Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impacts of Short-Term Land Use by High-Speed Rail on Large Metropolises

An accessibility-based approach was used to find the short-term impacts of high-speed rail (HSR) on metropolitan areas. The impacts of Spanish HSR on Madrid from 2006 to 2009 were studied by the integration of geographic information system technology and spatial discrete choice models. Besides the socioeconomic variables, both local and regional transport network development and accessibility growth were considered to isolate the impacts on the changes of land use types brought about by different sources of accessibility. The results from the model reveal that in large metropolitan cities such as Madrid, the impacts of HSR were shadowed by other external factors. With a focus on the land typologies that shifted the land use types during the years studied, the growth of regional accessibility by inauguration of new HSR lines was found to be an important incentive. This growth of regional accessibility may lead to the upgrade of land occupation. However, this finding does not imply that such an increase can be a sufficient factor to drive the change in land use patterns because in a comparison with the whole metropolitan region, the proportion of land cells that changed each year was relatively small.
Bit-rate selection in wireless networks

This thesis evaluates bit-rate selection techniques to maximize throughput over wireless links that are capable of multiple bit-rates. The key challenges in bit-rate selection are determining which bit-rate provides the most throughput and knowing when to switch to another bit-rate that would provide more throughput. This thesis presents the SampleRate bit-rate selection algorithm. SampleRate sends most data packets at the bit-rate it believes will provide the highest throughput. SampleRate periodically sends a data packet at some other bit-rate in order to update a record of that bit-rate’s loss rate. SampleRate switches to a different bit-rate if the throughput estimate based on the other bit-rate’s recorded loss rate is higher than the current bit-rate’s throughput. Measuring the loss rate of each supported bit-rate would be inefficient because sending packets at lower bit-rates could waste transmission time, and because successive unicast losses are time-consuming for bit-rates that do not work. SampleRate addresses this problem by only sampling at bit-rates whose lossless throughput is better than the current bit-rate’s throughput. SampleRate also stops probing at a bit-rate if it experiences several successive losses. This thesis presents measurements from indoor and outdoor wireless networks that demonstrate that SampleRate performs as well or better than other bit-rate selection algorithms. SampleRate performs better than other algorithms on links where all bit-rates suffer from significant loss. Thesis Supervisor: Robert T. Morris Title: Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Engineering
Focus group study to explore critical factors of public engagement process for mega development projects

AbstractDue to the dynamic nature of construction projects, multiple stakeholders with various expectations are often involved. To achieve consensus among different stakeholders, public engagement (PE) is increasingly adopted for mega development projects. However, it is really difficult to satisfy various stakeholder needs if PE is inappropriately conducted. PE has been criticized for its illogical and unsystematic processes underlying decisions. Hence, the current study aimed to explore and identify critical factors of the PE process in order to improve final performance. To achieve this aim, four focus groups were held involving different types of stakeholders (e.g., governmental departments, construction professionals, interest groups, and local residents). PE process factors, addressed in the focus groups, fell into two main categories: logical decision-making process and team behaviors, with the latter divided into task and personal dimensions. The results of the current study were used as the first.
Shrinkage and Suction Properties of Pledger-Roebuck Alluvial Clay

The behavior of clays on drying leads to undesirable consequences with regard to high-plasticity clay subgrades and embankments. The soil suction and shrinkage properties of an alluvial clay soil were characterized. The CLOD shrinkage test procedure was found to be very effective in developing the experimental shrinkage curves. At the McCurtain County, Oklahoma, site, three types of samples were analyzed: undisturbed samples taken with thin-walled tubes, hand-augured soil chunks, and compacted standard Proctor samples. Results of the CLOD shrinkage tests for this site indicate consistent results regardless of the sample type and well-defined normal and residual segments of the shrinkage curve. Shrinkage limits estimated from the CLOD shrinkage curves were comparable with shrinkage limit test values. The effect of overconsolidation is reflected in the characteristic curves for different depths in the soil profile. A large suction range was calculated at the general air entry moisture content.
The Online Learning Transition: Challenges and Opportunities

Corona Virus Disease 2019 is currently still volatile. Large-scale restrictions stop activities outside the home that have a broad impact on life, including the field of education. Learning activities transition into online learning at home. Changes due to this condition pose challenges as well as opportunities for students and educators. The purpose of this study is to explore information on challenges and opportunities in online learning so that the results of this study can provide policy recommendations in the implementation of learning in the following semester. This survey research was conducted by distributing questionnaires (google forms) related to the challenges and learning opportunities for the second-semester students of the 2019 batch of Maulana Malik Ibrahim State Islamic University Malang. The results obtained indicate that elements of student dissatisfaction dominate each aspect of the majority during online learning. The conclusion obtained from this research is that online learning has obstacles to be transformed into opportunities as an alternative problem solving to the stability of the quality of Education.
Joint dimension reduction and clustering analysis of single-cell RNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics data

Dimension reduction and (spatial) clustering is usually performed sequentially; however, the low-dimensional embeddings estimated in the dimension-reduction step may not be relevant to the class labels inferred in the clustering step. We therefore developed a computation method, Dimension-Reduction Spatial-Clustering (DR-SC), that can simultaneously perform dimension reduction and (spatial) clustering within a unified framework. Joint analysis by DR-SC produces accurate (spatial) clustering results and ensures the effective extraction of biologically informative low-dimensional features. DR-SC is applicable to spatial clustering in spatial transcriptomics that characterizes the spatial organization of the tissue by segregating it into multiple tissue structures. Here, DR-SC relies on a latent hidden Markov random field model to encourage the spatial smoothness of the detected spatial cluster boundaries. Underlying DR-SC is an efficient expectation-maximization algorithm based on an iterative conditional mode. As such, DR-SC is scalable to large sample sizes and can optimize the spatial smoothness parameter in a data-driven manner. With comprehensive simulations and real data applications, we show that DR-SC outperforms existing clustering and spatial clustering methods: it extracts more biologically relevant features than conventional dimension reduction methods, improves clustering performance, and offers improved trajectory inference and visualization for downstream trajectory inference analyses.
Mitigation of Liquefaction Potential Using Rammed Aggregate Piers

Trestle Glen is a mixed-use, mixed-income, transit-oriented urban reuse development on 6,880 square meters (1.7 acres) that now offers 119 units of affordable housing along with commercial and light industrial options adjacent to the Colma Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Station in Colma (San Mateo County), California. Subsurface soil at the Trestle Glen site includes artificial fill over potentially liquefiable, loose- to medium-dense silty to clayey sands, as well as soft silts and low-plasticity clays, extending to depths of about 7.6 to 9.1 meters (25 to 30 feet) locally along the historic creek alignments in the southeastern portion of the site. Groundwater is approximately 3.4 meters (11 feet) below the ground surface in this portion of the site. This paper presents a case study of the use of impact rammed aggregate piers (RAPs) to mitigate potentially liquefiable soil. The RAP system is a proprietary ground improvement method that involves driving a 30-centimeter (12-inch) diameter hollow mandrel with a 40-centimeter (16-inch) diameter rammer foot to the design depth. The hole is then backfilled with open-graded aggregate that is vibrated in 0.3-meter (1-foot) lifts by a dynamic impact hammer. This paper includes the results of a pre- and post-ground improvement Cone Penetration Test (CPT) program implemented to evaluate the post-ground improvement liquefaction and seismic settlement potential.
Airway management and anesthesia for airway surgery: a narrative review

Objective To discuss and summarize the literature for airway and anesthetic management tools the anesthesiologist can use for airway surgery to both successfully manage the patient’s physiological needs and provide the surgeon the optimal surgical conditions with which to perform the surgery safely. Background The airway and anesthetic management of patients presenting for thoracic surgery poses the anesthesiologist with a unique set of challenges, but also a unique set of opportunities to artfully utilize and adapt a variety of management options that has developed over several decades of innovation. Sixty years ago, airway surgery was initially performed with the patient spontaneously breathing and providing anesthesia with halogenated agents and airway topicalization. As medicine entered the latter half of the twentieth century with its development of new airway devices and modern anesthetic agents, most airway surgeries could be safely performed under general anesthesia with secured airways. Today, with continued technological advancements in surgical techniques and an expanding population of challenging patients, the application of nonintubated anesthetic techniques and extracorporeal support is on the rise. Methods We conduct a narrative review of the literature on the history of airway and anesthetic management for thoracic surgery, the current management methods and evidence for each modality, and discuss future directions for the field. Conclusions While the airway and anesthetic management for airway surgery is challenging, the anesthesiologist has a variety of options including cross-field ventilation, jet ventilation, nonintubated techniques, and extracorporeal support to safely care for the patient. Whichever methods are chosen for the patient and surgery, thoracic surgery remains uniquely positioned in its need for close sharing and collaboration of all airway and anesthetic management decisions between the anesthesiologist and the surgeon.
The Clinical Usefulness of the Practice Resource for Driving after Stroke (PReDAS)

Abstract Occupational Therapists (OTs) have identified a critical need for organized, evidence-based resources to approach driving post-stroke. The Practice Resource for Driving After Stroke (PReDAS) is a resource to support the clinical reasoning and practice of health professionals for addressing driving in acute stroke care. The purpose of this pilot study is to evaluate the usefulness of the PReDAS to support clinician and patient decision-making about return to driving after stroke/Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) in the acute care hospital setting. OTs, physicians, and patients diagnosed with stroke/TIA were surveyed regarding their experience with the PReDAS in acute care. Patient participants were also contacted for a follow-up questionnaire. OT, physician and patient stakeholders reported the PReDAS was useful to support decision-making for driving. The majority of patients recalled information provided in acute care and abstained from driving as advised. This study provides preliminary support for the clinical usefulness of the PReDAS.
A Review of the History of Fire Suppression on U.S. DoD Aircraft

A review of the history of fire suppression on U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) aircraft is presented to provide a context against which the findings of the Next Generation Fire Suppression Technology Program (NGP) can be assessed. These findings are to be published later this year (2006) in the NGP final report. Aircraft fire suppression applications reviewed are powerplant compartments, which include engine nacelles and auxiliary power unit (APU) compartments, dry bay compartments, and fuel tank ullage (wet bays). The evolution of engine nacelle fire suppression system designs are presented, from “conventional” systems design to current high-rate discharge systems. Nacelle/APU fire occurrence and suppression system discharge is presented relative to altitude and temperature. Pilot response and system effectiveness are also discussed. The evolution of active dry bay fire suppression is also presented, though active systems dedicated purely to dry bay fire protection have not been fielded until the advent of the Live Fire Test legislation. Technologies and methods implemented previously and currently for fuel tank ullage fire suppression are then discussed.
Mental well-being of general population during COVID-19 pandemic

Background: COVID-19 pandemic has drastically affected the mental health of people worldwide, with emergence of new mental health problems and worsening of the existing ones. Objectives: This research was conducted with the objective to study the level of mental wellbeing among adult general population during COVID-19 pandemic in India and to identify the association of socio demographic factors with the level of mental wellbeing of study subjects. Methods: It was a community based online cross sectional study involving general population more than 18 years of age. Data collection was done by using a goggle form link which was circulated via online platforms. Data was analyzed using Microsoft excel and SPSS version 21. Qualitative data was expressed in proportions or percentages and quantitative data was expressed in mean and standard deviation. Chi square test and logistic regression analysis was done to find out association of demographic factors with mental wellbeing. Results: 58.4% subjects had normal mental wellbeing score while 25.1% were found to be at risk of developing psychological distress and 16.5% were at risk of depression. Lower wellbeing scores were significantly associated with younger (<36 years) as well as older age (>55 years), female gender, divorced or widowed, unemployed, businessmen and students. Lowe scores were also associated with increased consumption of alcohol and tobacco. Conclusion: A large proportion of study population had a poor mental wellbeing during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic.
A compact pre- and post-stress I-V model for submicrometer buried-channel pMOSFETs

In this paper, we report a new complete and analytical drain current model for pre- and post-stress submicrometer buried-channel (BC) MOSFETs operated in the forward- and reverse-biased modes. The model is valid in all regions of operation, and is developed using the quasi-two-dimensional approach. The hot-carrier-induced electron trapping in the oxide causes the channel shortening effect, which displays different behaviors for the device operated in the forward and reverse modes. It affects the threshold voltage reduction with channel length. This model incorporates the effects of velocity saturation, drain induced barrier lowering, channel length modulation, gate voltage induced mobility degradation, series source and drain resistances, and hot-carrier-induced oxide charges. The damaged channel region due to the fixed oxide charges trapped during hot-carrier injection is treated as a bias- and stress-time-dependent resistance. The resulting degraded BC MOSFET model is applicable for circuit simulation and its accuracy has been checked by the experimental data.
Numerical analysis to determine the performance of combined variable ceiling and floor-based air distribution systems in an office room

This study analyses the performance characteristics of combined variable ceiling and floor-based air distribution systems in an office room using a numerical method to optimize the level of thermal comfort and indoor air quality. To validate the computational fluid dynamics simulations, temperature, air velocity and CO2 concentration were measured and compared. The simulation results of various combinations of ceiling and floor-based air distribution systems show that the exhaust should be located above the occupant and the window in summer; due to the large thermal plume as heat sources that could be generated by the window and the occupant. Whereas in winter, the supply should be located on the ceiling far from the window and the exhaust should be positioned on the floor near the occupant; as the downward airflow around the cold window surface would become more dominant when compared to the upward airflow associated with any other heat sources. The results have indicated that having both ceiling and floor-based air conditioning systems would allow the flexibility to change supply and exhaust air diffuser locations to optimize thermal and ventilation performance more efficiently in countries that are subject to distinct seasonal changes.
Seasat-A satellite scatterometer instrument evaluation

The Seasat-A satellite scatterometer (SASS) was designed to measure ocean surface wind speed and direction in twenty-four (24) independent cells over a 1000-km swath. It operated in the interrupted CW mode at a frequency of 14.6 GHz with four (4) fan beam antennas and used Doppler filtering in the receiver for resolving the cells on the surface. The instrument began operating in space on July 6, 1978, and gathered normalized radar cross section ( \sigma^{0} ) data for approximately 2290 h. The purpose of this paper is to describe the in-orbit evaluation of the SASS hardware and its compatibility with the spacecraft. It has been determined that the scatterometer operated flawlessly throughout the mission, met all design requirements, and established a good data base for geophysical processing.
Etiology and Outcomes of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Admitted to a Single Tertiary Care Hospital: Balochistan Institute of Nephrology-Urology Quetta

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common clinical syndrome with broad spectrum of etiologies and an important cause of morbidity and mortality requiring hospitalization. Depending on the cause and nature of AKI it may complicate to be life threatening or even proceed to Chronic Kidney disease (CKD) compromising the quality of life. Methods: The current retrospective study determines the causes and outcomes of AKI in patients of different age groups, who required hospitalization at our tertiary care hospital from March 2018 to March 2020. Possible etiologic conditions for AKI were recorded during the study period and AKI was classified according to the causes, age and outcome. Results: records of total of 267 patients with diagnosis of AKI were obtained who were admitted during the study period. Obstetric related diagnosis was the commonest reason for AKI (n= 50 18.7%), another 42 (15.7%) had obstructive nephropathy, prerenal AKI in 35 patients (13.1%) and other causes such as glomerulonephritis, sepsis, pigment nephropathy and drug related interstitial nephritis among others. Majority of the patients needed dialytic support, n=190 (71.2%) and majority of patients n=181 patients (67.7%) recovered completely, and only 11 patients (4.2%) expired. Conclusion: Our study reveals that majority of patients with AKI presenting to BINUQ had reversible causes of AKI with complete recovery in significant number of patients. Community wise programs to early detect AKI with prompt treatment will decrease the likelihood of such patients adding to the CKD population.
What is a “Snack”? Perspectives from Adolescents in Urban Communities

ABSTRACT Snacking contributes significantly to U.S. adolescents’ dietary intake and is a particularly significant eating occasion for urban adolescents, who have high amounts of food autonomy and access to corner stores. Consequently, research has focused on understanding and improving snacking among urban adolescents. However, the word “snack” possesses several definitions in the literature, leading to inconsistences in research efforts. As such, the aim of this study was to explore the definition of a snack among urban adolescents by conducting phone interviews with 30 adolescents from a Boys & Girls Club in New York City. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Overall, adolescents defined a snack as a small, unhealthy food item that can be quickly eaten to reduce hunger between meals. Future directions include using the definition of a snack that emerged from this study to improve subsequent adolescent snacking interventions.
Numerical Investigation of the Circle Grids Fractal Flow Conditioner for Orifice Plate Flowmeters

Flow rate measurements are among the most important operations in modern industries dealing with increasingly expensive fluids such as petroleum, natural gas and water. The accuracy of flow meters depends mainly on their position in a pipe network and their operating conditions. Pipe fittings such as valves and bends generate turbulence and swirl and distort the flow distribution in the pipe, leading to a substantial amount of measuring error. For accurate flow rate measurements, the standards ISO 5167 specify either a sufficient straight piping lengths or the inclusion of a flow conditioner between the flow distortion and the flow meter. Flow conditioners serve to reduce the developing length between pipe fittings and flow meters and to create fully developed flow condition within short distances. In the present study, numerical modeling of the flow development upstream and downstream of the orifice plate which used circle grid fractal flow conditioner has been made. Computational Flow Dynamics techniques have been used to predict the flow development downstream the flow conditioners.
International Journal of Instruction

Scientific/chemical literacy is currently the goal of science education in many countries. Students' chemical literacy can be developed through an innovative learning strategy that explicitly direct student learning to aspects of chemical literacy. This research aimed to examine the effectiveness of SOIE (Strengthening, Orientation, Investigation, and Evaluation) innovative learning strategies on students' chemical literacy. The study used a quasi-experiment with pretest-posttest control group design. The research subjects consisted of two classes (N=68) first year students in a public university: the experimental (n = 34) and the control (n = 34) groups. The experimental group was taught using the SSI context based SOIE strategy, while the control group was taught using conventional methods. Students' chemical literacy was measured using a chemical literacy test (r = 0.761) and the data were analysed using ANCOVA. The results showed that the innovative strategy significantly improves students' chemical literacy, and it greatly affected all aspects of chemical literacy measured (e.g. content, epistemic, and procedural knowledge). The average score of each aspect in the experimental group was higher than that of students in the control group. The research implication lies in incorporating explicit literacy aspects and socio-scientific issues in chemistry learning.