Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fracture behavior of polymeric fiber reinforced lightweight structural concrete

A study has been made of the effect of short randomly dispersed polypropylene fibers on the fracture behavior of lightweight structural concrete. Using unnotched and precracked beams subjected to bend loading, it was possible to determine the toughness factor TF and to estimate specific J integral parameters, namely JIC and JMAX corresponding to the onset of fracture initiation and to the attainment of ultimate load, respectively. The results have indicated a considerable improvement in the fracture behavior associated with the presence of fibers. More specifically this improvement was manifested by a 400% increase in both TF and JIC.
Forecasting the solid-to-liquid ratio of precipitation a cloud-resolving model

Increases in computer power in recent years have allowed for the use of more sophisticated cloud schemes in high-resolution atmospheric models. Consequently, bulk microphysics schemes (BMSs) play an increasingly important role in both research and operational numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. A BMS affects the model dynamics through latent heat release due to phase changes of water and through changes to buoyancy, it interacts with the radiation scheme through its production of hydrometeor fields, and it is responsible for the prediction of precipitation phase, type, and quantity. In support of the forecasting for the upcoming 2010 Winter Olympics in Whistler (Vancouver), Canada, the Canadian Meteorological Centre will be operating a special high-resolution forecast system. On 2.5km and 1-km nested grids, a detailed doublemoment BMS will be used. To our knowledge, this will be the first time that a fully double-moment bulk scheme will be used for an operational forecast system.
The buffering effect of industry-wide crisis history during crisis

Purpose Two questions guide this study: “Do two crisis history types (i.e. organization-specific vs industry-wide) have the same effect on publics’ perception of the organization in a crisis? ” And “Is there any significant difference in public responses between the high and low levels of issue involvement? ” The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach A two organization-specific crisis history (frequent vs infrequent) × two industry-wide crisis history (frequent vs infrequent) × two consumer issue involvement (high vs low) between-subjects experimental design was employed. Findings This experiment suggests that an industry-wide crisis history can mitigate negative damages of a crisis, while an organization-specific crisis history intensifies the damages. This indicates that crisis history types should be considered as an important factor when diagnosing appropriate crisis response strategies during crisis. This study also identifies a stronger negative impact of an organization-specific crisis history among highly issue-involved publics than less involved publics. Originality/value This study extends situational crisis communication theory by identifying the buffering impact of an industry-wide crisis history and adding crisis history type as an influencer in the process of the publics’ crisis responsibility attributions.
Savanna burning and the assessment of long-term fire experiments with particular reference to Zimbabwe

Long-term fire experiments in savannnas are rare, given the difficulties and demands of operation. Controlled fire experiments date from colonial times in West Africa, although the largest and best-known is located in the Kruger National Park, South Africa. The achievements of these experiments are assessed from examples in Africa, South America and Australia. A less well-known experiment in Zimbabwe was sited at the Marondera Grassland Research Station and ran from 1953 to 1991. Some of the preliminary results on the impact of fire on vegetation are analysed and compared with further vegetation surveys in 2007. Studies on tree growth in this miombo savanna woodland indicate that the plots burned at three- and four-year intervals recovered to greater mean heights than the unburned control plots. There was no significant variation between treatments, suggesting that the few trees that did survive in the frequently burned plots were large specimens. Brachystegia and Julbernadia dominated the plots throughout and after the experiment. Basal area and stocking density were highest in the four-yearly burned plots but there was a high variability throughout the experiment, suggesting that many trees may have attained heights and bark thicknesses sufficient to protect from fire damage. Fire also affected the composition of the herbaceous plant community, but not the number of species. By the end of the experiment some grass and sedge species had flourished while others revealed greater susceptibility to fire, and fire-tolerant species predominated in the most frequently burned areas. The experimental design appeared to cope well with the variability between plots and indicated the soundness of the initial design and its implementation.
Stratral architectures of late Quaternary regressive – transgressive cycles in the Roussillon Shelf ( SW Gulf of Lions , France )

A seismic and sequence stratigraphy scheme of the southwestern area of the Gulf of Lions Shelf (NW Mediterranean Basin) is presented, through the analysis of high-resolution seismic profiles obtained with a Minisparker system and calibrated with published seismic and core data of the adjacent Languedoc area. The observed stratigraphic architecture records the repetition of four regressive–transgressive cycles, which constitute high-frequency depositional sequences (DSs). Regressive intervals dominate the generation of shelf sedimentary architecture. Within regressive intervals, the identification of progressively shallower clinoforms, from proximal to distal in a downdip direction, constitutes a strong indicator of the occurrence of forced regressions. This stratigraphic pattern documents the preservation of potential sand-prone reservoirs encased within widespread regressive wedges and directly connected with organic matter rich muds, as distally there is no sharp basal contact between the two. The unusual preservation of pre-Last Glacial Maximum transgressive deposits is attributed to the combined influence of previous shelf topography and dominant wave regime. The most significant transgressions were recorded by shallow-water deposits in distal, middle and proximal locations. Distal and proximal deposits develop over relatively steep surfaces, which caused slower transgressions and favoured the generation of wave-dominated coastal deposits. In contrast, middle deposits show moderate development over a smooth shelf profile as a consequence of rapid shoreline translation. The analysis of spatial changes of regressive–transgressive cycles provided important information about the nature of shelf processes and about the relative significance of regressive versus transgressive intervals within each individual DS, whose development was led by recent, high-frequency sea-level cycles. Dominance of 120 ka cycles would imply that transgressive deposits represent a partial record of glacial– interglacial transgressions. Dominance of 20 ka cycles is not favoured by the fact that the preservation of Quaternary deposits is apparently limited on the shelf. q 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Study of Risk Factors and Outcome in Neonates Born with Meconium Stained Liquor

A cross-sectional observational study to Evaluate neonatal outcome and antenatal, intrapartum and neonatal attributes of meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) as well as there incidence in 200 Inborn neonates born with meconium stained amniotic fluid who were admitted in NICU and with mother in PNC ward in a period of one year (April 2015-March 2016) excluding those who born with congenital abnormalities. Detail history of babies and mother with MSAF noted with emphasis on antepartum and intrapartum risk factors and outcome in terms of morbidity and mortality taken. Incidence of MSAF in present study was 11.8%. Out of 1685 inborn neonates, 200 babies with MSAF admitted to NICU with most common indications being birth asphyxia (32.5%) and Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (27.5%). Majority babies were delivered through thin Meconium Stained Liquor (65%) followed by thick (35%). Total number of deaths were 35 and most of these babies (34) had thick meconium with severe HIE and MAS. Oligohydramnios, PIH, anemia and fetal distress were common antenatal and intranatal factors associated with MSAF. Major morbidity and indication for NICU admission was Birth asphyxia and MAS. Mortality rate was 17.5% which is commonly associated with thick meconium and severe HIE.
DYNAMICAL AND TOPOLOGICAL INVARIANTS OF PbO DYNAMICS IN A RESONANT ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD

Nonlinear chaotic dynamics of the PbO molecule interacting with a resonant linearly polarized electromagnetic field is computed within the quantum model, based on the numerical solution of the Schrodinger equation and model potential method. To calculate the system dynamics in a chaotic regime the known chaos theory and non-linear analysis methods such as a correlation integral algorithm, the Lyapunov’s exponents and Kolmogorov entropy analysis are used. There are listed the data of computing dynamical and topological invariants such as the correlation, embedding and Kaplan-Yorke dimensions, Lyapunov’s exponents, Kolmogorov entropy etc.
Dynamical and observational constraints on the warm little inflaton scenario

We explore the dynamics and observational predictions of the Warm Little Inflaton scenario, presently the simplest realization of warm inflation within a concrete quantum field theory construction. We consider three distinct types of scalar potentials for the inflaton, namely chaotic inflation with a quartic monomial potential, a Higgs-like symmetry breaking potential and a non-renormalizable plateau-like potential. In each case, we determine the parametric regimes in which the dynamical evolution is consistent for 50-60 e-folds of inflation, taking into account thermal corrections to the scalar potential and requiring, in particular, that the two fermions coupled directly to the inflaton remain relativistic and close to thermal equilibrium throughout the slow-roll regime and that the temperature is always below the underlying gauge symmetry breaking scale. We then compute the properties of the primordial spectrum of scalar curvature perturbations and the tensor-to-scalar ratio in the allowed parametric regions and compare them with Planck data, showing that this scenario is theoretically and observationally successful for a broad range of parameter values.
Result of Posterior Fossa Decompression on Syringomyelia in Cases of Chiary Type I Malformation

Original Research Article The prime objective in the surgical treatment of Chiari malformation (CM) and/or syringomyelia (SM) is based on the restoration of the normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics at the craniovertebral junction through the creation of a large artificial cisterna magna. In our current study, a systematic and critical review of the pertinent literature was made for identifying the result of posterior fossa decompression on syrinx in patients of type 1 Arnold chiary malformation (ACM).
Planet-mediated precision reconstruction of the evolution of the cataclysmic variable HU Aquarii

Cataclysmic variables (CVs) are binaries in which a compact white dwarf accretes material from a low-mass companion star. The discovery of two planets in orbit around the CV HU Aquarii (HU Aqr) opens unusual opportunities for understanding the formation and evolution of this system. In particular, the orbital parameters of the planets constrain the past and enable us to reconstruct the evolution of the system through the common-envelope phase. During this dramatic event, the entire hydrogen envelope of the primary star is ejected, passing the two planets on the way. The observed eccentricities and orbital separations of the planets in HU Aqr enable us to limit the common-envelope parameter αλ = 0.45 ± 0.17 or γ = 1.77 ± 0.02 and measure the rate at which the common envelope is ejected, which turns out to be copious. The mass in the common envelope is ejected from the binary system at a rate of u
Parallel Repetition of Free Entangled Games: Simplification and Improvements

In a two-player game, two cooperating but non communicating players, Alice and Bob, receive inputs taken from a probability distribution. Each of them produces an output and they win the game if they satisfy some predicate on their inputs/outputs. The entangled value $\omega^*(G)$ of a game $G$ is the maximum probability that Alice and Bob can win the game if they are allowed to share an entangled state prior to receiving their inputs. The $n$-fold parallel repetition $G^n$ of $G$ consists of $n$ instances of $G$ where Alice and Bob receive all the inputs at the same time and must produce all the outputs at the same time. They win $G^n$ if they win each instance of $G$. Recently, there has been a series of works showing parallel repetition with exponential decay for projection games [DSV13], games on the uniform distribution [CS14] and for free games, i.e. games on a product distribution [JPY13]. This article is meant to be a follow up of [CS14], where we improve and simplify several parts of our previous paper. Our main result is that for any free game $G$ with value $\omega^*(G)=1-\varepsilon$, we have $\omega^*(G^n) \le (1 - \varepsilon^2)^{\Omega(\frac{n}{\log(l)})}$ where $l$ is the size of the output set of the game. This result improves on both the results in [JPY13] and [CS14]. The framework we use can also be extended to free projection games. We show that for a free projection game $G$ with value $\omega^*(G)=1-\varepsilon$, we have $\omega^*(G^n) \le (1 - \varepsilon)^{\Omega(n)}$.
Pro-Life Ends at Birth: Race as a Primary Driver of State Abortion and Concurrent Natalist Policy

3 Introduction 4 Literature Review 6 Group position theory and symbolic racism as motivation for policy decisions 10 Historical Context 14 Concurrent Policy 16 Nationwide Disparities 18 Methods 22 Analysis, Conclusion, and Recommendations for further research 25 References 29 Table of Bills Analyzed 33 RACE AS A DRIVER OF STATE OF ABORTION POLICY 3
Seed Preferences of Three Harvester Ants of the Genus Pogonomyrmex (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in the Monte Desert: Are They Reflected in the Diet?

ABSTRACT Harvester ants play an important ecological role as seed consumers in arid areas. We performed choice experiments to study preferences of Pogonomyrmex rastratus (Mayr), Pogonomyrmex mendozanus (Cuezzo & Claver), and Pogonomyrmex inermis (Forel) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) for seeds of six native species (three grasses, two forbs, and a shrub) in the central Monte desert, Argentina. We hypothesized that ant diet composition would reflect ant preferences. Thus, based on previous ant diet studies, we expected that 1) the three species would prefer grass to nongrass seeds, 2) P. inermis would have a lower preference for nongrass seeds than P. rastratus and P. mendozanus and 3) relative abundance of seeds in the diet would be positively associated with relative preference. In general, relative abundance of seeds in the diet was positively associated with relative preferences. Ants preferred grass seeds, but P. inermis did not have a lower preference for nongrass seeds. We also analyzed the relationship between preferences for seeds of the six species and their size and morphology, and we found higher preferences for seeds of intermediate size but no relationship with seed morphology. The overall match between seed preferences and diet composition could increase the chances of ants affecting the abundance and composition of some seed resources in the Monte desert, with important community implications.
Children with ASD and ADHD Take the Listener into Account in Their Production of Ambiguous

During conversation, speakers constantly make choices about how specific they wish to be in their use of referring expressions. In the present study we investigate whether speakers take the listener into account or whether they base their referential choices solely on their own representation of the discourse. We do this by examining the cognitive mechanisms that underlie the choice of referring expression at different discourse moments. Furthermore, we provide insights into how children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) use referring expressions and whether their use differs from that of typically developing (TD) children. Children between 6 and 12 years old (ASD: n=46; ADHD: n=37; TD: n=38) were tested on their production of referring expressions and on Theory of Mind, response inhibition and working memory. We found support for the view that speakers take the listener into account when choosing a referring expression: Theory of Mind was related to referential choice only at those moments when speakers could not solely base their choice on their own discourse representation to be understood. Working memory appeared to be involved in keeping track of the different referents in the discourse. Furthermore, we found that TD children as well as children with ASD and children with ADHD took the listener into account in their choice of referring expression. In addition, children with ADHD were less specific than TD children in contexts with more than one referent. The previously observed problems with referential choice in children with ASD may lie in difficulties in keeping track of longer and more complex discourses, rather than in problems with taking into account the listener.
Penetration depth of meteoric water in orogenic geothermal systems

Warm springs emanating from deep-reaching faults in orogenic belts with high topography and orographic precipitation attest to circulation of meteoric water through crystalline bedrock. The depth to which this circulation occurs is unclear, yet it is important for the cooling history of exhuming orogens, for the exploitation potential of orogenic geothermal systems, and for the seismicity of regional faults. The orogenic geothermal system at Grimsel Pass, Swiss Alps, is manifested by warm springs with a clear isotopic fingerprint of high-altitude meteoric recharge. Their water composition and their occurrence within a 3 Ma fossil upflow zone render them particularly favorable for estimating the temperature along the deep flow path via geochemical modeling. Because the background geotherm has remained stable at 25 °C/km and other heat sources are unavailable, the penetration depth can be derived from the deep-water temperature. We thus estimated the base of the Grimsel system to be at 230–250 °C and 9–10 km depth. We propose that deep temperatures in such systems, particularly those with normal background geotherms (<30 °C/km), have been systematically underestimated. Consequently, far more enthalpy may be accessible for geothermal energy exploitation around the upflow zones than previously thought. Further, the prevalence of recent earthquake foci at ≤10 km beneath Grimsel suggests that meteoric water is involved in the seismicity of the host faults. Our results therefore call for reappraisal of the heat budget and the role of meteoric water in seismogenesis in uplifting orogens.
Biomechanics of common carotid arteries from mice heterozygous for mgR, the most common mouse model of Marfan syndrome

Biomechanics of Common Carotid Arteries from Mice Heterozygous for MgR, the Most Common Mouse Model of Marfan Syndrome. (December 2006) Anne Irene Taucer, B.S., Texas A&M University Co-Chairs of Committee: Dr. Jay Humphrey Dr. Emily Wilson Marfan syndrome, affecting approximately one out of every 5,000 people, is characterized by abnormal bone growth, ectopia lentis, and often-fatal aortic dilation and dissection. The root cause is a faulty extracellular matrix protein, fibrillin-1, which associates with elastin in many tissues. Common carotids from wild-type controls and mice heterozygous for the mgR mutation, the most commonly used mouse model of Marfan syndrome, were studied in a biaxial testing device. Mechanical data in the form of pressure-diameter and force-stretch tests in both the active and passive states were collected, as well data on the functional responses to phenylephrine, carbamylcholine chloride, and sodium nitroprusside. Although little significant difference was found between the heterozygous and wild-type groups in general, the in vivo stretch for both groups was significantly different from previously studied mouse vessels. Although the two groups do not exhibit significant differences, this study comprises a control group for future work with mice homozygous for mgR, which do exhibit Marfan-like symptoms. As treatment of Marfan syndrome improves, more Marfan patients will survive and age, increasing the likelihood that they will develop many of the vascular
Mitigating Information Asymmetries through Collateral Pledges

This study determines if small business collateral requirements differ between racial/ethnic and gender groups and how firm, loan, and market characteristics impact any differences in these terms. Previous literature establishes that Hispanics, Blacks, and females are considered riskier than their non-minority and male counterparts, receiving more loan denials and higher loan costs. Lenders mitigate asymmetric information by monitoring or influencing riskier borrowers through the use of non-price loan factors such as collateral requirements. Data from the Federal Reserve’s Survey of Small Business Finances is analyzed to determine whether lenders impose larger collateral requirements on minority and female small businesses as a way to monitor this group of borrowers. A Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition is used to demonstrate how variations in collateral requirements are influenced by identifying characteristics. Decomposition results show differences collateral requirements and much of the evidenced gap is attributed to differences in levels of banking competition in borrower markets, loan interest rates, and loan amounts.
The impact of financial crisis on university students in Greece

The ongoing financial crisis in Greece has significant negative impact on almost all aspects of socio-economic life. The paper aims at investigating the impact of the financial crisis on students studying at the Technological Educational Institute of Central Macedonia **(TEICM), Greece. A research study was conducted and the results revealed the following: on the one hand, increased effect of the financial crisis on a) students' life, in general, and b) students' decision to acquire higher qualifications than the Bachelor's degree from TEICM, and, on the other hand, moderate effect of the financial crisis on issues regarding i) university studies, and ii) students' career prospects.
Inside the International Student World

Substantial research emphasizes recruitment and retention of international students over their lived experiences. This qualitative study employed a sociocultural lens to explore five international graduate students’ lived experiences in the United States and their postgraduation plans. Findings suggest that international graduate students navigate a World that encompasses individual worlds that revolve around challenges, opportunities, and imagined communities. I draw on Gee’s (2014) notion of capitalizing a word normally written in lower case to make clear two differing connotations of the word “world. ” I discuss implications for higher education host institutions and their offices of international education.