Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MODELING OF REFLECTED CRACKS IN ASPHALT CONCRETE PAVEMENT OF HIGHWAYS

The paper considers the issues of crack resistance of multilayer systems made of asphalt concrete, namely: the causes and features of the occurrence and development of "reflected" cracks are investigated. A study of the operational state of highways was carried out and the prerequisites for the formation of defects on the pavement were determined, including the regional features of the work of the road structure. The authors comprehensively studied the causes of internal and external defects and deformations of asphalt concrete pavements. The most popular technologies for sealing cracks and restoring the pavement are considered, the experience of repairing roads in the western part of Russia, Europe and the USA is also investigated. The results of determining the rate of formation and development of defects in the surface of the exploited roads are presented. In laboratory conditions, work was carried out to simulate cracks in two-layer samples of fine-grained asphalt concrete. Test specimens with a height and diameter of 10 cm were made by molding and compacted in layers, a crack was laid in the lower layer of the specimen. After gaining strength, the samples were tested for compression. Analysis of the results of physical modeling made it possible to put forward an assumption about the existence of a relationship between the presence (absence) of internal defects in the coating and the strength of the structure. To confirm the hypothesis, mathematical modeling of the operation of a two-layer system in the GenIDE32 software package was performed. Evaluation of the stressstrain state by the finite element method showed the presence of characteristic zones of system weakening around the defect area. In a two-layer system, there is an increase in internal stresses and strains around the crack, as well as a decrease in the overall strength (stability) of the system. In conclusion, the influence of internal defects of asphalt concrete coatings on the process of formation of "reflected" cracks were identified.
VSPW: A Large-scale Dataset for Video Scene Parsing in the Wild

In this paper, we present a new dataset with the target of advancing the scene parsing task from images to videos. Our dataset aims to perform Video Scene Parsing in the Wild (VSPW), which covers a wide range of real-world scenarios and categories. To be specific, our VSPW is featured from the following aspects: 1) Well-trimmed long-temporal clips. Each video contains a complete shot, lasting around 5 seconds on average. 2) Dense annotation. The pixel-level annotations are provided at a high frame rate of 15 f/s. 3) High resolution. Over 96% of the captured videos are with high spatial resolutions from 720P to 4K. We totally annotate 3,536 videos, including 251,633 frames from 124 categories. To the best of our knowledge, our VSPW is the first attempt to tackle the challenging video scene parsing task in the wild by considering diverse scenarios. Based on VSPW, we design a generic Temporal Context Blending (TCB) network, which can effectively harness long-range contextual information from the past frames to help segment the current one. Extensive experiments show that our TCB network improves both the segmentation performance and temporal stability comparing with image-/video-based state-of-the-art methods. We hope that the scale, diversity, long-temporal, and high frame rate of our VSPW can significantly advance the research of video scene parsing and beyond. The dataset is available at https://www.vspwdataset. com/.
Sustainability Assessment of Innovative Energy Technologies – Hydrogen from Wind Power as a Fuel for Mobility Applications

An approach for life-cycle-based sustainability assessment for innovative energy technologies was developed that includes Life Cycle Assessment, economic assessment and selected social indicators, i.e. acceptance, patents and added value. As a case study for this approach, hydrogen supply by wind powered electrolysis was assessed and different distribution options to its final use in fuel cell vehicles were compared. First results of the Life Cycle Assessment show that lowest environmental impacts are caused by transporting hydrogen in pipelines, which is also the most cost-effective option. The preliminary survey about hydrogen refuelling stations showed that the fear of explosions is most relevant to people. Regarding added value, it could be revealed that a slight shift from domestic to more globalised expenditures is to be expected in the future. It can be concluded that hydrogen supply by pipelines is the most sustainable option. However, for the implementation of this technology, social issues such as acceptance of hydrogen filling stations and decrease of local employment have to be addressed.
The Prolonging Effect of Natural Plant Extracts on the Storage Period of Postharvest Litchi

This work was conducted to determine the preservation effects of essential oil to prolong the postharvest storage and freshness period of ‘Feizixiao’ litchi fruit. Essential oil was extracted from Lysimachi foenum-graecum Hance, Ginkgo biloba extract was obtained from the leaves, and anthocyanin was obtained from eggplant peel. Aspects of quality such as appearance, nutritional value, and enzyme activity were studied in postharvest litchi fruits. The results showed that the weight loss, decay rate, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content of litchi gradually increased in the four treatments and controls, while chroma L* and Vc, soluble solids, and titratable acid contents decreased with the extension of the storage time, while the activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) increased at first and then decreased slowly. Compared with room temperature preservation, the treatments with 0.5% essential oil extract, 0.5% ginkgo biloba extract, 0.5% anthocyanin extract, and 0.05% potassium sorbate reduced PPO and POD activity, membrane lipid peroxidation, decay, and weight loss, while providing better color protection and higher Vc, soluble solids, and titratable acid contents. The extracts delayed fruit browning, protected the nutrients and flavour quality of litchi pulp to a certain extent, and extended shelf life of postharvest litchi. Above all, the effect of 0.5% essential oil extract on the postharvest preservation of litchi was significantly better than other treatments. In addition, that of 0.5% ginkgo biloba extract was similar to that of 0.05% potassium sorbate but better than that of 0.5% anthocyanin extract. These results indicated that essential oil from Lysimachi foenum-graecum Hance prevented the decline of postharvest litchi quality, delayed browning and aging, and had the potential to be further developed as a natural fruit and vegetable preservative. Additional key words: essential oil, litchi fruit, nutritional quality, polyphenol oxidase, postharvest preservation
HOW CAN GREEN DIFFERENTIATED CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS AFFECT

Using an ecological macrofinancial model, we explore the potential impact of the `green supporting factor' (GSF) and the `dirty penalising factor' (DPF) on climate-related financial risks. We identify the transmission channels by which these green differentiated capital requirements (GDCRs) can affect credit provision and loan spreads, and we analyse these channels within a dynamic framework in which climate and macrofinancial feedback effects play a key role. Our main findings are as follows. First, GDCRs can reduce the pace of global warming and decrease thereby the physical financial risks. This reduction is quantitatively small, but is enhanced when the GSF and the DPF are implemented simultaneously or in combination with green fiscal policies. Second, the DPF reduces banks' credit provision and leverage, making them less fragile. Third, both the DPF and the GSF generate some transition risks: the GSF increases bank leverage because it boosts green credit and the DPF increases loan defaults since it reduces economic activity. These effects are small in quantitative terms and are attenuated when there is a simultaneous implementation of the DPF and the GSF. Fourth, fiscal policies that boost green investment amplify the transition risks of the GSF and reduce the transition risks of the DPF; the combination of green fiscal policy with the DPF is thereby a potentially effective climate policy mix from a financial stability point of view. ————————— 1 SOAS University of London, e-mail: Yannis.Dafermos@soas.ac. uk; FMM fellow. 2 University of Greenwich; FMM fellow. How can green differentiated capital requirements affect climate risks? A dynamic macrofinancial analysis Yannis Dafermosa,∗, Maria Nikolaidib SOAS University of London University of Greenwich
Interpersonal Communication, Teamwork Effectiveness, and Organizational Commitment in Pakistani Nurses

The current study was focused on identifying how interpersonal communication affects teamwork effectiveness and organizational commitment in nurses. The sample of (N = 150) nurses were recruited through purposive sampling technique from a public hospital of Lahore. To test the study assumptions, Socio- Communicative Orientation Scale (Richmond & McCroskey, 1990), Teamwork Effectiveness Self-Assessment Questionnaire (Sterling & Selesnick, 1988), and Organization Commitment Scale (Allen & Meyer, 1990) were used. Results showed that interpersonal communication was directly proportionate to teamwork effectiveness and all measures of organizational commitment. Whereas, team effectiveness was partially linked with dimensions of organizational commitment. Furthermore, findings showed that organizational commitment (affective commitment and normative commitment) was predicted by measures of interpersonal communication that is assertiveness and responsiveness. Interpersonal communication may play a leading role in developing organization commitment, therefore, efforts should be made to improve and enhance the interpersonal communication skills of nurses in Pakistan.
Determinant and Consequence of Civil Servant Engagement: A Mediated-Moderated Study

Bureaucratic reform is continually echoed to meet demands of the masses for better functioning of the public sector service. To respond the afromentioned issue, this study adopted several important constructs in contemporary human resource management (work-life balance, engagement, in role-performance, and self-efficacy) and analyzed the mediation and moderation role in the context of civil servants. In addition, to collect primary data, an online survey method was used and distributed to Civil Servant (CS) within the scope of the provincial government of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. PLS-SEM based analysis was employed to test measurement and structural models. The results indicated work-life balance had a positive and significant effect on CS engagement but does not affect in-role performance. Furthermore, the role of engagement as a mediator and self-efficacy as moderator was confirmed to be significant. The discussion, implications, and recommendations for prospective study are discussed further.
Polymer dose assessment using the streaming current detector

The streaming current detector(SCD) is an electrokinetic analyzer for characterizing charge properties of particles in aqueous suspension. Its use in water treatment is well established. This research evaluated its use for automatic monitoring of polymer dosage in three wastewater treatment facilities using centrifuges or belt filter presses for dewatering. Continuous SCD readings from the liquid stream (centrate or filtrate) and other process responses were recorded while imposing stepwise changes in the polymer dose. The polymer caused a transition from negative to positive charge in both the conditioned solids and the liquid stream. Near‐zero SCD readings coincided with optimal fullscale dewatering, as indicated by solids measurements and recoveries and by minima in filtrate turbidity, filtrate viscosity, conditioned solids filterability times, and (in some cases) capillary suction times. Thus, charge neutralization is a key mechanism in solids conditioning, and the SCD is suitable for monitoring of polymer dosage. For its use in automatic polymer dose control—evaluated in a subsequent phase of the study—modifications were required to provide more reliable continuous sampling.
An International Survey Practice Patterns of Spine Surgeons Regarding Osteoporosis:

Background: Osteoporosis (OP) represents a great challenge for the spine surgeon. Despite having effective pharmacological treatments for OP and surgical technical innovations, the awareness of spine surgeons regarding OP seems low. The purpose of this research was to assess practice patterns on the diagnosis and treatment of spine surgeons regarding OP. Methods: An electronic survey of ten multiple-choice questions was administered to members of the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS). The survey asked about the specialty, the workplace, and practice patterns and attitudes regarding OP and spine fusion surgery, pseudoarthrosis, and vertebral compression fractures (VCF). Results: A total of 122 surgeons completed the survey. In patients with suspected OP, 31.4% of surgeons would refer the patient to the OP specialist before surgery and 21.5% chose to perform the surgery without additional studies. A 66.4% of respondents would modify the surgical strategy in the case of OP. The most popular surgical techniques elected were cemented augmented screws (77.9%) and long-segment instrumentation (45.1%). Regarding pseudoarthrosis, 29.5% of surgeons opted to refer to the OP specialist, and 23.8% didn’t consider any additional studies Concerning VCF management, 41.32% of respondents would refer the patient for treatment of OP, and the most common therapeutic strategy was conservatively treatment for 4 to 6 weeks and vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty if no improvement (55.74%). There was a higher proportion of surgeons that would not consider preoperative studies or referring patients with suspected OP for spine surgery ( v 2 ¼ 4.48, P ¼ .03) and pseudoarthrosis ( v 2 ¼ 9.5, P ¼ .002) compared to VCF. Conclusions: There was a greater awareness regarding optimizing OP management in VCF compared to patients with suspected OP for spine arthrodesis or pseudoarthrosis. There still opportunities for improvement for the timely diagnosis and treatment of OP in spine surgery patients.
Occurrence of Mycobacterium bovis infection in cattle in Kaduna metropolis and its environs

The tedious nature of tuberculin tests in Nigeria, warrants the need for an alternative rapid animal-side means of diagnosis. The aim of this study was to provide information on the epidemiology of Mycobacterium bovis infection in cattle. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the occurrence of M. bovis infection in cattle in Kaduna metropolis and it's environ. A total 239 heads of cattle from 8 herds were randomly selected and tuberculin tested, two herds being from each of the four local government areas involved and pooled milk samples from the eight herds were tested for acid fastness. Also, all heads of cattle totaling 2978 slaughtered at the 2 abattoirs during the month of May, 2012 were examined at postmortem and tissues with lesions compatible with lesions of were collected and tested for acid fastness. The results of the experiment showed that only 23 (9.6%) of the animals tested were classified as reactors and these came from only one of the eight herds studied. A clear swelling was seen in each of the positive cases. Out of the eight herds tested, 6 (75%) were settled and the remaining 2 (25%) were semi- settled. Similarly, 6 (75%) of the herds were for mixed production system and 2(25%) were kept solely as dairy herds. Positive tuberculin test was only observed from among one of the six settled herds 1(17%) while cattle in the remaining 5(83%} settled herds all tested negative. All the two semi-settled herds (100%) tested negative. The tuberculin reaction among different production systems showed that only 1 (50%) of the dairy herds tested positive and all the 6 (100%) mixed herds tested negative. Atuberculin positive reaction of 19 (7.9%) was observed among the females and 4 (1.67%) among the males. The chi-square test of significance between the tuberculin reaction and sex of the animals showed no significant effect (P > 0.05). Hence, it can be concluded that, Mycobacterium bovis was neither cultured nor isolated and therefore, could not be confirmed responsible for the observed reactions. However, its involvement is strongly suggested by both its higher values compared to those for Mycobacterium avium in the single intradermal comparative tuberculin test and the observed in the stained smears of both the milk samples collected and the bovine tissues from the abattoirs.
IMPACT OF INNOVATIVENESS ON OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF GOVERNMENT LEVEL COMPANIES (GLCs): A MODERATING ROLE OF INCENTIVE SCHEMES

Corporate Entrepreneurship (CE) is not a new strategy of fostering a firm's performance and to increase customer satisfaction and market share, espoused by striving firms. However, studies on the effect of CE on the performance of GLCs are not common in literature, especially in the eastern world. The literature strongly indicates the requirement of more workable models of CE for GLCs in Pakistan, due to the dearth of existing studies on the subject. Hence, this study aims to gauge the impact of the most compelling element of CE on the operational performance of GLCs. This study has also been supplemented with the moderating role of incentives schemes to effectively gauge the motivational aspect in CE of GLCs. The analysis has been made through SMART PLS and Structural Equation Modeling. Analysis indicated that innovativeness is perceived as one of the prime tools which may affect operational performance although GLCs have different compensation structures and thus do not seem to be affecting the relationship of innovativeness and operational performance of GLCs.
WORD OF MOUTH ( WOM ) , VISITOR EXPERIENCE , AND DESTINATION ATTRIBUTES ON REVISIT INTENTION THROUGH PERCEIVED VALUE A CASE OF PENANGGUNGAN MOUNTAIN , EAST JAVA , INDONESIA

WOM, VE, and DA are indispensable in a special interest tourism destination or known as special interest tourism, in order to create the desire of visitors to make a return visit in the future. Besides that WOM, VE, and DA can affect the perceived value of visitors or PV, and then PV can affect the desire of visitors to make a return visit or RI. This study examines the model to explore the stretching of the existence of special interest tourism climbing in East Java, namely Mount Penanggungan. Several destinations for special interest in climbing in East Java have developed well and Mount Penanggungan is also in line with this, although there are also many competitors both from East Java and outside East Java. This study used a questionnaire distributed to 233 respondents namely climbers of Mount Penanggungan and the data were processed using SPSS v.24. Hypothesis test results show that WOM, VE, and DA have a significant positive effect on PV, and PV has a significant positive effect on RI, and WOM, VE, and DA have a significant positive effect on RI. While the results of the path analysis showed that WOM, VE, and DA had a significant positive effect on PV in the amount of 0.537 ≥ 0.50 with a regression equation Z = 0.030X1 + 0.351X2 + 0.407X3 + 0.680e2. However, WOM, VE, and DA had no significant positive effect on RI through PV in the amount of 0.455 ≤ 0.50 with a regression equation Y = 0.201X1 + 0.262X2 + 0.059X3 + 0.260 + 0.738e1. Gunung Penanggungan must increase WOM in order to create significant visitor PVs, and must increase DA in order to create significant RI visitors so that all positive paths are significant in the path analysis model.
Heterotic studies in three way cross hybrids of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) over environments

The useful heterotic behaviour of three way cross hybrids assorted in magnitude as well as direction among the hybrids and environments. Expression of standard heterosis was observed across entire environments but its magnitude for seed yield per plant was high in Rabi season at Latur (E2 environment) and has been found to have high impact for expression of heterosis. The five hybrids viz., TWCH-244, TWCH-343, TWCH-216, TWCH-234 and TWCH-133 exhibited significant heterotic estimates over best check hybrid for seed yield per plant and significant or desirable heterotic estimates for head diameter, seed filling, volume weight, 100 seed weight, oil content, days to flowering and days to maturity and therefore identified as best heterotic hybrids for seed yield per plant and its related Characters. Heterosis for seed yield per plant in the hybrids, TWCH-244, TWCH-343, TWCH-216, TWCH-234 and TWCH-133 were associated with heterotic effect for head diameter, seed filling per cent, 100 seed weight and volume weight.
Observational Study on the Variability of Mixed Layer Depth in the Bering Sea and the Chukchi Sea in the Summer of 2019

Based on the CTD data from 58 stations in the Bering Sea and the Chukchi Sea in the summer of 2019, the values of mixed layer depth (MLD) were obtained by using the density difference threshold method. It was concluded that the MLD can be estimated more accurately by using a criterion of 0.125 kg/m3 in this region. The average MLD in the Bering Sea basin was larger than that in the Bering Sea shelf, and both of them were smaller than that in the Bering Sea slope. The MLD increased northward in both the Chukchi Sea shelf and the Chukchi Sea slope. The farther northward, the greater the difference between the MLD calculated from temperature (MLDt) and the MLD calculated from density (MLDd). The water masses and their interaction played an important role in the variation of MLD in the northern Bering Sea shelf and Chukchi Sea. The MLD was large due to the vertically homogeneous Anadyr Water in the northwestern Bering Sea shelf. The horizontal advection of Bering Sea Anadyr Water and Alaska Coastal Water in the Bering Sea shelf led to shallower MLD in the central northern Bering Sea shelf. The westward advection of the Alaska Coastal Water caused shallow mixed layers (MLs) in some regions of the Chukchi Sea shelf in the summer of 2019. The observed large MLD at BL01 station near the Aleutian Island was caused by an anticyclonic eddy. The northward increase in the MLD in the Chukchi Sea was related to the low-salinity seawater from sea ice melting in summer. The spatial variation of MLD was also closely related to the surface momentum flux and the sea surface buoyancy flux. Stratification plays an even more important role in determining the variation of MLD. The ML in 2019 was shallower and warmer than those in previous years, especially in the Bering Sea shelf and Chukchi Sea where sea ice volume, thickness, and coverage were significantly larger than the Bering Sea basin, which was related to the small sea ice volume in winter and spring of 2019 compared to previous years.