Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative Assessment of Criticality Indices Extracted from Acoustic and Electrical Signals Detected in Marble Specimens

The quantitative determination of the current load carrying capability of already loaded structural elements and the possibility to detect proper indices that could be considered as signals for timely warning that the load carrying capacity is exhausted is the subject of this study. More specifically, it aims to explore the possibility of detecting signals that can be considered as indices warning about upcoming fracture and then to compare quantitatively such signals provided by different techniques. The novelty of the present study lies exactly in this quantitative comparison of the pre-failure signals provided by various sensing techniques and various methods of analysis of the experimental data. To achieve this target, advantage is taken of data concerning the acoustic and electrical activities produced while marble specimens are subjected to mechanical loading. The respective signals are detected and recorded by means of the acoustic emissions technique and that of the pressure stimulated currents. The signals detected by the acoustic emissions technique are analyzed in terms of three formulations, i.e., the b-value, the F-function and the parameters variance κ1, entropy S and entropy under time reversal S_ according to the natural time analysis. The signals detected by the pressure stimulated currents technique are analyzed by means of the intensity of the electric current recorded. The study indicates that all quantities considered provide promising pre-failure indicators. Furthermore, when the specimen is subjected to near-to-failure load levels, the temporal evolution of three of the quantities studied (b-value, F-function, pressure stimulated currents) is governed by a specific power law. The onset of validity of this law designates some differentiation of the damage mechanisms activated. Quantitative differences are observed between the time instants at which this power law starts dictating the evolution of the above parameters, indicating the imperative need for further investigation, despite the quite encouraging results of the present study.
Study of HgCdTe (100) and HgCdTe (111)B Heterostructures Grown by MOCVD and Their Potential Application to APDs Operating in the IR Range up to 8 µm

The trend related to reach the high operating temperature condition (HOT, temperature, T > 190 K) achieved by thermoelectric (TE) coolers has been observed in infrared (IR) technology recently. That is directly related to the attempts to reduce the IR detector size, weight, and power dissipation (SWaP) conditions. The room temperature avalanche photodiodes technology is well developed in short IR range (SWIR) while devices operating in mid-wavelength (MWIR) and long-wavelength (LWIR) require cooling to suppress dark current due to the low energy bandgap. The paper presents research on the potential application of the HgCdTe (100) oriented and HgCdTe (111)B heterostructures grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) on GaAs substrates for the design of avalanche photodiodes (APDs) operating in the IR range up to 8 µm and under 2-stage TE cooling (T = 230 K). While HgCdTe band structure with molar composition xCd < 0.5 provides a very favorable hole-to-electron ionization coefficient ratio under avalanche conditions, resulting in increased gain without generating excess noise, the low level of background doping concentration and a low number of defects in the active layer is also required. HgCdTe (100) oriented layers exhibit better crystalline quality than HgCdTe (111)B grown on GaAs substrates, low dislocation density, and reduction of residual defects which contribute to a background doping within the range ~1014 cm–3. The fitting to the experimentally measured dark currents (at T = 230 K) of the N+-ν-p-P+ photodiodes commonly used as an APDs structure allowed to determine the material parameters. Experimentally extracted the mid-bandgap trap concentrations at the level of 2.5 × 1014 cm−3 and 1 × 1015 cm−3 for HgCdTe (100) and HgCdTe (111)B photodiode are reported respectively. HgCdTe (100) is better to provide high resistance, and consequently sufficient strength and uniform electric field distribution, as well as to avoid the tunneling current contribution at higher bias, which is a key issue in the proper operation of avalanche photodiodes. It was presented that HgCdTe (100) based N+-ν-p-P+ gain, M > 100 could be reached for reverse voltage > 5 V and excess noise factor F(M) assumes: 2.25 (active layer, xCd = 0.22, k = 0.04, M = 10) for λcut-off = 8 μm and T = 230 K. In addition the 4-TE cooled, 8 μm APDs performance was compared to the state-of-the-art for SWIR and MWIR APDs based mainly on III-V and HgCdTe materials (T = 77–300 K).
Biomass Allocation and Leaf Morphology of Saplings Grown under Various Conditions of Light Availability and Competition Types

Plant growth is almost always limited by light availability and competition. However, plants are generally plastic and can change their morphology and biomass allocation to optimize growth under suboptimal conditions. We set up a controlled pot experiment with three light availability levels (10%, 20%, and 50%) to study the effect of light and competition on the biomass allocation and leaf morphology in monospecific and mixed pots of recently planted European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst. ), and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) saplings using a quantile regression model. Specific leaf area (SLA) showed the strongest reaction and increased with decreasing light availability. Woody aboveground mass fraction (AMF) increased with decreasing light availability, but the effect of light on biomass allocation was less pronounced than on SLA. The SLA, woody AMF, and root mass fraction (RMF) of the two conifer species and European beech varied greatly, with European beech having a higher SLA and RMF than the two conifer species. The associated effect of plant size on biomass allocation was small, and the strength of the association was not meaningful on a practical level. The competitor’s effect on biomass allocation was minor overall and only present for some species, suggesting that species’ functional dissimilarity does not greatly affect allocational patterns in early tree development stages.
Association of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound–Derived Kidney Cortical Microvascular Perfusion with Kidney Function

Key Points Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging modality that may noninvasively assess kidney cortical microvascular perfusion. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound–derived kidney cortical microvascular perfusion is associated with eGFR. Visual Abstract Background Individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have decreased kidney cortical microvascular perfusion, which may lead to worsening kidney function over time, but methods to quantify kidney cortical microvascular perfusion are not feasible to incorporate into clinical practice. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) may quantify kidney cortical microvascular perfusion, which requires further investigation in individuals across the spectrum of kidney function. Methods We performed CEUS on a native kidney of 83 individuals across the spectrum of kidney function and calculated quantitative CEUS-derived kidney cortical microvascular perfusion biomarkers. Participants had a continuous infusion of the microbubble contrast agent (Definity) with a flash-replenishment sequence during their CEUS scan. Lower values of the microbubble velocity (β) and perfusion index (β×A) may represent lower kidney cortical microvascular perfusion. Multivariable linear regression models tested the associations of the microbubble velocity (β) and perfusion index (β×A) with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Results Thirty-eight individuals with CKD (mean age±SD 65.2±12.6 years, median [IQR] eGFR 31.5 [18.9–41.5] ml/min per 1.73 m2), 37 individuals with end stage kidney disease (ESKD; age 54.8±12.3 years), and eight healthy volunteers (age 44.1±15.0 years, eGFR 117 [106–120] ml/min per 1.73 m2) underwent CEUS without side effects. Individuals with ESKD had the lowest microbubble velocity (β) and perfusion index (β×A) compared with individuals with CKD and healthy volunteers. The microbubble velocity (β) and perfusion index (β×A) had moderate positive correlations with eGFR (β: rs=0.44, P<0.001; β×A: rs=0.50, P<0.001). After multivariable adjustment, microbubble velocity (β) and perfusion index (β×A) remained significantly associated with eGFR (change in natural log transformed eGFR per 1 unit increase in natural log transformed biomarker: β, 0.38 [95%, CI 0.17 to 0.59]; β×A, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.45 to 1.13]). Conclusions CEUS-derived kidney cortical microvascular perfusion biomarkers are associated with eGFR. Future studies are needed to determine if CEUS-derived kidney cortical microvascular perfusion biomarkers have prognostic value.
Sarcopenia Is Associated with Metabolic Syndrome in Korean Adults Aged over 50 Years: A Cross-Sectional Study

This study assessed the association between sarcopenia and metabolic syndrome in Korean adults aged over 50 years. The study obtained data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES, 2008–2011), a cross-sectional and nationally representative survey conducted by the Korean Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Among the 8363 participants included in this study, the prevalence rate of sarcopenia according to metabolic syndrome was stratified by sex. Crude odds ratios not adjusted for any variables were 1.827 (1.496–2.231) in males, 2.189 (1.818–2.635) in females, and 2.209 (1.766–2.331) in total participants compared with non-sarcopenia. Model 3, which was adjusted for all variables that could affect sarcopenia and metabolic syndrome, showed significant increases in the odds ratios, to 1.957 (1.587–2.413) in males, 1.779 (1.478–2.141) in females, and 1.822 (1.586–2.095) for total participants. The results suggest that the association between sarcopenia and metabolic syndrome is significant in Korean adults.
Impacts of Anthropogenic Activities on the Benthic Macroinvertebrate Assemblages During the Wet Season in Kipsinende River, Kenya

Human activities have impacted negatively the benthic macroinvertebrate assemblage of River Kipsinende in Kenya consequently affecting the biodiversity of the area. The study assessed the impact of anthropogenic activities on benthic macroinvertebrates’ assemblage in the river. Quantitative triplicate samples were collected from three different longitudinal sections along the river and four biotopes from six stations. Sample collection was done monthly from (November-December, 2019, January and March, 2020). 72 samples with 20,040 macroinvertebrate individuals belonging to 14 orders, 48 families, and 68 genera were identified. The relative abundance of Dipteran was greater than Ephemeroptera. Ephemeroptera abundance in percentage was also greater than Trichopteran and Bivalvia. The relative abundance of Dipteran and taxon group of % EPT had an inverse relation across study sites. The highest diversity and evenness were observed in station KB and the lowest in KA. Station KC had the highest number of individuals followed by station KA and the least was at station KE. The results of the canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) shown the physico-chemical parameters were affecting the macroinvertebrates communities in the river. This study provides baseline and scientific information for the appropriate water management of freshwater streams in Kenya.
Toxicity studies on sediments near hydropower plants on the Ślęza and Bystrzyca rivers, Poland, to establish their potential for use for soil enrichment

The aim of this study is to analyze the toxicity of the sediments accumulated in the vicinity of hydropower plants (HPs) on the Ślęza and Bystrzyca rivers in Poland and the possibility of using these sediments for soil enrichment purposes. Thus far, there has been little comprehensive research related to the analysis of the impact of HPs on the properties of sediments. The analysis of the granulometric composition, physicochemical properties, heavy metals (HMs) content in sediments, and the growth of three plant species was carried out, including toxicity (HMs) and germination indices (plants). Most parameters were significant between the points upstream and downstream of the analyzed HPs. It has been shown that the most dangerous toxic factor is the high concentrations of Cu, Ni, and Zn in the sediments upstream of the HP on the Ślęza. In most cases, the HMs content was observed to decrease downstream of the HPs (e.g., Cu in Ślęza River: average of 13.44‐times), a result of changes in the particle size composition and accumulation of sediments at the site of the dam wall. Typically, the sediments tested stimulated growth in the plant species studied in comparison with the control groups (e.g., germination index for Sorghum saccharatum, Bystrzyca: 273.5% downstream of HPs). The C:N ratio increased downstream of the HPs by an average of 37.11% for the Ślęza River and 10.88% for the Bystrzyca River. The requirements for composting material were not met; however, the sediment could be used to enrich soils with an excessively wide C:N ratio.
What Lies Beneath—A Survey of Affective Theory Use in Computational Models of Emotion

Studying and developing systems that can recognize, express, and “have” emotions is called affective computing. To create a Computational Model of Emotion (CME), one must first identify what kind of system to build, then find emotion theories that match its requirements. The relevant literature is vast. This survey aims to help design CMEs that generate emotions—separated into emotion representation and elicitation tasks—in computer agents and interfaces. We give an overview of 67 CMEs from different domains, and identify which emotion theories they use and why. To better understand why CMEs use some theories, we also analyze instances where these CMEs use theories to express emotion. Lastly we summarize how CMEs generally use each theory. The survey is meant to be a guideline for deciding which affective theories to use for new emotion-generating CME designs.
A Influência da diversidade de gênero, no comitê de auditoria, na evidenciação de informações ambientais das empresas listadas na B3

A presente pesquisa tem o objetivo de verificar se há influência da diversidade de gênero, no comitê de auditoria, na evidenciação de informações ambientais das empresas listadas na B3. Para tanto, contou com uma amostra de 78 empresas listadas na Brasil, Bolsa, Balcão, que possuíam comitês de auditoria, no período de 2012 a 2017. Para o alcance do objetivo, utilizou-se a análise de conteúdo, assim como a regressão com dados em painel, de efeitos aleatórios com robustez, sendo os dados coletados nos Relatórios de Sustentabilidade, Relatórios da Administração, Notas Explicativas, Formulários de Referência e na Base de Dados Economática. O resultado do estudo mostrou, a partir da rejeição da hipótese de pesquisa, que o percentual de mulheres no comitê de auditoria não possui relação com o fato das empresas divulgarem informações ambientais. Constatou-se, ainda, que a independência do comitê de auditoria, o tamanho, o desempenho organizacional e o setor considerado potencialmente poluidor, de acordo com a Lei nº 10.165/2000, afetam a evidenciação voluntária dessas informações. Por outro lado, detectou-se que o tamanho do comitê, a alavancagem financeira e o fato das empresas estarem inseridas em um dos níveis diferenciados de governança corporativa não influenciam as empresas a divulgarem informações relacionadas aos aspectos ambientais. Conclui-se, portanto, que a política de divulgação de informações, relacionadas às práticas ambientais empresariais, é uma iniciativa de todos, e não, especificamente, do gênero feminino, como propõe a literatura, considerando que tal prática faz com que as organizações melhorem sua imagem e obtenham legitimidade social.
Ramadan Nutritional Strategy: Professional Soccer Player Case Study

The period of Ramadan induces changes in the usual eating patterns of individuals. During this period, Muslims must abstain from drinking and eating from dawn to dusk. Therefore, some research conducted on professional soccer players has observed that during and/or after Ramadan, performance, running speed, agility, dribbling speed, and endurance and/or skill performance in athletic events may be negatively affected by Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF). The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of a dietary plan during RIF on performance and body composition in a professional soccer player. A 20-year-old elite player (86.0 kg, 188.5 cm) followed a dietary-nutritional plan with an isocaloric diet and was supplemented with glycerol. The athlete’s strength and power in the lower limbs was assessed by performing a countermovement jump (CMJ) and Abalakov vertical jump (ABK) before and after Ramadan. After nutritional planning, the patient’s body composition improved in terms of fat loss (6.61 to 5.70%) and muscle mass gain (50.26 to 51.50%). In addition, this translated into improvements in performance tests, both in the CMJ (36.72 to 40.00 cm) and ABK (39.16 to 49.34 cm). In conclusion, during a period of fasting, personalised nutritional planning and an appropriate supplementation and rest protocol can improve the body composition and performance of soccer players.
Diabetes Adversely Influences Postoperative Outcomes After Oesophagectomy: An Analysis of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database

Introduction: Diabetes is a recognised risk for several chronic and acute illnesses, including increased complications in surgery for oesophageal cancer. Our primary aim is to determine the impact of diabetes on postoperative surgical and medical complications after oesophagectomy. Methods: All oesophagectomies for malignancy as reflected in the 2016-2018 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) datasets were extracted and analysed. Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes used were 1) open procedures (43107, 43108, 43112, 43113, 43116, 43117, 43118, 43121, 43122, and 43123) and 2) hybrid procedures (43186, 43287, and 43288). Logistic regression models examined associations between diabetic status and adverse outcomes. The associations were adjusted for sex, race, age group, operation year, CPT code, body mass index (BMI), smoking, congestive heart failure, antihypertensives, renal failure, and dyspnoea. Results: Two thousand five hundred and thirty-eight oesophagectomies were identified. 86.45% (n=2,194) underwent open procedures and 13.55% (n=344) had hybrid procedures. There were 177 insulin-dependent diabetics (IDDM) and 320 (12.61%) non-insulin-dependent diabetics (NIDDM). 84.14% were male and 77.74% were Caucasian. 89.48% of the patients were between 50 and 79 years of age. 40.27% experienced postoperative complications. Medical complications (odds ratio [OR]: 1.7, p-value: 0.002), surgical complications (OR: 1.9, p-value: <0.001), wound complications (OR: 2.9, p-value: <0.001), and anastomotic leaks (OR: 2.4, p-value: <0.001) were more common in diabetic patients. Subgroup analysis showed that in hybrid procedures, there is a statistically significant increase in the OR of surgical complications (OR: 3.61, p-value: 0.05), medical complications (OR: 3.76, p-value: 0.04), and anastomotic leak (OR: 3.49, p-value: 0.27) in IDDM as compared to NIDDM. Conclusion: Insulin-dependent diabetes doubles the risk of all major complications compared to nondiabetics. When considering surgical approach and diabetic status (IDDM vs nondiabetics, NIDDM vs nondiabetics), the risk of complications further doubles for hybrid oesophagectomies compared to open procedures.
The motivation for the mobility – A comparison of the company assigned and self-initiated expatriates in Saudi Arabia

Abstract This study explores the dominant motivational factors that govern the decision of a sample of 344 expatriates of diverse demographic to relocate from their home nations and move abroad to live and work in Saudi Arabia within the banking sector. These expatriates are grouped into two specific defined cohorts: self-initiated expatriates (SIEs) and company-assigned expatriates (CAEs). A principal components analysis (PCA) was conducted to validate a pull-push model of motivations governing the decision to expatriate. Six push-pull motivational hypotheses derived from a comprehensive review of the extant literature were tested, employing logistic regression using a stepwise forward procedure. The primary argument centred on a contention that SIEs would be more highly motivated by push factors, pull factors, as well as host-home and family dynamics compared to CAEs, while CAEs may be more highly motivated by career considerations. The results of the study revealed that the push factor emerged as the strongest predictor in distinguishing between SIE and CAE motivations to migrate abroad. SIEs were found to be more strongly motivated by push factors than CAEs. In contrast, none of the pull motivational factors produced significant results for either SIEs or CAEs. Key differences between each cohort of expatriates arise based on their unique personal and professional motivational factors, not their status as either a SIE or CAE. The reasons for these results and possible limitations of the study design and its specific Saudi Arabian context are further discussed.
Bidirectional Power Sharing of Modular DABs to Improve Voltage Stability in DC Microgrids

The dual active bridge (DAB) converters have the capability of handling high power in compact form and it is one of the key elements for interconnecting different dc microgrid clusters. A DAB also offers bidirectional power transfer with galvanic isolation between two power buses of similar or different voltage levels, i.e., low voltage and high voltage buses. In microgrid applications, bus voltage regulation is necessary for an uninterrupted power flow and reliable operation of dc microgrids. Due to the galvanic isolation and modularity nature of a DAB, the output can be easily interconnected for efficient and reliable power sharing. In this article, taking the advantage of modularity property of the DAB, an efficient and improved power sharing scheme is developed to stabilize the bus voltage in microgrid applications. A robust bidirectional power sharing control strategy is developed between DABs from different high voltage buses to low voltage buses that improves the voltage stability. An advanced supervisory controller is designed by considering the nonlinearity and uncertainty that ensures stable dc bus voltage and reliable power sharing among DABs under different operating conditions. The controller is validated theoretically and a small-scale laboratory prototype is developed. The concept is verified experimentally at different possible scenarios. From theoretical and experimental results, it is found that the proposed DAB control provides excellent performance in terms of power sharing, dc-bus voltage regulation and power quality.