Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Active Filler Selection on Foamed Bitumen Mixture in Western Australia

This study investigated the effects of different active filler types and contents on the mechanical properties of foamed bitumen treated materials under laboratory conditions. Four different active fillers were tested namely Portland cement, hydrated lime, quicklime and fly ash, at varying concentration of 0%, 1%, 3% and 5%. To evaluate the effects of the additional active fillers, samples were prepared under laboratory conditions and tested using indirect tensile strength, indirect tensile resilient modulus and unconfined compressive strength tests. Based upon our findings, all active filler types except fly ash contributed in improving the strength of foamed bitumen mixtures at different levels. Cement, regardless of adding contents, always provided the highest mechanical performance compared with the other two counterparts: hydrated lime and quicklime. Fly ash was deliberated to be precluded because fly ash on its own did not affect any mechanical strength of foamed bitumen mixes instead it acted as a mineral filler to modify aggregate gradation. The addition of active filler content should be limited within 3% in terms of strength gain and potential cracking prevent when mixing with 4% foamed bitumen content and locally sourced raw materials for base course.
Development of mathematical and language literacy among Roma students

The main goal of the paper is to analyze educational achievements of Roma students in the lower grades of compulsory education in Serbia, as well as to find out what is the influence of the socio-economic status and the quality of education on the educational achievements. The main source of data is the Grade 3 National Assessment Study which is implemented in Serbia during year 2004. The results show that there is big gap regarding to the educational achievements between Roma and non-Roma students (average score of Roma is more than 130 points behind of national average; about 50% of Roma students do not develop even the basic mathematical and language literacy; and the repeating rate is about 11%). Secondary analysis of the results shows that about 40% of this gap can be explained by the lower socio-economical status of Roma, and about 60% is determined by the lower level of education quality delivered to Roma students in Serbian schools. Moreover, based on the analysis, some aspects of the lower education quality are determined: Roma students are in higher extent than non-Roma students into the classes with the lowest education quality, teachers have lower expectations from Roma students and support them in less extent, curriculum is "shortened" and "simplified" for Roma, etc. The conclusion of the study is that without waiting for general improvement of living and social conditions in which Roma population live in Serbia, there is big space for improvement of education quality delivered to Roma students in Serbian schools.
Assessment of Knowledge Regarding Child Abuse and its Prevention among Mothers of Selected Rural Community, West Bengal

A descriptive study to assess knowledge regarding child abuse and its prevention among mothers in selected rural community, West Bengal, with one of objectives to find out the association between knowledge score with selected demographic variables among mothers. For this study non-experimental descriptive research approach and descriptive survey design were adapted. The study was conducted at Bhasa, South 24 PGS form 19 May 2017 to 30 July 2017. The data was collected from 100 mothers who had child below 14 years of age by purposive sampling technique with administering semi structured interview schedule on demographic data and structured knowledge interview schedule on child abuse and its prevention. Reliability of the tool was established by Cronbach’s alpha method and found 0.78. Overall findings on knowledge score of mothers showed that 4 %, 22%, 44%, 30% mothers had scored excellent, good, average, poor knowledge score respectively. Majority of mothers in the area of physical abuse (43%), psychological abuse (38%), sexual abuse (29%) and neglect (56%) had poor knowledge score. Majority of mothers in the area of definition and description (44%), and prevention (46%) scored average. There were significant association found between knowledge score with age (x=4.6*;p<0.05), education (x=8.9*; p<0.05), occupation (x=4.48*; p<0.05). There were no significant (x=0.49, p>0.05) association between knowledge score with monthly family income. The study conclude that the most of mothers have average knowledge regarding child abuse and its prevention but mothers are usually overlook neglect as one of the categories of child-abuse and improvement in societal status of mothers in terms of education, occupation can be a step to prevent child abuse. The findings of the study have implication in the different fields in nursing. This study recommends for assessment of prevalence, awareness programme and qualitative study on child abuse and its prevention.
Influence of vertical migration pattern on retention of crab larvae in a seasonal upwelling system

Coasts subjected to upwelling are very ad- vective environments where zooplanktonic organisms face forcible removal from the system. Partition of time be- tween a surface layer, which is under the direct influence of the wind, and a deeper layer, dominated by the compen- sation counterflow, has been proposed as a mechanism that could enhance retention over the shelf. We used a 3-dimensional numerical model to examine the hypothesis that diel vertical migration (DVM) is able to retain larvae of the littoral crab Carcinus maenas over the shelf of the northwestern Iberian upwelling system. Simulations contrasted 2 different wind regimes typical of winter (non- upwelling) and spring (upwelling), and 4 scenarios of ver- tical distribution: 2 with nocturnal DVM and 2 without DVM. Larvae were simulated as particles released in the model during neap tides at semilunar intervals, to simulate the hatching behaviour of the species, and were followed for 5 wk, which approximates the average larval devel- opment time of the species. The particles from the different migration scenarios showed very different responses to wind forcing. Particles without DVM were more sensitive to wind-driven surface currents and were often advected seaward of the shelf break, even during winter when up- welling events were less frequent and of short duration. Particles with DVM were consistently distributed over the shelf, and were very frequently found in the inner shelf re- gion during upwelling. This was accomplished by a larger proportion of time spent in the onshore underflow, which dragged the particles shorewards, than at the surface. The results of the simulations show that, for larvae of littoral species exhibiting DVM over a large expanse of the water column, upwelling may actually be a mechanism that enhances retention over the shelf.
KNOWLEDGE, PATTERN AND DETERMINANTS OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONSUMPTION AMONG LOW INCOME CIVIL SERVANTS IN ZARIA METROPOLIS, NIGERIA.

The health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables are numerous as confirmed by several studies. This has informed the recommendation that at least 400g of fruits and vegetable be taken per person per day. However, the knowledge and intake of this essential aspect of nutrition is globally poor, more so among low income consumers. This study sought to elicit the knowledge, pattern and determinants of fruits and vegetable consumption among low income civil servants in Zaria metropolis Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was adopted in selecting four (4), government establishment and 310 respondents on salary grades level (GL) 01-06. Data generated from the interview of respondents using a structured questionnaire were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Results show that knowledge of health benefits was high at 83.8%, while actual consumption of regular basis was low at 33.4%. The consumption pattern for specific fruits and vegetables further revealed very dismal intake levels. Among the consumption determinants, age (r=0.133) was significant at p<0.05, while sex (r=0.256), family size (r=0.074), educational levels (r=0.135) and salary grade level (=0.057) were statistically significant at p<0.01 level respectively. Constraints limiting consumption were identified and ranked to include poor wages/salaries competing demands on income and high cost of fruits and vegetables in that order. Recommendations factored on mass sensitization have been proffered with a view to improving availability and consumption levels
Study On The Impact Of Linkage Capabilities On Technological Competitive Advantage And Firm Performance In The Automotive Industry In Malaysia

This paper concentrates on applying the resource-based view (RBV) of firms to explain performance in the automotive industry in Malaysia. Particularly, we established our research on the comprehensive framework of RBV and reviewed previous empirical researchers to examine the relationship between linkage capabilities (LC), technological competitive advantage and firm performance. Linkage capabilities were operationalized as a second-order construct with three components: internal linkage, external commercial linkage, and linkage with public research institutions, government agencies and association. The analysis is carried out by using data from 56 companies in the automotive industry in Malaysia. Data were analyzed applying partial least squares (PLS) technique. The results indicate that indicates that the linkage capabilities has positive relationship to the technological competitive advantage and firm performance, however technological competitive advantage had no significant effect on firm performance and hence no mediation effect is established. Among three of first constructs of linkage capabilities, internal linkages found to have the strongest relationship with its higher-order construct (linkage capabilities) in Malaysian automotive industry. These findings have considerable implications for academics as well as practitioners. Finally, this study also provides directions for future research.
Continuous-Variable Quantum Key Distribution using Thermal States

We consider the security of continuous-variable quantum key distribution using thermal (or noisy) Gaussian resource states. Specifically, we analyze this against collective Gaussian attacks using direct and reverse reconciliation where both protocols use either homodyne or heterodyne detection. We show that in the case of direct reconciliation with heterodyne detection, an improved robustness to channel noise is achieved when large amounts of preparation noise is added, as compared to the case when no preparation noise is added. We also consider the theoretical limit of infinite preparation noise and show a secure key can still be achieved in this limit provided the channel noise is less than the preparation noise. Finally, we consider the security of quantum key distribution at various electromagnetic wavelengths and derive an upper bound related to an entanglement-breaking eavesdropping attack and discuss the feasibility of microwave quantum key distribution.
Computation of Multiple-Contact Frictional Equilibrium Postures in Three-Dimensional Gravitational Environments

This paper is concerned with the problem of identifying equilibrium postures of a spatial mechanism supported by multiple frictional contacts in a three-dimensional gravitational field. The complex kinematic structure of the mechanism is lumped into a single rigid body, B, with a variable center-of-mass and fixed contacts. The identification of the equilibrium postures associated with a given set of contacts is reduced to the identification of center-of-mass locations that maintain equilibrium of B. The static response of B to an external wrench involves static indeterminacy and nonlinear frictional constraints. In this work we define a natural parametrization of the indeterminate contact forces for threecontacts postures, and derive an efficient approximation of the center-of-mass feasible region R in explicit closed form, accounting for the nonlinear friction constraints. Then we formulate the exact boundary of R as the solution of implicit high-order polynomials. For a general number of contacts, we show that computing R can be formulated as a projection of a high-dimensional region onto a two-dimensional plane. We then use polyhedral approximation of the quadratic friction cones, and apply an efficient algorithm for projection of high-dimensional convex polytopes to derive a polyhedral approximation of R. Finally, we discuss the limitations of our work, and present some relevant open problems.
SODIC-FERRI-FERROPEDRIZITE AND FERRI-CLINOFERROHOLMQUISTITE: MINERAL DATA AND DEGREE OF ORDER OF THE A-SITE CATIONS IN Li-RICH AMPHIBOLES

A systematic examination of metamorphic episyenites in the Pedriza Massif, Sierra de Guadarrama, Spain, allowed detection of two more distinct Li-rich C 2/ m amphibole species. They can be related to previously described species via the homovalent exchanges M 1(Fe2+Mg−1) and M 2(Fe3+Al−1), and represent the compositions richest in Fe in this compositional space. The ideal formula of ferri-clinoferroholmquistite is A □ B Li2 C (Fe3+ 2Fe2+ 3) T Si8 O22 X (OH)2, and that of sodic-ferri-ferropedrizite is A Na B Li2 C (Fe3+ 2Fe2+ 2Li) T Si8 O22 X (OH)2, with Z = 2. Holotype ferri-clinoferroholmquistite (IMA–CNMMN 2001–066), A (Na0.28K0.00)∑0.28 B (Li1.90Na0.08Ca0.02)∑2.00 C (Fe3+ 1.68Fe2+ 1.55Mg1.06Li0.28Al0.26Ti0.01Mn2+ 0.14Zn0.02)∑5.00 T Si8.00 O22O3(OH1.79F0.24)∑2.03, has a 9.462(6), b 17.898(9), c 5.302(3) A, β 101.88(4)°, V 878.6(2) A3. Holotype sodic-ferri-ferropedrizite (IMA–CNMMN 2001– 068), A (Na0.53K0.03)∑0.56 B (Li1.82Na0.15Ca0.03)∑2.00 C (Fe3+ 1.55Fe2+ 1.49Mg0.95Li0.58Al0.21Ti0.13 Mn2+ 0.07Zn0.01)∑4.99 T Si8.00 O22 X (OH1.45F0.52)∑1.97, has a 9.496(4), b 17.883(8), c 5.297(2) A, β 102.06(3)°, V 879.6(2) A3. Sodic-ferri-ferropedrizite and ferri-clinoferroholmquistite are both black, with a vitreous luster. They have a gray streak and do not show fluorescence under long-and short-wave ultraviolet light; they are brittle with an uneven fracture, and have the characteristic {110} cleavage of monoclinic amphiboles. The calculated values of density are 3.23 and 3.24 g/cm3, and the calculated mean indices of refraction are 1.708 and 1.710, respectively. The shape of the electron density at the A sites changes as a function of the B Li and C Li contents, suggesting that cation ordering is strongly affected by local bond-valence requirements. This feature is confirmed by systematic bond-valence – bond-strength calculations, which support the sequence ( M 4′Li–O3F– Am Na) > ( M 4′Li–O3OH– Am Na) of preferred local configurations.
A METHODOLOGY FOR TESTING ARBITRARY BILATERAL BIT-LEVEL SYSTOLIC ARRAYS

In this paper, we discuss the controllability and observability issues in bilateral bit-level systolic arrays. We have introduced a new concept—‘Sj-controllability in M steps’, which is somewhat analogous to the concept of C-testability and refers to the fact that all the cells in the array can be set to the state Sj in at most M steps after initialization. Systolic arrays where the value of M is independent of the length, of the array are characterized. Our testing procedure is based on partitioning the array into several identical subarrays which allows us to apply a repetitive pattern of tests and propagate test outcome to the observable extremities so that every cell in the array is tested by a minimum sequence of tests. Based on this concept,we have developed a set of sufficient conditions for an arbitrary bilateral bit-level systolic array to be testable for single faults.
The Mc-Γ Distribution and Its Statistical Properties : An Application to Reliability Data

Abstract The gamma distribution has been widely used in many research areas such as engineering, hydrology and survival analysis. We propose a new distribution, called the McDonald gamma distribution, which presents greater flexibility to model scenarios involving non-negative data. The new density function is represented as a double linear combination of gamma densities. We also propose analytical expressions for some mathematical quantities: moments, moment generating function, log-moment, mean deviations, Lorentz and Bonferroni curves, order statistics, entropy and quantile function. The score function and the observed information matrix of this new distribution are derived. A real data set is used to illustrate the importance of the proposed model.
Auto-Vectorization Techniques for Modern SIMD Architectures

The current speed of the development of SIMD hardware promises a steady performance enhancement of vectorized code. But more and broader vector registers as well as new instructions require a constant adjustment of the used auto-vectorization techniques in order to avoid obstacles and to exploit the provided means to a maximum effect. The paper introduces approaches targeting particular features of modern and upcoming SIMD Architectures. All presented approaches were recently realized in our source-to-source vectorizer Scout. They address issues encountered during the vectorization of production codes, mainly from the CFD domain. The performance measurements show considerable speedups of codes auto-vectorized by Scout over conventionally vectorized codes. Thus programs can benefit from modern SIMD hardware even more by enhancing auto-vectorization techniques with the introduced methods.
Temporal Limits of Visual Motion Processing: Psychophysics and Neurophysiology

Under optimal conditions, just 3–6 ms of visual stimulation suffices for humans to see motion. Motion perception on this timescale implies that the visual system under these conditions reliably encodes, transmits, and processes neural signals with near-millisecond precision. Motivated by in vitro evidence for high temporal precision of motion signals in the primate retina, we investigated how neuronal and perceptual limits of motion encoding relate. Specifically, we examined the correspondence between the time scale at which cat retinal ganglion cells in vivo represent motion information and temporal thresholds for human motion discrimination. The timescale for motion encoding by ganglion cells ranged from 4.6 to 91 ms, and depended non-linearly on temporal frequency, but not on contrast. Human psychophysics revealed that minimal stimulus durations required for perceiving motion direction were similarly brief, 5.6–65 ms, and similarly depended on temporal frequency but, above ~10%, not on contrast. Notably, physiological and psychophysical measurements corresponded closely throughout (r = 0.99), despite more than a 20-fold variation in both human thresholds and optimal timescales for motion encoding in the retina. The match in absolute values of the neurophysiological and psychophysical data may be taken to indicate that from the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) through to the level of perception little temporal precision is lost. However, we also show that integrating responses from multiple neurons can improve temporal resolution, and this potential trade-off between spatial and temporal resolution would allow for loss of temporal resolution after the LGN. While the extent of neuronal integration cannot be determined from either our human psychophysical or neurophysiological experiments and its contribution to the measured temporal resolution is unknown, our results demonstrate a striking similarity in stimulus dependence between the temporal fidelity established in the retina and the temporal limits of human motion discrimination.
Stability and bifurcations for dissipative polynomial automorphisms of C^2

We study stability and bifurcations in holomorphic families of polynomial automorphisms of C^2. We say that such a family is weakly stable over some parameter domain if periodic orbits do not bifurcate there. We first show that this defines a meaningful notion of stability, which parallels in many ways the classical notion of J-stability in one-dimensional dynamics. In the second part of the paper, we prove that under an assumption of moderate dissipativity, the parameters displaying homoclinic tangencies are dense in the bifurcation locus. This confirms one of Palis' Conjectures in the complex setting. The proof relies on the formalism of semi-parabolic bifurcation and the construction of "critical points" in semi-parabolic basins (which makes use of the classical Denjoy-Carleman-Ahlfors and Wiman Theorems).
Bankruptcy Law and the Cost of Credit: The Impact of Cramdown on Mortgage Interest Rates

Recent proposals to address housing market troubles through principal modification could increase the cost of credit in the mortgage market. We explore this possibility using historical variation in federal judicial rulings regarding whether Chapter 13 bankruptcy filers could reduce the principal owed on a home loan to the home’s market value. The practice, known as cramdown, was definitively prohibited by the Supreme Court in 1993. We find that home loans closed during the time when cramdown was allowed had interest rates 12–16 basis points higher than loans closed in the same state when cramdown was not allowed, which translates to a roughly 1 percent increase in monthly payments. Consistent with the theory that lenders are pricing in the risk of principal modification, interest rate increases are higher for the riskiest borrowers and zero for the least risky and higher in states where Chapter 13 filing is more common.
Forced Oscillations in Applied Respiratory Physiology: Clinical Applications

Cite this article: Lappas AS, Tzortzi AS, Behrakis PK (2014) Forced Oscillations in Applied Respiratory Physiology: Clinical Applications. Clin Res Pulmonol 2(2): 1016. *Corresponding author Andreas S Lappas, Centre for Smoking and Lung Cancer Research, Hellenic Cancer Society (Heart II Project) and National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Postal Address: 46 Mesogeion Ave. P.C. 11527, Athens, Tel: 2107751641; 2106470056; 693074 2320; Email:
Servant Leadership in Sport: A New Paradigm for Effective Coach Behavior

Coaches are searching for contemporary leadership models which resonate with the modern-day athlete. Many elements of the Servant Leadership model, such as trust, inclusion, humility and service, are well suited to enhanced coach behaviors with this cohort. The purpose of this study was to examine how coaches who were perceived by their athletes to possess “servant leader” characteristics were associated with their athletes' use of mental skills, motivation, satisfaction and performance Participants were 195 high-school basketball athletes from the Pacific Northwest in the USA. It was found that athletes who perceived their coach to possess servant leader qualities also displayed higher intrinsic motivation, were more task oriented, were more satisfied, were “mentally tougher,” and performed better than were athletes coached by non-servant leaders. Furthermore, results showed that high-school basketball athletes preferred the servant-leader coaching style to more traditional styles. Results suggest that coaches who use the methods advocated by the servant-leader model produce athletes with a healthier psychological profile for sport who also perform well.