Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design considerations for an inverter output filter to mitigate the effects of long motor leads in ASD applications

In this paper, design considerations for an inverter output filter to mitigate the effects of long motor leads in ASD applications are presented. It is shown by analysis that for a given length of cable, reducing the dv/dt of the PWM inverter output voltage applied to the cable below a critical value will eliminate overvoltages due to voltage reflections. Design issues for a low pass filter at the inverter output terminals to reduce the dv/dt of the inverter output pulse are examined in detail. The filter operation is verified for the entire variable frequency range of the inverter. The performance of the filter is evaluated in simulation, and experimentally on a 208 V L-L system and on a 480 V commercially available AC motor drive (PWM IGBT). The proposed inverter output filter is then compared with a motor terminal shunt filter also designed to reduce overvoltages and ringing at the motor terminals.
Playing by the Rules? An Investigation of the Relationship Between Social Norms and Adolescents’ Hate Speech Perpetration in Schools

Hate speech is often discussed and investigated as an online phenomenon, while hate speech among adolescents in the real world (e.g., in schools) has rarely been researched. Consequently, not much is known about potential interpersonal correlates and theoretical frameworks that might help us better understand why adolescents engage in hate speech in offline environments. To add to the literature, this study investigates hate speech perpetration among young people by utilizing the Social Cognitive Theory; more specifically, the association between witnessing and perpetrating hate speech in schools, and whether this relation is weakened or strengthened by anti-hate speech injunctive norms and deviant peer pressure. The sample consists of 1719 young people (45.1% boys, 53.6% girls, 1.3% gender diverse) between 11 and 18 years old (Mage = 13.96; SD = .98) from 22 schools in Switzerland. Self-report questionnaires were administered to measure hate speech involvement and adolescents’ perception of social norms (i.e., anti-hate speech injunctive norms and deviant peer pressure). Multilevel regression analyses revealed that witnessing and perpetrating hate speech were positively associated. Moreover, injunctive anti-hate speech norms were negatively related and deviant peer pressure positively related to hate speech perpetration. Finally, increasing levels of injunctive anti-hate speech norms weakened the relation between witnessing and perpetrating hate speech, whereas higher levels of deviant peer pressure strengthened this association. The findings demonstrate that the Social Cognitive Theory is a useful framework for understanding hate speech perpetration in schools. The results also highlight the importance of taking into account social norms and interpersonal relationships (e.g., within the class) when designing anti-hate speech prevention programs and not focusing solely on intrapersonal factors.
Low dose vaginal misoprostol in the management of women with intrauterine fetal death

Background and Objectives: A prospective observational cohort study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and side effects of vaginal misoprostol in the termination of second and third trimester pregnancies complicated with intrauterine fetal death. Material and Methods: The present study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maharajah’s Institute of Medical Sciences, Nellimarla, Vizianagaram (Dist.), Andhra Pradesh state, India. The study subjects constituted n = 100 women subjects with intrauterine fetal demise in second and third trimester pregnancies collected from the hospital attached to the Maharajah’s Institute of Medical Sciences. All the study group participants were subjected to history taking, physical examination, Bishop scoring, application of 25µg of misoprostol in the posterior fornix of vagina every fourth hourly over 24 hours. The progress, adverse effects and outcomes were assessed. Results : The success rate was 92.76% and 64.52% in the subjects with third and second trimesters respectively. The mean induction-delivery interval was 15.67 ± 9.64 and 24.94 ± 8.23 for women participants with third and second trimesters respectively. The induction-delivery interval correlated negatively with the duration of gestation. The mean value of total required dose of misoprostol was 192.42 ± 128.99 and 361.29 ± 139.92 for the subjects with third and second trimesters respectively. Conclusion: Low dose Misoprostol appears to be a safe, effective, practical and inexpensive method for termination of third trimester pregnancies compared to second trimester pregnancies complicated with intrauterine fetal death and its effects increases with duration of gestation.
Status of GaN-Based Power Switching Devices

State-of-the-art technologies of GaN-based power switching transistors are reviewed, in which normally-off operation and heat spreading as technical issues. We demonstrate a new operation principle of GaN-based normally-off transistor called Gate Injection Transistor (GIT). The GIT utilizes hole-injection from p-AlGaN to AlGaN/GaN hetero-junction which increases electron density in the depleted channel resulting in dramatic increase of the drain current owing to conductivity modulation. The fabricated GIT on Si substrate exhibits the threshold voltage of +1.0V with high maximum drain current of 200mA/mm. The obtained on-state resistance (Ron·A) and off-state breakdown voltage (BVds) are 2. 6mΩ·cm2 and 800V, respectively. These values are the best ones ever reported for GaN-based normally-off transistors. In addition, we propose the use of poly-AlN as surface passivation. The AlN has at least 200 times higher thermal conductivity than conventional SiN so that it can effectively reduce the channel temperature.
An assessment of minimum sequence copy thresholds for identifying and reducing the prevalence of artefacts in dietary metabarcoding data

Metabarcoding provides a powerful tool for investigating biodiversity and trophic interactions, but the high sensitivity of this methodology makes it vulnerable to errors, resulting in artefacts in the final data. Metabarcoding studies thus often utilise minimum sequence copy thresholds (MSCTs) to remove artefacts that remain in datasets; however, there is no consensus on best practice for the use of MSCTs. To mitigate erroneous reporting of results and inconsistencies, this study discusses and provides guidance for best‐practice filtering of metabarcoding data for the ascertainment of conservative and accurate data. Several of the most commonly used MSCTs were applied to example datasets of Eurasian otter Lutra lutra and cereal crop spider (Araneae: Linyphiidae and Lycosidae) diets. Changes in both the method and threshold value considerably affected the resultant data. Of the MSCTs tested, it was concluded that the optimal method for the examples given combined a sample‐based threshold with removal of maximum taxon contamination, providing stringent filtering of artefacts while retaining target data. Choice of threshold value differed between datasets due to variation in artefact abundance and sequencing depth, thus studies should employ controls (mock communities, negative controls with no DNA and unused MID tag combinations) to select threshold values appropriate for each individual study.
Adaptive intelligent control of ionic polymer–metal composites

Electroactive polymers undergo physical deformation in response to external voltage stimuli. These electrically activated polymers possess extraordinary features making them capable of use as lightweight sensors and actuators in manifold applications. The characteristics of applied voltage and environmental conditions, especially the moisture content surrounding the polymer, have a combined influence on the dynamical behavior of these polymers. In order to characterize these polymers under varying environmental conditions, this paper discusses the experimental procedure and modeling techniques used to derive a representative model. Validation of the model derived is provided by comparison tests of the simulated model results and those for experimental specimens. Ionic polymer–metal composites are used for this humidity and electrodynamical study. Insight into the numerous applications of electroactive polymers as actuators is given. The extended model allows for controller design for typical tracking problems. The control architecture presented includes a model reference adaptive scheme along with pole-placement control strategies for achieving the goal of tracking. A genetic algorithm approach is employed to carry out the optimization for the control action. The resulting tracking control of ionic polymer–metal composites, acting as actuators, is simulated. Simulations show that tracking results can be achieved with a correlation of 99% and a root mean square error of less than 30%.
Stochastic self-scheduling of generation companies in day-ahead multi-auction electricity markets considering uncertainty of units and electricity market prices

This study presents a new stochastic self-scheduling model for generation companies (GENCOs) in day-ahead electricity markets including energy and reserves auctions. The proposed stochastic model takes into account both the uncertainty of predicted market prices and forced outages of generating units. Also, financial risk of GENCOs is formulated through well-known conditional value-at-risk index. The proposed self-scheduling model is tested on the IEEE 118-bus test system and the obtained results are discussed.
Acoustically relevant bubble assemblages and their dependence on meteorological parameters

A detailed physical model of the life history of a typical bubble plume, from its formation by a breaking wave to its dissipation into the background bubble population, is given, and the relationship between the early, acoustically relevant stages in bubble-plume development and the associated, remotely detectable whitecap is described. The manner in which the fraction of the sea surface covered by stage A spilling crests and by stage B mature whitecaps depends upon wind speed and upon wind stress or friction velocity is investigated. Formal expressions are given whereby near-surface bubble concentrations can be estimated from observations of fractional whitecap coverage or from measurements of the 10-m elevation wind speed. >
Gender: a risk factor for occupational stress in the architectural profession?

There is significant evidence that those working in construction are at risk of poor health and well‐being due to long working hours, job insecurity, poor work–life balance, low professional worth and temporary teams. There is also a disparate body of evidence which highlights the discrimination experienced by women working in the construction industry. There is, however, a paucity of research exploring gender differences in occupational health and well‐being within construction. The current research utilizes standardized measures of occupational health and well‐being to identify any gender‐determined differences among a sample of architects. A self‐completion questionnaire was used to assess job satisfaction, physical health problems, work–life conflict and turnover intentions. Female respondents reported significantly lower overall job satisfaction and significantly higher levels of insomnia and constipation, work–life conflict and turnover intentions. Although further work is needed to understand the causal relationships between variables and the nature of the female architects' dissatisfactions and concerns, the suggestion that women working in the architectural profession are at risk of poorer occupational health and well‐being than their male colleagues will be of concern to a profession seeking to embrace diversity.
Issues Pertaining to Use of Superpave Gyratory Compactor

Agencies, industry, academia, and others are rapidly implementing the products of the asphalt research portion of the Strategic Highway Research Program, products collectively referred to as Superpave. One of the principal products has been the Superpave gyratory compactor (SGC). The results of an experimental program, conducted at the Asphalt Institute Research Center in Lexington, Kentucky, and aimed at assessing the effect of various compaction parameters on SGC test results, are outlined. Compaction results were most often different when different mold diameters were used. The length of the laboratory short-term aging period also affected test results. Compaction temperature was a critical factor when a modified binder was used. SGC affected moisture-susceptibility test results although specimens fabricated using SGC were successfully demonstrated to predict moisture damage using the AASHTO T283 protocol. The experiment also compared the compaction characteristics of several different units. This comparison demonstrated minor to moderate differences in test results when the same mix was evaluated.
Socio-economic profile of arid and semi-arid agropastoral region of Borana rangeland Southern, Ethiopia

Ethiopia is believed to have the largest livestock population in Africa. This livestock sector has been contributing considerable portion to the economy of the country and Borana zone is the major contributor for this. The main objectives of the study were to make basic information regarding natural features and socio-economic conditions of the zone that serve or stepping ground for planning policy making and research. This data is crucial for designing proper development plan for research activities and decision making. Specifically, the 2019 socio -economic profile was conducted to provide basic information for the 2020 national election purpose and for 2021 population and housing census as preliminary document regarding socio-economic condition of the zone. And also, this socio-economic profile is used to enhance tourism and economic development, identifying under used services (or opportunities for shared services, forecasting problem areas, developing local community profiles and better land use planning. In organizing this document, the serious problems were the absence of reliable data and up to date data and information. The document being the first of its kind gives a general clue about the zone and accordingly could be used as a bench mark for further study about the zone.
Promoting multilingualism: Foundation Phase teachers’ experiences in teaching isiXhosa to native speakers of Afrikaans

After 1994, South African policy changes brought about variations in language education resulting in many monolingual classrooms becoming multilingual. Much of the current literature focuses on either providing recommendations to diverse approaches of teaching a second language or describing the experiences of second language learners while limited studies unearthed teachers’ experiences in multilingual classrooms, especially where the language of learning and teaching (LoLT) was Afrikaans. In this article we examine responses of teachers in the Northern Cape to teaching isiXhosa to learners whose mother-tongue is Afrikaans. From an interpretivist lens and using a case study design, we present 6 Afrikaans Foundation Phase teachers’ (FPTs) experiences in teaching isiXhosa as a second First Additional Language (FAL) to non-isiXhosa speakers. Data from in-depth email interviews were coded and thematically analysed. The results from this study show that, while teachers regard multilingualism as fundamental, they equally regard the isiXhosa curriculum as a tool to develop learners’ language proficiency.
Dauerhaftigkeit von Porenbeton bei hoher CO2‐Beaufschlagung

Standardporenbeton der Güte PP2‐0,35 wurde verschiedenen Feuchtebedingungen und einer konstanten CO2‐Atmosphäre von 1 Vol‐% ausgesetzt. Zusätzlich wurden Porenbetonproben mit guter und schlechter Phasenausbildung hergestellt und in das Bewitterungsprogramm integriert. Parallel zu der CO2‐Bewitterung erfolgte eine regengeschützte Freilandlagerung des Standardporenbetons über 3 Jahre. An die verschiedenen Lagerungsbedingungen und ‐zeiten schlossen sich Untersuchungen zur Rohdichte, Druckfestigkeit und zum mineralischen Phasenbestand an. Der 3 Jahre im Freiland gelagerte Porenbeton wurde außerdem bezüglich seiner Wärmeleitfähigkeit geprüft. Prüfrandbedingungen wie Materialfeuchte, Austrocknungsverhalten des Porenbetons während der Bewitterung und Umgebungsfeuchte haben einen großen Einfluss auf die Materialeigenschaften. Die Ergebnisse belegen, dass eine künstliche CO2‐Bewitterung zu anderen Ergebnissen führt als eine natürliche Alterung des Porenbetons. Porenbeton mit gut ausgebildetem Tobermorit erfährt unter natürlichen Klimabedingungen keine Veränderung in Druckfestigkeit und Wärmeleitfähigkeit. Eine negative Eigenschafts‐ entwicklung über die Jahre ist nicht zu erwarten.
Analytical Study of Bending Characteristics of an Elastic Rectangular Plate using Direct Variational Energy Approach with Trigonometric Function

In this paper, an analytical three-dimensional (3D) bending characteristic of an isotropic rectangular thick plate with all edges simply supported (SSSS) and carrying uniformly distributed transverse load using the energy technique is presented. The three-dimensional constitutive relations which involves six stress components were used in the established, refined shear deformation theory to obtain a total potential energy functional. This theory obviates application of the shear correction factors for the solution to the problem. The governing equation of a thick plate was obtained by minimizing the total potential energy functional with respect to the out of plane displacement. The deflection functions which are in form of trigonometric were obtained as the solution of the governing equation. These deflection functions which are the product of the coefficient of deflection and shape function of the plate were substituted back into the energy functional, thereafter a realistic formula for calculating the deflection and stresses were obtained through minimizations with respect to the rotations and deflection coefficients. The values of the deflections and stresses obtained herein were tabulated and compared with those of previous 3D plate theory, refined plate theories and, classical plate theory (CPT) accordingly. It was observed that the result obtained herein varied more with those of CPT and RPT by 25.39% and 21.09% for all span-to-thickness ratios respectively. Meanwhile, the recorded percentage differences are as close as 7.17% for all span-to-thickness ratios, when compared with three dimensional plate analysis. This showed that exact 3D plate theory is more reliable than the shear deformation theory which are quite coarse for thick plate analysis. Doi: 10.28991/esj-2021-01320 Full Text: PDF
Laboratory Evaluation of Clogging Potential of Porous Asphalt Mixtures

A laboratory test to assess the clogging potential of porous asphalt mixtures is useful as part of a rational design procedure of using these mixtures for construction of pavement surface friction courses. Two prerequisites for the laboratory assessment are (a) the ability to measure an engineering parameter indicative of the mixture’s drainage capacity, and (b) the availability of a repeatable procedure of introducing materials into the mixture to create clogging. A laboratory clogging test to cause deterioration in the drainage capacity of typical porous mixtures is described here. Monitoring of the changes in drainage capacity during the test is made possible by the use of recently developed equipment to measure permeability. The proposed clogging test procedure was applied to evaluate four porous asphalt mixtures. Test results suggest that the procedure was able to (a) produce significant degrees of deterioration in the drainage capacities of the mixtures, and (b) differentiate the different behaviors of the four mixes under the clogging treatment of the test.
Post-Flashover Fires in Light and Heavy Timber Construction Compartments

A series of fire experiments was performed to study the gas temperature development and charring behaviour of timber construction compartments. The measured gas temperatures were 300-500 C lower than predicted by the parametric temperature-time curves of Eurocode 1 for unprotected and insufficiently protected timber structures. For structures protected with a double layer of gypsum plasterboard, the agreement was better. In all cases, however, the prediction was on the safe side. One protective layer of gypsum plasterboard delayed the onset of charring for 20 min. Using two layers, the delay time was doubled. Reduced charring rates for long exposure times were observed, resulting from the increasingly protective effect of the char layer withtime.
Understanding the Public’s Animosity Toward News Media: Cynicism and Distrust as Related but Distinct Negative Media Perceptions

This study proposes that media distrust and cynicism are two related but distinct perceptions that indicate qualitatively different ways in which audiences relate to news media. To substantiate this, we developed a new instrument to measure media cynicism. Factor analyses showed that the indicators of media distrust and cynicism are not influenced by the same underlying dimension. Structural equation modeling indicated that while distrust appears to be predominately caused by perceived media responsiveness, media cynicism may be susceptible to a wider range of factors.
The Beneficial Effects of Probiotics via Autophagy: A Systematic Review

Probiotics are living microorganisms increasingly used to treat or modulate different diseases or disorders because of their benefits and also low adverse reaction, and their positive and protective effects on various cells and tissues have been reported. The mechanisms by which probiotics exert their beneficial effects in different cells and tissues were investigated, and autophagy is one of the main mechanisms to induce their positive effects. Autophagy is a conserved process that occurs in all eukaryotic cells and plays an essential role in homeostasis and cell survival by degrading damaged and dysfunctional intracellular organelles. On the other hand, the role of autophagy is diverse in different tissues and situations, and cell death derived from autophagy has been observed in some cells. This search was done in PubMed, WOS, and Scopus using the keywords probiotic, microbiota, and autophagy. The search strategy was focused on the in vitro and animal model studies, and the included filters were English language publications and full-text articles (by June 2020). Studies that investigated other underlying mechanisms except autophagy were excluded. Among more than 105 papers, 24 studies were considered eligible for more evaluation. The obtained results indicated that most studies were performed on intestinal cell lines or tissue compared with other types of cell lines and tissue. This review article discusses our current understanding of the probiotic effects through autophagy in different cell lines and tissues that would be a useful guide to daily and clinical usage of these living microorganisms, but despite promising results of this systematic review, further studies need to assess this issue. This systematic review has demonstrated that autophagy is an effective mechanism in inducing beneficial effects of probiotics in different tissues.