Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Large-Eddy Simulations of Rim Seal Flow in a One-Stage Axial Turbine

The flow field in a one-stage axial flow turbine with 30 stator and 62 rotor blades including the wheel space is investigated by large-eddy simulation (LES). The Navier-Stokes equations are solved using a massively parallel finite-volume solver based on a Cartesian mesh with immersed boundaries. The strict conservation of mass, momentum, and energy is ensured by an efficient cut-cell/level-set ansatz, where a separate level-set solver describes the motion of the rotor. Both solvers use individual subsets of a shared Cartesian mesh, which they can adapt independently. The focus of the analysis is on the flow field inside the rotor stator cavity between the stator and rotor disks. Two cooling gas mass flow rates are investigated for the same rim seal geometry. First, the time averaged flow field for both simulations is compared, followed by a detailed investigation of the unsteady flow field. The results for the cooling effectiveness are compared to experimental data. Both cases show good agreement with experimental data. It is shown that for the lower cooling gas mass flux several of the wheel space’s acoustic waves are excited. This is not observed for the higher cooling gas mass flux. The excited waves lead to stable, i.e., bounded, fluctuations inside the wheel space and result in a significantly higher hot gas ingestion.
Quantitative evaluation of retromolar space in adults with different vertical facial types.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the differences in mandibular retromolar space among skeletal Class I subjects with different vertical divergence using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 123 skeletal Class I patients (aged 20-40 years) were categorized into hypodivergent, normodivergent, and hyperdivergent groups based on S-N/Go-Me and facial height index (FHI). Mandibular retromolar space was measured at four planes parallel to the occlusal plane along the sagittal line and molar cuspal line, respectively. The mandibular retromolar space was compared among the three vertical groups. RESULTS The hyperdivergent group had a significantly smaller mandibular retromolar space compared with the other two groups, while the hypodivergent group had the largest retromolar space. In addition, the hyperdivergent group had a larger number of subjects whose roots contacted the lingual cortex of the mandibular body. CONCLUSIONS The hyperdivergent group tends to exhibit the smallest mandibular retromolar space and highest risk of cortex contact. Clinicians should keep in mind that successful molar distalization requires sufficient retromolar space, especially for hyperdivergent subjects, which should be verified with CBCT.
Mechanical and morphometric characterization of cancellous bone

Bone fracture is a social health problem of increasing magnitude because of its prevalence in aged population due to osteoporosis. Bone quality is often characterized by bone mineral density (BMD) measured at cancellous bone regions using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). However, BMD alone cannot predict several cases because not only density is important, but also microstructure plays an important role in cancellous bone strength. The mechanical properties can be used as indicators of bone integrity as a function of age, disease or treatment. Therefore, cancellous bone fracture characterization and its relationship to microstructure has not been completely solved in the literature and is relevant to improve fracture prediction. In this thesis, we aim at characterizing cancellous bone morphometry and mechanical behavior. Morphometry is estimated through the analysis of microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) images of vertebral cancellous bone specimens. With regards to the mechanical behavior, we calculate elastic, yield and failure properties at the apparent and tissue levels. To determine them, we followed different approaches: compression tests, finite element models and micro-CT phantoms. We have developed finite element models that reproduce the elastic and failure response of cancellous bone under compression conditions. We modeled failure as a combination of continuum damage mechanics and the element deletion technique. The numerical models permitted to estimate elastic and failure properties. Failure properties were consistent with results reported in the literature. Specifically, our results revealed that yield strain is relatively constant (0.7 %) over a range of apparent densities, while failure strain presents a wider range of variation. A single strain parameter (equivalent strain, εeq) was found as an accurate descriptor of cancellous bone compression failure.
GENETIC ANALYSIS OF GROWTH TRAITS IN RAJASRI VARIETY OF BACKYARD CHICKEN

Data on 2, 758 Rajasri backyard chicken produced from 77 sires and 274 dams in 12 hatches were utilized. In general, highly significant influence of hatch and sex on body weights and average daily gains with sexual dimorphism favouring males was observed. The overall least squares mean body weights at birth, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 weeks of age were 31.74±0.08, 46.05±0.12, 69.24±0.25, 97.49±0.36, 135.35±0.47, 177.55±0.54, 234.44±0.67, 307.29±0.87, 409.87±0.97, 712.98±1.47, 1, 093.85±2.83, 1, 376.17±3.46 and 1, 638.75±3.64 g, respectively. The overall least squares mean average daily gains were 2.05±0.02, 3.31±0.03, 4.03±0.05, 5.42±0.06, 6.03±0.07, 8.13±0.09, 10.87±0.13, 14.65±0.16, 10.83±0.06, 13.60±0.11, 10.08±0.14 and 9.38±0.17g during 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 8–12, 12–16, 16–20 and 20–24 weeks, respectively. Heritability estimates for body weights varied from very low to high and decreased in magnitude with age. Genetic and phenotypic correlations among body weights were significant.
An Empirical Study on Geotagging Technology Adoption Among the Social Networking Sites (SNSs) Users: The Moderating Effect of Geotagg's Use Frequency

Due to the outstanding growth of geotagging technology usage among the social networking sites (SNSs) users, research is needed to better understand how SNSs users accept and use this technology. This study explores the factors that affect the adoption of geotagging technology among the SNSs users integrating personal innovativeness in IT (PIIT) with UTAUT. By using structured questionnaire survey, 390 data were collected. Statistical analysis techniques, such as SPSS AMOS and partial least square method, based on structural equation modelling (SEM), were used to analyse the collected data. Integrated UTAUT fulfills all criterion of model fitness. Interestingly, PIIT properly explains the personal characteristics of SNSs users in UTAUT framework. PIIT has impact on all UTAUT exogenous constructs except effort expectancy as well as on behavioural intention. Two new paths among the predictor variables (e.g. facilitating condition to effort expectancy and effort expectancy to performance expectancy) are statistically significant. All constructs of UTAUT except effort expectancy have substantial positive effect on SNSs users’ intention to adopt geotagging technology. Geotagg’s use frequency strongly moderated the different relationships in the integrated UTAUT model. The study will succor different tourism firms, restaurants and SNSs service providers to maximise the adoption of geotagging technology use. It contributes to knowledge by adding new moderator, new paths as well as integrating personal characteristics (e.g. PIIT) in UTAUT.
Differential spatiotemporal representations along the hippocampal long axis in humans

Increased place field size and signal autocorrelation along the dorsoventral hippocampal axis in rodents are considered a fundamental aspect of hippocampal organization, yet such evidence is lacking in humans. Using fMRI, we report corresponding evidence of increasing neural similarity from posterior to anterior hippocampus (dorsoventral homologues) in humans. These findings help account for observed shifting in representational granularity, from global context (anterior) to local details (posterior), along the hippocampal axis.
Herd-level Risk Factors Associated with Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns and Distributions in Fecal Bacteria of Porcine Origin.

Herd-level Risk Factors Associated with Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns and Distributions in Fecal Bacteria of Porcine Origin. (August 2011) Susan Noble Rollo, B.S.; M.S., Texas Tech University; D.V.M., Texas A&M University Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Bo Norby The purpose of this dissertation is threefold: to determine the differences in apparent prevalence and the antimicrobial susceptibility of Campylobacter spp. between antimicrobial-free and conventional swine farms; secondly, to introduce an appropriate statistical model to compare the minimum inhibitory concentration distributions of Escherichia coli and Campylobacter spp. isolated from both farm types; and thirdly, to examine the potential herd level risk factors that may be associated with antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter spp. and E. coli isolates from finishers on antimicrobialfree and conventional farming systems. In addition, a critical review of studies that have compared the levels and patterns of antimicrobial resistance among animals from antimicrobial-free and conventional farming practices was performed. Fecal samples from 15 pigs were collected from each of 35 antimicrobial-free and 60 conventional farms in the Midwestern U.S. Campylobacter spp. was isolated from 464 of 1,422 fecal samples, and each isolate was tested for susceptibility to 6
Lack of genetic introgression between wild and selectively bred Sydney rock oysters Saccostrea glomerata

: Sydney rock oysters Saccostrea glomerata are among the most important estuarine species on the eastern coast of Australia and also the basis of a major aquaculture industry. The industry now largely relies on Sydney rock oysters that have been selectively bred for fast growth and disease resistance. Selectively bred S. glomerata are currently farmed in estuaries that also sustain wild populations of Sydney rock oysters, providing the opportunity for interbreeding. This has led to concern that gene flow from farmed, selectively bred oysters could alter the genetic variability of wild oyster populations. Here, we use next-generation genotype-by-sequencing to test for genetic introgression between wild and farmed, selectively bred (B2 line) Sydney rock oysters from 2 sites in the Georges River, NSW. Strong genetic partitioning was identified between the wild and selectively bred populations. There was no evidence of gene flow in the form of introgression, even though selectively bred B2 oysters have been farmed in the Georges River since the early 1990s. Contrary to our expectations, we also found significantly higher levels of genetic diversity and heterozygosity in the selectively bred population relative to the wild population. The relatively low level of genetic diversity that we detected in wild oysters may be particularly relevant to the adaptive capacity of this species in the wild.
Exploring consumer–brand engagement: a holistic framework

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the causal relationships between constructs related to consumer–brand engagement (CBE), including consumers’ enduring involvement, ongoing information search behaviour, online engagement behaviour and brand attitude in Hong Kong. Design/methodology/approach The theoretical framework is tested using data from 302 customers of a durable technology product, a smartphone, in Hong Kong, collected using a self-administered online survey. Partial least squares-structural equation modelling was used to analyse the data. Findings The results reveal that consumers’ enduring involvement and ongoing information search behaviour are key drivers of CBE, ultimately enhancing customers’ brand attitude. The importance of enduring involvement in strengthening ongoing search behaviour, online engagement behaviour and CBE is confirmed, together with the importance of ongoing search behaviour in strengthening CBE. Further analysis demonstrated the full mediating role of ongoing search behaviour in the relationship between enduring involvement and online engagement behaviour, such that CBE fully mediates the impact of ongoing search behaviour on brand attitude. Research limitations/implications The research contributes to the extant literature by providing an understanding of how to strengthen CBE for durable technology products, such as smartphones. However, this study is cross-sectional in nature, focusing on smartphones in Hong Kong only. Thus, future research should consider comparisons between countries with diverse cultures as well as other industries, such as the service sector, to enhance the generalisability of the study’s findings. Practical implications Marketers should seek to heighten customers’ involvement levels by encouraging customer–brand interactions, which is not only useful in encouraging customers’ ongoing search and online engagement behaviour but also critical in strengthening CBE. Additionally, marketers are recommended to encourage customers’ ongoing search behaviour (at the category level), which is useful in encouraging consumers’ online engagement behaviour as well as strengthening CBE. Originality/value The role of ongoing search behaviour in brand building has received little attention in the branding literature. This paper makes a noteworthy contribution to CBE research by empirically testing a holistic framework, confirming that enduring involvement and ongoing search behaviour are critical drivers in the process of strengthening CBE. This paper also demonstrates the mediation roles of ongoing search behaviour and CBE in the holistic framework.
Can Self-determination Theory be Used to Increase College Student Retention?

This paper first introduces self-determination theory (SDT) to retention researchers and higher education professionals. Highlighted are the three basic psychological needs, that when met, are theorized to give rise to intrinsic motivation, which is associated with high levels of human performance. These are the needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. This theoretical overview is followed by a discussion of how this theory has been applied to understand the role of intrinsic motivation in fostering educational success. An outline of how SDT can be applied to increase college student retention is presented. The second part of the paper applies the understanding of self-determination theory to interpret and better understand the results of a focused literature review of 12 retention research articles. This interpretation suggests that meeting or failing to meet the psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness proposed by SDT may explain the results of research reviewed. It is theorized that college environments that meet all three psychological needs postulated by SDT will increase student retention beyond what prior approaches have achieved.
The Roles of the Long Non-Coding RNA Transcripts in Cardiovascular Diseases

For many years, proteins have been known be the major regulators in biological processes such as transcription and translation. However, in recent years, with the advent of high-throughput sequencing technology, a high-resolution map of the human transcriptome was made and a large number of non-protein coding RNA genes were discovered. Non-protein coding RNA genes (ncRNAs) are classified according to their size. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a group of ncRNAs that are >200 nucleotides long. LncRNAs are involved in many biological processes. Expression levels of and genetic variations in lncRNAs contribute to in vivo and in vitro pathophysiological processes and have been associated with many diseases. In recent years, numerous lncRNAs, which are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), have been identified. One of the major causes of CVD is atherosclerosis. The molecular processes involved in the formation and progression of atherosclerosis in vascular smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, and monocytes/macrophages play an important role in the development of CVD. In the future, a better understanding of the biological functions of lncRNAs with their ever-increasing importance in the formation and development of atherosclerosis will shed light on the development of novel therapeutic approaches for CVD.
Regulators of Shh Signaling in Limb Patterning and Development

The embryonic limb is one of the best understood examples of pattern formation in vertebrates. Patterning, along its anterior-posterior (AP) and proximo-distal (PD) axes, has been studied almost exclusively within the framework of positional information the idea that the fate of individual cells is determined by their positional value in an embryonic field. This value is conferred through signaling molecules, called morphogens, in a concentration dependent manner. This idea is best illustrated in the chick wing whose AP pattern is imposed by an organizing center called the “zone of polarizing activity” (ZPA), through secretion of the morphogen Sonic hedgehog (Shh). Studies over the past 20 years show that Shh regulates patterning and growth through regulation of Gli-family transcription factors. The mouse has been an excellent genetic model for the study of Shh-mediated limb patterning and signal transduction, as well as the pathway’s role in development and disease. However, these studies have also revealed critical differences between the mouse and chick models resulting in a need to re-evaluate positional information as a universal framework for vertebrate development. In this thesis, I propose the two-population model as a complimentary framework that allows us to reconcile the discrepancies of existing models. Using genetic models in the mouse, and pharmacological manipulation in the chick, I demonstrate that specific changes in Gli activity produce a defined spectrum of limb malformations and I utilize this spectrum as a tool to study a previously uncharacterized component of the Shh signal cascade, the receptor Ptch2, demonstrating that it is a critical, context-dependent regulator of the Shh signaling receptor Smoothened. This body of work illustrates that the vertebrate limb remains a prescient model for the study of signal transduction, development and disease and opens the door for the study of universal mechanisms of patterning in vertebrate organisms.
Social capital in high-schools: teacher-student relationships within an online social network and their association with in-class interactions and learning

ABSTRACT With technological development, social networking has become a powerful resource for building relationships, improving collaboration and facilitating learning processes. However, while the majority of educational research on this topic has focused mainly on university students’ use of social media, less is known about the potential of social media to enhance social capital and to facilitate learning among adolescents. Thus, the current study examines (1) the nature of relationships between high-school students and their teachers on an online social network and their impact on (2) classroom atmosphere and (3) learning processes. To this end, a Grounded Theory approach was adopted to analyze semi-structured interviews with ten youth aged 15–18 and their teachers and with retrospective follow-up observations of actual online teacher-student interactions. The findings showed that interactions on social media strengthened relationships, improved classroom atmosphere, increased active participation in learning activities, and encouraged collaboration and peer support. However, the findings also shed light why some teachers might avoid communication with students via social networking, although it is imperative to increase their presence in social media for the prevention of online "flaming" behaviors.
Are the Wages Paid by Non-Profits Sensitive to Volunteering? Evidence From France

Volunteers and paid staff frequently work alongside each other in nonprofit organizations. Nevertheless, the possible impact of volunteering on the wages of the paid staff has hardly ever been investigated due to the scarcity of data suited to such research. Based on the matching of two French databases and using several indicators relating to volunteering, this article examines the relationship between volunteering and wages by carrying out investigations that differentiate between employees depending on their position in the socio-occupational hierarchy and the field of activity of their organizations. The results confirm the value of such an approach based on disaggregated data by revealing the diversity of situations. This diversity ranges from some cases where no relationship is observed between volunteering and wages to others where there is a negative relationship and even in a few cases, a positive one.
INDEX OF NAMES AND TYPES IN WEST INDIAN GONOLOBINAE (APOCYNACEAE: ASCLEPIADOIDEAE), INCLUDING FOURTEEN NEW LECTOTYPIFICATIONS, ONE NEOTYPIFICATION, A NEW NAME, AND A NEW COMBINATION

Types and their location of deposit are provided for taxa of subtribe Gonolobinae (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae) in the West Indies. The following fourteen taxa are lectotypified: Gonolobus bayatensis Urb. , G. broadwayae Schltr. , G. ciliatus Schltr. , G. dictyopetalus Urb. <Sr Ekman, G. ekmanii Urb. , G. riipensis Urb. , G. sintenisii Schltr. , G. tigrinus Griseb. , G. tobagensis Urb. , G. variifolius Schltr. , Ibatia mollis Griseb. , Poicilla costata Urb. , Poicilla tamnijolia Griseb. , and Poicillopsis crispiflora Urb. Gonolobus grenadensis Schltr. is neotypified. A new name and a new combination in Matelea Aubl. are respectively proposed for Jacaima parvi/olia Proctor and J. costata (Urb.) Rendle var. goodfriendii Proctor.
Assessing Stiffness, Joint Torque and ROM for Paretic and Non-Paretic Lower Limbs during the Subacute Phase of Stroke Using Lokomat Tools

The efficacy of Lokomat on motor recovery in stroke patients is well known. However, few studies have examined Lokomat tools to assess stiffness, joint torque and range of motion (ROM) during the subacute phase of stroke. The purpose of this retrospective observational study is to assess the changes of joint torque, ROM and stiffness that were estimated with Lokomat tools, namely L-FORCE (lower limb-force), L-ROM (lower limb-range of motion)and L-STIFF (lower limb-stiff), for paretic and non-paretic lower limbs in the subacute phase of stroke, assuming that the tools were able to measure these changes. The data come from 10 subjects in the subacute phase who had their first ever-stroke and followed a treatment that included Lokomat. The measurements came from basal assessments (T0) and one-month follow-up (T1). The measures were compared between paretic and non-paretic legs, and between T0 and T1. Significant differences in stiffness, joint torque and ROM were obtained between the paretic and non-paretic limbs at both T0 and T1. A non-significant trend was obtained for reduced stiffness and increased torque and ROM between T0 and T1 of the paretic limbs. The Lokomat tools were able to measure the changes between paretic and non-paretic legs and the small changes between T0 and T1 measurements.