Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Practices and technological change:The unintended consequences of low energy dwelling design

There is an urgent need to reduce domestic energy consumption, particularly due to climate change. Domestic energy policies and research have been dominated by the assumption that technological provision will linearly save energy. Conventional attempts to move away from this approach have not gone far enough, tending to still assume that technological usage is a linear outcome of an individual’s rational decision-making. This thesis takes a significantly different approach by drawing on social practice theory and focusing on how everyday life is performed. Specifically, a Passivhaus housing development is adopted as a case study in investigating the everyday consequences of advancing dwelling design. Passivhaus is a German energy efficiency building standard, employing very different technologies relative to conventional UK housing. Specific attention is given to how unfamiliar technologies influence domestic practices more generally, as well as appliance-using practices and designing and constructing practices more specifically. This thesis has significant empirical, methodological and theoretical contributions. Empirically, everyday examples illustrate the unintended consequences of new technologies, providing insight on how such technologies could change practices in the future. Methodologically, by treating quantitative consumption-related data (e.g. building monitoring, appliance ownership, construction data) as by-products of performing practices, an innovative mixed methods approach provides unique insights on everyday practices. Theoretically, the potential usefulness of a practices approach is emphasised; in particular, in developing a detailed and contextual understanding of how everyday life is constructed and how it is open to change (often in unexpected ways). This thesis reiterates that research and policy should focus on practices, rather than technological performance or what individuals think about technologies. It concludes by: discussing a re-framing of policy expectations; outlining how energy saving interventions could target domestic practices and its influencing elements; and providing a series of new research ideas that have been generated by this thesis.
The demand for 'cleanliness' and energy conservation policies: the case of clothes washing

The substantial increase in residential electricity demand over the last century can be understood only with respect to the demand for domestic appliances and their use within housework activities. Using the case of clothes washing as an example, this paper firstly addresses the historical rise in electricity demand. Drawing upon the framework of the “learning consumer” (Witt, 2001), it is shown how available consumption technologies and utilization patterns have interacted with income growth and changes in social conventions, so to generate rising standards of cleanliness. Secondly, the analysis suggests that social conventions may conflict with public policies aimed at energy conservation. As a consequence, policies may fail to reduce energy consumption, when focusing only on the knowledge of individual consumers. Instead, policy instruments which induce (simultaneous) social learning processes can be recommended.
Perceived Self-Efficacy and Academic Achievement among Jordanian Students

The current study aimed at exploring the relationship between perceived self-efficacy and academic achievement among a sample of Jordanian secondary stage students through identifying the levels of perceived self-efficacy among students and identifying the effect of gender and academic achievement on self-efficacy. To achieve the study aims, the researchers applied the perceived self-efficacy scale on (356) secondary stage students and collected information on students’ gender and academic achievement. The results of the study showed that the majority of students hold a moderate level of perceived self-efficacy in terms of the total score and in all domains scores of the scale. Also, the results showed a significant effect of academic achievement on perceived self-efficacy in favor of higher achievement students. In addition, the results showed no significant effect for gender or the interaction of academic achievement and gender on perceived self-efficacy. The results were discussed in terms of developmental and social aspects of the sample.
Effect of Collective Action on Willingness to Accept (WTA) in Payment for Environmental Services in Northern Ghana

The use of payments for environmental service (PES) schemes as an alternative conservation and resource management tool is progressively becoming popular worldwide. Collective action in PES is receiving considerable attention as a way of reducing transaction costs of PES as well as influencing PES success. However, little is known about how collective action will influence the reward to participants. This paper examines the effect of collective action on smallholder farm households‟ willingness-to-accept (WTA) for soil and water conservation technologies, specifically soil and stone bunds, in northern Ghana. Using a hypothetical conservation plan, data were collected from a sample of smallholder farmers through stated choice experiment (CE) and contingent valuation (CV) methods. Bayesian estimation of the mixed logit and interval-data regression models were applied to the CE and CV data respectively to determine the effect of collective action on farmers‟ WTA. Estimates of collective action from both sets of data were found to significantly reduce farmers‟ WTA. For achieving cost effectiveness, careful inclusion of collective action in the design of payment for environmental service schemes in Ghana may offer a means to reduce the amount of reward payment made to resource managers for supplying environmental services (ES).
Global transport biofuel futures in energy-economy modeling: a review

The high oil dependence and the growth of energy use in the transport sector have increased interest in alternative fuels as a measure to mitigate climate change and improve energy security. More ambitious energy and environmental targets and larger use of alternative energy in the transport sector increase system effects over sector boundaries, and while the stationary energy sector (e.g., electricity and heat generation) and the transport sector earlier to large degree could be considered as separate systems with limited interaction, integrated analysis approaches now grow in importance. In recent years, the scientific literature has presented an increasing number of energy-economic future studies based on systems modeling treating the transport sector as an integrated part of the energy system and/or economy. Many of these studies provide important insights regarding transport biofuels. To clarify similarities and differences in approaches and results, the present work reviews studies within this field and investigates what future role comprehensive energy-economy modeling studies portray for transport biofuels in terms of their potential and competitiveness.
A physically-based approach for lens flare simulation

In this thesis, we present a physically-based method for the computer graphics simulation of lens flare phenomena in photographic lenses. The proposed method can be used to render lens flares from nearly all types of lenses regardless of optical construction. The method described in this thesis utilizes the photon mapping technique (Jensen, 2001) to simulate the flow of light within the lens, and captures the visual effects of internal reflections and scattering within (and between) the optical elements. The elements of the lens can be moved, as in a zoom lens, and the simulated lens flare will be modified accurately. Similarly, changes to the focus of the lens will also affect the lens flare, as would be expected in a real camera. The techniques described can be incorporated into an existing rendering engine without interfering with image generation. All new effects produced can be added upon existing output, and such an overlay maintains physical correctness as lens flares are produced through light paths not previously considered. We present images produced with our technique alongside unoptimized rendering times. At the conclusion of the thesis, we outline the limitations of our method and offer approaches to accelerate the simulation, as well as propose future work in this area
Assessment of Biological Parameters that (Influence) Affect the Quality of Life in a Group of Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract The study included a group of 42 patients with metabolic syndrome and 32 patients without metabolic syndrome. The following biological data: BMI, blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, low HDL cholesterol levels were statistically compared using the ANOVA test. To assess the impact on quality of life, patients in both groups completed the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire. To verify the statistical confirmation of the results we used the Chi 2 test. In order to correlate the results with the gender and age of the patients, we formed the following age groups 45-54 years, 55-64 years, 65-74 years and over 75 years. We found that the dimensions that affect the quality of life differ depending on the age group as follows: in the 55-64 age group pain / discomfort predominates p = 0.009 and in the 65-74 age group the mobility and self-care dimensions p = 0.043 predominate. We did not obtain statistical confirmation by the Chi 2 test in patients with metabolic syndrome and the variable blood pressure Chi 2 = 5.27 and p = 0.072
Effect of electromagnetic field on abortion: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background The increasing use of new technologies by pregnant women inevitably exposes them to the risks of the electromagnetic fields (EMFs). According to the World Health Organization, EMFs are the major sources of pollutants which harm human health. This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of EMF exposure on abortion. Methods Web of Science, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched until 2021. Pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was explored using Cochran’s Q test and I 2 index. A meta-regression method was employed to investigate the factors affecting heterogeneity between the studies. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess the credibility of the studies. Results Eligible studies (N = 17) were analyzed with a total of 57,693 participants. The mean maternal age (95% CI) was 31.06 years (27.32–34.80). Based on meta-analysis results, the pooled estimate for OR of EMF with its effects was 1.27 (95% CI: 1.10–1.46). According to the results of meta-regression, sample size had a significant effect on heterogeneity between studies (p: 0.030), but mother’s age and publication year had no significant effect on heterogeneity (p-value of bothwere >0.05). No publication bias was observed. Conclusion Exposure to EMFs above 50 Hz or 16 mG is associated with 1.27× increased risk of abortion. It may be prudent to advise women against this potentially important environmental hazard. Indeed, pregnant women should receive tailored counselling.
Desain pembelajaran

Setiap akan melakukan sesuatu, seorang guru haruslah menyusun rancangan yang akan dituju berdasarkan tuntutan dan harapan. Guru perlu merancang rencana pembelajaran. Desain pembelajaran adalah rancangan yang di dalamnya berbentuk rangkaian prosedur sistematis mencakup seluruh proses pembelajaran dari awal sampai akhir dengan mengakolaborasikan teori, media dan model pembelajaran. Dengan begini guru juga akan lebih mudah dalam melaksanakan proses pembelajaran.
Comparing Numerical Alternatives to Model Jet Grouting in Tunnels

The paper deals with the numerical modelling of jet grouting in tunnels by the Finite Element Method. Three different FEM approaches to reproduce the grouted umbrella are compared. Reference is made to the case study of the Aescher tunnel, excavated in Switzerland. Considerations and suggestions, useful at the modelling stage, are given based on the results obtained.
Photochemical treatment of organic constituents and bacterial pathogens from synthetic slaughterhouse wastewater by combining vacuum-UV and UV-C

The reduction and degradation of total organic carbon (TOC) and bacteria inactivation efficiency using Vacuum-Ultraviolet (VUV) oxidation process Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) photolytic process, and their combination (UV-C/VUV and VUV/UV-C) from synthetic slaughterhouse wastewater was investigated. TOC removal rates achieved during continuous mode operation were 6.2%, 5.5%, 5.8%, and 6.1%, respectively. In a second stage, H₂O₂ was added to both processes, UV-C/H₂O₂ and VUV/H₂O₂, and it was found that TOC removal rates were increased twice as much during continious flow operation to 10.8% and 12.2%, respectively. The optimum molar ration of H₂O₂/TOC was found to be 2.5 and 1.5 for each process respectively. Finally, it was observed that all photochemical processes achieved over 99.999% (five logs) of bacteria inactivation in a short period of irradiation time, 27.6 sec.
Structural characteristics of various types of helically wound cables in bending

The primary aim of this research was to investigate the bending behaviour of helically wound steel cables of various types (i.e. normal spiral strands, sheathed spiral strands and locked coil cables) in the presence of friction and to propose more efficient computational models for their analysis under combined tension and bending. The proposed model fully takes into account interwire contact forces both in the radial direction (point contact between wires in different layers) and hoop direction (line contact within the wires in the same layer). Extensive theoretical parametric studies have been undertaken on a variety of cable constructions covering a wide range of geometrical and material parameters. Explicit formulations have been developed for the smooth transition of the bending stiffness from no-slip to full slip regimes, as a function of cable curvature. Based on these formulations, it is now possible to calculate the relative displacements of the wires, as well as the tensile, bending and hoop stresses in the individual wires of the cable. Furthermore, bending stiffness of the cable is shown to decrease by a factor of 2 to 16, depending upon the friction coefficient between wires and the type of cable construction. Wherever possible, the theoretical results have been compared with experimental results from the available literature and are found in very good agreement with them. A simple method for the determination of the bending stiffness of large diameter multi-layered cable has been developed. The simplified method is further shown to provide estimates of the bending stiffness which are very close to those calculated by the original theory, allowing hand calculations for an easier use in industry. The proposed formulations have been extended to cater for the effects of external hydrostatic pressure on sheathed spiral strands in deep water applications. These forces are shown to have a great influence on the pattern of interwire contact forces and hence the interlayer slippage between the wires in the strand. Numerical results have been obtained and analysed for three different 127 mm diameter strands with lay angles of 12°, 18° and 24° respectively, experiencing a wide range of external hydrostatic pressures of 0 to 2,000 metres. The significant increase in normal contact Page | iv force between wires is shown to suppress the slippage of wires in the cable. However, the no-slip and full slip values of the effective bending stiffness of the cable is shown to be independent of the level of hydrostatic pressure. A theoretical model is also proposed for estimating wire kinematics, pattern of interwire slippage, contact forces as well as the flexural rigidity of locked coil cables with outer layers made of shaped wires. In order to validate this model, numerical results are reported for two different locked coil cables. It is shown that the shaped wires in the outer layers of locked coil cables play an important role in the distribution of contact forces, slip initiation and cable unwinding.
Handbook for inventorying surface fuels and biomass in the interior West. General technical report

This report presents comprehensive procedures for inventorying weight per unit area of living and dead surface vegetation, to facilitate estimation of biomass and appraisal of fuels. Provides instructions for conducting fieldwork and calculating estimates of downed woody material, forest floor litter and duff, herbaceous vegetation, shrubs, and small conifers. Procedures produce the most accurate estimates in the Interior West; however, techniques for herbs, litter, and downed woody material are applicable anywhere. Includes computer program and card punching instructions for processing inventory data.
Knockdown Of Udp-Glucose Dehydrogenase Facilitates Epirubicin-Resistance In MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells By Regulation Of Hyaluronan Synthesis.

Background: The catalytic action of the UDP-glucose transferase dehydrogenase (UGDH) enzyme produces UDP-glucuronic acid (UDP-GlcUA). The main detoxifying pathway of Epirubicin (EPI) is via glucuronidation by the specific transferase UGT2B7 (UDP-Glucuronosyltransferase-2B7), adding UDP-GlcUA to generates 4´-O-b-D-glucuronyl-4´-epi-doxorubicin. UDP-GlcUA is also a precursor of several glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) like hyaluronan (HA). Therefore, the EPI detoxifying pathway might be associated with GAGs metabolism, related to drug deactivation and tumor resistance. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of knockdown on the UGDH gene on EPI response and HA metabolism in the aggressive breast cancer cells MDA-MB 231. Methods: MDA-MB-231 cells were transfected in vitro with UGDH-specific siRNA for UGDH knockdown and treated with EPI. Viability, apoptosis, and cytotoxicity effects were evaluated. EPI intracellular accumulation was analyzed by flow cytometry. Differences in extracellular matrix (ECM) were analyzed through a particle exclusion assay and the composition of HA using hyaluronidase. The soluble HA secreted was detected by an ELISA like assay. Besides, gene expression of HA synthase and hyaluronidase (HYAL) enzymes were analyzed by RT-qPCR. To analyze the effect of UGDH knockdown and EPI treatment on autophagy, we evaluated the expression of the autophagosome marker, LC3-II by RT-qPCR and western blot, and its subcellular localization by confocal microscopy. Results: EPI accumulation increased during UGDH knockdown, but it was observed a decrease in cell death. HA synthesis and HA coated around the cells increased. In turn, it was found up-regulation of the expression of HYALs. Within the mechanisms activated by tumor cells to avoid EPI activity, an increase in autophagy was detected. Conclusions: for the first time we show that an increase in the expression, deposition and catabolism of HA positively contributed to the development of a resistant phenotype in breast cancer cells by a mechanism associated to sugar metabolism, specifically of UDP-GlcUA .
Intention to immigration and its relationship with workload and healthy work environment in nurses

Background The immigration of nurses in Iran is increasing day by day, and it seems work-related factors such as workload and healthy work environment are associated with the intention to immigration.Objectives this study was conducted to determine the intention to immigration in nurses and its relationship with workload and healthy work environment.Methods This cross-sectional, descriptive-correlational study was conducted in 2020 by simple random sampling method of 360 nurses working in hospitals in Iran. The study instruments were questionnaires of demographics, Intention to immigration (Lee, 2016), Workload (NASA-TLX) and healthy work environment (AACN, 2005). Data were analyzed by SPSS software and descriptive tests. p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results The score of intention to immigration was 65.59%, which indicated a high level of intention to immigration in nurses. There was a significant but weak correlation between intention to immigrate, with workload (r = 0.166, p = 0.002) and healthy work environment (r = 0.16, p = 0.002). Conclusion there was a weak but important relationship between the intention to immigration, workload and healthy work environment. More studies on factors related to the intention to immigration are required.
Differences in Incidence of Lower Back Pain according to Fire Fighters' Duty Type

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of fire fighters` duty type on occurrence and severity of low back pain. Data were collected with questionnaire to 450 fire fighters working at 119 safety center and rescue unit of 30 fire stations in Gyeonggi-do. Finally the study was analyzed for 360 persons among them. The risk of experiencing of lower back pain occurred in the order of Rescue[odds ratio(OR) 3.36, 95% confidence interval(95% CI) 1.18-9.52], Vehicle operation(OR 2.63, 95% CI 1.26-5.50), First aid(OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.03-4.59), and Putting out a fire. The risk on severity of lower back pain occurred in the order of Vehicle operation(OR 4.00, 95% CI 1.57-9.80), First aid(OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.00-4.81), Putting out a fire, and Rescue. These result suggest that duty type of fire fighters may be a prognostic factor for occurrence and severity of low back pain. The potential implications of these findings are discussed about different approach for primary and secondary prevention by duty type of fire fighters.
Effects of infection with Entamoeba histolytica on blood parameters in cancer patients (malignancy and leukaemia)

Cancer and cancer therapy result in complications that reduce the ability of the immune system to resist infections. The present study was conducted in patients with malignant cancer and leukaemia from Basrah specialist children's hospital auditors of children infected with E. histolytica. Total white blood cell (WBC) count, haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, packed cell volume (PCV) and platelet (thrombocyte) count were examined; these parameters were shown to be lower in patients with cancer than in those infected with E. histolytica and healthy children. Patients with cancer had chronic or repeated infections with E. histolytica. Reduction in WBC count, Hb concentration, PCV and thrombocyte count in patients with cancer, particularly leukaemia, was a result of cancer and chemotherapy side effects that results in severe deficiencies in blood parameters of the treated patients with cancer.
Development of a Ballistic Specification for Magnesium Alloy AZ31B

Abstract : The U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) and Magnesium Elektron North America (MENA) have conducted a joint effort to develop and evaluate rolled plate in commercially available magnesium alloy-temper AZ31B-H24. MENA produced the rolled product and conducted the mechanical analysis, while ARL performed the ballistic analysis. The magnesium alloy plates were parametrically compared with the minimum performance requirements of aluminum alloy 5083-H131 temper rolled plate using various armor-piercing and fragment-simulating projectiles (FSPs). The ballistic results and comparisons are presented herein. The yield strength of AZ31B-H24 is the dominant mechanical property that will improve the performance at increased weights.