Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
GENERALISED LINEAR MODELLING OF CRASHES AND INJURY SEVERITY IN THE CONTEXT OF THE SPEED-RELATED INITIATIVES IN VICTORIA DURING 2000-2002

Generalised linear models of road trauma outcomes have been found to be a powerful way of representing the trends and variations over time and to explain the effects of influential factors such as countermeasure initiatives. This report covers their application to monthly casualty crash frequencies and injury severity outcomes in Victoria during 1998 to 2003. During 2000 to 2003, the mobile speed camera program in Victoria was changed by introducing "flashless" camera operations during daytime and other modifications to make the enforcement more covert and unpredictable, increasing the targeted camera operating hours from 4200 to 6000 hours per month, and reducing the speeding offence detection threshold in three stages. In December 2002, the thresholds for penalties applying to different levels of speeding offence were generally reduced by 5 km/h. Associated with the speed enforcement initiatives was a program of speed-related advertising known as the "Wipe Off 5" campaign launched in early August 2001 without specific reference to the enforcement changes. A subsequent announcement took place in late November 2001 specifically mentioning the more covert speed camera operations as well as the increase in camera hours. A third announcement took place in the print media at the end of March 2002, emphasizing that the former 9 km/h speeding tolerance no longer applied. As well as the enforcement changes, the statistical models included the reduced urban speed limit in January 2001, the penalty restructure, the speed-related advertising and the announcements, plus the impact of the fixed speed camera controversy that arose in late 2003. The study concluded that linear modelling of crash outcomes as a function of potential explanatory factors needs realistic assumptions to be made about viable functional forms connecting a measure of each factor and the outcomes. The assumed functional form of the relationship between monthly speed camera hours and road trauma appears to represent this relationship well. There is doubt that the flashless speed camera initiative and the enforcement threshold reductions have been adequately represented in the monthly crash outcome models. It was concluded that the effect of these initiatives on crash outcomes is unknown at this stage. The assumed functional form of the relationship between monthly speed-related advertising levels and road trauma appears to represent this relationship well. The speed-related television advertising had a statistically significant association with a decrease in monthly casualty crash frequencies during times of increased advertising levels. In general the relationships connecting speed camera hours and levels of speed-related advertising with road trauma reductions in Victoria confirmed previous research on the effectiveness of these road safety programs as operated in the State.
A Review of Single and Multi-Hazard Risk Assessment Approaches for Critical Infrastructures Protection

One of the greatest societal challenges is represented by Critical Infrastructures (CIs) protection. To minimize the impacts of man-made and natural threats, a series of risk assessment techniques have been developed. This work aims to critically compare state-of-the-art risk assessment methodologies for CIs protection, to find the pros and cons of each of them. The paper firstly defines the main challenges in performing the risk assessment of CIs, which have been identified in data availability and in modelling multiple hazard interactions. Afterwards, twelve different risk evaluation methodologies, including mathematical and statistical methods, machine learning techniques, graph and network methods, are analyzed and compared. Every method is described and its strengths and weaknesses are summarized in a suitable Table. Results show that statistical and mathematical methods provide the most accurate results, but need a large amount of data and execution time, while machine learning and complex network approaches work well even if the data are scarce and have a lower computational cost. In addition, the graph and network approaches tend to be the most flexible, able to adapt to every data availability condition and to deal with multiple hazards contemporarily.
The personal research portal: web 2.0 driven individual commitment with open access

We here propose the concept of the Personal Research Portal (PRP) – a mesh of social software applications to manage knowledge acquisition and diffusion – as a means to create a digital identity for the researcher – tied to their digital public notebook and personal repository – and a virtual network of colleagues working in the same field. Complementary to formal publishing or taking part in congresses, and based on the concept of the e-portfolio, the PRP is a knowledge management system that enhances reading, storing and creating at both the private and public levels. Relying heavily on Web 2.0 applications – easy to use, freely available – the PRP automatically implies a public exposure and a digital presence that enables conversations and network weaving without time and space boundaries.
THE EFFECT OF FATIGUE ON THE 200 M FRONT CRAWL UNDERWATERSTROKE PATTERN

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of fatigue on the spatial underwater swimming arm-stroke pattern. Ten male swimmers performed a 200 m front crawl at maximal intensity. The kinematic stroke parameters recorded by six cameras were: mean swim velocity, stroke length, stroke frequency, and a number of upper limb linear and angular displacements and velocities. Differences between the four laps were assessed with a repeated measure ANOVA and effect sizes. Fatigue effect was shown in the significant decrease of the velocity (swimming and arm), depths and elbow angle at the end of backward movement. The present findings could be useful for coaches in evaluating fatigue effects on the swimming technique.
Design methodology of an interleaved buck converter for onboard automotive application, multi-objective optimisation under multi-physic constraints

This study presents a design methodology applied to design and improve the efficiency of interleaved Buck converters. This methodology is based on a multi-physic and multi-objective optimisation to ensure well integration of the converters. Thereto, the number of cells is used as a key parameter to formalise this approach with analytical models established to offer compromise needed between the computation time and results accuracy. The proposed methodology is applied to an interleaved buck converter for automotive application to achieve the requirements as electrical, volume, efficiency and thermal constraints. It allows to find the optimal converter architecture by searching the minimum volume integration and maximum efficiency by depicting the optimal number of cells and adequate active and passive component technologies selected from a manufacturer database. This methodology is drawn up to remove the risk of feasibility on the converter configuration earlier during the design process considering multi-physic constraints.
Prediction of Engineering Performance: A Neurofuzzy Approach

Engineering and design professionals constitute a major driving force for a successful project undertaking. Although the industry has been active in addressing the performance of construction labor and methods to estimate or predict such performance, relatively fewer efforts have been conducted for the engineering profession. In an attempt to fill out this gap, the paper presents a study to utilize neurofuzzy intelligent systems for predicting the engineering performance in a construction project. First, neurofuzzy systems are introduced as integrated schemes of artificial neural networks and fuzzy control systems. The use of these neurofuzzy intelligent systems, particularly fuzzy neural networks, in predicting engineering performance is then demonstrated in the industrial construction sector. The development of the system is based on actual project data that was collected through questionnaire surveys. Statistical variable reduction techniques are further employed to develop linear regression models of the same engineering performance prediction scheme, and results are being compared between both techniques.
Experimental Investigation of Natural Convection Heat Loss From a Model Solar Concentrator Cavity Receiver

Natural convection heat loss inevitably occurs in cavity-type receivers in high concentrating solar dishes, downward focusing systems and solar towers. In most applications, it can contribute a significant fraction of total energy loss, and hence it is an important determining factor in system performance. To investigate natural convection losses from cavity type receivers, an electrically heated model receiver, was tested at inclinations varying from -90 deg (cavity facing up) to 90 deg (cavity facing straight down), with test temperatures ranging from 450 to 650 deg C. Ratios of the aperture diameter to cavity diameter of 0.5, 0.6, 0.75, 0.85 and 1.0, were used. In addition to measurements of overall heat loss, the Synthetic Schlieren technique was used to visualize the flow pattern out of the cavity. Numerical modeling of the convection losses from the cavity was carried out for positive angles with the commercial computational fluid dynamics software package, Fluent 6.0. Good agreement was found between the numerical flow patterns at the aperture region with the schlieren images and between measured and predicted values for heat loss. Of the previously published work that has been reviewed, a model proposed by Clausing, A. M. , 1981, An Analysis of Convective Losses from Cavity Solar Central Receivers, Sol. Energy 27 (4) pp. 295-300 shows the closest prediction to both numerical and experimental results for downward facing cavities despite its original use for bigger-scale central receivers.
Applying a new systematic fuzzy FMEA technique for risk management in light steel frame systems

ABSTRACT Light Steel Frame (LSF) system is mainly used for construction of short and intermediate-height buildings in developed countries whereas considerable heed is not given to it in developing countries. Unfamiliarity to LSF risks is one of the main reasons for this averseness so risk management can remedy this challenge and develop its application. Hence, this paper investigates the risk management of LSF considering design, construction and operation phase. Three steps entailing risk identification, assessment and responding using fuzzy Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) technique are suggested for risk management implementation and validation of responses, a novel index with respect to weighted combination of project quality, time and cost is calculated. The methodology is demonstrated on a pilot study in a developing country. By using interview, 29 significant risks are extracted in design, construction and operation and then evaluated by proposed fuzzy method. Results showed that the share of the risks in these steps are 21%, 31% and 48% respectively. The results revealed that the risks in the construction and operation phases are higher than those in the design phase. The results also show that involving safety as a project object in the risk management process could eventuate acceptable results. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Moral motivations of bystanders in potential sexual assault situations

ABSTRACT Sexual assault on college campuses has become a major concern. A common response has been to provide bystander intervention training, which research shows may provide short-term attitude change without reducing the number of assaults. Current curricula and research may neglect the very factors that could play a part in students’ desire and ability to intervene, one of which may be moral motivations. For this qualitative study, we interviewed students (n = 38) who identified as having been bystanders to a ‘sketchy sexual situation’ to understand, from a moral perspective, their decisions to intervene or not. In exploring narratives, we used Moral Foundation Theory to categorize the moral reasoning of participants and explore the voices and motivations that adhere to these categories. Through a thematic/discourse analysis we identified additional discourses. Implications for changes to bystander intervention training are discussed.
Impulsive noise measurements and characterization in a UHF digital TV channel

This paper presents the results of a study covering measurement and characterization of the wide-band impulsive noise present in a digital TV radio channel. Measurements were conducted at a frequency of 762 MHz in different outdoor and indoor environments using vertical and horizontal polarization. The measurement system was built on commercial equipment only. The calibration process, which is an important stage of this kind of measurements, is described. To analyze the measurements the impulsive noise has been modeled as a pulse train where the pulse amplitude, pulse duration and elapsed time between pulses are considered random variables. It has been found that the pulse duration and elapsed time between pulses is not dependent on the antenna polarization while the pulse amplitude is, especially in the case of the noise generated by a fluorescent lamp. It has also been found that the pulse duration of the noise measured in the outdoor environments presents some clustering features and is correlated with the pulse amplitudes. This correlation may be caused by a RF noise bandwidth that is larger than the bandwidth of the measurement system. The noise in busy streets presents larger pulse durations, larger amplitude, and shorter elapsed time between pulses that the noise measured in a pedestrian area. Several statistical tests have been done to find the distribution function that best fits these random variables. Power Rayleigh, lognormal, exponential, Poisson, and Gamma distributions have been tested. According to the assessment carried out, none of the distribution functions is adequate to model the pulse amplitudes or the elapsed time between pulses, while the pulse duration seems to be Gamma distributed.
2-D Direction-of-arrival Estimation of Real-valued Sources *

A new method is presented to estimate two-dimensional (2-D) Direction-of-Arrival (DOA) angles of narrowband real-valued signals impinging on a L-shape Arrays(LA). The basic idea of the proposed method is to increase both the effective aperture size and the number of sensors by employing the conjugate invariance property of real-valued signals. Thus, the proposed method can provide a more precise DOA and detect more signals than the Cross-Correlation Matrix Method (CCMM). Numerical simulation results are presented to support the theory.
EFFICIENCY OF MEAT PRODUCTION FROM CULLED FORCE-FED LACTATING BUFFALO

SUMMARY Efficiency of meat production from culled lactating buffalo after ending their lactation was investigated by exposing them to short finishing period of 56 days. Fourteen culled female buffalos were equally divided into two groups, force-fed (finished) and control, based on their averages of initial age (91.5 and 89.0 months, respectively) and live body weight (526.67 and 539.17 kg, resp.). Finished group was fed on concentrate feed mixture (CFM), clover hay and rice straw in restricted diet regimen to fulfill nutrient requirements for 0.900 kg daily gain, whilst control group was fed the nutritional requirements for maintenance. Average body weight daily gain and dry matter intake were recorded fortnightly. At the end of finishing period, three animals from each group were slaughtered, and then the right sides of the carcasses were dissected into different cuts. Obtained results indicated that finishing regime improved the performance, carcass characteristics, carcass composition, and meat quality of buffalo cow. Force-fed group achieved higher (P<0.05) average daily gain (0.940 kg), and hence recorded higher (P<0.05) final body weight (585.9 kg) than control group (0.138 kg and 540.6 kg, respectively). The improvement of carcass characteristics, carcass composition, and meat quality were remarkably observed in force-fed group, despite of the higher percentage of fat in longissimus dorsi muscle. Carcass weight and the percentages of dressing and boneless meat increased (P<0.05) in the force-fed animals. The dressing and boneless meat percentages were 54.0% and 84.2% in the force-fed group; while it was 49.7% and 78.6% in the control one. Lean percentage increased in force-fed buffalo by about 4 % followed by higher lean / bone ratio (being 3.66 vs. 1.95). Neither internal nor external offals as a percentage from slaughter weight were affected significantly by finishing regime. In addition, meat quality of best ribs (9, 10, 11), namely physical and chemical characteristics, was improved by finishing regime. The obvious results indicated that culled lactating buffalo could be used efficiently in meat production when subjecting them to a short finishing period of 56 days. That encourages buffalo breeders to use these animals as a potential source of beef production after ending their lactation.
The Effects of Group Brainstorming on the Auditor's Search for Potential Misstatements and Assessment of Fraud Risk in the Presence of Pressures and Opportunities

This paper examines the effect of SAS No. 99 recommended group brainstorming on the auditor’s search for potential material misstatements and assessments of fraud risk in the presence of different levels of pressures and opportunities. We argue that there are potential differences in the auditor’s evaluation of pressures and opportunities while searching for potential material misstatements and assessing fraud risk, and these differences could be exaggerated when auditors brainstorm in groups. The results of a 2 x 2 x 2 between-subjects experiment (in which pressures and opportunities were manipulated at high and low levels, and brainstorming occurred individually or in three member audit teams) indicate that auditors found a significantly greater number of potential material misstatements when they observed high pressures and low opportunities compared to when they observed low pressures and high opportunities (even though there was an equal number of potential material misstatements across in all the treatments). Furthermore, this difference was significantly increased when auditors performed group brainstorming. Similarly, auditors’ assessments of fraud risk were significantly higher when they observed high pressures and low opportunities as compared to when they observed low pressures and high opportunities. Again, this difference was significantly increased when auditors performed group brainstorming.
Residents’ perceptions of sporting events: a review of the literature

Abstract Increasing attention has been devoted of late to perceptions of sporting events among host city residents. However, a comprehensive literature review that collects and summarizes the content of research in this area lacks scholarly approaches. This study aims to review the literature published between 2000 and 2020 in indexed, peer-reviewed periodicals on perceptions among host city residents. It also analyses the selected 43 papers in the sample with reference to theoretical approaches, methods and findings. It seems that understanding perceived potential social impacts of sporting events in a particular city is essential to the overall success of these events among local communities. Findings from the wide spectrum of studies reviewed can be used in event planning, communication strategies, implementation and reduction of negative impacts, while capitalizing on opportunities. Highlighting key topics and trends in the literature, this analysis also identifies both limitations and possible new research approaches.
Covid-19 re-opening measures in the full-service restaurant industry: the impact in the word-of-mouth intention

One of the most affected industries due to COVID-19 has been full-service restaurants since several governments worldwide decided to close them temporarily as a measure to stop spreading the virus. As the re-opening happens, the priority on the factors for these restaurants’ customers to recommend others or Word-of-Mouth (WOM) seems to have changed, especially if analyzed according to demographics groups. This article shows empirical evidence of what factors in full-service restaurants influence a client’s word-of-mouth intentions before and during COVID-19, aiming the relevance of trust (TST) to be superior to other factors, such as the quality of the food (QF) itself.
COVID-19 pandemic disruption: a matter of building companies’ internal and external resilience

This paper develops an integrated methodology aimed at diagnosing supply chain resilience in terms of (1) internal dynamic capabilities of an enterprise, and (2) resilience of its suppliers. In addition, unlike other research, it integrates the suppliers’ resilience evaluation into the order size allocation plan. Multi-attribute decision making (MADM) algorithms were employed to quantify the relative importance to evaluate the internal and external resilience of an enterprise. Furthermore, the MADM output was combined with a multi-objective programming model formulated to solve the order size problem considering economic and resilience objectives. The applicability of the developed methodology is demonstrated via a dairy manufacturing enterprise that suffered from disruptions attributed to COVID-19. The results translate the enterprise’s non-viable manufacturing due to its poor external and internal resilience profiles. It is emphasized that if an enterprise fails to develop internal capabilities such as readiness and sensing, the enterprise could also fail in managing external resilience. A resilient supply chain requires a blend of internal and external resilience. This work represents the first quantitative attempt to provide a unified methodology for identifying and measuring internal and external resilience.
Early Childhood Obesity: A Developmental Perspective

Childhood obesity is a multifactorial disease, shaped by child, familial, and societal influences; prevention efforts must begin early in childhood. Viewing the problem of childhood obesity through a developmental lens is critical to understanding the nuances of a child's interactions with food and their environment across the span of growth and development. Risk factors for childhood obesity begin prior to birth, compounding across the life course. Some significant risk factors are unmodifiable (e.g., genetics) while others are theoretically modifiable. Social inequities, however, hinder many families from easily making modifications to a range of risk factors. The objective of this review is to provide background and an overview of the literature on childhood obesity in early childhood (birth to 5 years of age) in a developmental context. Special focus is placed on unique developmental considerations, child eating behaviors, and parental feeding behaviors in infancy, toddlerhood, and preschool ages. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Developmental Psychology, Volume 3 is December 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews. org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.