Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Handing Down the Faith

The most important influence shaping the religious and spiritual lives of children, youth, and teenagers is parents. Yet little research has studied this link in the intergenerational transmission of religion between generations. This book reports the findings of a new, national study of religious parents in the United States. The findings are based on 215 in-depth, personal interviews with religious parents from many traditions and different parts of the country; and on analyses of two nationally representative surveys of American parents. Unlike many studies that focus only on mainstream Christianity, this book reports on parents from a wide range of traditions: mainline Protestant, Catholic, evangelical, black Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, Mormon, Buddhist, and Hindu. It explores the background beliefs informing how and why religious parents seek to pass on religion to their children; examines how parenting styles interact with parent religiousness to shape religious transmission; shows how the approaches of parents now were influenced by their own experiences as children growing up under their parents; reveals how religious parents view their congregations and what they most seek out in a local church, synagogue, temple, or mosque; explores the experiences and outlooks of immigrant parents; and steps back to consider how the field of American religion has transformed over the last 100 years to explain why parents shoulder such a huge responsibility today in transmitting religious faith and practice to children. The book will interest scholars of religion, family, parenting, and socialization; clergy and religious educators and leaders; and religious parents themselves.
Equilibrium Exchange Rate and Competitiveness in Morocco: Estimation by the ARDL Cointegration Model

This study estimated the real equilibrium exchange rate and its misalignment by adopting the Natural Real Exchange Rate (NATREX) approach and ARDL cointegration model. The aim is to interpret the impact of the determinants used to estimate the equilibrium exchange rate and assess the importance of the exchange rate in the Moroccan economy through the evolution and the reaction of the trade balance vis-à-vis the misalignment. The results showed that the rise in terms of trade can have an impact on the appreciation of the exchange rate and constrain Moroccan exports. This evidence confirms indeed the importance of the exchange rate as an instrument of price competitiveness. The study also identified a competitiveness problem linked to the structure of the Moroccan economy showing an absence of the Blassa-Samuelson effect. The impact of public spending on the exchange rate shows a problem of the nature of this spending which is more oriented towards tradable goods contributing to higher imports and hence to the deterioration of the trade balance.
Thermal comfort of nelore bovine in pasture under several lighting conditions

Principalmente em regioes de clima quente, a producao bovina sob condicoes de pasto pode ser melhorada com o uso de sombra natural para minimizar o estresse por calor. Desse modo, o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito do estresse termico por meio de indices de conforto termico na producao bovina sob diferentes condicoes de sombreamento natural. Este estudo foi conduzido na regiao oeste do Estado do Parana, no periodo de janeiro a fevereiro de 2007. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, com tres tratamentos constituidos de arvores formando pequenos bosques, arvores isoladas e condicao nao sombreada. A cada um desses tratamentos foi submetido um grupo de dez animais da raca Nelore (repeticoes). Os valores diarios de velocidade do vento, temperatura de globo negro, temperatura de bulbo seco e temperatura de bulbo molhado foram registrados a cada tres horas a partir de 9 as 18 h. A temperatura da superficie corporal animal foi registrada com a mesma frequencia. Para cada tratamento, com base nessas medidas, foram calculados o indice de temperatura e umidade (ITU), indice de temperatura de globo e umidade (ITGU) e a carga termica de radiacao (CTR). Os valores de ITU variaram de 70 a 87, os de ITGU entre 73 e 93 e os de CTR entre 450 e 672 W m-2. O ambiente que proveu melhores condicoes termicas para os animais foi constituido por pequenos bosques de arvores de Guajuvira.
Interbody Fusion. Is It Has a Rule in Broken Screws in Surgical Management of Lumbar Spondylolisthesis

Background: for many years, posterolateral fixation for lumbar spondylolisthesis by using pedicle screw has been the standard procedure for lumbar spondylolisthesis. For increasing fusion and anterior support, the interbody fusion, either with cage or bone, were used by many surgeons, one of the most disappointing complications of pedicle screw fixation is broken screw. Aim: it was to compare the number of cases with a broken screw in case of interbody fusion and control group. Patients and Methods: this is retrospective cohort study in six years comparing between two groups: Group I posterolateral fixation (PLF), Group II posterolateral interbody fusion (PLIF). it analyzed 26 cases of broken screw occurred in six years from 2010 to 2016 which were done in Nasser Institute by the same surgeon and same system. Results: twenty-six cases were reviewed, the mean age was 44.6 years, female : 6/26 (23%), male : 20/26 (77%),mean weight: 74.8 kg, site for broken screw: (L1: 4 patients – L2: 2 patients – L3: 2 patients – L4: 4 patients – L5: 6 patients – S1: 8 patients), 6 patients had broken screws following trauma, while 20 patients were found spontaneous, all patients were found intraoperatively to have posterolateral fixation, they underwent redo screw fixation,18 patients underwent redo screw fixation with posterolateral interbody fusion (PLIF) while the other 8 patients underwent redo screws fixation with posterolateral fixation. All patients with PLIF didn’t come back with broken screws, while 2 patients with posterolateral fixation came back with broken screws again Conclusion: posterolateral interbody fusion (PLIF) may have a rule in preventing broken screw in the management of lumbar spondylolisthesis.
Small Turbomachinery Compressor and Fan Aerodynamics

This paper discusses aerodynamic considerations in the design of small turbomachinery axial and centrifugal compressors and fans. Test results are presented to show the effect of scaling on compressor performance. Correlations are presented which relate compressor efficiency to Reynolds Number and clearance. It is shown that clearance effects are more prominent when scaling designs, and Reynolds Number effects are more prominent as density is lowered.
The Controversial Association between “The Family Effect” and Corporate Performance: Analysis of Longitudinal Data

Small firms that are managed or controlled by founding families, hereafter, referred to as family firms, constitute an important source of the economic system in Italy. We found family firms are more likely to outperform non-family firm. After controlling for firm specific variables, we find a positive association between family ownership and firm; while the management by family members seems not to impact on corporate performance. This research demonstrates the correlation between the family firms and the performance depends greatly on the type of family business, as well as the influence that the founding family exercises, through ownership and/or management.
Foliar application of chitosan enhances growth and modulates expression of defense genes in chilli pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

Phytophthora capsici is one of the primary pathogens causing a global problem of severe losses in chilli production. The use of conventional fertilisers and fungicides to improve chilli production had been shown to elevate environmental and health issues. Hence, the foliar application of chitosan, natural deacylated chitin, to enhance growth and resistance in chilli pepper plants was investigated. The chilli plants were grown for 14 days before receiving chitosan application and 33 days before Phytophthora infection, physiological parameters were recorded during the growth period, and expression of resistance related genes was quantified at 72 hours after infection. Our results showed that physiological parameters, such as increment of height and leaves number, and chlorophyll content indicated an improved growth process in chitosan treated plants compared to the control. Plant resistance to Phytophthora infection was also investigated following chitosan application to highly (CM334), moderately (LABA), weakly (LADO) resistant and susceptible (15080) cultivars. The disease incidence and severity indices were reduced in chitosantreated plants, except in highly and moderately resistant cultivars. Further, expression was also quantified for defence-related genes, including 9-lipoxygenase (CaLOX), Ca2+-bound calmodulin 1 (CaCaM1), receptor-like cytoplasmic protein kinase (CaPIK), Ptointeracting1 (CaPTI1) and resistance gene analogue 2 (CaRGA2). The results suggest that CaLOX, CaPTI1 and CaRGA2 genes were involved in defence mechanism to Phytophthora, with increased expression during infection. However, expression levels were reduced when Phytophthora infection was coupled with foliar chitosan application, indicating that chitosan may play a direct role in decreasing the pathogenicity of Phytophthora. In conclusion, this study suggests the promising role of chitosan as an alternative to conventional fertiliser and fungicide in chilli pepper plant.
New 2x1 node receiver for all-optical-packet-switched networks

This paper proposes a new 2x1 node receiver architecture for all-optical packet switched networks, whose basic principle can be extended to construct a larger buffer if more 2x2 switches and fiber delay lines (FDLs) are available. The most striking characteristic of the architecture is that the buffer is achieved by a combined use of feed-forward and feedback FDLs. We describe and analyze the concrete two-stage FDL architecture which is the cheapest and simplest multi-stage solution. As for control strategy, we demonstrate that bottom control strategy (BCS), which uses FDL that is arranged in the feed-forward form when both feed-forward and feedback FDLs are available, is a more robust solution against bursty and non-bursty traffic. Simulation results show that the developed scheme (1) performs well in terms of performance metrics such as packet loss probability; (2) has a simpler control requirement and a better packet loss probability than M-Quadro architecture.
Engineers as Information Processors: A Survey of US Aerospace Engineering Faculty and Students.

SUMMARY US aerospace engineering faculty and students were surveyed as part of the NASA/DoD Aerospace Knowledge Research Project. Faculty and students were viewed as information processors within a conceptual framework of information-seeking behavior. Questionnaires were received from 275 faculty members and 640 students which were used to determine (1) use and importance of information sources, (2) use of specific print sources and electronic data bases, (3) use of information technology and (4) the influence of instruction on the use of information sources and products by faculty and students. As information processors, US aerospace faculty and students are ‘information naive’, seek out information alone or with the help of co-workers, tend not to make use of the information products and services oriented to them, make limited use of librarians, and make considerable use of computer and information technology. Little evidence was found to support the belief that instruction in library or engineering inf.
Ecological performance of an endoreversible Carnot heat engine with complex heat transfer law

The optimal ecological performance of an endoreversible Carnot engine, in which the transfer between the working fluid and the heat reservoirs obeys a complex heat transfer law, including generalized convective heat transfer law and generalized radiative heat transfer law, Q∝ (Δ T n ) m , is derived by taking into account an ecological optimization criterion as the objective function, which consists of maximizing a function representing the best compromise between the power output and entropy generation rate of the heat engine. The obtained results include the optimal ecological performance of the endoreversible Carnot heat engine with various heat transfer laws obtained in many studies.
Multi-Objective Optimization of Order Oriented Mixed-Model Assembly Line Sequencing Problem

Mixed-model assembly lines are widely used in many manufacturing firms to meet diversified demands of consumers without possessing large product inventories. In this paper, we posed order oriented assembly line sequencing as a multiple-objective optimization problem with the objectives to minimize material consumption waviness, the total setup cost, and finished product inventory cost. The multi-objective optimization algorithm based on non-dominated sorting particle swarm optimization (NSPSO) is designed. Computational experiment has been demonstrated to the applicability of using NSPSO to solve the problem and effectiveness of the proposed approach. By means of this research, the valid solutions for order oriented mixed-model assembly line sequence can be offered to the decision makers effectively.
A Viable Lyopreserved Amniotic Membrane Modulates Diabetic Wound Microenvironment and Accelerates Wound Closure

Objective: Wound healing is a complex process involving the dynamic interplay of various types of cells and bioactive factors. Impaired wound healing is characterized by a loss in synchronization of the process, resulting in non-healing chronic wounds. Human amniotic membrane (AM) has been shown to be effective in the management of chronic wounds. Recently, a viable lyopreserved AM (VLAM) has been developed. The VLAM retains the structural, molecular, and functional properties of fresh AM with the advantage of a long shelf life for living tissue at ambient temperatures. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of VLAM on the impaired wound microenvironment and wound closure in db/db mice. Approach: VLAM or saline gel (control) was applied weekly to 7-mm excisional wounds in diabetic (db/db) mice. Wound appearance and size were assessed weekly. Inflammation and redox state in wounds were tested by cytokine gene and protein expression, and by catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities, respectively. Wound tissue granulation and neovascularization were assessed histologically. Results: Diabetic wounds treated with VLAM closed faster than control wounds. On an average, VLAM-treated wounds closed 4 days faster than the control wounds, with a significantly faster rate of closure at days 7 and 14 as compared with control wounds. The faster closure correlated with a decrease in the expression of proinflammatory factors and oxidative stress, and an increase in angiogenesis and dermal thickness. Innovation: Effects of VLAM on a chronic wound microenvironment and underlying molecular mechanisms were investigated for the first time. Conclusion: VLAM accelerates wound closure in db/db mice by decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress and supporting wound tissue granulation, neovascularization, and re-epithelialization.
Daylight transmission of atrium roofs under overcast and partly cloudy skies

This paper describes an experimental study of the effect of atrium roof form, internal structural obstructions and sky type (overcast and partly cloudy) upon the daylight levels in atrium buildings. Simultaneous daylight measurements were made in two identical atrium models under real skies. One atrium model had an A-frame glazed roof with obstructions created by white structural elements. The second model had a flat glass roof with no obstructions. For overcast skies it was found that applying the plan area obstruction correction factor to daylight levels usually underestimated the loss of light due to the obstructions, typically by 10-15%. For the partly cloudy sky the effects of roof shape and obstruction on atrium daylight levels were complex. The inclined glazed surfaces and structural elements could reflect the bright skylight either away from or into the atrium. Under some circumstances the presence of the obstructions in the roof increased the illuminance levels on north-and east-facing atrium surfaces (compared with the clear flat roof), while for south- and west-facing surfaces illuminance levels decreased.
Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Using Bi-Metallic (Ni/Pt) Na2Ti3O7 Whiskers: Effect of the Deposition Order

Photocatalytic hydrogen production through ethanol photo-reforming using Na2Ti3O7 whiskers increases if the sodium titanate is decorated with well-known metallic catalysts such as Ni and Pt. Whereas wet impregnation with nickel gives only a slight increase in the activity, photo-deposition of Pt increased the H2 production by more than one order of magnitude. Through the combination of both co-catalysts (Ni and Pt) a superior performance in terms of H2 production is further observed. However, hydrogen yield is largely enhanced (almost three-fold), up to 778 μmol·g−1·h−1, if the Pt is photo-deposited on the surface of the catalyst before wet impregnation with Ni species (NTO/Pt/Ni) compared to H2 yield (283 μmol·g−1·h−1) achieved with the catalyst prepared in the reverse order (NTO/Ni/Pt). Structural, morphological, optical, and chemical characterization was carried out in order to correlate physicochemical properties with their photocatalytic activity. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results show a higher concentration of Pt2+ species if this metallic layer is under the nickel oxide layer. Moreover, X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD) show that Na2Ti3O7 surface is modified for both metal decoration processes.
Comparison of Three Household Water Treatment Technologies in San Mateo Ixtatán, Guatemala

AbstractSilver-impregnated ceramic water filters (CWFs) are a simple and sustainable low-cost technology that has shown promise in improving household drinking water quality and reducing incidences of early childhood diarrhea in a variety of settings. Despite this promise, lower reservoir contamination is thought to be a contributing factor to the decline in the effectiveness being seen over time. A novel silver-impregnated ceramic torus that can be placed in the lower reservoir was designed to minimize this contamination. This study uses a one-year randomized trial to compare the relative effectiveness of the CWF+torus design with a standard CWF and point-of-use chlorination. The effectiveness of each technology was measured at project inception and subsequently after six and 12 months. Results indicate that the toruses, as designed, are not able to consistently maintain lower-reservoir silver concentrations above those of the simple CWF design and are hence unable to prevent contamination. Furthermore, .
Using CHETAH to estimate lower flammable limit, minimum ignition energy, and other flammability parameters

Britton discovered that with increased “net heat of oxidation” (ΔHox), the maximum flame temperatures of CH and CHO fuels in air increase linearly while flame temperatures at the lower flammable limit (LFL) decrease linearly. Maximum flame temperature is a major factor determining the combustion rate of optimum fuel‐air mixtures and relationships were found between ΔHox and “optimized” flammability parameters such as minimum ignition energy. The LFL is the fuel concentration needed to attain the lower limit flame temperature; since less fuel is needed to attain a smaller flame temperature, the LFL varies inversely with ΔHox. Simple expressions derived between ΔHox and parameters commonly used in process safety were previously published in this journal. The commercially available computer program “CHETAH™” now solves these expressions and outputs the flammability parameters plus the internally generated thermodynamic data used in the solutions. This article updates the original expressions together with new findings and explanatory material. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 33: 314–328, 2014
Characteristics of single and multi-blade dampers for ducted air systems

The inherent characteristics of a damper can be defined in terms of the square root ratio of the loss coefficient at the fully open position to the loss coefficient at any other blade angle. It is shown experimentally with these devices that, over a wide range of blade angles, there is a linear relationship between the logarithm of the loss coefficient and the blade angle. A number of blade sizes, shapes and configurations were tested and shown to obey this empirical relationship. It is shown that, with suitable design, the inherent characteristic is an exponential decay. Where the damper is required to modulate the air flow rate with a constant pressure drop in the system, a method of sizing dampers is proposed to produce a near linear characteristic over full travel.
The state of California current, 2001 – 2002 : will the Californa current system keep its cool, or is El Niño coming?

This report summarizes physical and biological conditions in the California Current System (CCS), from Oregon to Baja California, in 2001 and 2002. The principal sources of the observations described here are the CalCOFI (California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations), IMECOCAL (Investigaciones Mexicanas de la Corriente de California), and U.S. GLOBECLTOP (Global Ecosystems Long-term Observation Program) programs. Large-scale atmospheric and oceanic conditions in the Pacific point to a fourth consecutive La Nina-like year. This has contributed to generally stronger than normal upwelling and uncharacteristically cool waters in much of the CCS, a pattern that has persisted since late 1998. Biological productivity has been generally higher as well, particularly off Oregon. Within the observed interannual fluctuations of recent years, these conditions suggest a generally elevated production
Modal Comparison of Domestic Freight Transportation Effects on the General Public

Data from 2001 to 2009 were used to update the 2009 modal comparison study conducted by the Texas Transportation Institute, which used data from 2001 to 2005. The objective was to develop performance measures of rates per ton-mile to facilitate multimodal comparisons between inland towing, rail, and truck in six topical areas: cargo capacity, traffic congestion, energy efficiency, air quality, safety, and infrastructure. The study focused on several vital issues from a snapshot in time. Credible publicly available and independently verifiable data from federal, industry, and academic sources were used. The scope of the study and several data limitations necessitated the use of assumptions that were based on sound engineering principles, as well as development of innovative methods, to arrive at plausible results and fulfill the study's unconventional objectives. The study results showed that waterborne transportation continued to compare favorably with rail and highway modes for the examined performance measures. Any waterborne freight diversion to either of the two modes likely would result in serious negative effects on freight transportation operations and in possible system breakdowns. Chain reaction effects would jeopardize the well-being of the general public and the national economy.
Cost Valuation: A Model for Comparing Dissimilar Aircraft Platforms

Abstract : The purpose of this MBA Project was to investigate and provide an overview of current cost valuation methods used to compare aircraft and then determine if the current methods were satisfactory for comparing dissimilar aircraft platforms. The goal of the project was to develop a model using O&S and procurement cost inputs together with aircraft inventory and utilization data in order to produce a cost per unit hour for any given aircraft. A demonstration of the model's validity using aircraft and cost data from the Predator UAV and the F-16 was then performed to illustrate how it can be used to aid comparisons of dissimilar aircraft platforms that perform similar missions.