Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimation of remaining useful life of fatigued plate specimens using Lamb wave‐based nonlinearity parameters

The present study focuses on estimating material nonlinearity and consequently remaining useful life of fatigued specimens using the amplitude‐ and physics‐based material nonlinearity parameters evaluated for Lamb wave motion in plate specimens. The amplitude‐based nonlinearity parameter depends on amplitudes of the Lamb wave harmonics generated due to material nonlinearity. Here, it is employed to estimate the inherent and dislocation induced material nonlinearities for different stages of fatigue. The cumulative effect is obtained from the strict matching of phase and group velocities of the S1 − S2 mode pair. The physics‐based nonlinearity parameter is obtained from the higher order elastic coefficients, plastic coefficients, and substructural evolution parameters. It does not depend on wave propagation distance; however, it depends on percent fatigue life. Thus, it is used to construct a theoretical nonlinearity curve. A spectral amplitude normalization technique is given to systematically evaluate the material nonlinearity, once the Lamb wave data over different wave propagation distances are known either from experiments or from simulations. The values of amplitude‐based nonlinearity parameter thus estimated through the simulation and experiments for different fatigue stages are then plotted onto the obtained theoretical nonlinearity curve. A reasonably good agreement is seen between the fatigue life estimations given by both the nonlinearity parameters. Thus, the amplitude‐based nonlinearity parameter obtained from the Lamb wave response can be effectively used to estimate the remaining useful life of the fatigued plate specimens.
Prevalencia y factores de riesgo de la disfunción sexual femenina: revisión sistemática

Antecedentes: La disfuncion sexual femenina (DSF) se define como un trastorno en el deseo, excitacion, orgasmo y/o dolor durante la relacion sexual, que genera estres personal y tiene impacto en la calidad de vida. Objetivo: Analizar datos epidemiologicos sobre prevalencia y factores de riesgo de DSF que permita disponer de un conocimiento unificado sobre estos. Metodos: Se revisaron bases de datos: PubMed y LILACS, entre el 01/01/2004 al 12/10/2014. Se incluyeron estudios de corte transversal que garantizaran los datos de prevalencia y de frecuencia de factores de riesgo. Se evaluo la calidad metodologica utilizando los criterios del STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology); se publicaron los resultados en tablas, reportando prevalencia y factores de riesgo con sus respectivos OR. Resultados: Se incluyeron quince articulos, todos cumplieron con mas del 70% de los items evaluados por el STROBE. La prevalencia de DSF se encontro entre 5,5 - 73,2%. El dominio mas afectado fue el deseo, con prevalencias entre 10,4% - 52%. Al combinar los datos las variables asociadas a la presencia de DSF fueron: baja frecuencia de relaciones, edad >40 anos, bajo nivel educativo, posmenopausia, pareja con disfuncion erectil, entre otros. Conclusion: La DSF posee una alta prevalencia a nivel mundial; la presencia de los multiples factores de riesgo que presentan las mujeres son motivo de estudio exhaustivo. Un mejor entendimiento de la epidemiologia es vital para planear estrategias de prevencion y esquemas de tratamientos efectivos.
Mining Twitter Data for Signs of Depression in Brazil

The literature on computerized models that help detect, study and understand signs of mental health disor- ders from social media has been thriving since the mid-2000s for English speakers. In Brazil, this area of research shows promising results, in addition to a variety of niches that still need exploring. Thus, we construct a large corpus from 2941 users (1486 depressive, 1455 non-depressive), and induce machine learning models to identify signs of depression from our Twitter corpus. In order to achieve our goal, we extract features by measuring linguistic style, behavioral patterns, and affect from users’ public tweets and metadata. Resulting models successfully distinguish between depressive and non-depressive classes with performance scores comparable to results in the literature. We hope that our findings can become stepping stones towards more methodologies being applied at the service of mental health.
Adolescent girls’ resilience to teenage pregnancy and motherhood in Begoro, Ghana: the effect of financial support

ABSTRACT Adolescent childbearing in contemporary times are determinants of their outcome in the future. This paper draws on Bourdieu’s concept of capitals, specifically economic capital to examine how adolescent girls avoid and/or adjust to the challenges they are predisposed to in their sexual and reproductive experiences. Data were collected from a survey of 500 older adolescent girls. These were supported with data gathered from 20 in-depth interviews from the same pool of respondents. The study found that access to financial resources for non-pregnant girls were not directly to help them avoid risky sexual behaviour, but it served that purpose to some extent. For the ever-pregnant girls, financial support helped them to cope with teenage pregnancy and motherhood. Parents stood out as a significant source of economic support for girls. Therefore, parents should be economically empowered to provide the needed support for girls to develop resilience to teenage pregnancy and motherhood.
Climate change adaptation actions by fish farmers: evidence from the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

This paper examined climate change adaptation strategies in fish farming and the effect of such methods on the profit of fish farmers in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country. Using cross‐sectional data obtained from 420 fish farmers from the region and applying multivariate probit and instrumental variable regressions, the study found that fish farmers have adopted a broad range of strategies to address climate risk and that these have significantly increased farmers’ profit. Our findings indicated important relationships between certain farm, socio‐economic and institutional characteristics and the adaptation actions. The study provides useful insight into factors that potentially encourage the adoption of livelihood‐enhancing climate risk adaptation strategies by fish farmers in the Niger Delta region and similar contexts.
Using Machine Learning to Target Treatment: The Case of Household Energy Use

We use causal forests to evaluate the heterogeneous treatment effects (TEs) of repeated behavioral nudges towards household energy conservation. The average response is a monthly electricity reduction of 9 kilowatt-hours (kWh), but the full distribution of responses ranges from -30 to +10 kWh. Selective targeting of treatment using the forest raises social net benefits by 12-120 percent, depending on the year and welfare function. Pre-treatment consumption and home value are the strongest predictors of treatment effect. We find suggestive evidence of a "boomerang effect": households with lower consumption than similar neighbors are the ones with positive TE estimates.
Modeling snow slab avalanches caused by weak-layer failure – Part 1: Slabs on compliant and collapsible weak layers

Abstract. Dry-snow slab avalanche release is preceded by a fracture process within the snowpack. Recognizing weak-layer collapse as an integral part of the fracture process is crucial and explains phenomena such as whumpf sounds and remote triggering of avalanches from low-angle terrain. In this two-part work we propose a novel closed-form analytical model for a snowpack under skier loading and a mixed-mode failure criterion for the nucleation of weak-layer failure. In the first part of this two-part series we introduce a closed-form analytical model of a snowpack accounting for the deformable layer. Despite the importance of persistent weak layers for slab avalanche release, no simple analytical model considering weak-layer deformations is available. The proposed model provides deformations of the snow slab, weak-layer stresses and energy release rates of cracks within the weak layer. It generally applies to skier-loaded slopes as well as stability tests such as the propagation saw test. A validation with a numerical reference model shows very good agreement of the stress and energy release rate results in several parametric studies including analyses of the bridging effect and slope angle dependence. The proposed model is used to analyze 93 propagation saw tests. Computed weak-layer fracture toughness values are physically meaningful and in excellent agreement with finite element analyses. In the second part of the series ( Rosendahl and Weisgraeber , 2020 ) we make use of the present mechanical model to establish a novel failure criterion crack nucleation in weak layers. The code used for the analyses in both parts is publicly available under https://github.com/2phi/weac (last access: 6 January 2020) ( 2phi , 2020 ) .
A Tale of Two Decades: The Ecb's Monetary Policy at 20

The 20th anniversary of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) offers an opportunity to look back on the ECB’s record and learn lessons that can improve the conduct of policy in the future. This paper charts the way the ECB has defined, interpreted and applied its monetary policy framework – its strategy – over the years from its inception, in search of evidence and lessons that can inform those reflections. Our “Tale of Two Decades” is largely a tale of “two regimes”: one – stretching slightly beyond the ECB’s mid-point – marked by decent growth in real incomes and a distribution of shocks to inflation almost universally to the upside; and the second – starting well into the post-Lehman period – characterised by endemic instability and crisis, with the distribution of shocks eventually switching from inflationary to continuously disinflationary. We show how the most defining element of the ECB’s monetary policy framework, its characteristic definition of price stability with a hard 2% ceiling, functioned as a key shock-absorber in the relatively high-inflation years prior to the crisis, but offered a softer defence in the face of the disinflationary forces that hit the euro area in its aftermath. The imperative to halt persistent disinflation in the post-crisis era therefore called for a radical, unprecedented policy response, comprising negative policy rates, enhanced forms of forward guidance, a large asset purchase programme and targeted long-term loans to banks. We study the multidimensional interactions among these four instruments and quantify their impact on inflation and economic activity. JEL Classification: E50, E51, E52
Plant genotype and temperature impact simultaneous biotic and abiotic stress‐related gene expression in
 Pythium
 ‐infected plants

Under changing climate, plants need combined ability to cope with co‐occurring biotic/abiotic stresses. Understanding simultaneous plant responses to multiple stresses offers unique insights towards developing effective strategies to mitigate effects of such stresses in plants. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR was used to determine and compare relative gene expression ratios (RGERs) of three disease resistance‐related genes, chalcone synthase, GA protein, and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), and three abiotic stress‐related genes, a LRR receptor‐like protein kinase (RPK), heat shock protein 81, and Trifolium repens cold responsive protein, across seven durations of infection by the root pathogen Pythium irregulare under three temperature regimes in three Trifolium subterraneum varieties of varying resistance. Temperature and genotype drove biotic and abiotic stress‐related gene expression in Pythium‐infected plants. RGERs of tested genes and their relationships differed across varieties, temperatures, and infection duration (ID). These are the first studies to report expression of defence‐related genes in relation to either biotic or abiotic stress in subterranean clover. The current study not only demonstrates how RGERs of tested genes and their relationships differ across varieties, temperatures, and ID, but also highlights as yet unexploited opportunities to use these biotic/abiotic‐related genes together to develop new varieties with combined biotic/abiotic stress resistances in forage legumes that are suitable for changing climate scenarios. Examples could include RGERs of PAL to identify “temperature‐stable” disease‐resistant varieties, and RGERs of RPK to eliminate susceptible and temperature‐sensitive genotypes.
Construction Management and Economics

This article was downloaded by: [Gransberg, Douglas D. ]On: 21 October 2010Access details: Access Details: [subscription number 928409202]Publisher RoutledgeInforma Ltd Registered in England and Wales Registered Number: 1072954 Registered office: Mortimer House, 37-41 Mortimer Street, London W1T 3JH, UK
Setting New Behavioral Standards: Sustainability Pledges and How Conformity Impacts Their Outreach

Sustainability pledges are en vogue. In the business sector, but also in climate negotiations, pledges are used to signal actors’ intention to act pro-environmentally. Laboratory experiments testify to the potential effectiveness of these public declarations. Previous work has examined under which conditions subsequent trust and cooperation can flourish. In this study, I postulate that also conformity is an important determinant for the effectiveness of pledges. In specific, I examine what role social influence plays in the decision to pledge. In a public good game, subjects can make prior play a pledge to contribute to the public good in the socially optimal way. Across treatment conditions, I vary the way in which the pledges are elicited. Hence, the degree of social influence on pledge making is manipulated and its impact can be examined. I find that when individuals are aware that the majority of other subjects decided to pledge, they are likely to conform and also make the pledge. The emergence of such a critical mass can be stimulated when the elicitation of pledges is based on previous contribution behavior. Overall, this commitment nudge is effective. Both socially-oriented and previously not socially-oriented subjects modify their behavior after the pledge.
TAMOXIFEN TREATMENT FOR BREAST CANCER

SUMMARY Purpose: This study was undertaken to estimate the incidence of retinal changes and determine the pre­ valence of ocular toxicity associated with tamoxifen treatment in a breast cancer population. Methods: The study was based on a population cross­ sectional survey, including 290 patients taking tamox­ ifen from 6 months to 12 years; 274 patients were analysed. The main outcome measures were the incidence of retinal changes and visual impairment. Results: The incidence of retinal changes was 0.9% (3 of 274 patients). All 3 patients were asymptomatic. The length of tamoxifen treatment ranged from 39 months to 120 months in the affected patients, with cumulative tamoxifen doses ranging from 23.7 g to 73 g. Conclusions: Retinopathy in patients receiving low 4&ses of tamoxifen is rare and, in our study, did not result in changes in visual acuity. We found no retinopathy in patients receiving tamoxifen within the • st 3 years of treatment or in patients receiving a total _oxifen dosage of less than 23.7 g. Although retinopathy can occur in a tamoxifen-treate d popula­
Intrinsic piezoelectricity of monolayer group IV–V MX2: SiP2, SiAs2, GeP2, and GeAs2

The intrinsic piezoelectric effect of the monolayer group IV–V MX2 (M = Si, Ge and X = P, As) is systematically investigated using the density functional theory based on first-principles calculations and the modern theory of polarization. We find that the piezoelectric coefficients d 11 2 D of the compounds are approximately one order of magnitude larger than those of other 2D materials, such as hexagonal boron nitride and MoS2, which have been widely studied both experimentally and theoretically. Furthermore, the coefficients d 11 2 D are always one order of magnitude larger than d 12 2 D, showing obvious anisotropy. Such strong anisotropy can be easily understood by the C2v symmetry and puckered configuration along the a direction, which leads to considerable flexibility. Our results show that these monolayers of group IV–V MX2 have potential for applications in nanosized sensors, piezotronics, and energy-harvesting in portable electronic nanodevices. Owing to the recent advances in synthesis technologi.
Egressos de Odontologia: o sonho da profissão liberal confrontado com a realidade da saúde bucal

Changes in the labor Dentistry demonstrate a transformation in the market, in practice and in the formation of dentists. A new professional is necessary to meet the health needs of society, with focus on attention to oral health with the epidemiological reality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the insertion of the graduates of Dentistry in Natal -RN in the labor market and its relationship with the curriculum and continuing education activities. The survey was developed through self-administered questionnaire composed of variables related to the time of entry into the labor market, participation in postgraduate actions developed over graduation, employability and job satisfaction. Results demonstrated that the private service is also a major employer, fact that determines the professional profile and supports the great predominance of clinical disciplines in the curriculum. The student's participation in complementary activities sets up essential strategies for future job prospects, as well as curricular flexibility. Despite the transition foreseen in the prospects of universal public access to oral health transition, great efforts are needed in continuing education for dentistry to reach its valued space in society and effectively fulfill their role as health care profession.
Patient Satisfaction, Quality Attributes, and Organizational Characteristics: A Hierarchical Linear Model Approach

Patient satisfaction studies have gained more and more attention, and there are many patient satisfaction studies. These studies assume that patients were selected randomly and independently, but patient satisfaction surveys are described as a multistage or hierarchically structured sample. Thus, there is a need to conduct a hierarchical linear model (HLM) analysis with a large number of hospitals. This study utilized an HLM to investigate both the individual patient-level effect on the overall satisfaction rating and the effect of hospital characteristics on the combining process of patient’s overall satisfaction rating. This study used patient satisfaction data collected from 100 hospitals with the sample size of 85 766. The hospital-level characteristics include total expense per personnel, payroll expense per personnel, number of staffed beds per personnel, and number of admission per personnel. This study found that hospital characteristics influence overall rating of the hospital through the doctor, staff, and room attributes. When considering the complex nature of the overall patient rating process of hospitals, it makes more sense to analyze hospital characteristics that are interacting with attributes rather than treat hospital characteristics as independent of these factors.
Global Survey and Empirical Model of Fast Magnetosonic Waves Over Their Full Frequency Range in Earth's Inner Magnetosphere

We investigate the global distribution and provide empirical models of fast magnetosonic waves using the combined observations by the magnetometer and waveform receiver on board Van Allen Probes. The magnetometer measurements of magnetosonic waves indicate a significant wave power within the frequency range from the helium gyrofrequency to 20 Hz at L ≥ 4 in the afternoon sector, both inside and outside the plasmapause. The waveform receiver measurements indicate a significant wave power from 20 Hz to the lower hybrid resonance frequency at L ≤ 5.5 near the dayside outside the plasmapause or in the afternoon sector inside the plasmapause. The sum of the wave powers from the two instruments provides the wave power distribution over the complete frequency range. The most significant root‐mean‐square wave amplitude of magnetosonic waves is typically 100–200 pT inside or outside the plasmapause with a magnetic local time coverage of 30–50% during geomagnetically active times when AE* > 500 nT. The magnetosonic wave frequency increases with decreasing L shell following the trend of the proton gyrofrequency outside the plasmapause, indicating a close relation with the local wave generation. Inside the plasmapause, the dependence of wave frequency on L shell is weaker, and the wave frequency is more stable across L shells, indicating the wave propagation effects from the source located at higher L shells. We have performed polynomial fits of the global magnetosonic wave distribution and wave frequency spectra, which are useful in future radiation belt simulations.
The Impact of Hospice Services in the Care of Patients with Advanced Stage Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer

Abstract Introduction: Prior research has shown that advanced stage nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients enrolled in hospice care receive less aggressive treatment at the end of life (EOL) without compromising survival. Our purpose was to profile the continuum of care of these patients, exploring the connection between hospice enrollment and quality indicators for excellence in EOL cancer care. Methods: One hundred ninety-seven deceased stage IV NSCLC patients diagnosed between 2008 and 2010 at two separate tertiary care centers within the same county were identified. A retrospective review was conducted, collecting data from electronic medical records regarding antitumor treatment, postdiagnosis hospital visits and admissions, hospice referrals and enrollments, and circumstances surrounding the patient's death. Patients were grouped by their status of hospice enrollment, and the remainder of the measures compared accordingly. Results: There was no significant difference found in total number of pos.
Southern Hemisphere Sensitivity to ENSO Patterns and Intensities: Impacts over Subtropical South America

El Niño flavors influence Subtropical South American (SSA) rainfall through the generation of one or two quasi-stationary Rossby waves. However, it is not yet clear whether the induced wave trains depend on the El Niño pattern and/or its intensity. To investigate this, we performed different sensitivity experiments using an Atmospheric General Circulation Model (AGCM) which was forced considering separately the Canonical and the El Niño Modoki patterns with sea surface temperature (SST) maximum anomalies of 1 and 3 °C. Experiments with 3 °C show that the Canonical El Niño induces two Rossby wave trains, a large one emanating from the western subtropical Pacific and a shorter one initiated over the central-eastern subtropical South Pacific. Only the shorter wave plays a role in generating negative outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) anomalies over SSA. On the other hand, 3 °C El Niño Modoki experiments show the generation of a large Rossby wave train that emanates from the subtropical western south Pacific and reaches South America (SA), promoting the development of negative OLR anomalies over SSA. Experiments with 1 °C show no impacts on OLR anomalies over SSA associated with El Niño Modoki. However, for the Canonical El Niño case there is a statistically significant reduction of the OLR anomalies over SSA related to the intensification of the upper level jet stream over the region. Finally, our model results suggest that SSA is more sensitive to the Canonical El Niño, although this result may be model dependent.