Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Bicycles on Capacity of Signalized Intersections

Although much is known about the operation of signalized intersections, little or no empirical research has been conducted regarding the effect of bicycles on signalized intersection capacity. The purpose of this study was to accurately quantify the effects of bicycles on signalized intersection capacity through the videotaping of several intersections that had significant bicycle traffic. Through the videotaping of intersections in Davis, California, and Gainesville, Florida, a relationship was determined between bicycle volumes and the percent of the green phase during which bicycle traffic occupies a conflict zone between bicycles and right-turning motor vehicles. It was also determined that one can ascertain the total net occupancy due to pedestrians and bicycles by taking the overlapping effects between bicycles and pedestrians into account. Using this total occupancy due to bicycles and pedestrians, one can calculate a saturation flow adjustment factor (fRph) that reflects the reduction in saturation flow, and ultimately lane group capacity, for lane groups containing vehicles making permissive right turns in the presence of bicycles and pedestrians. The proposed procedure yields lower saturation flows and capacities than the current Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) procedure. In other words, on the basis of empirical data, when combined with pedestrian effects, the impact of bicycles on the saturation flow of lane groups containing right-turning vehicles is probably more detrimental than previously believed, and the capacities of intersections with significant bicycle and pedestrian traffic may be overestimated by using the current HCM procedures.
Factors influencing consumers’ intentions to purchase electric vehicles in Ghana

ABSTRACT Human activity has caused an increase in greenhouse gas emissions – the main cause of major changes in the environment. The transport sector contributes more than a quarter of these emissions. There are efforts, including electrification of the transport sector, underway to reduce these emissions. Ghana, in furtherance of these efforts, intends to introduce electric vehicles to help reduce emissions; but there is no research to understand the factors that influence consumers’ electric vehicle purchase intentions. To explain the purchase intentions, an expanded form of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) was used. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the demographic items. The constructs of the TPB were analyzed – the measurement model and structural model – using AMOS 23. The models satisfied the reliability, validity, and model fit requirements. Factors which influence intentions to purchase electric vehicles have been identified and recommendations given.
Built to attract: Evaluating trade show booth designs using attention analysis in a live communication context

Abstract Trade show booths are focal points in exhibitors’ trade show marketing, as well as platforms for meeting different target groups, most important new and existing customers. Booth designs thus need to attract trade show attendees’ attention; this study explores which design elements are most effective for doing so. Using eye-tracking technology, it reveals which design elements attract visitors’ visual gaze, using both and comparing a two-dimensional photographic artwork based laboratory study to an actual three-dimensional visual live experience context. The results indicate comparable gaze patterns and relative importance of design elements in both research settings, such that the same design elements attract the most attention in lab and live communication environments. Distraction and sensory overload result in considerably fewer absolute gaze contacts on trade show floors though. Furthermore, the results show that visually outstanding components such as towers, canopies, furniture, or interaction elements compel more attention than wallpaper or screens. This study validates the use of eye-tracking tools in three-dimensional contexts. It also offers managerial recommendations to exhibitors to include visually remarkable elements in their booths and to rely on eye-tracking techniques to evaluate available design options.
Caregivers of people with dementia and mental health during COVID-19: findings from a cross-sectional study.

Background: There is sparse evidence on the impact on vulnerable populations of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of our study was to explore burden and mental wellbeing (including depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms) in caregivers of people with dementia during the first wave of the pandemic in Italy and southern Switzerland, two bordering regions severely hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We conducted an online cross-sectional survey with family carers of people with dementia between May and June 2020. We registered socio-demographic characteristics, and information about the relationship with the care recipient, dementia subtype, care inputs from others, and the need of care of the person with dementia. We measured caregiver burden with the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), psychological distress with the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and perceived isolation with the 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale (UCLALS3). Results Caregivers (N=571) reported moderate to severe care-related burden (mean=54.30;SD=18.33), moderate anxiety symptoms (mean=10.04;SD=6.93), mild depressive symptoms (mean=11.79;SD=6.12) and mild stress (mean=12.95;SD=5.53), and 72.3% of participants reported to feel lonely. All scores were significantly more severe in Swiss compared to Italian caregivers (all p values<0.001). Conclusions We found that caregivers’ burden, anxiety symptoms, depression and perceived loneliness were marked during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, in two severely hit bordering countries. Regional differences in the impact of the epidemic on caregivers could be due to contextual, societal, and cultural circumstances. As the pandemic endures, support to caregivers of people with dementia should be proportionate and tailored to needs and adapted to contextual factors.
Does the Disclosure of an Audit Engagement Partner’s Name Improve the Audit Quality? A Difference-in-Difference Analysis

On 15 December 2015, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) passed Rule 3211, requiring audit firms registered with PCAOB in the U.S. to disclose the audit engagement partner’s name in the Form AP, effective 31 January 2017. The regulation aims to improve the transparency and quality of audits, thereby increasing investors’ confidence in financial statements. Using the audit firms registered with the PCAOB and their clients as the treated sample, we employed a difference-in-difference analysis to investigate whether and the extent to which implementing Rule 3211 impacts audit quality and audit costs. We compared the audit quality (proxied by the abnormal discretionary accruals quality, the probability of restating the financial statements, and the ratio of the audit fees to the total fees) and audit costs (proxied by the total audit fees) from one year (up to three years) pre- to one year (up to three years) post-Rule 3211, to a control sample (comprised of U.K. audit firms, which were not subject to such regulation during the sample period). The empirical results generally indicate that there was an increase in the audit quality and in the audit costs from the pre- to the post-Rule 3211 period and also suggest that auditor independence increased in the post-regulation period compared to the pre-regulation period. Our empirical results are new and contribute to the research on the PCAOB and audits.
Modeling of peak voltage and current of nanowire resonant tunneling devices: case study on InAs/InP double‐barrier heterostructures

In this paper, we develop an analytical model for the prediction of the peak voltage and the current in the current–voltage characteristics of nanowire resonant tunneling heterostructures. The model is applied in the case study of double‐barrier InAs/InP devices, and the results are obtained from numerical carrier transport calculations, in terms of structural parameters such as the nanowire radius as well as the width of the barriers and quantum well. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparing Performance of 3D-Printed and Injection-Molded Fiber-Reinforced Composite Parts in Ring-Spinning Traveler Application

Fiber-reinforced 3D printing (3DP) technology is a recent addition to the material extrusion-based 3DP process unlocking huge potential to apply this technology for high-performance material fabrication with complex geometries. However, in order to take the full advantage of this technology, a comparative analysis with existing technologies targeting a particular application is necessary to understand its commercial applicability. Here, an applied composite part, ring-spinning travelers, has been developed using the unique design features of fiber-reinforced 3DP technology that is beyond the capability of the currently used technology; the injection molding, quality, and performance of the printed and molded travelers were investigated and compared. The results demonstrated that fiber-reinforced 3DP is a promising technology that offers a lot of flexibility regarding reinforcement patterns and materials including both short and continuous fibers to tailor the performance, although the printed travelers showed poorer surface characteristics and wear resistance than the molded travelers. Based on the present analysis, a number of recommendations have been proposed on the design of the traveler to apply the technology effectively and use the printer to improvise and manipulate the performance of the travelers.
Planning-oriented optimization strategy for visualizing power distribution networks: from global to local

ABSTRACT The spatial distribution of power facilities is uneven, thereby making the topology of geographical wiring diagrams (GWDs) based on the actual coordinates unclear. A single-line diagram has the advantage of a clear topology but it lacks spatial locations. A GWD has the advantage of accurate spatial locations but it lacks a clear topology. Visualizing distribution networks for planning requires both features. We proposed a new planning-oriented method for optimizing the visualization of distribution networks. From the global perspective, we proposed an improved force-directed (FD) algorithm by introducing a space restriction strategy and node–edge repulsion strategy to promote the expansion of the distance between distribution facilities within a limited buffer. We then constructed the constrained Delaunay triangulation to identify the compact districts (CDs) and used a genetic algorithm to optimize the parameters for the improved FD algorithm. A novel visualization evaluation indicator was also proposed for quantitatively assessing the visualizations. From a local perspective, the fisheye algorithm was used to optimize the CDs to further improve the visualization of the distribution network. We verified the proposed methods with real-world data. We used limited spatial displacement in exchange for maximum topology clarity to balance the accurate spatial location and topology clarity.
Permanent Rotational Deformation of Dry Cohesionless Slopes Under Seismic Excitations

Simplified methods of analysis are proposed for estimating earthquakeinduced rotational deformations of dry, medium-dense, cohesionless soil slopes of heights ranging from 4 to 10 m. The primary factors that control deformation are acceleration history, amplification (or deamplification) of ground motion, slope geometry, and nonlinear soil properties. The proposed approach accounts for all of these factors. The permanent slope rotation along a circular failure surface is obtained by a procedure similar to Newmark’s sliding block model. The influence of vertical acceleration on the rotational slope deformation was revealed to be very minimal. Simple relationships were developed on the basis of the extensive database generated from the 1994 Northridge earthquake motions to estimate the rotational slope deformation. The relationships presented require readily quantifiable input parameters and can be used, in many cases, as a first approximation for evaluating rotational slope deformation.
Investigation of Cloud ERP Adoption in the Healthcare Industry Through Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) Framework: Qualitative Study

There is an accelerated migration from on-premise ERP to Cloud ERP systems in many industries, but this transition is relatively slow in the healthcare industry. To address this concern, we developed a research model based on Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, and explored it in the healthcare industry through semi-structured interviews with IT managers and finance managers. We found noticeable differences between small-sized and large-sized healthcare organizations, as well as the perceptions of IT managers and finance managers in Cloud ERP adoption decisions. We discussed these findings, and proposed future research questions on Cloud ERP adoption in the healthcare industry.
A novel method for mapping spatiotemporal structure of mobility patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic

Author(s): Noi, Evgeny; Rudolph, Alexander; Dodge, Somayeh | Abstract: Many classic exploratory data analysis tools in quantitative geography, designed to measure global and local spatial autocorrelation (e.g. Moran’s I statistic), have become standard in modern GIS software. However, there has been little development in amending these tools for visualization and analysis of patterns captured in spatiotemporal data. We design and implement a new open-source Python library, VASA, that simplifies analytical pipelines in assessing spatiotemporal structure of data and enables enhanced visual display of the patterns. Using daily county-level social distancing metrics during 2020 obtained from two different sources (SafeGraph and Cuebiq), we demonstrate the functionality of the developed tool for a swift exploratory spatial data analysis and comparison of trends over larger administrative units.
The Experimental Nuclear Reaction Data(EXFOR)

The EXchange FORmat (EXFOR) experimental nuclear reaction database and the retrieval system provide access to the wealth of low- and intermediate-energy nuclear reaction physics data, and become the most comprehensive compilation of experimental nuclear reaction data. Currently, there are 13 participants (nuclear data centers) of the International Network of Nuclear Reaction Data Centers(NRDC) which has been organized under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency(IAEA) to coordinate the collection, compilation, and dissemination of nuclear data on an international scale. As the participant of NRDC, China Nuclear Data Center(CNDC) does its best for measurement of nuclear reaction quantities induced by neutron and charged-particle and research on the technique of database construction. The formation, development and current situation of EXFOR library, and its format, compilation and retrieval system were introduced. The work on compilation of experimental nuclear reaction data and study of the database construction technique in China was briefly summarized, such as scanning Chinese journals, compiling EXFOR entries, developing software, providing nuclear data service in China, collaborating with NRDC and so on.
Pediatric Hand Trauma: An Analysis of 3,432 Pediatric Hand Trauma Cases Over 15 Years

http://www.jtraumainj. org eISSN 2287-1683 pISSN 2799-4317 Copyright © 2021 The Korean Society of Traumatology This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits unrestricted noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Pediatric Hand Trauma: an analysis of 3,432 Pediatric Hand Trauma Cases over 15 years
On the Evolution and Fate of Sediment Diapirs in Subduction Zones

At subduction zones, significant volumes of sediments and other crustal material are carried on top of the downgoing plate past the trench and into the mantle. This represents the dominant process by which material from the Earth's surface is recycled to the interior. However, the fate of these recycled materials is uncertain. Subducted material may be carried with the slab into the deep mantle, or it may form diapirs that ascend into the hotter portions of the mantle wedge, where they can melt and/or be relaminated to the base of the arc crust. While this material can be a mixture (or “mélange”) of sediments, oceanic crust and mantle rocks, here we focus on the dynamics of the uppermost layer of sediments on the downgoing slab. We modified a thermodynamic model to accurately predict the equilibrium mineral assemblage, melting behavior, and density of a range of subducted sediment compositions at pressure and temperature conditions relevant to subduction zones. Using this thermodynamic model, we constructed a coupled dynamic model of sediment diapirs and identified the primary parameters that control diapir behavior: sediment thickness and composition, and the thermal state of the subduction zone. Relamination of ascending diapirs is favored by greater sediment thicknesses, more felsic compositions, and warmer thermal conditions. By contrast, diapirism is suppressed in colder arcs, or where subducted sediment layers are thin or more mafic. Applying this model to modern subduction zones suggests that multiple processes are active today, with relamination occurring in a significant subset of modern arcs.
Determination of phenological and pomological characteristics of some apple cultivars grafted on dwarf and semi-dwarf rootstocks in Niğde ecologial conditions

The aim of this study is to define phenological and pomological properties of some apple varieties grafts on dwarf and semi-dwarf rootstocks. The experiment was conducted at Sazlica/Nigde on the orchard of private sector relating to, in 2006 and 2007. In this experiment, bud swelling, bud breaking, begin of blooming, full blooming, last blooming and harvesting data of Galaxy, Mondial Gala, Red Chief, Super Chief, Oregon Spur, Scarlet Spur, Early Redone, Granny Smith and Fuji apple varieties are observed. As a result, full blooming date was 20 April-10 May, fruit harvesting was between 20 August and 13 October. Average weight of varieties 144.6 g (Galaxy Gala) and 216.3 g (Fuji), average width 70.1 mm (Galaxy Gala) and 81.7 mm (Fuji), average height 57.6 mm (Mondial Gala) and 70.3 mm (Granny Smith), fruit index 1.13 (Early Redone) and 1.22 (Galaxy Gala, Mondial Gala), number of seeds 6.5 (Galaxy Gala) and 9.3 (Granny Smith), were determined, soluble solids content amount was% 12.2 (Granny Smith) and% 16.5 (Fuji), starch amount 1.82 (Eary Redone) and 3.00 (Mondial Gala) for the varieties included in this experiment.
Live Crown Ratio Models for Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda) with Beta Regression

The growth and production potential of a tree depends on its crown dimensions as these are closely related to a tree’s photosynthetic capacity. However, tree crowns have been studied less compared to their main stems because of their lower market value and because the measurement of crown dimensions, such as crown volume or surface area, is difficult. Frequently, an individual tree’s live crown ratio (LCR) is predicted by linear or nonlinear models that are a function of easy-to-measure dendrometric variables using ordinary least-squares techniques. Using the long-term data from established genetic and spacing trials, we developed and evaluated the predictive performance of three nonlinear models and introduced a new generalized linear model for predicting LCR. The nonlinear models were fit using exponential, Weibull, and Richards functions. The generalized linear model was based on beta regression. This resulted in a slightly smaller error than the other models in predicting the LCR of loblolly pine trees used in this study. Crown ratio is measured in percentage unit and should be modeled using generalized linear models that assume a beta distribution for error terms.
A novel high-voltage sustaining structure with buried oppositely doped regions

A novel high-voltage sustaining structure with buried oppositely doped regions is demonstrated. Due to the compensation of the electric field provided by these regions, the resistivity and/or the thickness of the voltage-sustaining layer can be made smaller than that of a conventional one with the same breakdown voltage, and therefore the on-resistance (of unipolar conduction) can be reduced. The theory developed for designing such structures is found to be in good agreement with the results obtained from two-dimensional (2-D) simulation as well as from experiment. A 500 V VD-MOST using such a structure as the drift region and with proper edge termination is fabricated. Results show that its on-resistance is lower than the value given by the conventional "silicon limit".
Impacts of Low-Speed Vehicles on Transportation Infrastructure and Safety

Increasing numbers of low-speed electric vehicles (LSVs) now operate on public roadways. These vehicles are designed to be used within protected environments and on roadways with a maximum posted speed of 25 mph. Currently, these vehicles are not subject to the same federal requirements for occupant protection as passenger cars. The research reported in this paper investigated safety standards, operating regulations, and LSV manufacturer materials from sources around the world. The purpose of the research was to determine the positive and negative impacts that LSVs, including neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) and medium-speed electric vehicles (MSEVs), are likely to have for states such as Oregon and whether adjustments in state regulations are needed to ensure that LSVs do not negatively affect road safety and traffic operations or expose LSVs operators to undue risk. The US and Canadian federal motor vehicle safety agencies have harmonized their regulations and stipulated the maximum operating speed of these vehicles; however, state and local roadway authorities have regulated the maximum speed of roadways and intersection characteristics on which these vehicles can operate. The significant recommendations of this research are: (1) Appropriate state statues for LSVs should be amended such that LSVs are limited to public roadways with a maximum operating speed of 25 mph and are restricted to crossing higher speed roadways at four-way stop or signal-controlled intersections; and (2) Local transportation authorities should develop parallel or secondary low-speed roadway networks that connect residential neighborhoods with major activity centers.
Determination of the complex material constants of PMN–28%PT piezoelectric single crystals

The accurate characterization of piezoelectric crystals should include the loss properties of the materials, which are represented as the imaginary parts of the material constants. The full complex properties of PMN–PT single crystals have never been evaluated. This paper proposes an automated iterative method to determine the complex material constants of PMN–28%PT single crystals. The PMN–28%PT single crystals were grown using the Bridgman method and were poled along the [001] direction to have 4mm effective symmetry. Five different resonators suitable for 4mm symmetry were used to analyze the impedance and admittance spectra of the distinctive resonant modes. The complex material constants were determined by the nonlinear regression of the impedance and admittance spectrum equations for each resonator through the iteration process to fit the measured spectra of the corresponding modes. The efficacy of the characterization method and the accuracy of the complex material constants determined using this method were verified by a comparison of the immittance spectra from the measurements with those from the calculation using the complex constants.