Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Experimental Investigation on Onsetting Internal Fire Whirls in a Vertical Shaft

Internal fire whirls might be induced in tall buildings under fires. Hazards associated with such fire whirls should be assessed carefully. The physics behind is not clearly understood, even the conditions of onsetting internal fire whirls are unknown. It is important to observe the physical phenomenon carefully first, before carrying out theoretical analysis. In this article, internal fire whirls were studied with a small vertical shaft model under different ventilation conditions. A 1.6 kW propanol pool fire was placed in a rectangular vertical shaft of height 145 cm. Ventilation provisions at the bottom and side wall were arranged. The conditions of onsetting internal fire whirls were investigated in detail with support from some full-scale burning tests at Harbin, Heilongjiang, China. It is concluded that allowing a vertical gap of appropriate width and height at the side wall would onset internal fire whirls. Flame height would be stretched by several times the value for free burning. The burning rate of the pool fire would increase. Results are also confirmed by full-scale burning tests.
Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Mortality in Spain: A Predictive Model up to 2044

Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) are the most common malignancies worldwide and are, worryingly, increasing in incidence. However, data in the literature on NMSC specific mortality are scarce, because these tumors are excluded from most mortality registries. The main objective of this study is to analyze NMSC’s mortality rates and use them to generate a predictive model for the coming years in Spain. Data on mid-year population and death certificates for the period 1979–2019 were obtained from the Spanish National Statistics Institute. The Nordpred program (Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway) within statistical program R was used to calculate mortality adjusted rates, as well as the mortality projection with an age-period-cohort model. This is the first study to report a prediction about NMSC mortality in the next years. According to our findings, the number of NMSC deaths in older people will grow in both sexes, especially in those older than >85 years old (y.o.). The age-specific mortality rates of NMSC will tend to stabilize or gradually decrease, with the exception of women between 75–79 y.o. , who will present a slight increase at the end of the period. Early prevention and screening of NMSC specifically oriented to this population might change this tendency.
IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON AIR QUALITY IN A TOURISTIC REGION

The rise of the COVID-19 pandemic led governments to impose mobility restrictions to their citizens and companies, having a greater impact on tourism. This can be used as a global-scale opportunity to study the impact of those restrictions on air quality, particularly in tourist sites. Hence, the aim of this work was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on air quality in a touristic region. Air pollution was evaluated in a prominent touristic region in southern Europe (Algarve, Portugal). The concentrations of PM10, NO2, O3 and CO were obtained from four air quality monitoring stations (traffic and background) in two lockdown and two lifting periods. The data collected was compared with historical data (2015–2019) and with reference limit values in the Portuguese legislation and the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Overall, PM10 reduced in all studied periods and stations, with a higher decrease during the 1st lockdown and lifting (5.30%–73.6%) compared to the 2nd periods in the urban traffic and background stations, as well as NO2 (35.8%–56.5%), in the urban background station evaluated. O3 diminished in general (until 29.1%), while CO decreased during the 1st lockdown and lifting periods (64.5%–80.7%) and increased in the subsequent periods (9.66%–65.1%) in the urban traffic station. The percentage of exceedances to the reference limit values both in the legislation and in WHO guidelines mainly decreased or remained equal in all the studied periods when compared with the previous years. Thus, it was concluded that the mobility restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to a general reduction of air pollution in tourist sites. Since tourism is an important economic activity, some specific policies were proposed based on those restrictions, considering a sustainable equilibrium between the economy, the environment, and human health.
Wavelength-tolerant optical access architectures featuring N-dimensional addressing and cascaded arrayed waveguide gratings

This paper describes two- and three-stage wavelength routed optical access networks, which offer wavelength tolerance by using coarse passband-flattened arrayed waveguide grating routers. An N-dimensional addressing strategy enables 6912 customers to be bidirectionally accessed with multi-Gb/s data using only 24 wavelengths and 1.6 nm spacing. These architectures are designed to map onto standard access network topologies, allowing elegant upgradability from legacy passive optical network (PON) infrastructures at low cost.
L‐band gain clamped erbium‐doped fiber amplifier incorporating a C/L‐band WDM coupler

Gain clamping in a long‐wavelength‐band erbium‐doped fiber amplifier (L‐band EDFA) using a C/L‐band WDM coupler is demonstrated. The gain for the amplifier is clamped at 15.5 dB with a gain variation of less than 0.2 dB from input signal power ranging from −40 to −14 dBm with almost negligible noise‐figure penalty. However, the flatness of the gain spectrum is slightly degraded due to the nonoptimisation of the EDF length. The advantage of this configuration is that the oscillating light does not appear at the output port of the amplifier. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 40: 314–316, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.11365
Adaptive Demodulation in Impulse Noise Channels

Electromagnetic interference causes considerable performance degradation on wireless communication systems. The performance degradation is largely affected by the characteristics of the interference. Impulse interference commonly occurs in industrial and automotive environments, where many closely located systems and electronic equipment coexist. In this work, we propose two novel algorithms for adaptive demodulation in impulse noise. The proposed methods compute appropriate log-likelihood ratios based on interference classification and estimation of Middleton’s Class A noise model as well as the symmetric <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\alpha$</tex-math></inline-formula>-Stable (S<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\alpha$</tex-math></inline-formula>S) model. The analytical complexity and intractability of the S<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\alpha$</tex-math></inline-formula>S probability density function (PDF) makes real-time applications unfeasible. Therefore, the proposed algorithms are developed using two different techniques for approximating the S<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\alpha$</tex-math></inline-formula>S PDF. The approximations are achieved through interpolation via <italic>i)</italic> approximate closed-form expressions of the PDF for a specific parameter set and <italic>ii)</italic> via numerically pre-calculated look-up tables of the PDF for arbitrary parameter choices. The proposed adaptive techniques are shown to provide a performance gain in terms of bit error rate (BER) of up to 20 dB energy per bit to noise power ratio (Eb/N0), in comparison to traditional, non-adaptive, methods for varying levels of impulse interference. The performance loss of approximating the PDF in comparison to exact calculations amount to less than 8 dB Eb/N0, which is small in relation to the performance gain achieved in comparison to traditional methods. However, the complexity in terms of simulation execution time of the proposed approximate algorithms is reduced by up to a factor 250, compared to methods based on exact computation. The algorithms are validated using regular low density parity check (LDPC) codes, in addition to quasi-cyclic (QC)-LDPC and turbo codes. The proposed adaptive demodulation techniques can be used to improve decoding and demodulation performance in many real-life situations where non-Gaussian interference commonly occurs.
Large‐scale lateral saturated soil hydraulic conductivity as a metric for the connectivity of subsurface flow paths at hillslope scale

Lateral saturated soil hydraulic conductivity, Ks,l, is the soil property governing subsurface water transfer in hillslopes, and the key parameter in many numerical models simulating hydrological processes at the hillslope and catchment scales. Likewise, the hydrological connectivity of the lateral flow paths plays a significant role in determining the rate of the subsurface flow at various spatial scales. This study investigates the relationship between Ks,l and hydrological connectivity at the hillslope spatial scale. Ks,l was determined by the subsurface flow rates intercepted by drains and water table depths observed in a well network. The hydrological connectivity was evaluated by the synchronicity among water table peaks, and between these and the peaks of the drained flow. Rainfall and soil moisture were used to investigate the influence of the transient hydrological soil condition on connectivity and Ks,l. As the synchronicity of the water table response between wells increased, the lag times between the peaks of water levels and those of the drained subsurface flow decreased. Moreover, the most synchronic water table rises determined the highest drainage rates. The relationships between Ks,l and water table depths were highly non‐linear, with a sharp increase in the values for water table levels close to the soil surface. Estimated Ks,l values for the full saturated soil were in the order of thousands of mm h−1, suggesting the activation of macropores in the root zone. The Ks,l values determined at the peak of the drainage events were correlated with the indicators of synchronicity. The sum of cumulative rainfall and antecedent soil moisture was correlated with the connectivity indicators and Ks,l. We suggest that, for simulating realistic processes at the hillslope scale, the hydrological connectivity could be implicitly considered in hydrological modelling through an evaluation of Ks,l at the same spatial scale.
Zonal flow generation and toroidal Alfvén eigenmode excitation due to tearing mode induced energetic particle redistribution

Generation of the n = 0 zonal flow and excitation of the n = 1 toroidal Alfvén eigenmode (TAE) due to the redistribution of energetic particles (EPs) by the m/n = 2/1 tearing mode (TM) are systematically studied with the hybrid drift-kinetic magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations (m and n represent the poloidal and toroidal mode number, respectively). In the presence of the m/n = 2/1 TM, the amplitude of the n = 1 TAE shows a slower decay after its first saturation due to the wave–particle nonlinearity and the nonlinear generation of the n = 0 & higher-n (n ⩾ 2) sidebands. Meanwhile, a strong n = 0 zonal flow component is nonlinearly generated when both TAE and TM grow to large amplitudes. The redistribution of EPs by the m/n = 2/1 magnetic island results in a continuous drive on the background plasma, and finally produces the zonal flow through the MHD nonlinearity. In addition, the large m/n = 2/1 magnetic island is found to be responsible for the formation of the strong spatial gradient of the EP distribution through the resonance between EPs and TM, which can lead to burst of unstable TAE and destabilization of originally stable TAE.
An Examination of the Impact of Public Spending on Poverty Reduction in Nigeria

: The study investigates the impact of public spending on poverty reduction in Nigeria using time series data from 1980-2019.Vector Autoregressive (VAR) model has been used to achieve the objectives of this study. The cointegration test reveals there is long run relationship among the variables used in the study. The normalized cointegration result further reveals that government total expenditure has significant impact on poverty. GDP and private investment have positive effects on poverty while inflation has negative impact on poverty. The study recommendations include the following among others: embezzlement of public funds and corruption should be tackled, GDP should be fairly distributed for it to have impact on poverty and measures should be put in place to curb inflationary pressure. Lastly unnecessary expenditures should be shortened and focus should be on expenditure that increases economic growth and reduces poverty.
The correlation resistance for low-frequency noise compact modeling of Si/SiGe HBTs

The measurement of the correlation between the noise generators is a mandatory issue for the low-frequency noise modeling of bipolar transistors, and it is recognized as a very hard experimental task. In the present work, we introduce the concept of correlation resistance and we demonstrate that it can be usefully employed as a guideline for the low-frequency noise modeling in terms of intrinsic noise sources. As a proof of concept, the investigation technique is applied to submicron, BiCMOS-compatible Si/SiGe heterojunction bipolar transistors. It is pointed out that a satisfactory description of the transistor low-frequency noise behavior can be obtained by taking into account noise sources associated with surface recombination/fluctuation in the extrinsic base region.
Closed-loop tracking control of a pendulum-driven cart-pole underactuated system

This paper investigates a new modelling and control issue: the tracking control problem of underactuated dynamic systems by using a special example – a pendulum-driven cart-pole system. A dynamic model of a pendulum-driven cart-pole system is firstly presented. Then, a six-step motion strategy of the pendulum-driven cart-pole system is proposed. After that, a desired profile of the pendulum joint velocity is developed based on the proposed six-step motion strategy. The desired joint position and acceleration can be computed using the desired joint velocity profile. A closed-loop control approach is proposed using the partial feedback linearization technique. Finally, extensive simulation studies are conducted to demonstrate the proposed approaches.
Glacio-lacustrine sedimentation in newly discovered paleo-lakes, Westland, New Zealand

The remnant effects of Quaternary glaciation dominate the geomorphology of South Westland, New Zealand. Well-constrained glaciogenic records for the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) (~MIS 2) show ice to have extended significant distances across the Westland piedmont, becoming tidewater calving in places. Despite clear evidence for glacial advance, landscape response to glacial retreat remains relatively poorly understood, with few described sedimentary sequences clearly recording deglaciation processes. A 240-metre thick glacio-lacustrine sedimentary sequence intercepted by drilling in the Whataroa Valley (DFDP-2) provides the first compelling evidence of pro-glacial lake formation in response to glacial retreat in Westland. To understand the vertical facies succession observed in this sequence, two glacio-lacustrine facies schemes and depositional models were developed. To do this, previously unmapped glacio-lacustrine sedimentary sequences in the Westland region underwent detailed sedimentological analysis to identify key glacio-lacustrine facies. In the Waitangitaona and Arahura river valleys, the presence of glacio-lacustrine sequences is also used to mark paleo-lake formation in the respective catchments. Using the facies scheme and depositional models, together with 14C chronology and sedimentological analysis, a series of conclusions are developed from the DFDP-2 sequence: 1) Deposition occurred in an over-deepened glacial trough, with the sequence consisting of a basal diamictite, overlain by a ~ 140-metre interval of lacustrine siltstones and sandstones. 2) The lower ~ 180-metres of sediment accumulated in 659 ± 151 yrs between 16609 ± 151 and 15994 ± 94 cal. yr BP, as the depositional environment at the drill-site evolved from an ice contact to an ice distal lacustrine setting. 3) Extremely rapid sedimentation rates, as well as high lake levels allowed the preservation of glacially over-steepened bedrock slopes beneath the Whataroa Valley. The formation of a previously unknown, ~190 km2 pro-glacial lake on the Whataroa piedmont is inferred from the DFDP-2 sequence, with lake formation causing accelerated glacial retreat from the late LGM maxima. The presence of several catchments with comparable piedmont geometry suggests pro-glacial lake formation may have been a common response to glacial retreat in Westland. For a period, pro-glacial lakes may have been a significant transitory feature on the Westland landscape.
The Role of Education, Monitoring, and Symptom Perception in Internet-Based Self-management Among Adolescents With Asthma: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Internet-based self-management programs improve asthma control and the asthma-related quality of life in adults and adolescents. The components of self-management programs include education and the web-based self-monitoring of symptoms; the latter requires adequate perception in order to timely adjust lifestyle or medication or to contact a care provider. Objective We aimed to test the hypothesis that adherence to education and web-based monitoring and adequate symptom perception are important determinants for the improvement of asthma control in self-management programs. Methods We conducted a subgroup analysis of the intervention group of a randomized controlled trial, which included adolescents who participated in the internet-based self-management arm. We assessed the impacts that attendance in education sessions, the frequency of web-based monitoring, and the level of perception had on changes in asthma control (Asthma Control Questionnaire [ACQ]) and asthma-related quality of life (Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire) from baseline to 12 months after intervention. Results Adolescents who attended education sessions had significant and clinically relevant improvements in asthma control (ACQ score difference: −0.6; P=.03) and exhibited a nonsignificant trend of improvement in asthma-related quality of life (Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire score difference: −0.45; P=.15) when compared to those who did not adhere to education. Frequent monitoring alone did not improve asthma control (P=.07) and quality of life (P=.44) significantly, but its combination with education did result in improved ACQ scores (difference: −0.88; P=.02). There were no significant differences in outcomes between normoperceivers and hypoperceivers. Conclusions Education, especially in combination with frequent web-based monitoring, is an important determinant for the 1-year outcomes of asthma control in internet-based self-management programs for adolescents with partly controlled and uncontrolled asthma; however, we could not establish the effect of symptom perception. This study provides important knowledge on the effects of asthma education and monitoring in daily life.
The Effect of Functional Exercise Training on Functional Fitness Levels of Older Adults

Functional fitness implies the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) safely and independently. The purpose of this study was to determine if 4 weeks of functional exercise training would result in improvements in functional fitness levels of older adults. Twentyfour physically active adult volunteers aged 58 to 78 years were randomly assigned into an experimental group (functional exercises) and a control group (traditional exercises). Both groups were tested before and after the training period using the Fullerton Functional Fitness Test for Older Adults. At the completion of the study, the experimental group had significant improvements (P < .05) in lower body strength (13%), upper body strength (14%), cardiorespiratory endurance (7%), agility/dynamic balance (13%), and shoulder flexibility (43%) compared with the control group. No significant improvements were observed in hamstring flexibility. The results of this study indicate that a short course of functional exercise training can lead to improvements in several components that contribute to functional fitness levels of older adults. The functional exercise circuit used in this study was shown to be simple, inexpensive, easy to individualize, and one that could be performed conveniently at home, in an exercise facility, or in a clinic.
Complaints of Musculoskeletal Disorders on Sales Promotion Girl at Cosmetic Stores in Surabaya, Indonesia

Highlight:Standing position duration and shoe characteristics to MSDs's complaints on sales promotion girls at cosmetic stores in Surabaya were analyzed.There was no correlation between height of heels with complaints of MSDs and shoe type, while, the duration of standing position and complaints of MSDs were correlated. Abstract:One of the occupations that have a risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) is sales promotion girl (SPG), especially the SPG at a cosmetic store, because their job position is mostly done by standing and wearing high heels. This study aimed to analyze the correlation between duration of standing position and shoe characteristics to complaints of MSDs on sales promotion girl at cosmetic stores in Surabaya. This study was quantitative research with observational analytic research, where the data collection was carried out by cross-sectional. This research was conducted at 21 cosmetic stores from three shopping centers in Central Surabaya. The population in this study was 64 SPG. The sample was taken using simple random sampling with exclusion criteria, so that 47 people were obtained. The independent variables consisted of duration of standing position and shoe characteristics included shoe type and the height of heels. The dependent variable was complaint of MSDs. The data analysis was carried out using the Spearman correlation test. The result showed that there was a correlation between the duration of standing position and complaints of MSDs (Pvalue=0.011; r=0.369; positive direction), no correlation between shoe type and complaints of MSDs (Pvalue=0.735; r=0.051; positive direction), and no correlation between the height of heels and complaints of MSDs (Pvalue=0.256; r=0.169; positive direction). It was concluded that there was a correlation between the duration of standing position and complaints of MSDs, and there was no correlation between shoe type and the height of heels with complaints of MSDs.