Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microplastic Pollution in The Topsoil of Hot And Dried Areas, Human Exposure and Source Assessment, Aghili Plain, Iran

Although the distribution of microplastic (MPs) has been studied in different environmental compartments during the last decade, there is still a knowledge gap in their distribution and abundances in soil. This study aimed to investigate the abundance, distribution, and type of MPs in the soil of Aghili plain as a hot and dry area in southwest of Iran. In this study, composite soil samples (n=102) were collected from the residential and agricultural areas in Aghili plain, Iran. A combination of visual observations, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) – Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and Raman micro -spectroscopy was conducted to quantify and characterize MPs in soil samples. The intakes of MPs in adults and children were estimated through two exposure EPA scenarios. The total MPs loading in the studies soil was 11.93 ± 0.9 items in Kg-1 of surface soil in Aghili plain. The MPs had various morphology (fiber, pellet, fragment, and spherule shapes), colors (white-transparent, yellow-orange, red-pink, blue-green and black-grey colors), and sizes (<100 µm up to 1000 ≤ µm). Black-grey fibers in size less than 100 μm were dominant MPs in soil samples using a binocular microscope. Trace amounts of C, N, O, Na, P, Si revealed by EDS suggested the organic and inorganic contaminations on the surface of identified MPs. Intake of MPs per day/year through ingestion of polluted soil was calculated. Mean normal and acute exposure was estimated at 0.435 and 0.871 MPs per year through ingestion by children and adults, respectively.
Microstrip filter with defected ground structure: a close perspective

This paper presents a close but a beginner's perspective and a comprehensive review of microstrip filters with defected ground structure (DGS). The concept of DGS is inspired by photonic/electromagnetic bandgap structures (EBG/PBG) and metamaterials that are employed in microwave components to achieve a variety of performance enhancement features. Modeling of DGS and metamaterials as an L-C equivalent lumped circuit is much simpler in comparison with complex EBGs/PBGs. In this review, we have given a detailed account of the microstrip filters using DGS.
Handbook of Mobile Communication Studies

Mobile communication has become mainstream and even omnipresent. It is arguably the most successful and certainly the most rapidly adopted new technology in the world: more than one of every three people worldwide possesses a mobile phone. This volume offers a comprehensive view of the cultural, family, and interpersonal consequences of mobile communication across the globe. Leading scholars analyze the effect of mobile communication on all parts of life, from the relationship between literacy and the textual features of mobile phones to the use of ringtones as a form of social exchange, from the "aspirational consumption" of middle class families in India to the belief in parts of Africa and Asia that mobile phones can communicate with the dead. The contributors explore the ways mobile communication profoundly affects the tempo, structure, and process of daily life around the world. They discuss the impact of mobile communication on social networks, other communication strategies, traditional forms of social organization, and political activities. They consider how quickly miraculous technologies come to seem ordinary and even necessary--and how ordinary technology comes to seem mysterious and even miraculous. The chapters cut across social issues and geographical regions; they highlight use by the elite and the masses, utilitarian and expressive functions, and political and operational consequences. Taken together, the chapters demonstrate how mobile communication has affected the quality of life in both exotic and humdrum settings, and how it increasingly occupies center stage in peoples lives around the world.
Radiation response of a MEMS accelerometer: an electrostatic force

Particle irradiation on the mechanical sensor of the ADXL50 microelectromechanical accelerometer shifts the output voltage. An earlier conclusion, that a dielectric below the sensor becomes charged, is extended by quantifying the effect of this charge on device output. It is shown that an electrostatic force is consistent with the observation that the output voltage shift is independent of acceleration. Possible charging mechanisms are suggested. An appendix derives a convenient algorithm for calculating electrostatic forces, which may also be used for other MEMS devices.
An Atomistic-Based Nonlinear Plate Theory for Hexagonal Boron Nitride

Through the continuity of the DREIDING force field, we propose, for the first time, the finite-deformation plate theory for the single-layer hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) to clarify the atomic source of the structure against deformations. Divergent from the classical Föppl-von Karman plate theory, our new theory shows that h-BN’s two in-plane mechanical parameters are independent of two out-of-plane mechanical parameters. The new theory reveals the relationships between the h-BN’s elastic rigidities and the atomic force field: (1) two in-plane elastic rigidities come from the bond stretching and the bond angle bending; (2) the bending rigidity comes from the inversion angle and the dihedral angle torsion; (3) the Gaussian rigidity only comes from the dihedral angle torsion. Mechanical parameters obtained by our theory align with atomic calculations. The new theory proves that two four-body terms in the DREIDING force field are necessary to model the h-BN’s mechanical properties. Overall, our theory establishes a foundation to apply the classical plate theory on the h-BN, and the approach in this paper is heuristic in modelling the mechanical properties of the other two-dimensional nanostructures.
Exploring Interest Formation in English Learning through XploreRAFE+: A Gamified AR Mobile App

The use of gamification and AR technology is found to have the capacity to enhance students’ interest. In this study, the researchers chose a class in a vocational college in China as a specific case that used the gamified AR mobile application, called XploreRAFE+. This study aimed to explore the use of XploreRAFE+ in the formation of learners’ interest in order to answer the research question: What is the process of interest formation among vocational college students in a gamified AR environment, and how does it sustain students’ motivation in learning English? The data for the study were collected via observations, interviews, and document analysis. The findings of the study indicated that in a gamified AR environment, vocational college students’ interest was triggered by piquing curiosity. This then led to optimal learning experiences, where eventually the students began to have positive perceptions of English lessons and were motivated to extend learning experience on their own. These three components of interest formation formed a dynamic loop where interest formation was developed in a cyclical process. It is proposed that a cyclical formation of interest developed through a gamified AR environment over time could sustain learners’ motivation.
WAVE LOADS ON AND BENEATH BONDED PERMEABLE REVETMENTS

Permeable revetments made of bonded mineral aggregates may increasingly be favoured compared to standard revetments. However, the physical processes associated with the water–structure–soil-interaction for a wide range of wave conditions are still not well understood. Therefore, systematic large-scale model tests have been performed in the Large Wave Flume (GWK) of the Coastal Research Centre (FZK) in Hannover, with the intention of improving the understanding of these processes.
Numerical modelling of compensation grouting above shallow tunnels

This paper describes the development of a numerical model for compensation grouting which is a useful technique for the protection of surface structures from the potentially damaging movements arising from tunnel construction. Pipes are inserted into the ground between the tunnel and the overlaying structure from an access shaft. Buildings on the surface are instrumented and movements are carefully monitored. Once the deformations exceed a certain Trigger Level, grout is injected into the ground to prevent damage. In the finite element model described here, compensation grouting is modelled by applying an internal pressure to zero‐thickness interface elements embedded in the mesh. An ‘observational algorithm’ is used, where the deformations of the surface are monitored and used to control the injection process. Example analyses of compensation grouting are given for three‐dimensional tunnel construction underneath a greenfield site. Different strategies are used to control the injection process and their effectiveness in preventing surface movement is assessed. The numerical model is shown to replicate general behaviour expected in the field and is capable of modelling the control of ground surface movements at a greenfield site. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
GC/MS Analysis of Essential Oil and Enzyme Inhibitory Activities of Syzygium cumini (Pamposia) Grown in Egypt: Chemical Characterization and Molecular Docking Studies

Syzygium cumini (Pomposia) is a well-known aromatic plant belonging to the family Myrtaceae, and has been reported for its various traditional and pharmacological potentials, such as its antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antidiarrheal properties. The chemical composition of the leaf essential oil via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis revealed the identification of fifty-three compounds representing about 91.22% of the total oil. The identified oil was predominated by α-pinene (21.09%), followed by β-(E)-ocimene (11.80%), D-limonene (8.08%), β-pinene (7.33%), and α-terpineol (5.38%). The tested oil revealed a moderate cytotoxic effect against human liver cancer cells (HepG2) with an IC50 value of 38.15 ± 2.09 µg/mL. In addition, it effectively inhibited acetylcholinesterase with an IC50 value of 32.9 ± 2.1 µg/mL. Furthermore, it showed inhibitory properties against α-amylase and α-glucosidase with IC50 values of 57.80 ± 3.30 and 274.03 ± 12.37 µg/mL, respectively. The molecular docking studies revealed that (E)-β-caryophyllene, one of the major compounds, achieved the best docking scores of −6.75, −5.61, and −7.75 for acetylcholinesterase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase, respectively. Thus, it is concluded that S. cumini oil should be considered as a food supplement for the elderly to enhance memory performance and for diabetic patients to control blood glucose.
ANALYSIS OF CROP AND WEED LEAF DIFFUSE REFLECTANCE SPECTRA

Diffuse leaf reflectance at the three- to five-leaf stage was measured for six species common to agriculture in Saskatchewan, Canada. The three crop species were wheat (Triticum aestivum), canola (Brassica napus L.), and field pea (Pisum sativum L.). The three weed species were wild oat (Avena fatua L.), wild buckwheat (Polygonum convolvulus L.) and Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. ). Plants were grown in regulated environmental chambers. For each plant, the leaf reflectance of two different leaves or leaf segments was measured, with between 40 and 50 plants for each species. Measurements were recorded between 270 and 2500 nm with a maximum data interval of 2 nm. Reflectance measurements were recorded with leaves against black and white backgrounds. These reflectance spectra corresponded to the expected green-plant profile. Distribution of the data was investigated numerically using the Anderson-Darling and Shapiro-Wilks goodness-of-fit statistics, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis, and qualitatively with histograms. Large deviations from the generally assumed normal distribution were observed, and these deviations were dependent on both wavelength and species.
Shear Strength of Members without Transverse Reinforcement

The variable angle truss model is extended to members without transverse reinforcement by introducing concrete tension ties perpendicular to concrete compression struts. The modified compression field theory approach of limiting the shear transfer across diagonal cracks is combined with the variable angle truss model to develop equations for the shear capacity of members without transverse reinforcement. These equations are the theoretical basis of tabulated values for members without stirrups in the general shear design method of the 1994 Canadian concrete code. This paper also presents the results from an experimental study in which 27 narrow (beam-like) wall elements, with significant longitudinal reinforcement and little or no transverse reinforcement, were subjected to combined axial tension, bending moment, and shear. The experimental results are compared with predictions from the 1994 Canadian concrete code, as well as the American Concrete Institute building code. Key words: building codes, reinfo.
Factors associated with the perception of fear of COVID-19 in university students.

OBJECTIVE to analyze the factors associated with the perception of fear of COVID-19 in Brazilian university students. METHODS this is an online, cross-sectional analytical study conducted at a Brazilian public university with 1,437 undergraduate students between September and November 2020. The Fear of COVID-19 Scale was used to measure the main construct. Data analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U test, Cohen's r test and multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS factors associated with fear of COVID-19 in university students were the variables biological sex, perception of good sleep quality, many days of access to information, not complying with social distancing, reporting sufficient hours of sleep, not having a partner, guidance sexual non-heterosexual, being in the risk group for COVID-19 and tobacco consumption. CONCLUSIONS the study findings can contribute to the discussion about the weaknesses that the university population is experiencing in this pandemic period.
Stability analysis and numerical simulation of multidevice amplifiers

Stability analysis of multidevice amplifiers is made on a generalized circuit comprising two n-ports with S-matrices S (active devices) and S' (passive networks) connected at n interface ports. Open-loop transfer functions defined for a signal-flow graph and its (n-1) subgraphs of incident and reflected waves at the interface ports are expressed in terms of det M/sub n/ and its minors, where M/sub n/=S'S-I/sub n/ and I/sub n/ is the n*n identity matrix. it is shown that the Nyquist plots of the n transfer functions completely characterize the number of right-half complex-frequency-plane zeros of det M/sub n/, and hence the amplifier stability. Insertion of an ideal circulator and isolators at the interface ports enables one to calculate the Nyquist plots and voltage distributions of possible instabilities using commercially available linear circuit simulators. Numerical simulations for two types of parallel-operated GaAs FET amplifiers are performed to verify the usefulness of the analysis in design-phase check of multidevice amplifier stability. >
Revealing changes in the technical parameters of the teat cup liners of milking machines during testing and production conditions

To implement effective cow milking, it is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of the milk flow process, the milking machine's adaptability to perform the given technological functions. The aim of research is to establish changes in the design and technological parameters and physical and mechanical properties of teat cup liner of milking machines during its testing and in production conditions. The results obtained will make it possible to make a rational choice of rubber, ensure an efficient milking process during its service life. It is found that the tensile strength of silicone teat cup liner at the beginning of operation was 1.6 times higher than that of a rubber compound, and after 6 months. operation – 1.7 times. With respect to the relative elongation, this difference was 1.4 times, and after operating time – 1.3 times. Studies have proven that rubber during operation changes its physical and mechanical properties: the length of the active part increased by 3.1 mm; wall thickness – 0.2 mm. It is found that the most intensively elastic properties of teat cup liner changed during the first 10–20 days. After 10 days, the closing vacuum increased by 16.6 % compared to the initial one, and after 20 days by 23.3 %, which amounted to 8.57 and 9.06 kPa, respectively. Up to 420 hours of operation, the clamping vacuum reached 11.3 kPa, which is 5.8 % lower than the requirements for toughening teat cup liner for rejection. In general, over the period of experiments, the average value of the vacuum of closing the opposite walls of teat cup liner increased from 7.35 to 12.43 kPa, which is 3.6 % higher than the norm (12 kPa). As a result of experimental studies, the regularity of the rubber tension force depending on the operating time in the form of a fourth degree polynomial is obtained. It is found that after 150 hours of operation, the tensile force of teat cup liner decreased by 21 %
Circumstances and Consequences of Violence-Related Injuries Presenting at Hospital. A Study at the Pediatric Emergency and Forensic Medicine Units of Maputo Central Hospital, Mozambique

Rates of violence against children are high in Sub-Saharan Africa and information is scarce on the resulting injuries. This study investigates sex-related differences in the circumstances and consequences of sexual and physical violence in the Mozambican context. Hospital records from 2019 at the pediatric emergency and forensic medicine units of Maputo Central Hospital were scrutinized using a standardized form. Of the 321 cases identified, 60% resulted from sexual violence. Girls represented 86.4% of the victims of sexual violence and boys, 66.1% of those from physical violence. Being injured in a familiar environment and by a parent, a relative, or someone known was strikingly common. The injury pattern varied by form of violence and sex of the child. About half of the injuries sustained by physical violence were minor/superficial. Severe injuries requiring hospitalization (33% in total) and some specialized care (27% in total) were mainly sustained by girl victims of sexual violence. While circumstances and consequences of violence-related injuries have several similarities, being severely injured is more typical of girl victims of sexual violence. Besides medical care, hospital services in Mozambique must be prepared to offer pediatric victims of violence the necessary social care.
The effects of temperature on sleep experience: evidence from China

ABSTRACT A large body of literature estimates the high-temperature effects on a variety of economic and health outcomes. This paper provides convergent evidence of a possible working mechanism behind those effects. That is, upon examining nationally representative self-report measures in China, we studied the relationship between temperature and people’s sleep experience, an essential input for productivity and health outcomes. By analysing county-level daily temperature data and the CFPS self-reported sleep experience data, our findings indicate that high temperature can increase the probability of reporting poor sleep experiences in China. Additionally, elderly, lower educated, and rural residents may be more vulnerable to the damage of heatwaves. Our results imply that high temperature can adversely and significantly impact people’s sleep experience, though its effect can be partially offset by installing air conditioners.
Assessing factors affecting FDI in developing Asian countries

The paper focuses on various factors that affect the inflow of Foreign Direct Investment in developing countries. The study majorly deals with Asian countries, namely India, China, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan, that are progressing from being aid-dependent to trading giants. The factors affecting FDI are majorly categorised into dependent and independent variables. Here, in this study, the dependent variable considered is FDI inflow, and independent variables are market size, the value of the currency, export, import, gross fixed capital formation, GDP deflator, cost of borrowing and economic reforms. Pooled Ordinary Least Square (OLS), fixed effect and random effect regression analysis is done to ascertain the best regression model and various tests are performed to check the intensity of effect caused by each independent variable on our dependent variable.
A Review Analysis of Unsteady Forces in Hydraulic Valves

Abstract In the fluid power applications where the typical operating conditions are dynamic the knowledge of the unsteady flow forces that act on the spools of the hydraulic valves represents an important issue to be addressed in order to make a correct design of the valve geometry and its driving system. This paper deals with a rigorous unsteady numerical study of the fluid dynamic behavior of a hydraulic directional control valve. A theoretical approach based upon the application of the momentum equation in the transient fluid dynamic conditions is presented, while a successive numerical analysis is performed by using the commercial Fluent™ code that provided, in the past, a correct evaluation of the stationary flow forces. Unsteady simulations have been carried out considering three different conditions: constant pressure boundary conditions during the spool movement, inlet pressure ripple at a constant spool position, damped pressure oscillations during the spool opening phase. The main objective is to estimate the critical magnitude orders of the pressure ripple frequency and of the axial spool velocity above which the pseudo-steadiness assumption fails; in order to reach this aim, in some cases, the effects of the fluid dynamic phenomena connected with the unsteady flow conditions have been amplified.
Bark Strengths and Shaker Pads vs. Cherry Bark Damage During Harvesting

ABSTRACT CHERRY tree decline, resulting in shortened orchard life, was reported by growers to be an increasing problem in the early 1980's. Bark damage to the trunk, both visible and hidden, occurring during shake-harvesting operations is one of the possible causes of tree decline. Studies of trunk bark strength properties and the static contact stresses between the shaker pads and the bark were initiated in 1982 and 1983. Peak pressures between the pad and bark were found to be excessive for all commercial pads. Reduced clamping forces were recommended, and one manufacturer also redesigned their pad to be softer and to provide more contact area. These changes reduced the visible damage reported by growers after 1982.
Relationship between Dietary Patterns with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Erectile Dysfunction: A Collaborative Review

Interest in the role of dietary patterns has been consistently emerging in recent years due to much research that has documented the impact of metabolism on erectile dysfunction (ED) and/or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We conducted a non-systematic review of English articles published from 1964 to September 2021. The search terms were: (“dietary patterns” OR “diet”) AND/OR (“erectile dysfunction”) AND/OR (“benign prostatic hyperplasia”). In the present review, we have highlighted how the association between dietary patterns and two of the most frequent pathologies in urology, namely erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia, is present in the literature. The data suggested that a diet that is more adherent to the Mediterranean diet or that emphasizes the presence of vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, and fish or other sources of long-chain (n-3) fats, in addition to reduced content of red meat, may have a beneficial role on erectile function. At the same time, the same beneficial effects can be transferred to BPH as a result of the indirect regulatory effects on prostatic growth and smooth muscle tone, thus determining an improvement in symptoms. Certainly, in-depth studies and translational medicine are needed to confirm these encouraging data.