Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
USE OF EVA FOAM IN PORTLAND CEMENT CONCRETE

EVA foam is a copolymer, composed of Ethylene and Vinyl Acetate, that is used in several industrial products. It is known to be lightweight, moisture resistant, chemical insulating, heat insulating and energy absorbent. During the manufacturing of EVA products, such as athletic footwear, swimming mats, etc., large quantities of EVA waste is generated. This waste is non-recyclable and poses various health harms when burnt, such as severe irritation to the eyes, skin and mucous membrane. Thus, it is currently being disposed of in landfills, as this deems to be the easiest way for manufacturers to handle the EVA waste. This study aims to assess the incorporation of EVA Foam as a non-recyclable; toxic solid waste in Portland cement concrete. Thirteen different mixes were poured using different sizes of EVA Foam which are 9.5, 19 and 38mm. These sizes were used as replacement for coarse aggregates by the following percentages 5,10,15 and 20%. Concrete with the replaced EVA aggregates demonstrated a decrease in compressive strength, but showed little or no difference in flexural strength. EVA concrete demonstrated a good potential in being considered as lightweight concrete as well as an abrasion resistant one. Although the results of the water penetration test showed a higher water penetration for EVA concrete, EVA concrete seems to be a good candidate for thermal insulation applications. Building on these tests, EVA concrete did not seem to witness any significant change with regards to its fire resistance properties. In addition, the incorporation of EVA in concrete seemed to make it more ductile as opposed to its brittle nature. Moreover, the high replacement percentages showed an initial potential for pervious concrete applications.
Neural Network Modeling of a Magnetorheological Damper

The magnetorheological (MR) damper is a newly developed semiactive control device that possesses unique advantages such as low power requirement and adequately fast response rate. The device has been previously tested in a laboratory to determine its dynamic properties and characterized by a system of nonlinear differential equations. This paper presents an alternative representation of the damper in terms of a multilayer perceptron neural network. A neural network model with 6 input neurons, one output neuron and twelve neurons in the hidden layer is used to simulate the dynamic behavior of the MR damper. Training of the model is done by a Gauss-Newton based Levenberg-Marquardt method using data generated from the numerical simulation of the nonlinear differential equations. An optimal brain surgeon strategy is adopted to prune the weights and optimize the neural networks. An optimal neural network is presented that satisfactorily represents dynamic behavior of the MR damper.
The Future of Carbonaceous Aerosol Measurement in the IMPROVE Monitoring Program

Carbonaceous aerosols are a signification fraction of fine particulate matter, often accounting for more than 50% of the mass in urban and rural environments. In the Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) program, thermal optical reflectance (TOR) is used to determine the total carbon (TC) concentration, separated into organic carbon (OC) and light absorbing carbon (LAC) fractions. TOR is an operationally defined analysis that cannot be referenced to traceable standards that reflect ambient compositions, so it is challenging to prevent potential instrument drift over long periods. The OC-LAC split can depend on the aerosol composition, which has spatial and long-term trends. These issues can introduce patterns and trends in the data records, complicating assessments of the spatial and temporal patterns of carbonaceous aerosols. In addition, TOR analysis is relatively expensive, and recent decreases in ambient concentrations are challenging the TOR detection limits, particularly for LAC. Due to these issues, two alternative carbonaceous measurements are being explored to supplement or replace TOR analysis in the IMPROVE network. The first is the use of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), where FTIR spectra are calibrated against a subset of the measured TOR OC and LAC data. The second is a system using TC derived from a thermal method and filter absorption (fabs) measured using a hybrid integrating plate and sphere (HIPS) system. Estimates of LAC are then derived from the fabs data, and OC is estimated from the difference between TC and LAC. These methods have different benefits and drawbacks. FTIR is cost effective, but being calibrated to TOR, has the same inherent problems as an operationally defined method. TC and fabs measurements are also cost effective and known to produce stable long-term trends. However, fabs is subject to filter loading artifacts and relating TC and fabs to TOR OC and LAC is challenging. These three carbonaceous measurement methods are reviewed and contrasted with final recommendations for monitoring in the IMPROVE network.
Referee # 2 Major comments

Introduction The current section has extremely limited information about the previous studies for climate modeldriven snow products in the Introduction section (such as the general performance of SWE products 10 from earth system models within the CMIP, and what are the previous findings of the differences in CMIP6 as compared to CMIP5 snow products, etc). I would strongly recommend including a further description about climate modeldriven snow products and comparison studies (CMIP5 & 6, and statistical or physically downscaled products e.g. CORDEX) with its reliability and uncertainties in Introduction section. Also, the authors should provide much more sufficient information about a recent 15 progress of the SnowCCI products from Luojus et al., (2021) and Pulliainen et al. (2020) [this manuscript should provide that information as a standalone work]. I’m sure this will draw potential readers’ attention to the necessity of this study.
BRAND LOYALTY IN THE CRUISE SECTOR: AGE COHORTS, GENDER, AND TRAVEL ATTRIBUTES AS KEY MODERATORS FOR RELATIONSHIP MARKETING THEORY

Testing established theory in relationship marketing, we examine the impact of customer relationship management on customer satisfaction and brand loyalty in the context of the cruise industry. Individual differences such as age cohort (e.g., millennials, Gen X, baby boomers), gender, and consumers’ desired travel attributes are examined as moderators. Cruise vacation consumers at an international cruise harbor were approached to complete an in-person survey (n = 226). Empirical findings support extant theory in relationship marketing in that consumers’ perception of relationship investment raises satisfaction and, in turn, brand loyalty. Notably, when customer relationship investment is degenerated into a second order dimension structure, value-added activities are more important than interaction and customer profiling in this sectorespecially for millennials. Millennial consumers are more sensitive to value-added activities in the cruise sector, which is a key takeaway. First, while extant studies in this industry tend to focus on issues non-related to CRM, we examine the role of three types of relationship effort with cruise brands (i.e., the customer relationship investment construct is reflected by customer interaction, value-added activities, and customer profiling). Second, we explore how the established CRM framework can adequately capture the direct effects of individualized marketing campaigns on CRM performance in terms of consumer psychological perceptions and behavioral intentions. Third, a contribution is to uncover any multi-group differences in age and gender in explaining customer satisfaction and brand loyalty in the cruise sector. The findings provide practical implications for cruise vacation service providers in the area of value-added initiatives and more theoretical evidence for scholars in customer relationship management and brand loyalty.
Eco‐efficient products and services through LCA in R&D/design

Increasing demand for sustainable development during the last decades has expanded the scope of corporate responsibility to include environmental issues in all levels of operations. A number of different environmental management tools have been developed and implemented in companies. One important question is whether the resources spent in environmental management tools are used in an optimal way. Another question is if these resources give more eco‐efficient products as well as increased competitiveness. The aim of this paper is to analyse whether, and to what extent, the environmental management tool LCA is perceived as efficient within ABB. The conclusions to be drawn from this study are somewhat contradictory. On the one hand the technical, economic and environmental benefits from current use of the LCA tool seem to be very modest and LCA activities seem not to be integrated in normal operational activities, nor have they been used frequently in product development projects. On the other hand, there is a very positive opinion about the applicability and future use of the LCA tool. In fact a majority of the respondents believe that the LCA tool will stay and can be useful in the future.
Interference issues in silicon RFIC design

Traditional noise immunity methodologies used in PCB designs are less effective when applied to RFICs. We present here analyses of both electromagnetic interferences and spiral inductor induced substrate noise in silicon RFICs that can be an impediment in achieving higher integration. In the analysis, we (1) compare the effectiveness of 4 shielding solutions in a triple layer metal technology, (2) contrast the interference on both heavily doped and lightly doped substrates, (3) study the impact of physical separation and geometrical variations, (4) and measure the inductor induced substrate noise on a 0.8 /spl mu/m triple-layer CMOS process.
DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE CENTRE FOR EUROPEAN STUDIES (CES) TO IMPLEMENT, OR NOT TO IMPLEMENT, THAT IS THE QUESTION The role of non-state actors in environmental policy implementation in Serbia

This thesis analyses what roles non-state actors plays in practical environmental policy implementation in Serbia. European environmental policies have been particularly difficult for new EU-member states and candidate countries to adhere to over the years. With an increasingly progressive and climate ambitious EU, this poses the question of how candidate countries can adapt, and practically implement these policies. Through the concept of Europeanization, based on rational and sociological institutionalism, this paper reflects upon how the EU and European policies affect domestic policies in Serbia, by looking at their practical implementation of environmental policies. This will be measured by focusing on what role non-state actors play in practical policy implementation, as these play a key role in EU enlargement negotiations. Previous studies regarding Europeanization have mainly focused on legal and formal implementation of EU-laws in European countries, and/or on the Central Eastern European countries (CEE). Less attention has been given to the practical implementation of environmental policies, especially in the South East European (SEE) countries. Using Serbia as a case study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with representatives from Serbian NGOs, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the European Commission (EC) and the EU Environment Partnership Programme for Accession (EPPA). Findings include that the non-state actor’s main role have been to consult the government, to monitor the development of the EU-accession negotiations and to raise public debate. Although not a small role in itself, the potential role based on the opportunities that EU-enlargement presents is not as large as might be expected in other contexts. As an example, the lacking capacity of the Serbian government could be complemented by the competence of non-state actors as has been seen in other CEE countries.
THE FINTECH SECTOR AS A DRIVER OF PRIVATE ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN TIME OF INDUSTRY 4.0

: The Fourth Industrial Revolution is making changes to the structure and nature of employment, which is evident in several multi-vector trends. On the one hand, large corporations and industrial enterprises are experiencing declining demand for labor due to the digitization of business processes, the use of artificial intelligence, Big Data, and more. On the other hand, Industry 4.0 creates new opportunities for SMEs to grow, such as alternative business financing models through online platforms. Online financing models include peer-to-peer business loans, equity crowdfunding, profit-sharing crowdfunding, reward-based crowdfunding, and others. The purpose of the article is to explore the possibilities of meeting the needs of SMEs in online financing by the criteria of the volume, value and period of borrowing and to identify the factors that affect the effectiveness of online financing tools. The study used the methods of comparative analysis and expert evaluations. The results of the study show that the success of SMEs financing through crowdfunding and peer-to-peer platforms depends on a set of factors: objective (business project theme, projected profitability rates, loan repayment and interest payment terms) and subjective (investor personal preferences; attractiveness of information posted on crowdfunding platforms). Summarizing the impact of these factors, the authors provide recommendations for SMEs to increase the likelihood of obtaining full funding through online platforms.
Toxicity and possibly Reduced Graphene Oxide cellular interaction with Raphidoceles subcapitata: Ultrastructural analysis

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is a nanomaterial formed by carbon, presented as a graphene oxide derivative, and due to its properties, it is used in areas such as in microelectronics, mechanics, and biomedicine. Despite a large number of tests conducted with this nanomaterial, there is not yet a consensus about its toxicity, when in the environment. The aquatic environment is usually the final destination of those compounds and, for this reason, the green algae is often used as a bioindicator. This study aimed to determine the ecotoxicity and possible interactions of the rGO nanoparticle with the green algae cell of Raphidocelis subcapitata. The structural changes in the algae, exposed to different concentrations the rGO, were analyzed through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Raman spectroscopy, the toxicity was assessed by measure the inhibition of algal biomass. The results indicate that there was no toxic effect on the studied organism, except in the higher concentration (100 mg.L -1). TEM analysis demonstrated an interaction of the nanoparticles with the algal cell, by observation of the internalization of the nanoparticles, as well as by rGO deposition on the cell membrane. Despite the absence of toxicity at low concentrations, the organisms showed sensitivity to the presence of the rGO. Those results contribute to the literature in the clarification of the behavior of carbon-based nanoparticles in the aquatic environment and may allow better care with the production and release of those nanoparticles in the environment.
Development of a Dynamic Biomechanical Model for Load Carriage: Phase IV Part C1: Assessment of Pressure Measurement Systems on Flat Surfaces for use in Human Load Carriage

Abstract : A variety of pressures mapping technologies have been used to assess contact pressures between human tissues and solid flat surface materials. However, research on the accuracy, repeatability, and creep for these technologies is limited. Three commonly used technologies were evaluated for accuracy, repeatability, and creep on a flat surface under highly controlled laboratory conditions. The systems tested included a resistive ink technology known as the F-scan F-socket (Tekscan Incorporated), a piezoresistive technology known as the FSA seat mat (Vista Medical, Limited), and a capacitance technology known as the XSENSOR seat mat (XSENSOR Technology Corporation). Loads between 9.392 kg and 19.627 kg were placed on each sensor using three standardized protocols: an incremental, a low threshold and a creep protocol. The XSENSOR(Registered) and FSA pressure measurement systems were superior to the F Scan system in terms of accuracy, although the XSENSOR was more accurate than the other two systems at low threshold pressures. The main drawback of each system at this time is the long settling time needed to get more accurate data due to creep. This needs to be corrected within the software of each system. For use in human load carriage, there will need to be adjustments in amplitude and creep characteristics.
Regulation Model of Corn Trade System Based on Farmer Protection

This Article draws on the analysis of historical relations between the European Union and the Southern Mediterranean countries and highlights the main initiatives and consequences of the adopted practices of democratisation in the region following the Arab Uprisings. The main focus is on the continuity and limited changes in the new approach. One of the main findings is that the limited reform of the EU approach primarily resulted from the inherited political constraints. The net result was a set of structured security-orientated relationships that will continue to repeat earlier mistakes before 2011. The mechanisms of democracy promotion including conditionality remained inherently full of contradictions. The double standards in applying the conditionality principle in addition to the lack of significant leverage rendered the EU democratisation approach of the Southern neighbours inapt. Despite the 2011 ENP review promise of a substantial change in the EU democratisation approach, it seems that the EU’s initial euphoria following the “Arab spring” has waned as it seems to repeat the same old approach of liberalisation and securitisation of the Southern Mediterranean region rather than democratisation.
Are thoughts and prayers substitutes for material aid?

Americans are routinely called upon to offer up thoughts and prayers in support of disaster victims, prompting concerns among some that these gestures may crowd out material aid. We conduct a field experiment following Hurricane Dorian to examine this potential effect, and find that participants who choose to support hurricane victims with thoughts and prayers donate substantially less than a control group asked for donations only. Extrapolated to the U.S. population as a whole, the implied annual reduction in disaster relief from Americans’ thoughts and prayers likely amounts to hundreds of millions of dollars.
Quantitative Method for Updating Cost Contingency throughout Project Execution

This paper presents a method for project cost contingency forecasting and updating based on Value at Risk at a certain confidence level during project execution. The method is applied and demonstrated through an ongoing tunnel construction project lasting for several years. The method makes use of newly available information as the project progresses, and project daily cost and daily progress are analyzed and used as inputs for the quantitative model. The forecasts compare favorably with actual contingencies. The method provides opportunities to update contingencies at project milestones and to allocate appropriate contingencies at different project phases. This is beneficial for major companies which run multiple projects lasting for years, allowing them to set appropriate contingencies on certain timelines and to improve resource utilization.
Investor-Firm Private Interactions and Informed Trading: Evidence from New York City Taxi Patterns

This study investigates the relation between institutional investors’ acquisition of private information through on-site meetings with public firms and the informativeness of their trading decisions conditioning on investors’ public information processing skills. Using the taxi traffic between an institutional investor’s office and the headquarters of its local investee as a novel proxy for private interactions, I find institutional investors benefit incrementally from private information acquisition. Institutional investors’ trades in local stocks are more informed when there is a higher degree of private interactions with local firms. Further, consistent with public information leveling the playing field by constraining investors’ returns from private information, results from crosssectional tests suggest that institutional investors’ returns from private information acquisition mainly concentrate on firms with opaque information environments. Overall, this study suggests that private interactions with public firms reward institutional investors with information that improves their trading decisions.
Randomize at Your Own Risk: On the Observability of Ambiguity Aversion

Facing several decisions, people may consider each one in isolation or integrate them into a single optimization problem. Isolation and integration may yield different choices, for instance, if uncertainty is involved, and only one randomly selected decision is implemented. We investigate whether the random incentive system in experiments that measure ambiguity aversion provides a hedge against ambiguity, making ambiguity‐averse subjects who integrate behave as if they were ambiguity neutral. Our results suggest that about half of the ambiguity averse subjects integrated their choices in the experiment into a single problem, whereas the other half isolated. Our design further enables us to disentangle properties of the integrating subjects' preferences over compound objects induced by the random incentive system and the choice problems in the experiment.
FREE SURFACE FLOW IN VERTICAL TAYLOR-COUETTE SYSTE

Vertical Taylor-Couette flow with a free surface at its top has been examined by numerical and experimental approaches. Being compared with the ideal case with infinite length cylinders, this system has effects of the finite lengths, the gravitational acceleration and the surface tension. The inner cylinder rotates and the outer cylinder and the bottom wall are stationary. The numerical approach uses the VOF method to model the free surface. In the experiment, the flow patterns are observed from the top and the meridional views, and the displacement of the free surface is measured. The flow modes are classified by the number of vortices appearing in the meridional plane and the radial flow directions at the top and the bottom. The power spectra of the displacement of the free surface and the bulk energy are numerically evaluated and the bulk energy tends to give favorable agreement with the spectra of the displacement obtained experimentally. The transition from the secondary mode flow appearing at higher Reynolds number to the primary mode flow at lower Reynolds number is examined and comparison between the numerical and experimental results are made.
Deep Learning Framework for Automatic Bone Age Assessment

Bone age Assessment or the skeletal age is a general clinical practice to detect endocrine and metabolic disarrangement in child development. The bone age indicates the level of structural and biological growth better than chronological age calculated from the birth date. The X-Ray of the wrist and hand is used in common to estimate the bone age of a person. The degree of agreement among the automated methods used to evaluate the X-rays is more than any other manual method. In this work, we propose a fully automated deep learning approach for bone age assessment. The dataset used is from the 2017 Pediatric Bone Age Challenge released by the Radiological Society of North America. Each X-Ray image in this dataset is an image of a left hand tagged with the age and gender of the patient. Transfer learning is employed by using pre-trained neural network architecture. InceptionV3 architecture is used in the present work, and the difference between the actual and predicted age obtained is 5.921 months.Clinical Relevance— This provides an AI-based computer assistance system as a supplement tool to help clinicians make bone age predictions.