Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
INELASTIC BEHAVIOR OF FULL-SCALE BRIDGE COLUMNS SUBJECTED TO CYCLIC LOADING

Circular, spirally reinforced concrete bridge columns were subjected to cyclic loading (representing seismic loads) in the laboratory. The test articles were prototype columns designed in accordance with 1983 California Department of Transportation specifications. Two full-scale columns, each measuring 5 ft (1.52 m) in diameter with aspect ratios (height/width) of 3 and 6, were subjected to slow reversed cyclic lateral load with constant axial load to simulate the gravity weight of the bridge superstructure. Details are presented concerning the design of the special test apparatus required to conduct the tests as well as recommendations for future improvements in test procedures. Results from the tests are presented in the form of energy absorption graphs and bar charts, load-displacement hysteresis curves, longitudinal and confining steel strains, and curvature profiles. Comparisons of the ultimate moment capacities, measured displacement ductilities, plastic hinge lengths, cyclic energy absorption capacity and the failure modes of the full-scale specimens are made with those observed from 1/6-scale model tests.
Ovarian response to P4‐PGF‐FSH treatment in Suffolk sheep and P4‐PGF‐PMSG synchronization in cross‐bred ewes, for IVD and ET protocol

Abstract Background The success of an embryo transfer protocol in sheep depends on many factors, but the choice of drugs for the desired superovulation as well as the conception rate (CR) are most essential. Reproductive activity in sheep is characterized by a seasonality influenced by several factors such as photoperiod, latitude, temperature, nutrition and breed. Reproductive seasonality and nutritional condition are the main factors that influence embryo production in sheep. In sheep, some anatomical peculiarities limit the application of traditional reproductive biotechnologies used in cattle. Objectives The aim of this study was to conclude on the effectiveness of a wider on farm in vivo embryo transfer development programme in Suffolk sheep by streamlining hormone therapies and optimizing technique. Methods A total number of 60 sheep and three rams were included in this study, divided into two groups (receptors and donors). Donor Suffolk sheep were treated for superovulation using the P4‐PGF‐FSH multiple ovulation embryo transfer (MOET) protocol, while the cross‐bred recipients’ group was synchronized with P4‐PGF‐PMSG. Results On the first day after superovulation, all ovaries had more than five dominant follicles, while corpora lutea were later observed in 83.3% sheep. The recovery rate was 83.3%, while 72.9% embryos were transferable. Embryos were transferred directly into recipients. Fertility after 30 days was 68.57%, lambing rate was 91.6% and CR was 62.85%. This study showed that veterinary drugs (P4, FSH, LH, PMSG, PGF) used for superovulation optimized by us were capable of producing by this improved technique the optimization of the reproduction indices at embryo‐transfer (ET) and to be able to be used successfully. Conclusions The application of an MOET protocol has a positive effect in the production of in vivo embryo production (IVD) embryos in Suffolk sheep and can guarantee the success of embryo transfer activity to ewes with lower genetic merit. Our research aimed at representing a model for sheep farms for a rapid improvement of productive traits.
Application of Highway Safety Manual: Louisiana Experience with Rural Multilane Highways

While there is no doubt that the first edition of the HSM will enhance highway safety practices for state and local highway agencies, successful application of HSM methods is not a trivial task. The biggest hurdle in HSM application may be the data availability and readiness. Training workshops already underway nationwide can provide the fundamentals and application procedures of the HSM to potential users. To actually use the HSM, each highway agency must have the safety predictive models calibrated, which requires detailed data on highway attributes, traffic volumes, and information on crashes, not only in frequency but also by type and severity. As a state with an urgent need to reduce the number of fatal crashes, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LaDOTD) is keen to improve its highway safety. Along with many projects that tackle the crash problem from all aspects of highway safety (engineering, education, enforcement and emergency medical service), application of the HSM is a top priority. Thus, the purpose of the study introduced by this paper is threefold: calibrate the SPF for rural multilane highways, investigate how the calibrated models work in the network screening, and identify the potential application issues. The results of the predictive safety model calibration for Louisiana rural multilane highways (for segment) are presented in this paper along with the demonstration of the network screening process
The Influence of Hard- and Software Improvement of Intraoral Scanners on the Implant Transfer Accuracy from 2012 to 2021: An In Vitro Study

This study aimed to investigate the transfer accuracy (trueness and precision) of three different intraoral scanning families using different hardware and software versions over the last decade from 2012 to 2021, compared to a conventional impression. Therefore, an implant master model with a reference cube was digitized and served as a reference dataset. Digital impressions of all three scanning families (True definition, TRIOS, CEREC) were recorded (n = 10 per group), and conventional implant impressions were taken (n = 10). The conventional models were digitized, and all models (conventional and digital) were measured. Therefore, it was possible to obtain the deviations between the master model and the scans or conventional models in terms of absolute three-dimensional (3D) deviations, deviations in rotation, and angulation. The results for deviations between the older and newer scanning systems were analyzed using pairwise comparisons (p < 0.05; SPSS 26). The absolute 3D deviations increased with increasing scan path length, particularly for the older hardware and software versions (old vs. new (MW ± SD) True Definition: 355 ± 62 µm vs. 483 ± 110 µm; TRIOS: 574 ± 274 µm vs. 258 ± 100 µm; and CEREC: 1356 ± 1023 µm vs. 110 ± 49 µm). This was also true for deviations in rotation and angulation. The conventional impression showed an advantage only regarding the absolute 3D deviation compared to the older systems. Based on the data of the present study, the accuracy of intraoral scanners is decisively related to hardware and software; though, newer systems or software do not necessarily warrant improvement. Nevertheless, to achieve high transfer accuracy, regular updating of digital systems is recommended. The challenge of increasing errors with increasing scan paths is overcome in the most recent systems. The combination of two different scanning principles in a single device seems to be beneficial.
Meditation and the Brain in Health and Disease

The aim of this chapter is to provide an accessible introduction to the neuroscience of meditation. First, a review of studies examining the relationship between meditation and alterations in the structure of the brain’s grey and white matter (so-called morphometric neuroimaging) is offered. Next, the chapter discusses findings from functional neuroimaging methods, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans, and what they have taught us about the brain’s patterns of activity during different forms of meditation, how meditation alters the brain’s response to various tasks and experiences, and how the expertise of long-term meditators might be harnessed to help us explore subtle aspects of human cognition. Third, the chapter reviews electrophysiological methods of measuring brain activity during meditation, such as electroencephalography (EEG), and how these findings relate to what we have learned from morphometric and functional neuroimaging. Finally, there is a discussion of the implications of this research and of meditation more generally for brain health and psychological well-being. Specifically, the discussion focuses on how meditation might offset the deficits related to cognitive aging, as well as help ameliorate the symptoms and underlying neural substrates associated with neurodegenerative and psychiatric disease.
Participatory Management initiatives, Employees Commitment and Employees’ Performance: An Empirical Study among Employees in Water Service Providers in Kenya

Vol. Abstract The aim of the study was to evaluate mediating influence of employees commitment on participatory management and employees’ performance in water service providers in M urang’a County. The study was guided by the following objectives; a) To evaluate mediating effect of employees commitment on relationship between participatory management and employees’ performance in selected water service providers in Murang’a County, (b) To assess the mediating effect of employee commitment on the relationship between Participatory Management; Predicting Employees’ Performance. The study embraced an exploratory research design. A sample of 206 employees was selected from five water service providers namely: Murang’a Water and Sanitation Company Limited, Murang’a South Water and Sanitation Company Limited, Gatanga Water and Sanitation Company Limited, Gatamathi Water and Sanitation Company Limited and Kahuti Water and Sanitation Company Limited. Random sampling was applied in picking the respondents for the study. Self-administered questionnaires aided in collecting primary data and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. A pilot study was steered on data collection tool to pre- test it’s validity prior to the main survey. Data reliability was measured using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 was used to aid in coding, entry and analysis of data. conclusions and recommendations based on the findings were finally outlined. The study concludes that participatory management through consultative management, quality circles, representative participation and delegation is vital and significantly affects performance of employe es in water service providers in Murang’a County, Kenya. However, commitment therefore played insignificant part in enhancing effectiveness of participatory management to enhance employees’ performance. Suggestion that employees commitment partially mediates the relationship between participatory management and employees’ performance is a call to the management of water service providers i n Murang’a County, Kenya to institute programmes that will ensure employees are committed to the job and organization as this is vital in enhancing effectiveness of participatory management. Frequencies, mean, standard were used to analyze descriptive data. The inferential pointers aided on how to qualitative figures with regression scrutiny being applied. The presentation of the findings was largely done using tables and figures to indicate frequency and percentage
Communication Strategy Use in Performing Informal Debate Tasks by Chinese English-as-an-Additional-Language Graduate Students in Electrical Engineering and Education

Supervisory Committee Dr. Li-Shih Huang, Department of Linguistics Supervisor Dr. Suzanne Urbanczyk, Department of Linguistics Departmental Member In the field of second language acquisition, there are few studies focusing on Chinese English-as-an-additional-language (EAL) graduate students’ communication strategy use, strategy use across different disciplines, and the relationships between communication strategy use and learners’ speaking performance. To fill the gap identified in the literature reviewed, this study examined the communication strategies used by 11 Chinese EAL graduate students from the Departments of Electrical Engineering and Education in the completion of two informal debate tasks with a questionnaire adapted from Nakatani’s (2006) Oral Communication Strategy Inventory and two post-task communication strategy recall questionnaires. Results from the study indicate that participants used eight categories of communication strategies, with fluency-oriented strategies the most frequently used strategy category and translation the least frequently used strategy category. Advanced English-language proficiency level learners used more social affective, message reduction and alteration, and negotiation of meaning strategies than learners at high-intermediate proficiency levels, to a degree that was statistically significant. No significant difference was identified in the overall communication strategy use but in one instance of individual strategy use (i.e., clarifying stance) across two disciplines. Significantly positive relationships were identified among certain categories of communication strategies (i.e., social affective, negotiation of meaning, accuracyoriented strategies, and message reduction and alteration strategies), individual iv strategies (i.e., turn yielding, exemplifying, clarifying meaning, correcting others, referring to notes for accuracy/fluency, message reduction and alteration), and participants’ speaking performance. In addition, the retrospective results from the posttask strategy recall questionnaires suggest that participants in this study are not fully aware of their communication strategy use. The findings in this study can inform language practitioners’ of communication strategies used by Chinese graduate students majoring in Electrical Engineering and Education. Implications and future research directions are discussed in light of the findings derived from the present study that can further contribute to research about EAL learners’ communication strategies used at the graduate level.
M & A integration : a framework for executives and managers

Global M & A activity continues at a blistering pace. However, a recent study of Fortune 500 executives found that postmerger integration issuessuch as culture clashes, style, ego, and change managementare the most common pitfalls that can derail otherwise successful mergers or acquisitions. M & A Integration meets that trend head-on, providing a practical framework for integrating acquisitions while helping managers direct each step in the volatile postmerger integration process.
UK Validation of Two Measures of Awareness of Age-Related Change (AARC)

Background: A questionnaire assessing awareness of positive and negative age-related changes (AARC gains and losses) was developed in the US and Germany. We validated the short form of the measure (AARC-10 SF) and the cognitive functioning subscale from the 50-item version of the AARC (AARC-50) questionnaire in the UK population aged 50 and over. Methods: Data from 14,797 participants in the PROTECT cohort were used to explore and confirm the psychometric properties of the AARC measures including: validity of the factor structure; reliability; measurement invariance across males and females and across individuals with and without a university degree; and convergent validity with measures of self-perception of aging and mental, physical, and cognitive health. We also explored the relationship between demographic variables and AARC. Results: We confirmed the two-factor structure (gains and losses) of the AARC-10 SF and the AARC-50 cognitive functioning subscale. Both scales showed good reliability and convergent validity. The meaning of AARC gains and losses was the same across males and females and across individuals with and without a university degree. Items composing AARC scales had the same meaning across individuals with and without a university degree. Items composing the AARC-50 cognitive functioning subscale had the same meaning across males and females. Two items in the AARC-10 SF had different meaning across males and females. Demographic variables significantly predicted AARC gains and losses. Conclusions: The AARC-10 SF and AARC-50 cognitive functioning subscale can help to identify UK individuals who perceive age-related changes in their mental, physical, and cognitive health.
Advanced Free Space Optics (FSO): A Systems Approach

This title provides a comprehensive, unified tutorial covering the most recent advances in the emerging technology of free-space optics (FSO), a field in which interest and attention continue to grow along with the number of new challenges. This book is intended as an all-inclusive source to serve the needs of those who require information about the fundamentals of FSO, as well as up-to-date advanced knowledge of the state-of-the-art in the technologies available today. This text is intended for graduate students, and will also be useful for research scientists and engineers with an interest in the field. FSO communication is a practical solution for creating a three dimensional global broadband communications grid, offering bandwidths far beyond what is possible in the Radio Frequency (RF) range. However, the attributes of atmospheric turbulence and scattering impose perennial limitations on availability and reliability of FSO links. From a systems point-of-view, this groundbreaking book provides a thorough understanding of channel behavior, which can be used to design and evaluate optimum transmission techniques that operate under realistic atmospheric conditions. Topics addressed include: FSO Physical and Statistical Models: Single/Multiple Inputs/Outputs Understanding FSO: Theory and Systems Analysis Modulation and Coding for Free-Space Optical Channels Atmospheric Mitigation and Compensation for FSO Links Non-line-of-sight (NLOS) Ultraviolet and Indoor FSO Communications FSO Platforms: UAV and Mobile Retromodulators for Free Space Data links Hybrid Optical RF Communications Free-space and Atmospheric Quantum Communications Other related topics: Chaos-based and Terahertz (THz) FSO Communications
FROM TRAVEL BLENDING TO LIVING NEIGHBOURHOODS - A VISION FOR THE FUTURE

This paper presents an example of an approach to changing travel behaviour to reduce the impact of the car that demonstrates the effectiveness of a true partnership between the community and the providers of services and goods in that community (including the government at all levels). The first of the Living Neighbourhood projects which began in Adelaide in 1999 has its roots in the technique of travel blending - an individual action approach to the reduction of the use of the car. It is the core of the Living Neighbourhood approach with everyone who lives, works, attends school and plays in the neighbourhood being offered the opportunity to travel blend. This means that a large proportion of the community is making small changes which benefit not only themselves and their families, but also the Neighbourhood as a whole. This first step has essentially empowered the community to ask for small changes from people and organisations providing goods and services to the neighbourhood. Similar in scale to the changes being made by individuals, the changes made by other partners are also small. Examples of these range from changes made by educational institutions (change to a curriculum unit), by the bus company (changes to bus frequencies), by doctors (introduction of green prescriptions), by real estate agents (provision of information on services), businesses (provision of signage), and by the local government (provision of signage, more readily accessible footpaths) and so on. Results show that the community and the partners in the community have gained many personal benefits (time, money, health), the children are experiencing more independence, that there are more people in the streets, and that businesses have gained time and cost efficiencies. More Living Neighbourhoods are currently beginning in Adelaide. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD E200461.
Decision Fusion of EEG and fNIRS Signals

In this study, we investigated the use of multimodal functional neuroimaging in detecting mental stress on the prefrontal cortex (PFC). We recorded Electroencephalography (EEG) and functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) simultaneously from 20-subjects performing mental arithmetic task under control and stress conditions. Stress was induced in this study based on two established stressors – time pressure and negative feedback about peer performance. We explored decision fusion by using support vector machine classifier for each modality, and optimizing the classifiers based on Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve values. Experiment results revealed significant reduction in alpha rhythm and mean change in concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin at PFC when stressed, p<0.001 and 0.0001 respectively. The decision fusion improved significantly the detection rate of mental stress by +7.76% and +10.57%, when compared to sole modality of EEG and fNIRS, respectively.
Channel Prediction for Moving Relays

In mobile communications, channel side information at transmitters can increasecapacity. For moving relays nodes, local nodes placed on buses and trams in urbanareas, the channel state information is outdated for control delays of severalmilliseconds, as in the LTE system. Prediction of the channel based on statistic is notadequate for vehicular velocities. In this thesis, prediction made with an additionalantenna, a ``predictor antenna", placed in front of the main antenna is evaluated. Thepredictor utilises that the channel of the predictor antenna is highly correlated to thechannel experienced by the main antenna somewhat later, when the main antenna hasmoved to the position previous occupied by the predictor antenna. A normalisedcorrelation of up to 0.98 could be measured between the channels of the antennasfor an antenna separation of several wavelengths, but it was found that the closeenvironment and the antenna pattern have a big impact on the correlation. Thepredictions made with the antenna are also combined with predictions based onstatistics of past measurements from the main antenna to see if a better result can beachieved. For a prediction range of 0.5 carrier wavelengths, a prediction as good as anormalised mean square error (NMSE) of -13.9 dB could be seen. This is sufficient togive a gain in the performance when using link adaptation and opportunistic multi-userscheduling, based on channel state information at transmitter. The evaluations isbased on measurements on a 20 MHz downlink channel at 2.68 GHz.
City Minimum Wages and Spatial Equilibrium Effects

Local minimum wage laws are becoming common across U.S. cities, and their effects may be different from the effects of state or national minimum wage policies. This paper studies the effect of changes in the minimum wage on spatial equilibriums in local labor markets. Using residence and workplace data for the United States, I analyze how commuting, residence, and employment locations change across city and state borders if the minimum wage changes on one side of the border. I find that areas in which the minimum wage increases receive fewer low-wage commuters. A 10 percent increase in the minimum wage reduces the inflow of low-wage commuters by about 2.5 percent. Rises in the minimum wage are also associated with employment relocation across borders toward areas that did not witness an increase in the minimum wage. I formulate a spatial equilibrium gravity model to explain the distribution of workers between low- and high-minimum wage areas. I calculate counterfactual equilibriums with a higher minimum wage for U.S. counties with cities considering an increase, highlighting the role of commuting and migration responses. About two-fifths of the counties considering increases would receive fewer low-wage commuters. Employment relocation away from high-minimum wage areas drives the commuting losses.