Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Queue-Length Models at Signalized Intersections

Several measures of effectiveness (MOEs) are associated with the queuing process at traffic signals, including delay, number of stops, fuel consumption, emissions, and queue length. The focus in this study is on queue length in general and on the storage requirements for left turns in particular. Queue length is an important MOE because queues that overflow the available storage space have an adverse effect on the overall operation of the intersection. Many traffic models now provide queue-length estimates, but the procedures used by these models are based on different queue definitions and have different computational approaches that lead to different results. A classification framework is developed for the existing models, their behavior is compared with that of the proposed Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) 2000 queue model, and queue conversion factors are provided for translating the various model outputs to their HCM 2000 equivalent. The proposed HCM 2000 model and its parent model from the Signalized and Unsignalized Intersection Design and Research Aid (SIDRA) provide a comprehensive treatment of the queuing process, accounting for control parameters such as controller type and progression quality as well as for the random and overflow effects associated with traffic flow. As such, the queue-length estimates from these models are more analytically defensible than those of the simpler theoretical models. The SIDRA and HCM 2000 queue estimates are generally higher than those of most other models and are somewhat higher than what conventional wisdom would suggest. It is suggested as a result of the comparisons presented that the queue estimates from some models are unduly optimistic when demand approaches capacity and that a goal of 90 percent confidence in the adequacy of left-turn storage lanes may be difficult to achieve under these conditions.
Exploiting Multi-View Part-Wise Correlation via an Efficient Transformer for Vehicle Re-Identification

Image-based vehicle re-identification (ReID) has witnessed much progress in recent years. However, most of existing works struggled to extract robust but discriminative features from a single image to represent one vehicle instance. We argue that images taken from distinct viewpoints, e.g., front and back, have significantly different appearances and patterns for recognition. In order to identify each vehicle, these models have to capture consistent “ID codes” from totally different views, causing learning difficulties. Additionally, we claim that part-level correspondences among views, i.e., various vehicle parts observed from the identical image and the same part visible from different viewpoints, contribute to instance-level feature learning as well. Motivated by these, we propose to extract comprehensive vehicle instance representations from multiple views through modelling part-wise correlations. To this end, we present our efficient transformer-based framework to exploit both inner- and inter-view correlations for vehicle ReID. In specific, we first adopt a convnet encoder to condense a series of patch embeddings from each view. Then our efficient transformer, consisting of a distillation token and a noise token in addition to a regular classification token, is constructed for enforcing these patch embeddings to interact with each other regardless of whether they are taken from identical or different views. We conduct extensive experiments on widely used vehicle ReID benchmarks, and our approach achieves the state-of-the-art performance, showing the effectiveness of our method.
Narrow-linewidth idler generation in fiber four-wave mixing and parametric amplification by dithering two pumps in opposition of phase

Wide-bandwidth and high-gain fiber optical parametric amplifiers (OPAs) have been demonstrated recently. Their application as all-optical wavelength converters has been hampered by pump-induced converted-signal spectrum broadening, due to the required pump phase modulation. In this paper, we theoretically investigate and experimentally demonstrate a technique to cancel the converted-signal broadening by using four-wave mixing (FWM) or parametric amplification with two pumps phase-modulated 180/spl deg/ out of phase. The resulting converted-signal quality is comparable to that of the output signal.
Predicting the Maximum Total Sliding Displacement of Contents in Earthquakes

AbstractSliding of contents during past earthquakes has caused injury, disruptions, and damage. As such, equations to predict the maximum sliding displacement of the contents are required to include its effect in building performance assessments. This paper examines six different prediction equations, including a new equation derived in this paper based on the first sliding excursion of contents subjected to sinusoidal floor motion. The accuracy of these equations was assessed by comparing the ratio of the maximum sliding displacement obtained from an analytical study to that from the prediction. The analytical study consisted of modeling the sliding movement of contents in three elastically responding 5-story buildings of varying periods subjected to the entire set of 3,225 unscaled ground motion records available on the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center’s database. It was found that the prediction equation derived in this study had the best fit of all prediction equations considered, with t.
The relationship between process and practice: the case of a sales order office

Process and practice have come to represent two opposing views of organisational knowledge. A case-study is reported which investigates the relationship between process and practice in the sales order office of a food production company. Interviews with staff reveal how they collectively exhibited the characteristics of a community of practice. However, it is also shown how different aspects of the community's contextual knowledge can be distinguished and understood in relation to a formal process model. The findings are discussed in relation to bridging the gap between process and practice perspectives.
Structural analysis of two metal de Dion roof trusses in Brussels model schools

From 1830 onwards state education was one of the priorities of the new Belgian monarchy. In 1875 the Ligue de l’Enseingement and architect E. Hendrickx put forward the Ecole Modele as a new school building typology where the preau – a spacious central covered courtyard – organized the entire school happening. This prototype served as a guideline for over 55 schools built by famous architects in every community of Brussels between 1875 and 1920. To span the preau, numerous metal roof trusses, varying from simple industrial Polonceau trusses to richly decorated de Dion trusses, span the 9 to 15 m wide central hall. Invented in 1837, the Polonceau truss had already established a solid reputation, and calculation methods were known and generally accepted at the time of the model schools. However, the structural functioning of the de Dion truss was completely new at that time. A study of the records and literature study did not reveal any kind of calculation notes for this truss typology. As a consequence, the extremely slender examples of this kind of truss raise questions on their real structural functioning, load-bearing capacities and capability to comply with modern standards without harming the subtle original structure. By means of historic documents, on-site surveys and finite elements calculations, this article goes deeper into the load-bearing capacity and stability of two de Dion roof trusses. Contemporary structural problems are stated, and the current conditions and safety level of these two trusses are discussed.
Optimal generation scheduling with ramping costs

In this paper, a decomposition method is proposed which relates the unit ramping process to the cost of fatigue effect in the generation scheduling of thermal systems. The objective of this optimization problem is to minimize the system operation cost, which includes the fuel cost for generating the required electrical energy and starting up decommitted units, as well as the rotor depreciation during ramping processes such as starting up, shutting down, loading, and unloading. According to the unit fatigue index curves provided by generator manufacturers, fixed unit ramping-rate limits, which have been used by previous studies, do not reflect the physical changes of generator rotors during the ramping processes due to the fatigue effect. Even though the use of properly pre-selected ramp-rate limits can guarantee a conservative generation schedule, it fails to provide the flexibility of choosing appropriate ramping rates for minimizing the system operation cost. Since ramping rates do not change linearly with ramping costs, we have to know the ramping duration beforehand in order to select the proper ramping. This is the most difficult aspect of incorporating ramping costs into the generation scheduling procedure since the ramping costs vary with the generation schedule. By introducing ramping costs, the unit on/off states can be determined more economically by the proposed method. <<ETX>>
Effects of Internal and External CSR on Supportive and Harmful Employee Attitudes

Prior studies have suggested that corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributes to a hospitality organization’s competitive advantage by influencing employee attitudes. However, the mechanisms driving employees’ responses to different types of CSR activities remain largely unexplored. Based on social exchange and social identity theories, we examined the mechanisms through which external and internal CSR activities influence employees’ perceived organizational justice and identification, and their subsequent outcomes (i.e., organizational commitment and turnover intention). We collected data from the employees of a hospitality company operating in the United States and used confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling for data analysis. The results showed that internal CSR activities had significant sequential effects on organizational justice, organizational identification, and organizational commitment as well as turnover intention. External CSR activities had significant indirect effects on organizational commitment via organizational identification. These findings reinforce the notion that external and internal CSR operate through different mediating mechanisms. We discussed the main findings of this study in terms of their theoretical implications for our understanding of the psychology behind CSR, as well as social exchange and social identity theories. The results suggest that both external and internal CSR have particular importance as a means of supporting a hospitality company’s efforts to foster employee identification with the company, and thereby improve employee attitudes at work. We closed by discussing the practical implications of our results, including recommendations for hospitality operators.
Analysis of coupled inset dielectric guides under LSE and LSM polarization

The inset dielectric guide (IDG) represents an easy-to-fabricate alternative to the image line that is also less sensitive to loss radiation at discontinuities. Two IDG geometries were analyzed, the so-called deep and shallow IDG structures, operating in the LSE and LSM polarizations, respectively. The propagation constants of single and coupled symmetrical IDGs have been calculated as well as the coupling coefficients of coupled guides. The transverse resonance diffraction method with variational formulation was used. Measured values show very good agreement with predicted values for the propagation constants of coupled deep slot IDGs. The information is a prerequisite for the design of directional couplers in IDG. >
Evaluation and Modification of Wire-Backed Nonwoven Geotextile Silt Fence for Use As a Ditch Check

AbstractConstruction activities require contractors to install, continuously monitor, and maintain controls to minimize erosion and sediment transport. Construction sites discharge up to 100 times more sediment per acre than agriculture land activities because of mechanized compaction of bare soils that decreases infiltration capacity, increases runoff volumes, and increases erosion potential. Silt fence perimeter controls are widely used by the construction industry to intercept and impound stormwater runoff sheet flow, forming large impoundment areas ideal for sedimentation. Ditch checks are often used to minimize channel erosion and promote sedimentation in conveyance channels through runoff impoundment. Structural failures of silt fence have caused many state agencies to exclude their use in concentrated flows. Researchers at the Auburn University-Erosion and Sediment Control Testing Facility (AU-ESCTF) have evaluated the use of wire backed, nonwoven geotextile silt fence as ditch checks using large-s.
Investigation of ATDM Strategies to Reduce the Probability of Breakdown

Advanced Traffic and Demand Management (ATDM) strategies are increasingly being considered to reduce the probability and impacts of traffic flow breakdown. The goal of this project is to explore and assess methods to improve the operations at critical bottlenecks utilizing ramp metering and variable speed limit (VSL) algorithms that consider the probability of breakdown at recurrent bottleneck locations. The assessment of these ATDM strategies is based on microscopic simulation modeling. Existing simulation model calibration procedures and guidelines are first examined and enhancements are proposed in this study to account for the breakdown characteristics at bottleneck locations in the calibration process. Various modifications are proposed to the existing fuzzy logic ramp metering system with the consideration of the probability of breakdown. The impacts of these modifications are evaluated using the calibrated simulation model. The results indicate that the probability of breakdown modifications may be able to provide some limited operational improvement at specific bottlenecks and/or along the entire network. However, there is no clear pattern regarding when these improvements can be observed and how different traffic demand levels may affect the impact of these modifications. Using an activation threshold to turn on ramp meters seems to be a viable alternative to time of day operation. This would allow less operator involvement and allow the activation process to become demand sensitive. In addition, this study developed a shockwave-based VSL system which uses a heuristic switching logic based controller with specified thresholds of prevailing traffic flow condition locations. This VSL strategy aims to improve operations and mobility at critical bottlenecks. The performance of the proposed method was tested in simulation assuming that the data required by the method is collected first using traffic detectors and then using Connected Vehicles. The results show that the considered VSL strategy can considerably decrease the maximum back of queue and the duration of breakdown
Modelling Impact of Site and Terrain Morphological Characteristics on Biomass of Tree Species in Putorana Region

(1) Background: Boreal forests influence global carbon balance and fulfil multiple ecosystem services. Their vegetation growth and biomass are significantly affected by environmental conditions. In the present study we focused on one of the least accessible and least studied parts of the boreal region situated in the western part of Putorana plateau, Central Siberia (Lama and Keta lakes, Krasnoyarsk region), northern Russia. (2) Methods: We derived local height-diameter and crown radius-height models for six tree species. We used univariate correlation and multiple regression analyses to examine the relationships between tree biomass and environmental conditions. (3) Results: Total tree biomass stock (aboveground tree biomass + aboveground and buried deadwood) varied between 6.47 t/ha and 149 t/ha, while total deadwood biomass fluctuated from 0.06 to 21.45 t/ha. At Lama, biomass production decreased with elevation. At Keta, the relationship of biomass to elevation followed a U shape. Stand biomass changed with micro-terrain morphology and soil nutrient content, while the patterns were location-specific. (4) Conclusions: The majority of the derived models were significant and explained most of the variability in the relationships between tree diameter or crown radius and tree height. Micro-site environmental conditions had a substantial effect on tree biomass in the studied locations.
Effect of nursing intervention on the recurrence of Vulvovaginal candidiasis infection

Background: The second most common reason of vaginitis is vaginal Candidiasis. 29–49% of females report at least one life time episode, recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis refers to the attack of confirmed symptomatic VVC for 4 times or above within 1 year. Aim: the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of nursing intervention on the recurrence of vulvovaginal candidiasis infection. Subject and Methods: Sixty women with vaginal candidiasis infection enrolled in the study from outpatient clinic at Minia university Hospital,, interview questionnaire was used to assess women's personal data, women consider to have good knowledge at score level <75% and satisfactory health habits at level of <60%. Results: the mean women age was 31.02±7.78. 36.7% were secondary school and majority of them (95%) were housewives. A statistical significant difference was found in the women’s knowledge and health habits after implementation of nursing intervention ( P <0.05). 18.3% recurrent infection occur after 4 weeks. Conclusion: There is an increase in participant's knowledge and health habits toward vulvovaginitis after applying educational intervention as compared to before intervention and also decrease incidence of VVR. Recommendation: Planning and implementing educational program about proper genital hygienic practices to improve women’s health practice and prevent recurrence of vaginal infections.
Conceptual operationalisation issues within the context of an international study: Japanese and american firms

Proper conceptualisation of key concepts is crucial to the development of any field of study. However, this is not necessarily true when it comes to the field of strategy. Although it is widely accepted that firm performance is an essential variable in the strategy literature and that diversification is the most commonly studied variable of strategy (Dess, Gupta, Hennart, & Hill, 1995) the issue of proper operationalisation is conspicuously absent. It is readily observable that there is a plethora of measures being employed to measure both diversification and firm performance. However, the measures of performance and diversification that have been employed have not been unanimously agreed upon. In addition to this general state of confusion, the issue of international variations across measures has not been evaluated. The present paper seeks to address the issues of conceptual operationalisation for performance and strategy across international boundaries.
A modular approach to the solution of the three-phase harmonic power-flow

This paper describes a modular algorithm for solution of power systems containing active nonlinear devices such as power converters. The solution is a unified real-valued Newton method allowing simultaneous solution of electrical and nonelectrical variables. The algorithm is demonstrated using the reduced equivalent of a real power system which includes both load-flow busbars and a large uncontrolled rectifier. The solution process is fast, robust and exhibits excellent convergence.
The role of religiosity on the relationship between task complexity, experience and audit judgement

Purpose - The purpose of the study is to examine the effect of task complexity and experience on audit judgment with religiosity as moderator on the auditors of the Inspectorate of Semarang Regency and Salatiga City.Method - The data collection of this research was primary by using a questionnaire. The population in this study were all auditors of the Inspectorate of Semarang Regency and Salatiga City. The selection of samples in this study used the purposive sampling technique and selected 45 auditors. The data was processed using IBM Statistics SPSS version 23. The data analysis in this study included the research instrument test (validity and reliability test), classical assumption test (normality, heteroscedasticity, and multicollinearity test), F-test, t-test, and MRA test.Result - The results showed that task complexity and experience partially had a positive and significant effect on audit judgment. The MRA test showed that religiosity did not moderate the effect of task complexity and experience on audit judgment in the auditors of the Inspectorate of Semarang Regency and Salatiga City.Implication - It is expected that auditors consider the religiosity in making audit judgment.Originality - This research is the first study that uses religiosity as a moderator in the relationship between task complexity and experience on audit judgment.
Pre-School Teacher Support and Retention of Pupils in Public ECDE Centres Kenya

Pre-primary teachers need support from the government to ensure that they perform their instructional duties in the classroom effectively. With the devolving of Early Childhood Development Education from the national government to the county level, it was expected that this action would improve the standard and status of learning in these institutions. However, studies have shown that the expected reforms have been done at a slow pace affecting the achievement of ECDE objectives. This paper looks at the kind of support that teachers are provided with by the county government and its impact on the retention of pupils in public pre-primary schools in Wareng Sub County, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. This study was conducted in 83 public pre-primary schools in Wareng Sub County, Uasin Gishu County. The study applied a descriptive survey research design with the target population involving 166 pre-school teachers and five county government ECDE field officers. The research instruments involved the use of questionnaires and interview schedules. Qualitative and quantitative approaches were used in data analysis. Research results showed that all respondents agreed that there has been a significant change in public pre-primary centres because of the devolution support. Correlation statistics showed that there existed a significant positive relationship between pre-primary teachers’ support and retention of pupils in public ECDE centres in Wareng Sub County, Kenya. The study recommends that additional pre-primary teachers should be employed in schools with a higher learner population and terms of employment should be permanent and pensionable.