Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Information and communication technology acceptance model for empirically testing primary science teachers’ use of ICT in Kuwait

Research has indicated that teachers’ perceptions have an important influence on their use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in teaching. The main aim of this study was to develop and assess a theoretical model that can predict and explain female primary school science teachers’ use of ICT by focusing on a range of psychosocial factors. To achieve this, the technology acceptance model (TAM) (Davis, 1989) was adapted. TAM is considered to be a suitable theoretical framework on which to base the study because of its unique approach to examining behaviour towards the use of technology and its wider applicability in behavioural studies. There are two key predictors in TAM, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. Further, the model also has a variable that is known as behavioural intention, which is closely linked to actual behaviour. In the current study certain extensions to the model were added to explain variance not predicted by the standard TAM variables of usefulness and ease of use. The proposed ICT Acceptance model was developed by adding the constructs perceived external barriers, self-efficacy of using ICT in teaching, and subjective norms to the original TAM, to assess its performance in predicting teachers’ use of ICT in teaching. Using a survey questionnaire, data were collected from a total of 500 Kuwaiti female primary science teachers. Structural equation modelling (SEM) using AMOS 21.0 software was employed as the statistical analytic technique to assess the proposed model (ICTAM). The survey results revealed that the proposed model demonstrated a good fit. Interviews were also conducted with 21 female science teachers which provided greater details in more depth about why teachers make an effort to use ICT even if it is not provided by the schools. The study revealed important information about factors that affect teachers’ acceptance of ICT in teaching science. It identified which barriers have to be removed in order to encourage science teachers to use ICT in their teaching. Moreover, suggestions were made for successful implementation of ICT in teaching science.
The Effect of Heel Height of Shoe on Ankle Muscle Activation Pattern in Women with Functional Ankle Instability during Stair Descending

Background. Wearing high-heeled shoes (HHS) increases the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, especially in unstable situations. This study was conducted to evaluate the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the ankle muscles during stair descent with HHS in women with and without functional ankle instability (FAI). Methods. In this experimental study, Thirty-six subjects were surveyed in 4 groups: The group 1: Ten non- habitual HHS wearer with FAI, group 2: Eight habitual HHS wearer with FAI, group 3: Ten non-habitual HHS wearer without FAI, and group 4: Eight habitual HHS wearer without FAI. The EMG activity was obtained from the tibialis anterior (TA), peroneus longus (PL), and gastrocnemius medialis (GM) muscles during stair descent with HHS and barefoot. Results. In non-habitual and habitual FAI group, onset latency of the TA and PL muscles was longer in the HH compared to barefoot. However, in healthy groups, onset latency of the selected muscles was longer only in the non-habitual healthy subjects. In the non-habitual FAI group there was a significant increase in TA and PL muscles onset latency compared to that in the non-habitual healthy group. EMG activity of the TA, PL and GM muscles were significantly greater in the HHS group compared to the barefoot in FAI and healthy groups during stair descending. Conclusions. The findings of this study suggest that wearing HHS may put people with FAI and without the experience of wearing HHS at greater risk for developing ankle sprains.
STRETCHING EXERCISES USED TO WARM UP DO NOT IMPROVE 1-RM PERFORMANCE OF VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS

Volleyball is classified as high intensity and short duration sport. Stretching exercises are frequently included as preparatory activity for training and games. Kokkovonen et al. (1998) suggests that stretching exercises used before activities of maximum strength can decrease the performance, however Unick et al. (2005) suggests that stretching prior to a competition may not affect the performance negatively. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to verify if stretching exercises as preparatory activity for these athletes decrease the performance of the one repetition maximum (1-RM).
Precise estimation of crosstalk in multiline circuits

With advances in VLSI technology, increasing wire density causes coupled-noise or cross-talk, which may lead to critical delays or logic malfunctions. Traditional SPICE simulators are not time-efficient estimators of crosstalk, hence alternatives are sought to ensure acceptable signal integrity in a limited design cycle time. This work proposes a novel and accurate crosstalk noise estimation method in the presence of multiple lines for use in design automation tools. It offers a complete multiline noise model, for the first time, by representing active and passive aggressors simultaneously on the victim line. In the model, active aggressors are represented by current sources and passive aggressors are accurately modelled as equivalent capacitances. Realistic exponential aggressor waveform and resistive shielding effect is all considered. This approach allows to obtain a general noise model that considers the effect of many active and passive aggressors and general formulas derived can easily be applied to real cases. Results show an average error of 4.4% for the noise peak and 6.8% for the width with respect to HSPICE while allowing for very fast analysis.
A photonic bandgap (PBG) structure for guiding and suppressing surface waves in millimeter-wave antennas

Periodic and regular metal posts, a photonic bandgap (PBG) structure for guiding surface waves in a parallel-plate waveguide is proposed. The isotropic PBG structure is applied to the design of an asymmetric parallel-plate waveguide Luneburg lens (APWLL). The relation between the dimensions of the metal posts and the required refraction index in the lens is derived with transmission-line theory and the transverse resonance method. Different lattices for the entire lens are also investigated. For verification, an antenna for a 76.5 GHz adaptive-cruise control radar is fabricated, consisting of an APWLL, a primary feed, and symmetric corrugated flares to improve the property of the antenna in elevation. Measured results verify the PBG structure design in the APWLL.
Cell-averaging CFAR gain in spatially correlated K-distributed clutter

The detection performance of a cell-averaging CFAR detector is analysed for spatially correlated K-distributed clutter. In thermal noise or uniform clutter, the performance of the cell-averaging CFAR can be compared with that of the ideal fixed threshold, but with an associated 'CFAR loss', quantified by the increase in average signal-to-clutter ratio required to achieve a given probability of detection and probability of false alarm. In some types of clutter, knowledge of the overall amplitude distribution alone is not sufficient to assess the performance of a cell-averaging CFAR. In particular, sea clutter may exhibit significant spatial correlation, often associated with the sea swell. In such spatially varying clutter, the cell-averaging CFAR may be able to follow the local fluctuations, giving a considerable improvement in performance compared to the 'ideal' fixed threshold. This is quantified as a 'CFAR gain' with the limit of such improvement given by the performance of the 'ideal CFAR' detector. The CFAR gain or loss is illustrated in different clutter conditions for a range of cell-averager configurations. It is shown that significant CFAR gain, compared with the commonly accepted CFAR loss, can be achieved in some circumstances.
Analytically derived fragility relationships for the modern high‐rise buildings in the UAE

Investigating and planning for the expected damage that may hit the earthquake‐prone areas in the UAE should be undertaken in order to predict and mitigate earthquake losses. This paper discusses a framework for developing an essential driving engine in loss estimation systems, namely fragility relationships. Six reference structures, varying in height from 10 to 60 storeys, are selected due to the concentrated economic and human assets in this class of buildings. The reference structures are designed according to the building codes and construction practice adopted in this region. Inelastic fibre‐based simulation models are developed for the buildings using a verified analysis platform, which enables monitoring the spread of yielding and cracking during the multi‐step cyclic analysis. The ground motion uncertainty is accounted for using 20 input ground motions conforming to the latest understanding of the seismo‐tectonic characteristics of the UAE. A large number of inelastic pushover and incremental dynamic collapse analyses are deployed for the reference structures to derive the fragility relationships. The study illustrates the significance of assessing the vulnerability of a population of high‐rise buildings under the effect of various seismic scenarios and the need for expanding this study to cover other classes of structures in this region. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oral Health-Related quality of life in Portuguese undergraduate students

Background The Oral Health-related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) is an essential part of health and wellbeing that aims to assess the impact of oral health on aspects of personal and social life. This investigation aimed to study the OHRQoL in undergraduate students and relate it to sociodemographic, academic behaviours, oral health behaviours, the presence of oral problems and self-perception of oral health. Material and Methods The study target-population consisted of the undergraduate students attending the University of Lisbon (UL). Data collection was carried out through an online questionnaire which included self-reported sociodemographic and academic characteristics, behaviours and oral health status, and the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Descriptive statistics were performed, and the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used (α=0.05). Results The sample included 933 students, aged between 18 and 48 years old (mean=21.22 / SD=3.11). The global mean value of OHIP-14 was 5.98 (SD=6.71) and 89.8% of the students presented OHIP-14 values between 0 and 14. Psychological discomfort and physical pain were the dimensions of OHIP-14 with the greatest impact on OHRQoL. Most of the students brushed their teeth twice a day (79.7%) with fluoridated toothpaste (90.8%) and perceived their oral health as “good” (56.3%). Several aspects were significantly related (p<0.05) to a worse OHRQoL, namely, being of African origin, courses not related to health, changes for worse in oral hygiene habits after entering university, higher consumption frequency of cariogenic foods or, going to oral health appointments in urgent situations, not having oral health appointments for economic reasons, history of oral health problems, self-reported oral problems and negative self-perception of oral health status. Conclusions Most UL students had a good OHRQoL, adequate oral health behaviours and a good self-reported state of oral health. Key words:Oral health-related quality of life, OHIP-14, Oral health behaviours, Self-reported oral health, University students.
Development of a Controlled-Ventilation Box for Modified-Atmosphere Storage of Fresh Produce

Adjusting beneficial gas concentrations in real time in response to changing storage conditions is important for fresh produce, especially throughout the supply chain when temperature abuse occurs frequently. In this study, a controlled-ventilated box for bulk transportation of fresh produce was demonstrated and tested under variable temperatures. The presented system comprised a rigid container with a miniature blower installed in the opening of its wall for facilitating the gas exchange and an additional wall opening with a metal tube protruding into the inner container’s space. The in-package atmosphere was formed by the balance between the respiratory activity of the produce and the influx of fresh air through the wall openings, regulated by switching the blower ON or OFF. The mass transfer coefficient for metal tubes of different dimensions was measured under modified atmosphere featuring 15% CO2 and 5% O2 at 10 °C. The addition of an air blower increased the mass transfer coefficient by at least 100 times. A further storage trial with cherries was successfully performed at 10 °C and 20 °C. The demonstrated trial featured some significant inputs to increase the knowledge about better storage of fresh produce throughout the supply chain and storage.
The Empowering Effect of Embodied Awareness Practice on Body Structural Map and Sensorimotor Activity: The Case of Feldenkrais Method

While outcomes of embodied awareness practices in terms of improved posture and flexibility, movement efficiency, and well-being are often reported, systematic investigations of such training effects and of the actual nature, extent, and neurofunctional correlates of learning mechanisms thought to lie at the core of such practices are very limited. The present study focused on the Feldenkrais method (FM), one of the most established embodied awareness practices, and aimed at investigating the neurofunctional outcomes of the somatic learning process at the core of the method by testing the modulations induced by a standardized FM protocol on the complexity of practicers’ body structural map and on the activity of their sensorimotor network during different movement-related tasks (i.e., gestures observation, execution, and imagery). Twenty-five participants were randomly divided into an experimental group—which completed a 28-session FM protocol based on guided group practice—and a control group, and underwent pre-/post-training psychometric and electrophysiological assessment. Data analysis highlighted, at the end of the FM protocol, a significant increase of EEG markers of cortical activation (task-related mu desynchronization) in precentral regions during action observation and in central regions during action execution and imagery. Also, posterior regions of the sensorimotor network showed systematic activation during all the action-related tasks.
Frequency correlation function of modal noise in multimode optical fibers

After transmission of highly coherent light through a multimode optical fiber, it is possible to observe a speckle pattern, namely, a modal noise, at its exit face caused by the interference of many different propagation modes. Changes of the source frequency can also cause modal noise variations in time at the exit face. The statistics of the modal noise appearing at the exit face of a fiber can thus be used to study the properties of the fiber and source. Measurements have been made of the frequency correlation function of modal noise in multimode optical fiber not only at the exit face of the fiber but also at a nearby point. A geometrical approximation is used to derive the frequency correlation function at the detecting position for various detecting positions. Experimental results are given and compared with the theory. >
Correct Equations for Minimum Noise Measure of a Microwave Transistor Amplifier

New equations for circles of constant noise measure in the source reflection coefficient plane are presented, and these are used to derive closed-form expressions for the minimum noise measure (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$M_{\text {min}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) and the associated source termination (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\Gamma _{\text {om}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) for a single-stage microwave transistor amplifier. The new equation for <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$M_{\text {min}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> replaces an incorrect equation that was previously published by one of the authors. The validity of the new equations has been verified by numerical calculation, simulation, and comparison with results obtained by other authors using different methodologies.
Stochastic analysis of dynamic interaction between train and railway turnout

The performance of a railway turnout (switch and crossing) is influenced by a large number of input parameters of the complex train–turnout system. To reach a robust design that performs well for different traffic situations, random distributions (scatter) of these inputs need to be accounted for in the design process. Stochastic analysis methods are integrated with a simulation model of the dynamic interaction between train and turnout. For a given nominal layout of the turnout, using design of experiments methodology and a two-level fractional factorial screening design, four parameters (axle load, wheel–rail friction coefficient, and wheel and rail profiles) are identified to be the most significant. These parameters are further investigated using a three-level full factorial design and stochastic analysis. The random distributions of transverse wheel profile and set of transverse rail profiles along the switch panel are accounted for by the Karhunen–Loève expansion technique. The influence of the random distributions of the input parameters on the statistical outputs of wheel–rail contact forces, wear and rolling contact fatigue is assessed using Latin hypercube sampling to generate a number of stochastic load realizations.
Dynamic Train-Track Interaction: Variability Attributable to Scatter in the Track Properties

A numerical method to simulate vertical dynamic interaction between a rolling train and a railway track has been used to investigate the influence of stochastic properties of the track structure. A perturbation technique has been used to investigate the influence of the scatter in selected track properties. The train-track interaction problem has been numerically solved by use of an extended state-space vector approach in conjunction with a complex modal superposition for the whole track structure. All numerical simulations have been carried out in the time-domain with a moving mass model. Properties such as rail pad stiffness, ballast stiffness, dynamic ballast-subgrade mass and sleeper spacing have been studied. To obtain sufficient statistical information from track structures, full-scale measurements in the field and laboratory measurements have been carried out. The influence of scatter in the track properties on the maximum contact force between the rail and the wheel, the maximum magnitude of the vertical wheelset acceleration, and the maximum sleeper displacement have been studied. Mean values and standard deviations of these quantities have been calculated. The effects of the variation of the investigated track properties are discussed.
Shifting from co-development to co-innovation

Carmakers and suppliers currently experiment with new forms of relationships in order to prepare and develop coherent and valuable innovations that feature incrementally evolving new products (new services, architectural breakthroughs, etc.). We observe diversity both in the very nature of co-innovation partnerships and in the in-house organisational settings. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each of these configurations for the partners? The aim of our research is to analyse the impact of the organisational forms of co-innovation on the performance of innovation processes. We first define co-innovation situations in contrast to the co-development model. We then present the innovation route analytical framework in order to empirically analyse co-innovation processes and assess their performance. Once this groundwork is laid, we compare four cases: two innovations both developed by a European (EASYCAR) and an Asian car manufacturer (NIPCAR). The comparison of the scenarios shows the variety of innovation cooperation processes and their related performance profiles.
Effect of cigarette smoking on coronary arteries and pattern and severity of coronary artery disease: a review

Objective Smoking is a risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD) and a known factor influencing the severity and pattern of CAD. We summarized evidence regarding the effect of smoking on the number of occluded coronary arteries and the severity and pattern of CAD. Methods We extracted data from observational studies reporting the pattern and severity of CAD in smokers. The quality of studies was assessed using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist, and results are reported in the Garrard table. The review process followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. Results We screened 11 studies including 6037 samples. Six studies reported no relationship between smoking and the number of damaged arteries. One study reported that smoking was related to occlusion in the left anterior descending artery, but there was no relationship between smoking and the location of occlusion in the arteries. Smoking was related to CAD severity in five studies. Conclusions Smoking was found to be related to CAD severity and location of the damaged artery in the heart. However, there was no significant association of smoking with the number of damaged arteries and location of arterial occlusion.
Report of International NanoSPD Steering Committee and statistics on recent NanoSPD activities

Abstract. The Université de Lorraine in Metz, France, is the selected site for the 6th International Conference on Nanomaterials by Severe Plastic Deformation (NanoSPD6) following a series of five earlier conferences. This introductory paper reports on several major developments in NanoSPD activities as well as on very recent NanoSPD citation data which confirm the continued growth and expansion of this important research area. Close attention is given to the topics of workshops, conferences and seminars organized during these last three years as well as on books and reviews published prior to the NanoSPD6 conference. A special concern of the committee is in introducing and discussing the appropriate terminology to be applied in this new field of materials science and engineering.
Technique for design of two-channel approximately linear phase QMF filter bank and its application to image compression

The two-channel QMF filter bank based on allpass sections is one of the best known circuits for building up a multi-channel filter bank for signal compression. An analysis-synthesis combination can satisfy two of the three perfect reconstruction (PR) conditions. The third, the phase condition, can be met to any desired accuracy. However, when applied to images, PR is possible because non-causality can be allowed in the synthesis bank. The development of explicit formulae for the coefficients of such filters is considered. The resulting QMF designs can be used in a wavelet structure for image compression problems using rectangular or diamond symmetry. Several design examples are given, including a comparison of performance with FIR filter banks for such problems.