Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Somatotype and Body Composition of Young Top-level Table Tennis Players

Introduction. The aim of this study was to analyze the anthropometric profile of young top-level table tennis players belonging to Spanish table Tennis National Team. A total of 63 players (38 males and 25 females), aged between 10 and 13 years were evaluated with the sex as a factor. Methods. Different body measurements were recorded following the guidelines proposed by the ISAK: body mass, height, skinfolds (biceps, triceps, subscapular, suprailiac, supraspinale, abdominal, anterior thigh, and medial calf), girths (arm flexed and relaxed; arm flexed and tensed, thigh, and calf) and breadths (biepicondylar of the humerus, bistyloid, and biepicondylar of the femur). In addition to anthropometric analysis, body composition and somatotype of participants have been assessed. A t- test for independent samples was performed to examine statistical differences between sex groups and a Pearson's coefficient was applied to evaluate the correlation between variables. Results. A mesomorph - endomorph somatotype was registered for the entire group. Analysis, taking into account the sex factor, revealed a balanced mesomorph somatotype for males and a mesomorph - endomorph somatotype for females. Data corresponding to body composition contrasted by sex showed higher body fat percentage in females than in males. Conclusions. Within the tested age interval, range body fat content in female players is higher than in male players. Although these differences may be the consequence of a normal growth, it is advisable to integrate educational and nutritional strategies in order to maintain an adequate body fat content.
Possibility of Total Hip Arthroplasty Using Shape Memory Alloy

The success of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in improving joint function and reducing pain is regarded as one of the great achievements of modern medicine. Today, most femoral stems with cementless fixation are made of either cobalt-chrome-molybdenum (CoCrMb) or titanium-aluminum-vanadium (TiAlV) alloys. In order to obtain adequate initial stability of the cementless femoral stem, the implant must be placed in contact with bone of sufficient strength to support the prosthesis rigidly. This study introduces a unique approach in this research category, making use of shape memory alloys (SMA) for cementless stems to obtain adequate initial stability. Using SMA that exhibits a shape memory effect, better proximal fit and fill with smooth insertion will be accomplished. In this study, numerical evaluation is intended with initial stability of a cementless stem for which SMA is utilized. A result of the numerical analysis reveals that use of SMA is found to be effective enough to obtain rigid initial stability.
Solid-state urea biosensor based on the differential method

In this paper, the solid-state urea biosensor was successfully fabricated based on the differential method, which contains three parts: the SnO/sub 2//ITO glass electrode used as the pseudoreference electrode; the SnO/sub 2//ITO glass electrode used as the contrast electrode; and the urease/SnO/sub 2//ITO glass electrode used as the enzyme electrode. Correspondingly, this solid-state urea biosensor was fabricated based on the SnO/sub 2//ITO glass electrode, whose simple fabrication process reduces the cost of fabricating the solid-state biosensor. Additionally, as revealed in the experimental results, the solid-state urea biosensor has good sensing characteristics between 5 and 80 mg/dl. After fabricating a successful solid-state urea biosensor, an array sensing system was designed to enhance the precision of the solid-state urea biosensor, which comprises four parts: the biosensor system, the input buffer circuit, the differential circuit, and the weighted sum circuit. As indicated in the experimental results of the array sensing system, the sensing characteristic of the array sensing system is similar to the mean sensing characteristic from four solid-state biosensors. Therefore, the sensing signal of the solid-state urea biosensor can be averaged using the array sensing system. In summary, this study successfully investigated a solid-state urea biosensor and designed an array sensing system to increase the precision of solid-state urea biosensors.
Clinical Efficacy and Psychological Mechanisms of an App-Based Digital Therapeutic for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Current treatments for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) often yield suboptimal outcomes, partly because of insufficient targeting of underlying psychological mechanisms (eg, avoidance reinforcement learning). Mindfulness training (MT) has shown efficacy for anxiety; yet, widespread adoption has been limited, partly because of the difficulty in scaling in-person–based delivery. Digital therapeutics are emerging as potentially viable treatments; however, very few have been empirically validated. Objective The aim of this study is to test the efficacy and mechanism of an app-delivered MT that was designed to target a potential mechanism of anxiety (reinforcement learning), based on which previous studies have shown concern regarding feedback and the perpetuation of anxiety through negative reinforcement. Methods Individuals with GAD were recruited using social media advertisements and randomized during an in-person visit to receive treatment as usual (n=33) or treatment as usual+app−delivered MT (Unwinding Anxiety; n=32). The latter was composed of 30 modules to be completed over a 2-month period. Associated changes in outcomes were assessed using self-report questionnaires 1 and 2 months after treatment initiation. Results We randomized 65 participants in this study, and a modified intent-to-treat approach was used for analysis. The median number of modules completed by the MT group was 25.5 (IQR 17) out of 30; 46% (13/28) of the participants completed the program. In addition, the MT group demonstrated a significant reduction in anxiety (GAD-7) compared with the control group at 2 months (67% vs 14%; median change in GAD-7: –8.5 [IQR 6.5] vs –1.0 [IQR 5.0]; P<.001; 95% CI 6-10). Increases in mindfulness at 1 month (nonreactivity subscale) mediated decreases in worry at 2 months (Penn State Worry Questionnaire; P=.02) and decreases in worry at 1 month mediated reductions in anxiety at 2 months (P=.03). Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first report on the efficacy and mechanism of an app-delivered MT for GAD. These findings demonstrate the clinical efficacy of MT as a digital therapeutic for individuals with anxiety (number needed to treat=1.6). These results also link recent advances in our mechanistic understanding of anxiety with treatment development, showing that app-delivered MT targets key reinforcement learning pathways, resulting in tangible, clinically meaningful reductions in worry and anxiety. Evidence-based, mechanistically targeted digital therapeutics have the potential to improve health at a population level at a low cost. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03683472; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03683472
Influence of aging on nerve conduction properties in healthy individuals: A cross-sectional study

Background: Nerve conduction study (NCS) is the most sensitive test to measure electrical activity in peripheral nerve. The conduction velocity of the nerve depends on physiological factors such as age, gender, temperature, and height. Aging is accompanied by reduction in nerve conduction velocity, rate decrease in muscle contractility, and alteration in muscle metabolism and neuromuscular junction. Aim and Objective: The main objective of the present study was to access the effect of aging on nerve conduction velocity. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out at the assure electrodiagnostic center, Ahmedabad, among healthy individuals of age group 21–80 years. The motor NCS was performed for median, peroneal, tibial, and ulnar nerves. Analyzation of the data of distal motor latency, motor nerve conduction velocity, and compound muscle action potentials from the distal stimulation was done for all subjects. Results: Males had significantly taller height (162.3 ± 3.6 cm) and more weight (69.2 ± 5.8 kg) than females (height: 154.5 ± 10.2 cm, P < 0.05; weight: 53.5 ± 5.8 kg, P < 0.05). Amplitude of lower limb nerves was also significantly decreased with increasing age (P < 0.05). With increasing in age, significant slowing of conduction velocity was observed in median and ulnar nerve, common peroneal and tibial nerve. Conclusions: Age can affect amplitude and conduction velocity of motor nerve. With increasing an age, there is declining trend of conduction velocity and amplitude of motor nerve. Further researches are needed to clarify the trend of latency with increasing age.
The benefits and pitfalls of humblebragging in social media advertising: the moderating role of the celebrity versus influencer

Abstract While consumers seem to perceive humblebragging as an effective self-presentation strategy that allows them to subtly promote their positive aspects, some humblebragging practices have invited negative reactions in social media. Indeed, prior research suggests that humblebragging elicits negative responses and, hence, is less preferable than straightforward bragging. The present research seeks to examine the conditions under which humblebragging might be more effective by exploring the celebrity versus influencer in the context of social media brand endorsement. Three experimental studies show that a humblebragging (vs. bragging) endorsement increases positive brand attitude when performed by a celebrity, but decreases positive brand attitude when performed by an influencer. Building upon benign moral violation theory, this research shows that these effects are mediated by amusement and irritation. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Flip chip assembled MEMS inductors

High performance suspended MEMS inductors produced using a flip chip assembly approach are described. An inductor structure is fabricated on a carrier and then flip chip assembled onto a substrate to form a suspended inductor for RF-IC applications with significant improvement in Q-factor and frequency of operation over the conventional IC inductors. A spiral MEMS inductor has been successfully produced on a silicon substrate with an air gap of 26 µm between the inductor structure and the substrate. The inductance of the device was measured to be ∼2 nH and a maximum Q-factor of 19 at ∼2.5 GHz was obtained after pad/connector de-embedding.
Probabilistic modelling of current harmonics produced by an AC/DC converter under voltage unbalance

Harmonic currents generated by an AC/DC power converter are subject to random variations due partly to fluctuation of the converter's DC load and partly to power source disturbances. The latter are also responsible for the generation of uncharacteristic harmonics. Based on an analytical power converter model and probabilistic models of voltage unbalance and converter load variations, the random behaviour of both characteristic and uncharacteristic power system harmonics produced by a six-pulse AC/DC power converter undervoltage unbalance is analyzed. The probability density functions of the magnitude and the phase angle of harmonic currents are derived and compared with the results obtained from Monte Carlo simulations. It is found that the developed probabilistic harmonic model agrees very well with the results of Monte Carlo simulations and gives significant insight into the effects of voltage unbalance and converter DC load variations upon the random properties of the power converter current spectrum. >
Biegebemessung von Bauteilen aus ultrahochfestem Beton

Ultrahochfester Beton (UHB) unterscheidet sich von normal‐ bzw. hochfestem Beton vor allem durch ein dichteres Materialgefüge. Dies bewirkt, daß Bauteile aus UHB einen größeren Widerstand gegen mechanischen Abrieb und Frost‐Tausalzbeanspruchung sowie eine größere Undurchlässigkeit für Flüssigkeiten und Gase aufweisen. Ohne den Zusatz von Stahlfasern ist UHB jedoch ein äußerst sprödes Material, das im Grenzzustand der Tragfähigkeit schlagartig versagt. Durch die Zugabe von Stahlfasern läßt sich ein duktiles Materialverhalten erzeugen. Dieser Beitrag zeigt, wie man einen solchen stahlfaserverstärkten UHB durch Entwicklung von Spannungs‐Dehnungsbeziehungen auf Biegung bzw. Biegung mit Normalkraft bemessen kann.
A performance test for laboratory fume hoods

Existing standards for laboratory fume hoods focus on the face velocity. The influence of room air currents is as important as face velocity in capturing contaminants in such a hood with a worker standing at the face. Further, face velocity standards are not very meaningful for auxiliary air hoods. A performance test was developed, using the measured concentration at the breathing zone of a worker (mannikin) at the face of the hood when known amounts of tracer, mixed with air, were released in the hood. The test method yields a performance rating which includes all parameters, not just face velocity. A performance rating in the form xx AU yyy can be determined, where xx is the tracer gas release rate, Lpm; AU signifies “as used” (in the laboratory); and yyy is the control level, ppm, at the breathing zone of the worker. Similar tests in the absence of a worker or mannikin yield much lower control levels than when a mannikin is present.
Some correlates of students attitude towards chemistry in Government Technical Colleges in Imo State

It has been noted that students in government technical colleges are not well disposed to the study of chemistry. This is evidenced by the general performance of students inNational Technical Certificate (NTC) and National Business Certificate (NBC) results. For instance, it was observed in one of the four government technical colleges in Imo State that, out of a total of 122 students who took chemistry in the 2007 NTC examination, only 4 students had credit (C6) while the rest of 118 students had ordinary pass and failure grades. The attitude of students to this subject can influence its study. There are no conclusive variables known to be responsible for the negative attitude of the students to the study of Chemistry. The researcher wonders whether it may be due to the following variables; students’ occupational aspiration; teachers’ method of teaching; students’ intelligence; influence of family on the students; teachers’ qualification. Five research questions and hypotheses were formulated and each focused on the identified variables. The researcher prepared and administered questionnaires to 277 students, out of a total of 2800 students in the four technical colleges in Imo State, to determine their responses. Correlational technique was used to ascertain the extent each of the identified variables is related to the students’ attitude to chemistry. T-test statistic was used to find out if there is significant relationship between students attitude to chemistry and each of the identified variables. It was observed that, four of the variables have significant correlation with students’ attitude to chemistry while one of them has no significant correlation with students’ attitude to chemistry. The researcher therefore recommends among other things that, schools’ guidance counsellor should be made to organize regular career guidance to the students. Key words: occupational aspiration, teaching method, student intelligence and family influence on students.
A new concept of orthotropic steel bridge deck

A new concept of orthotropic steel bridge deck is proposed to improve its durability and economy. It is suggested to hot-roll the longitudinal ribs. Thus, the ribs can be made larger and with a more effective cross section that is not possible for cold bent ribs. Together with a thicker top plate these ribs can be spaced 800 mm apart and span 8 metres or longer. This will significantly reduce the cost of fabrication of orthotropic decks while the unit weight per square metre remains practically the same. An orthotropic deck with such a configuration will be more economical and more durable.
Local Part Model for Action Recognition in Realistic Videos

This thesis presents a framework for automatic recognition of human actions in uncontrolled, realistic video data such as movies, internet and surveillance videos. In this thesis, the human action recognition problem is solved from the perspective of local spatio-temporal feature and bag-of-features representation. The bag-of-features model only contains statistics of unordered low-level primitives, and any information concerning temporal ordering and spatial structure is lost. To address this issue, we proposed a novel multiscale local part model on the purpose of maintaining both structure information and ordering of local events for action recognition. The method includes both a coarse primitive level root feature covering event-content statistics and higher resolution overlapping part features incorporating local structure and temporal relationships. To extract the local spatio-temporal features, we investigated a random sampling strategy for efficient action recognition. We also introduced the idea of using very high sampling density for efficient and accurate classification. We further explored the potential of the method with the joint optimization of two constraints: the classification accuracy and its efficiency. On the performance side, we proposed a new local descriptor, called GBH, based on spatial and temporal gradients. It significantly improved the performance of the pure spatial gradient-based HOG descriptor on action recognition while preserving high computational efficiency. We have also shown that the performance of the state-of-the-art MBH descriptor can be improved with a discontinuity-preserving optical flow algorithm. In addition, a new method based on histogram intersection kernel was introduced to combine multiple channels of different descriptors. This method has the advantages of improving recognition accuracy with multiple descriptors and speeding up the classification process. On the efficiency side, we applied PCA to reduce the feature dimension which resulted in fast bag-of-features
Isolation of Lactobacillaceae bacteria from feces of ostrich (Struthio camelus)

The ostrich (Struthio camelus) is an herbivorous bird with a long and developed hindgut. In the hindgut, there is a dense and highly diverse population of anaerobic bacteria, and active fermentation produces high concentrations of short-chain fatty acids. Bacteria in the hindgut of the ostrich are considered vital for both their nutritional contribution and health benefits, such as benefits to the immune and defense system of the host. We attempted to isolate Lactobacillaceae, which might be involved in improving immune function and in inhibiting pathogens. The number of colonies from ostrich feces observed on LBS agar medium was 3.64×103 per gram of feces. Three strains of Lactobacillaceae were isolated from the feces. Nearly the entire length of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene of these isolates was sequenced, and a homology search showed high identity with L. brevis (identity=99.93%), L. coryniformis (98.39%), and L. paracasei (100.0%). These isolates may be deemed potential probiotics for the ostrich.
The Coffee Shop: Social and Physical factors Influencing Place Attachment

This study explored the characteristics that encourage gathering behavior and contribute to place attachment in selected coffee shops in the context of literature suggesting social gathering places contribute to social capital. These gathering places, with the potential to enhance community in this manner, have been called third places. The study was qualitative in nature and included the research techniques of visual documentation, observation and behavioral mapping, interview, and survey. A transactional approach to this study was chosen to better understand the meaning of the person–environment relationship. Each coffee shop was observed for twenty–five hours for a total of seventy–five hours. Eighteen interviews were conducted and surveys were collected from 94 patrons to reveal patron attitudes toward the physical and social aspects of the coffee shop as well as their feelings regarding the community in which they live. The key findings regarding the physical characteristics showed the top five design considerations included: cleanliness, appealing aroma, adequate lighting, comfortable furniture, and a view to the outside. A number of themes emerged related to people, their activities, and their feelings and attitudes regarding the coffee shop. Each coffee shop was found to have a unique social climate and culture related to sense of belonging, territoriality and ownership, productivity and personal growth, opportunity for socialization, support and networking, and sense of community. Regarding feelings of community, survey findings from coffee shops patrons showed a positive correlation between length of patronage and their sense of attachment to their community.
State-space system identification-toward MIMO models for modal analysis and optimization of bulk power systems

This paper provides an introduction to a reduced-order, small-signal identification approach to modal analysis and control of large power systems. Being based on system-wide responses to low-energy pulse excitations generated using conventional time-domain simulation software such as PSS/E or EMTSP, it readily takes full advantage of the large built-in model database. The proposed multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) minimal realization reveals naturally the dominant modes attached specifically to a given device, as well as the transfer functions relating selected measurement and observation sites. It plays a complementary role to direct computation of the full-scale linearized model using a comprehensive program such as MASS, after a summary of the theoretical work initiated at Hydro-Quebec in the early 1990s to promote this approach and put it into routine use, we present the main challenges in developing a production grade computer code. Detailed examples inspired by actual network studies at Hydro-Quebec are discussed, the most complex of them involving the identification of a 125th order MIMO model with 26 inputs and 26 outputs.
IMPACT OF HARVESTING TIME ON ULTIMATE METHANE YIELD OF SWITCHGRASS GROWN IN EASTERN CANADA

Green energy production from crops has been under investigation for the last two decades. In Europe, this led to the development of energy crops-fed full scale bioreactors. Switchgrass was recognized as one of the most promising crops for energy production among several perennial grass species grown under moderate to hot climates. However, few studies were initiated under colder climate conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the mesophilic methane yield of switchgrass grown under the cooler growing conditions of the north-eastern area of North America. Switchgrass was harvested at three different times (late July, late August, and late September) in 2007 and conserved as silage. The regrowth of plots harvested in late July was also harvested in late September as a two-cut strategy. The switchgrass silage samples were anaerobically digested using small-scale (30 L) laboratory digesters. Specific methane yield decreased significantly with advancing plant development (from 0.289 to 0.207 LN CH4 g -1 VS), but was similar between the first harvest in late July and the regrowth in late September. Approximately 25% more methane could be produced by hectare for the two-cut strategy compared to harvesting once in late August. Further studies are required to determine the effect of cutting times and strategies on the long term yield of switchgrass in order to adequately establish the production cost of this green energy.