Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transport of marine microplastic particles: why is it so difficult to predict?

Marine microplastic particles (MPs, <5 mm) exhibit wide ranges of densities, sizes, and shapes, so that the entire MPs “ensemble” at every time instant can be characterized by continuous distributions of these parameters. Accordingly, this community of particles demonstrates distributions of dynamical properties, such as sinking or rising velocity, critical shear stress, and the re-suspension threshold. Moreover, all the MPs’ properties vary significantly with the time spent in marine environment and with particular conditions experienced by the particle on its journey. A brief review of the present-day numerical efforts towards prediction of MPs transport shows the prevalence of the Lagrangian particle tracking approach, especially for floating litter. In a broader context, the present practice of MPs transport modelling follows the “selective” strategy (e.g., only a certain sub-class of MPs, or specific processes, are considered, sometimes in only one- or two-dimensional setting). The heterogeneous nature of MPs, their enormous longevity and movability in marine environment, and the wide spectrum of the involved environmental processes suggest further integration (or coupling) of different models in future, as well as application of other types of models (ensemble modeling, chaos theory approaches, machine learning, etc.) to the problems of MPs transport and fate in the marine environment.
Inter-Rater Reliability of Quantitative Knee Tendon Reflex Test for Healthy Subjects

The purpose of this study was to evaluate inter-rater reliability of the amplitude and first knee extension angles in deep tendon reflex test by using an electrical hammer. Twenty-five healthy adults participated in the study. Compound muscle action potential is elicited by tapping the knee tendon with an electrical hammer in deep tendon reflex tests. The amplitude and knee extension angle were simultaneously measured. The mean value of the amplitude and the knee extension angles through three time trials for each tester, are used for determining the inter-rater and Intra-class Correlation Coefficients (ICCs) reliabilities. According to the results, the ICCs of the amplitude is . 280 and that of the knee extension angle is . 789. Pearson correlation coefficients of the amplitude of the action potential and the knee extension angles are . 685, showing significant statistically moderate correlation. Inter-rater reliability in the amplitude was not significant. More objective and quantitative deep tendon reflex tests should be done to obtain higher reliability in further studies.
Working through the Smog: How White Individuals Develop Critical Consciousness of White Saviorism

White saviorism, as a form of individual, cultural, and institutional racism, results in the systemic silencing and dehumanization of Brown and Black individuals by maintaining white privilege while simultaneously upholding systems of oppression. One step that can be taken to work toward eliminating white saviorism is to support white individuals in becoming more effective in their racial justice efforts, particularly with regard to changing the structures and systems upholding current power imbalances. This study seeks to understand how white individuals develop critical consciousness of white saviorism. In doing so, this study seeks to provide findings that can be utilized in the development of supportive interventions to strengthen white individuals’ capacities to eliminate power imbalances maintaining white saviorism. This qualitative, phenomenological research explores how seven white individuals from a diverse array of disciplines and backgrounds are developing critical consciousness of white saviorism. Each participant was interviewed one time via video chat or phone call for approximately an hour. The interviews were then coded thematically. The research draws from an interdisciplinary perspective and identifies how white racial identity development informs the development of critical consciousness of white saviorism. The research identifies five stages experienced by the white study participants who are developing critical consciousness of white saviorism including; socialization, dissonance, distance and performance, introspection, and reconstruction. The discussion explores how these five stages might influence which types of support are most effective at each stage in the development of critical consciousness of white saviorism. WORKING THROUGH THE SMOG 5
The Effect of Sonication on Bubble Size and Sensory Perception of Carbonated Water to Improve Quality and Consumer Acceptability

Bubbles are important for carbonated beverage quality since smaller bubbles contribute to higher acceptability. Therefore, the effects and acceptability of the application of audible sound in carbonated water were studied using three brands and applying five frequencies for one minute each in ascending order. Six samples, two from each brand, were used for treatments: (i) control and (ii) sonication. Physicochemical measurements consisted of total dissolved solids (TDS), electric conductivity (EC), pH, bubble size, and bubble size distribution. A sensory session (N = 30) was conducted using the Bio-Sensory application to assess acceptability and emotions using self-reported and biometric responses. Statistical analysis included: ANOVA (α = 0.05) and principal component analysis (PCA) for quantitative data and Cochran Q test with pairwise comparisons (p < 0.05) for self-reported emotion responses. Results showed that the sonication effect for the sample with higher TDS, EC, and pH (SPS) reduced bubble size by 46%, while in those with lowest TDS, EC, and pH (IceS) caused an increase of 158% compared to the control. For samples with intermediate values (NuS), there were non-significant differences (p > 0.05) compared to the control. Acceptability was higher for samples with sonication for the three brands. Emotional self-reported responses were more positive for samples with sonication, showing significant differences (p < 0.05) for emotions such as “happy” and “pleased” during both sound and visual assessments. From PCA, a positive relationship between bubble size and liking of bubbles was found as well as for the number of medium bubbles and happy facial expression. The audible sound generated by ubiquitous sound systems may potentially be used by the industry, applying it to the bottled product to modify bubble size and improve quality and acceptability of carbonated beverages.
Hybrid Multi-Domain Analytical and Data-Driven Modeling for Feed Systems in Machine Tools

Position error-compensation control in the servo system of computerized numerical control (CNC) machine tools relies on accurate prediction of dynamic tracking errors of the machine tool feed system. In this paper, in order to accurately predict dynamic tracking errors, a hybrid modeling method is proposed and a dynamic model of the ball screw feed system is developed. Firstly, according to the law of conservation of energy, a complete multi-domain system analytical model of a ball screw feed system was established based on energy flow. In order to overcome the uncertainties of the analytical model, then the data-driven model based on the back propagation (BP) neural network was established and trained using experimental data. Finally, the data-driven model was coupled with the multi-domain analytical model and the hybrid model was developed. The model was verified by experiment at different velocities and the results show that the prediction accuracy of the hybrid model reaches high levels. The hybrid modeling method combines the advantages of analytical modeling and data-driven modeling methods, and can significantly improve the feed system’s modeling accuracy. The research results of this paper are of great significance to improve the compensation control accuracy of CNC machine tools.
Acute sleep hygiene strategy improves objective sleep latency following a late-evening soccer-specific training session: A randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of sleep hygiene (SH) education on sleep quality in soccer players after a late-evening small-sided-game (SSG) training session. Twenty-nine non-professional players were recruited and allocated to either an experimental group (EG, n = 17) that received SH education, or a control group (CG, n = 12). SSG consisted of 3 × 4 min in a 4vs4, with 3 min of recovery and was performed at 8.00 p.m. Sleep quality was monitored via actigraphy and sleep diary entries before (PRE) and two nights after (POST1, POST2) the SSG. Sleep latency (SL) differed between the two groups at POST1 (4.9 ± 5.4 vs. 15.5 ± 16.1 for EG and CG, respectively; p = 0.017, effect size [ES] = 2.0); SL values were lower at POST1 compared to PRE for the EG (−47%; p = 0.021, ES = 0.6). Subjective sleep quality was better in the EG than the CG at POST1 (8.6 ± 1.0 vs. 7.1 ± 2.0 for EG and CG, respectively; p = 0.016, ES = 0.9) with a significant improvement over PRE-values (+11.0%, p = 0.004, ES = 0.8). Although SL and subjective sleep quality did not decrease significantly from POST1 to POST2 values at POST2 no longer differed significantly form baseline and, hence, indicate that observed effects may be short-lasting. No other objective sleep indices were influenced by late-evening training or SH practices implemented by the EG. Soccer players may benefit from acute SH strategies to reduce the time to sleep onset after late-evening training sessions.
Medium and large mammals of the mid Planas River basin, Colombia

Estudiamos la diversidad de mamíferos medianos y grandes en un área no protegida de la Orinoquia Colombiana durante tres años, empleando cámaras trampa en 72 estaciones de muestreo y haciendo recorridos por bosques y sabanas. Con un esfuerzo de 1789 días-cámara y 469.5 km recorridos se documentaron 31 especies de mamíferos (9 órdenes, 19 familias). Se registraron especies amenazadas como ocarro (Priodontes maximus), danta (Tapirus terrestris), pecarí de labio blanco (Tayassu pecari) y hormiguero gigante (Myrmecophaga tridactyla). Se registraron especies raras, como el perro vinagre (Speothos venaticus) y semiendémicas como el cachicamo sabanero (Dasypus sabanicola). Las especies mejor representadas a través del índice de abundancia relativa fueron el pecarí de collar (Pecari tajacu) y la zarigüeya (Didelphis marsupialis). Las especies registradas se enfrentan a diversas presiones, como cacería para subsistencia, especies invasoras y ganadería. Por lo tanto, los resultados sugieren que las áreas no protegidas son importantes para la conservación de los mamíferos en los Llanos Orientales de Colombia.
Prevalence and identification of systemic markers of sub-clinical endometritis in postpartum dairy cows.

The prevalence of sub-clinical endometritis (scEndo) and identification of serum markers of scEndo was investigated in pasture-fed, postpartum dairy cows. Mixed age lactating dairy cows (n = 169) were examined for uterine health status on day (D) 21 postpartum (± 3 days) by Metricheck classification. On D42 in a subpopulation (n = 47; 32 clean, 15 scEndo) Metricheck assessment was repeated and uterine cytology undertaken on D21 and D42 [scEndo = polymorphicnuclear (PMN) cells >18%]. Uterine bacteriology, as well as haematological, biochemical and milk parameters were also measured. The prevalence of scEndo was 15/169 (8.9%) and 4/47 (8.5%) cows on D21 and D42 respectively. A high incidence of self-resolving scEndo (11/15, 73%) was revealed. Numerous species of pathogenic bacteria were isolated from both scEndo and clean cows. Despite the uterine infection being sub-clinical, systemic markers were detectable as on D21 and D42 haematological and biochemical parameters differed. Irrespective of the scEndo classification method used, the mean blood neutrophil concentration was higher (P <0.05) and plasma albumin lower (<0.05) in scEndo cows compared to clean cows. Milk fat and protein % also differed (P <0.05) between scEndo and clean cows. The monitoring in early lactation of these markers could aid identification of scEndo, thereby preventing potentially detrimental effects on subsequent fertility.
Water quality on farms in northwest Croatia

Marija DENŽIĆ LUGOMER*, Grad. Eng. Chem. (Corresponding author, e-mail: denzic.vzk@veinst.hr), Damir PAVLIČEK, Mag. Chem., Maja KIŠ, Mag. Ing. Bioproc. , Vesna JAKI TKALEC, DVM, PhD, Jadranka SOKOLOVIĆ, DVM, Sanja FURMEG, Mag. Ing. Sanit. , Expert Associate, Darko MAJNARIĆ, DVM, PhD, Scientific Associate, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Veterinary Department Križevci, Križevci, Croatia Abstract This study shows the results of research on the chemical and microbiological quality of drinking water samples from farms in the area of northwest Croatia. A total of 120 samples of water from different farms (65 chicken broiler and laying hen farms, 45 cattle farms, and 10 swine farms) that were collected throughout 2016 and spring 2017 were analyzed. A basic microbiological analysis was performed using the following parameters: total coliforms, Escherichia coli, intestinal enterococci, colony count at 36 °C and 22 °C, Clostridium perfringens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A physicochemical analysis was conducted using the following parameters: taste, odor, color, pH, hardness, free chlorine, chlorides, sulfates, nitrites, nitrates, sodium, ammonium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron and consumption of KMnO4. Of the 120 analyzed samples, 40.0% were microbiologically unsuitable and 37.5% were chemically unsuitable under Croatian water quality regulations (Official Gazette (OG) 125/2013, 141/2013, 128/2015). The analysis of the water supply on farms in northwest Croatia reveals a high percentage (58.3%) of chemically and/or microbiologically unsuitable water samples. All of the unsuitable samples came from wells, and it may be concluded that it is necessary to conduct more water quality controls, appropriate surveillance and disinfection on a regular basis.
Recruitment and selection in the UK care sector: a longitudinal study of effectiveness in resourcing methods and practice

The UK adult social care sector is growing constantly and finds itself under continuous scrutiny and evaluation regarding the conduct and effectiveness of its workers. This creates a dual challenge to organisations and recruiters to continue to provide an effective and efficient service whilst ensuring high care standards. The challenge is accentuated by the high turnover the sector currently experiences. There is a lack of robust recommendations pertaining to recruitment and selection practices, and a lack of identification of the drivers of turnover in adult social care workers. It is this domain that the present research looks to address. This research seeks to (1) Establish criteria for effective performance of care workers in adult social care, (2) Identify the individual level antecedents of effective performance, (3) Identify the conditions under which antecedents are enhanced or inhibited in achieving effective performance, (4) Develop a strategy for the recruitment and selection of effective care workers, (5) Identify the drivers of retention and attrition in the adult social care sector. The thesis presents the findings of three research studies, with the first two informing the third. The first consisted of interviews with present and past care workers to ascertain drivers of satisfaction and retention versus dissatisfaction and turnover. The second developed and validated a performance effectiveness measure to assess care worker performance. The third consisted of a longitudinal study of care worker effectiveness.This looked to identify the antecedents to effective care worker performance and the wider aspects that may impact on whether performance in realised. This then informed a strategy for the recruitment and selection of care workers. The findings of the main research study revealed: (1) There is no one set of variables that lead to all care worker effectiveness areas,(2) Recruitment and selection recommendations divide into three models: performance, job satisfaction and turnover intention, and actual turnover, (3) Personality has an important role to play in care worker effectiveness. (4) Organisational practices are influential in care worker practices. Theoretical and practical recommendations are also discussed.
Teaching, assessing and evaluation for clinical competence : a practical guide for practitioners and teachers

"Acknowledgements 1. Introductions 2. Strategy For Learning 3. Teaching And Facilitation Of Learning 4. Assessment Of Student's Clinical Competence 5. Evaluation Of Learning Facilitation Appendix 1 Appendix 2 Appendix 3 Appendix 4 Appendix 5 Glossary Reference Index "
Improving the quality of spiritual care as a dimension of palliative care

Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, BRN Provider #: CEP 13380 for 12 contact hours; and course meets the qualifications for 12 hours of continuing education credit for MFTs and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, BBS Provider#: PCE 2401 (CE Provider: City of Hope National Medical Center/Beckman Research Institute). No partial CEs given. You must attend entire program to receive CEs. The National Consensus Project (NCP) Guidelines and National Quality Forum (NQF) Preferred Practices served as the foundation for the recommendations for a Consensus Conference.
Aprendizado multi-objetivo deredes RBF e de Máquinas de kernel

Conforme a teoria de aprendizagem estat´stica, o erro de treinamento e a complexidade de modelos de aprendizado devem ser certamente equilibrados para uma generalizacao valida, alem de serem minimizados. Os algoritmos de aprendizagem modernos, tais como maquinas de vetores de suporte, atingem esta meta por meio da regularizacao e dos metodos de kernel. A sua combinacao permite de maneira eficiente analisar e construir maquinas de aprendizagem nao-lineares. Nestes algoritmos, devido a nao-convexidade do problema de aprendizagem quando o kernel nao e fixo, a escolha do kernel e efetuada por meio das tecnicas sofisticadas de selecao de modelos, diferentemente da ideia original de equilibrio entre o erro e acomplexidade. Por outro lado, a busca de equilibrio entre o erro e a complexidade de problemas nao-convexos pode ser tratada de maneira multi-objetiva, considerando a aprendizagem supervisionada como o processo de decisao no ambiente de dois objetivos conflitantes. Contudo, metodos modernos de aprendizagem multi-objetiva saovoltados a otimizacao evolucionaria, prestando pouca atencao a implementacao dos principios fundamentais de aprendizagem estatistica. Neste trabalho foi desenvolvida uma abordagem multi-objetiva de aprendizagem supervisionada baseada na extensao dos conceitos tradicionais, tais como regularizacao e maximizacao de margem, aos casos de espacos de hipotese nao-convexos, induzidos com multiplos kernels. No esquema de aprendizagem proposto, as solucoes aproximadas dos problemas, geralmente nao-convexos, sao obtidos por meio de certa decomposicao em conjuntos de sub-problemas convexos, nos quais a programacao nao linear pode ser eficientemente aplicada de maneira deterministica. Com o objetivode implementacao do principio de minimizacao do risco estrutural, varias medidas de complexidade foram propostas, induzindo os correspondentes algoritmos multiobjetivos. Entretanto, a medida de complexidade baseada em suavidade para as redes de funcao da base radial (RBF) permitiu a construcao de um algoritmo multi-objetivo, com a sua capacidade de definicao dos pesos, larguras, centros e quantidades de funcoes-bases. Em combinacao com os criterios de informacao de Akaike e Bayes, o algoritmo proposto demonstrou um alto desempenho de generalizacao em varios problemas-testes de natureza diversa. Com o objetivo de extensao do conceito de maximizacao de margem ao aprendizagem supervisionada com multiplos kernels, astecnicas de normalizacao e equalizacao dos espacos de caracteristicas foram propostas. As suas analises mostraram a necessidade de formulacao de conceito de margem com uma caracteristica mais geral de hiperplano de separacao, tal como sua estabilidade. Como resultado, a medida de complexidade baseada no criterio de estabilidade desenvolvido, cuja adequacao foi confirmada com experimentos, permite a construcao de algoritmos multi-objetivos para as classes de kernel arbitrarios.
Quantitative analyses of optically induced birefringence in azo dye containing polymers

We study the steady-state and dynamics of photo-orientation of photoisomerizable azo dyes in films of polymers by using the Kerr gate optical setup, and we show to what extent such experiments can be used to quantify the dyes photoisomerization and photo-orientation. We report on results at different film thicknesses and absorbances and irradiation light intensities. We rationalize the double exponential growth used to describe empirically the onset of photo-induced birefringence in azo-polymers by using the theory of photo-orientation, and we give analytical expressions for the reaction rates, demonstrating a good agreement with experiments, and we show how to extract the trans → cis isomerization quantum yield from birefringence data. We believe that this work will lead to broader studies of the effect of the environment of complex materials on optically reactive molecules.
An Approach to Generate the Traceability Between Restricted Natural Language Requirements and AADL Models

Requirements traceability is broadly recognized as a critical element of any rigorous software development process, especially for building safety-critical software (SCS) systems. Model-driven development (MDD) is increasingly used to develop SCS in many domains, such as automotive and aerospace. MDD provides new opportunities for establishing traceability links through modeling and model transformations. Architecture Analysis and Design Language (AADL) is a standardized architecture description language for embedded systems, which is widely used in avionics and aerospace industries to model safety-critical applications. However, there is a big challenge to automatically establish the traceability links between requirements and AADL models in the context of MDD, because requirements are mostly written as free natural language texts, which are often ambiguous and difficult to be processed automatically. To bridge the gap between natural language requirements (NLRs) and AADL models, we propose an approach to generate the traceability links between NLRs and AADL models. First, we propose a requirement modeling method based on the restricted natural language, which is named as RM-RNL. The RM-RNL can eliminate the ambiguity of NLRs and barely change engineers’ habits of requirement specification. Second, we present a method to automatically generate the initial AADL models from the RM-RNLs and to automatically establish traceability links between the elements of the RM-RNL and the generated AADL models. Third, we refine the initial AADL models through patterns to achieve the change of requirements and traceability links. Finally, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach with industrial case studies and evaluation experiments.