Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Internal Migration Intensity and Impact in Europe

Globally, internal migrants outnumber international migrants by 4 to 1 (Bell et al 2015) and recent years have seen significant progress in understanding internal migration in a comparative framework. The IMAGE project (Internal Migration Around the GlobE) developed a rigorous framework for cross-national comparisons of internal migration, involving (1) a suite of statistical indicators, (2) methods to generate estimates where comparable metrics are not collected directly, and (3) a global repository of internal migration data. The Aggregate Crude Migration Intensity (ACMI) captures the intensity of internal migration measuring all changes of address in a given interval. The Migration Effectiveness Index (MEI), which ranges from 0 to 100, quantifies the degree of balance between flows and counterflows, with low values indicating largely reciprocal exchanges between regions, while high values suggest strongly directional flows. Together, intensity and effectiveness drive the redistributive impact of migration on national populations.
Integrated process planning and scheduling/rescheduling—an agent-based approach

This paper presents a hybrid-based multi-agent system (MAS) for integrating process planning with scheduling/rescheduling in job shops or similar kinds of flexible manufacturing environments. The approach is called Online Hybrid Agent-based Negotiation (oHAN). It employs the affected operations rescheduling approach to reschedule the operations affected directly or indirectly by the disruptions. The proposed MAS architecture comprises local agents, which are the part and machine agents, and a supervisor agent. The local agents detect the production disturbances and reschedule the affected operations via decentralized negotiations. A comprehensive set of process plan flexibilities including flexible routings and alternative machines is considered during rescheduling. The supervisor agent coordinates and monitors the rescheduling process in order to ensure the observance of a global rescheduling objective. An online hybrid contract-net negotiation protocol (oHCNP) has been established to control the interactions and communications among agents. Two types of disturbances, machine breakdown and new part arrival, are investigated in this paper. Extensive experiments have been conducted and the results show that the proposed approach is effective in solving a large-scale rescheduling problem in a reasonable time. With the introduction of the supervisory control into the decentralized negotiations, the hybrid approach is able to provide solutions with a better global performance.
Effects of Phytase Superdosing on Digestibility and Bone Integrity of Broilers

SUMMARY The effects of phytase superdosing on digestibility and bone development of broilers from 1 to 21 d of age were evaluated. Ninety-six male broilers of the Cobb Slow lineage were housed in metaboilic cages, distributed in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 8 replicates. The treatments were positive control without phytase, negative control with phytase (500 FTU), negative control with phytase (1000 FTU), and negative control with phytase (2000 FTU). From 16 to 21 d of age, total excreta samples were collected for digestibility analyses. To evaluate bone quality at 21 d of age, 2 broilers per experimental unit were slaughtered and the femur and tibia were collected. Data were analyzed by regression test. A quadratic effect of phytase inclusion for the diameter and percentage of Ca and P of the femur was observed, in which the inclusion of 1,494 and 1,220 FTU, respectively, showed the best results. For the evaluation of the tibia, the diameter, length and weight linearly increased with the inclusion of phytase, and for resistance a quadratic effect was observed, in which 1265 FTU was the best inclusion. Regarding digestibility, a quadratic effect for EEDC (Ether extract digestibility coefficient), MMDC (mineral matter digestibility coefficient), AME (Apparent metabolizable energy), and AMEn (Nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy) was observed, in which the inclusion of 1,734; 788; 1,204; and 1,255 FTU resulted in the highest values, respectively. Phytase superdosing improved bone development and broiler digestibility at 21 d.
Quasi-static crushing of S-shaped aluminum front rail

A combined experimental, analytical and numerical/FEM study on the quasi-static axial crushing of thin-walled aluminum S-rails is presented. Quasi-static test was performed on S-rails with a prescribed cross-head speed 10 mm/sec. Finite element models were developed and found to reproduce the crushing response to a significant degree of accuracy with respect to the onset of collapse, the subsequent localization of plastic deformation and the overall energy absorbing capability. With the failure parameters calibrated from uniaxial tensile tests, FEM simulation can also be used to predict the fracture onset. Based on a simplified model, an analytical solution for the force-deflection response was developed, which can be applied to an early design stage of the “S” frame. Finally, the same problem was solved by means of CrashStudio and comparisons were made with some known solutions.
Solar energy potential in Pakistan

In view of the growing needs of energy in Pakistan, the efficient use and development of renewable energy sources has become a major issue in the country. This has brought the intention of several national and multinational companies to design and implement a major work plan for energy conservation and construction of renewable energy sources like wind mills and solar panels. Fortunately, Pakistan is among those countries in which sun warms the surface throughout the year and therefore has a strong potential for solar power generation. This study was conducted to explore those areas which are most suitable for solar energy potential using fifty eight meteorological stations covering the whole country. Angstrom equation and Hargreaves formula was used to calculate monthly solar energy potential by utilizing monthly climatical data of bright sunshine hours, mean maximum and minimum temperatures. The lowest solar radiation intensity 76.49 W/m2 observed at Cherat during December and highest 339.25 W/m2 at Gil.
Transmission dynamics of respiratory syncytial virus within the household and in the community

Introduction: Knowledge on RSV infection and disease is sparse in much of sub-Saharan Africa. Disease incidence is highest in infants, but there is little understanding on how and where they become infected. Characteristics of RSV transmission are poorly defined. Understanding transmission of RSV within the community is important in understanding infection and disease in infants and in defining potential effects of vaccination Methods: A prospective longitudinal surveillance of ARI in a random selection of households in Kilifi District, coastal Kenya, was established in early 2003, and continued until 2005. Participants were under active and passive surveillance and were reviewed using a standard proforma. Nasal washings from symptomatic household members were screened for RSV antigen using IFAT. Oral-fluid for serological determination of infection was collected at enrolment and every 3 months. Results: 81 households were recruited, 25 were lost to followup. 121 infections were identified approximately half of which were re-infections. The virus infected 54% of the households. Incidence of RSV infection was 218 cases/1000 cyo (95% CI, 182- 264). The incidence of primary infection was 476 cases/1000 cyo (95% CI, 361-630) and re-infection was 147/1000 cyo (95% CI, 115-189). Risk of disease was higher during primary infection than re-infection with the highest risk of disease in children 12-17months old. Estimated duration of viral shedding was short, <1 week. Age, sex, infection history and severity of infection were not found to significantly affect duration of shedding. Pre-school children with siblings in school had higher rates of infection. Index to secondary case interval was shorter for younger children and SARs were higher in smaller households. Crowding and stunting were associated with increased risk of both LRTI and RSV specific LRTI. Sanitation, type of house, and having siblings under the age of 6 years of age were associated with increased risk of RSV-disease. Conclusion: We have defined several aspects of RSV transmission and demonstrated an important burden of RSV infection and disease in a rural Kenyan community addressing a need for more information from developing countries.
Life cycle assessment of CRT lead recovery process

In recent years, the high rate of technological obsolescence and subsequent replacement of ICT devices has led to a significant increase in waste from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and oriented institutional stakeholders to promote recycling and material recovery to prevent the dispersion of hazardous substances into the environment and wastage of valuable resources. For cathode ray tube (CRT) WEEE, the standard treatment of end-of-life CRTs generates leaded glass which is usually landfill-disposed after inertisation. An experimental treatment was designed and applied to a pilot plant to obtain valuable secondary raw materials (SRMs). The industrialisation phase of the treatment requires assessing its sustainability according to the life cycle assessment approach. The paper analyses this treatment and from the significant results suggests it is environmentally sustainable.
Building a new supply chain position: an exploratory study of companies in the timber housing industry

Innovation is an important source of growth for many companies. It is also challenging, as it may require that the companies build a new position in the supply chain. The literature is devoid of analysis of different ways to build such positions in the construction industry. The purpose here is to explore the challenges involved in implementing innovations that require companies to establish new positions in a construction supply chain. Three in‐depth case studies in the Swedish timber housing industry illustrate different challenges that arise with the different modes of repositioning of organic growth, collaboration and acquisition, and with moving either backward or forward in the supply chain. Organic growth is a slow process that prevents companies from taking a first‐mover advantage. Acquisitions can involve difficulties with exploiting acquired competences. Collaboration brings the risks of diversity of interests and transient solutions. Furthermore, and as shown in the cases studied, challenges are associated with pre‐existing competencies and relationships, with technology‐oriented companies facing customer‐related difficulties and market‐oriented companies mainly facing ones involving technological solutions. The construction industry’s idiosyncrasies amplify these challenges, as its fragmentation makes it difficult to connect with external companies at new positions. Stronger ties with business partners are likely to enable construction companies to exploit more easily innovations that require repositioning in the supply chain.
Space-Harmonic Effects in Helical Slow-Wave Structure --- an Equivalent Circuit Analysis

The analysis of a lossless helical slow-wave structure (SWS) using equivalent circuit approach, reported elsewhere, had been carried out for the fundamental mode only. This is essentially used to predict the transmission line parameters. Moreover, in the analysis the effect of permittivity on the radial propagation constant has not been considered. The radial propagation constant was considered to be same over the different structure regions. In this paper, the analysis has been developed for the space-harmonic modes considering different radial propagation constant over different structure regions. Due to it, the present analysis becomes more general, accurate and capable of dealing with a wide range of structure parameters. The dispersion relation developed here in terms of the equivalent line parameters for a lossless structure, namely, shunt capacitance per unit length and series inductance per unit length for the space-harmonic modes, as a special case, passes on to those obtained earlier by considering same radial propagation constants over different structure regions and for the fundamental mode. Besides the dispersion characteristics, characteristics impedance has also been predicted in terms of line parameters. The results presented here in terms of the structure parameters can be used for structure design and performance evaluation as well as for the control of any space harmonic of interest. The present analysis has also been validated with those experimental values reported elsewhere.
Testing of Full-Scale Two-Story Steel Plate Shear Wall with Reduced Beam Section Connections and Composite Floors

A two-phase experimental program was generated on a full-scale two-story steel plate shear wall with reduced beam section connections and composite floors, to experimentally address the replaceability of infill panels following an earthquake and the seismic behavior of the intermediate beam. In Phase I, the specimen was pseudodynamically tested, subjected to three ground motions of progressively decreasing intensity. The buckled panels were replaced by new panels prior to submitting the specimen to a subsequent pseudodynamic test and cyclic test to failure in Phase II. It is shown that the repaired specimen can survive and dissipate significant amounts of hysteretic energy in a subsequent earthquake without severe damage to the boundary frame or overall strength degradation. It is also found that the specimen had exceptional redundancy and exhibited stable force-displacement behavior up to the story drifts of 5.2 and 5.0% at the first and second story, respectively. Experimental results from pseudodynamic and cyclic tests are compared to seismic performance predictions obtained from a dual strip model using tension only strips and from a monotonic pushover analysis using a three-dimensional finite-element model, respectively, and good agreement is observed.
The Number-of-Events as a Predictor Variable in Aircraft Noise Annoyance Models

Aircraft noise may have a number of direct adverse effects on the communities surrounding airports, including annoyance. The annoyance reactions of individuals and communities to aircraft noise are predicted with annoyance models, which are normally functions of predictor variables that describe the noise exposure. The number of aircraft events that a person is exposed to (the number-of-events), has been hypothesized as a significant contributor to annoyance. However, most models of annoyance to aircraft noise are functions only of the average sound energy of the total noise exposure. The purpose of this research is to quantify the relative effects of sound level and number-of-events in historical noise survey data sets and to develop a survey simulation tool to help in the design of future surveys so that the collected data will be sufficient to compare the performance of proposed annoyance models. The models considered here are Day-Night Average Sound Level (DNL) and those that are a function of sound level and number-of-events. Seven historical data sets were collected and analyzed individually and in combination. Multiple linear regression models were estimated using the annoyance, sound level, and number-of-events variables in the data sets. The contributions of sound level and number-of-events to the prediction of annoyance were compared. Most regression models could not be distinguished from an equal-energy annoyance model. A general-purpose tool was developed to simulate annoyance surveys around airports. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to evaluate the effectiveness of survey sampling approaches. Annoyance surveys were simulated around three airports in the United States. The use of stratification, as opposed to simple random sampling, resulted in more robust estimation of annoyance models.
In-Vitro Antimicrobial Activities and Phytochemical Screening of Calotropis Procera (Ait) and Vernonia Amygdalina (Del.) Extracts Against Some Medically Important Pathogenic Bacteria

The aim of this study is to evaluate phytochemical screening and antibacterial activities of crude extracts obtained from different parts of Calotropis procera and Vernonia amygdalina against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The stems, roots and leaves of the selected plant species were shade dried and ground to powders and the bioactive components were extracted using ethanol (99.5%), methanol (99.8%), hexane (99.8%) and distilled water. The antibacterial activities of the resulting extracts against the three selected pathogens were evaluated using paper disc method and inhibitory zones were recorded in millimeters at five different concentrations (20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 mg/ml). Agar dilution method is used to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the plant extracts against selected pathogens. Chloramphenicol and DMSO used as positive and negative controls, respectively. The bioassay results revealed that the crude extracts of ethanol, methanol, hexane and water had antibacterial activities on all three bacterial species at all concentration except at 20 mg/ml of all solvent extracts. Methanol and ethanol extracts had the highest growth inhibitory effects as compared with those of the aqueous and hexane crude extracts. However, the four solvent crude extracts had less antibacterial activities than chloramphenicol. S. aureus found to be the most susceptible pathogen to the crude ethanol (99.5%) and methanol (99.8) extracts of the leaves of Vernonia amygdalina (22 mg/ml) and ethanol extract of the leaves of Calotropis procera (22 mg/ml). Whereas Pseudomonas auruginosa was the least susceptible bacterium to crude ethanol extract (99.5%) of the root of Calotropis procera at 28 mg/ml and crude water, extract of the root of Vernonia amygdalina at 28 mg/ml. The growth inhibitory activities of the crude extracts were found to be significantly different for the four concentrations (30, 40, 50 and 60mg/ml) in both plant parts (p < 0.05). Phytochemical screening were done and the following bioactive components are detected such as Tannins, Phenolics, Resins, Amino acids, Flavonoids, Saponins, Reducing sugar, Glycosides, Steroids, Triterpenoids, Anthocyanidins, Sterol and Volatile Oil. In conclusion, this study did not only show the antibacterial activities of Calotropis procera and Vernonia amygdalina, but also offered a scientific validation for its traditional use against some diseases. There is a need for conducting more studies to identify and characterize the medicinal properties in the tested plant, which may serve as novel compounds for the development of new and more effective antimicrobial drugs.
Effects of Infill Wall Ratio on the Period of Reinforced Concrete Framed Buildings

Realistic estimates of the earthquake induced natural period of reinforced concrete buildings lead to enhanced reliability in design. Several national building codes and researchers have suggested various empirical formulas and approximations to predict the fundamental natural period of buildings with or without infill walls. In this paper, the effect of infill walls on the natural vibration period of framed reinforced concrete buildings is investigated. Reinforced concrete framed buildings of various storey heights and different infill wall ratios are modeled to examine the effect of the infill walls on the general behavior of the structures. Linear solutions for the structures are performed and their basic vibration periods are determined. As a result of there analyses, a new relationship for the changes in the building periods according to the infill wall ratio is developed for reinforced concrete framed buildings. The predictions of the proposed relation and other correlations found in the codes of various countries are compared.
Hydroacoustic Evaluation of Fish Passage through Bonneville Dam in 2004

The Portland District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers requested that the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) conduct fish-passage studies at Bonneville Dam in 2004. These studies support the Portland District's goal of maximizing fish-passage efficiency (FPE) and obtaining 95% survival for juvenile salmon passing Bonneville Dam. Major passage routes include 10 turbines and a sluiceway at Powerhouse 1 (B1), an 18-bay spillway, and eight turbines and a sluiceway at Powerhouse 2 (B2). In this report, we present results of four studies related to juvenile salmonid passage at Bonneville Dam. The studies were conducted between April 15 and July 15, 2004, encompassing most of the spring and summer migrations. Studies included evaluations of (1) Project fish passage efficiency and other major passage metrics, (2) B2 fish guidance efficiency and gap loss, (3) smolt approach and fate at the B2 Corner Collector (B2CC), and (4) B2 vertical barrier screen head differential.
Natural fruit beverages fortified by biologically active substances of grape vines

Based on the study of general knowledge of biochemical and all subsequent developmental studies of organic matter, especially products of grapevine and selected fruit products, a comprehensive study of processing technologies is prepared. Use of a combination of vine products and fruit products in the form of natural grapes. Beverages are researched and developed to be purely natural on the basis of grape musts, blue and white, either individually and again separately in targeted combinations, both biochemically, organoleptically and colorfully, with fruit sources. The core of grape value of biologically active substances is an integral and essential new part and condition of designing these beverages. Their increased biological values, which create the preconditions for containment and if properly managed on the basis of scientific knowledge, may in some cases almost result in the elimination of synthetic additives. It should be noted that 20 – 25% of the adult population suffers from many unexpected allergies, for example, to the sulphite content, although its content in the final product does not exceed the health-approved normatives. And there are many other, interrelated relationships. Beverages are technologically dealt with both without alcohol fermentation and with this fermentation, but only based on their compositional natural resources. They are therefore suitable for the entire population profile. The whole set contains 7 variants and a combination of natural beverages from different fruits. Including natural beverages with or without alcoholic fermentation from the must of white wine grapes, the juice of apple puree with those of biologically active substances from the products grapevine. Three months of monitoring and determination of basic (oenological) values and biologically active substances were performed on these products. The high-performance liquid chromatography method with a refractometric detector determined amount of sugar and alcohol, whilst titrating determined total and volatile acids and free sulfur dioxide. Yeast assimilable nitrogen, total anthocyanins and polyphenols were determined by spectrophotometry, antioxidant activity by DPPH and ABTS methods.