$ has generalized Cartan matrix $H(a,b)= \left(\begin{smallmatrix} ~2 & -b\\ -a & ~2 \end{smallmatrix}\right)$ indexed by $a,b\in\mathbb{Z}$ with $ab\geq 5$. If $a\neq b$, then $\Delta$ is non-symmetric and is generated by one long simple root and one short simple root; whereas if $a= b$, $\Delta$ is symmetric and is generated by two long simple roots. We prove that if $a\neq b$, then $\Delta$ contains an infinite family of symmetric rank 2 hyperbolic root subsystems $H(k,k)$ for certain $k\geq 3$, generated by either two short or two long simple roots. We also prove that $\Delta$ contains non-symmetric rank 2 hyperbolic root subsystems $H(a',b')$, for certain $a',b'\in\mathbb{Z}$ with $a'b'\geq 5$. One of our tools is a characterization of the types of root subsystems that are generated by a subset of roots. We classify these types of subsystems in rank 2 hyperbolic root systems.
H ingestion into He-burning convection zones in super-AGB stellar models as a potential site for intermediate neutron-density nucleosynthesis

We investigate the evolution of super-AGB (SAGB) thermal pulse (TP) stars for a range of metallicities (Z) and explore the effect of convective boundary mixing (CBM). With decreasing metallicity and evolution along the TP phase, the He-shell flash and the third dredge-up (TDU) occur closer together in time. After some time (depending upon the CBM parametrization), efficient TDU begins while the pulse-driven convection zone (PDCZ) is still present, causing a convective exchange of material between the PDCZ and the convective envelope. This results in the ingestion of protons into the convective He-burning pulse. Even small amounts of CBM encourage the interaction of the convection zones leading to transport of protons from the convective envelope into the He layer. H-burning luminosities exceed 109 (in some cases 1010) L⊙. We also calculate models of dredge-out in the most massive SAGB stars and show that the dredge-out phenomenon is another likely site of convective-reactive H-12C combustion. We discuss the substantial uncertainties of stellar evolution models under these conditions. Nevertheless, the simulations suggest that in the convective-reactive H-combustion regime of H ingestion the star may encounter conditions for the intermediate neutron capture process (i-process). We speculate that some CEMP-s/r stars could originate in i-processmore » conditions in the H ingestion phases of low-Z SAGB stars. This scenario would however suggest a very low electron-capture supernova rate from SAGB stars. Here, we also simulate potential outbursts triggered by such H ingestion events, present their light curves and briefly discuss their transient properties. « less
Establishing Relationship Between Maternal Sociodemographic Characteristics and Lead in Umbilical Cord Blood Serum

Aim: To find the correlation between the concentration of lead and maternal sociodemographic characteristics like age, living area (urban or rural), housing style (slum type, cemented, or floored), living place (near industry or far from industry), water supply (piped water or direct water from source) and epidemiological characteristics like mother’s occupation, mother’s gestation age, mother’s active smoking habit. Method: A total of 100 umbilical cord blood serum samples were collected from Lala Lajpat Rai Medical (LLRM) College, Meerut and estimation of lead was done using Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). This study was conducted between April 2014 and March 2015. Result and conclusions: Data suggested that the percentage of lead is more in cord blood serum samples of mother who were working and were non-housewife and residing in urban area due to exposure to traffic, industries and pollution. The correlation of mother’s working place with lead concentration showed that the mothers who were industrial worker had more lead concentration whereas the level of heavy metal was found elevated in mother’s who were drinking piped water. The data suggested that the mothers who smoked have more lead concentration in comparison to non-smoking mother. Received: 02-102017
Efeito do conteúdo de água e da compactação do solo na produção de soja

Soil compaction has been limiting physical factor to plants growth. This work aimed to evaluate the production of soybean ( Glycine max cv. EMBRAPA 48) as affected by water content and soil compaction. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a factorial scheme 4x2, i.e., four levels of resistance to penetration (between 0.27 and 4.32 MPa) and two levels of soil water retention (0.05 and 0.01 MPa). Samples of Red Latossol medium texture and Red Latossol clayey were collected in 0-20 cm depth, sieved in mesh of 0.4 cm and compacted in layers of 3 cm in pots of 20 cm height and 25 cm of diameter (9.82 L). The levels of resistance to penetration were determined with dynamometric ring penetrometer. The critical level of soil resistance to penetration, in relation to grains production, was 1.66 and 2.22 MPa, in Red Latossol medium texture, and 3.05 and 2.81 MPa, in Red Latossol clayey, for the water content in tension of 0.05 and 0.01 MPa, respectively. The higher grains production was obtained in tension of 0.01 MPa. Soybean production is affected by levels of soil resistance to penetration superior to 2 MPa in latossols under tension of 0.01 MPa.
Regulation of Bank Capital Requirements and Bank Risk-Taking Behaviour: Evidence from the Nigerian Banking Industry

This study examines how the regulation of bank minimum capital base in Nigeria interacts with the bank risk-taking behavior of the bank operators. Adopting the ex-post-facto researchdesign the study presented in this paper ascertained the effect of the regulation of bank capital on bank risk-taking behavior utilizing post financial crises annualreports of quoted banks from years 2009-2013. Simultaneous linear regressions were used to ascertain the behaviour of banks to regulatory capital requirements from time to time. The panel least squares result suggests that risk, size, and interest margin (spread), and capital adequacy relate positively with changes in risk thus implying that an increase in size and capital, increases bank risk taking appetite. Conclusively, therefore, regulation pressure has a negative correlation with capital adequacy and risk taking appetite but does not significantly affect the capital adequacy as well as risk taking appetite of Nigerian banks.