Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analyzing Bulk Flow Characteristics of Debris Flows Using Their High Frequency Seismic Signature

Quantifying debris‐flow characteristics remains a key challenge in natural hazard research. Recent studies suggest that seismic signals can reveal debris‐flow properties. However, the accuracy and applicability of theoretical models linking bulk flow properties to the seismic signature of a debris flow remain elusive. By extending a previously proposed model of random single‐particle impact forces to multi‐particle force chains acting on the channel bed, we describe the generation of high frequency seismic signals, and thereby estimate the bulk flow dynamics of six debris‐flow events at Illgraben, Switzerland. The theoretically predicted basal force fluctuations agree with in‐situ measurements at a basal force plate and seismic signals recorded adjacent to the channel. According to our model, both random single‐particle impacts and random impacts caused by multi‐particle force chains control basal force fluctuations. The relative contributions of single particles and of multi‐particle force chains may vary significantly for different events and different positions within events. The relative contribution of multi‐particle force chains is expected to be larger in the flow front, where particle concentrations are higher. The ratio between single‐particle and multi‐particle contributions appears to control the non‐linear relation between flow depth and the magnitude of the high frequency seismic signals. Our results suggest that fluctuating basal forces are strongly controlled by particle size and flow depth, and open new perspectives for the understanding of bulk flow characteristics, such as flow depth and weight, and of the high frequency seismic signals generated by debris flows.
II. The myology of the cheiroptera

This paper is a record of the structural details of nineteen species of Bats, and for purposes of comparison the author has appended a description of the muscles of the Plying Squirrel (Pteromys) and of the Flying Lemur (Galeopithecus). The species of Bats examined were the following. Pteropus edulis, medius, Edwardsii, minimus, Cephalotes Pallasii, Cynonycteris amplexicaudalis, Eleutherura marginata,-tophus ferrum-equinum, speoris, and diadema, Megaderma lyra, Artibeus jamaicensis, Vampyrops vittatus, Vespmurinus, Vesperugo pipistrellus, Synotus barbastellus, Plecotus, Noctulina altivolans, and Scotophilus hesperus.
Hat-Top Beams for Generating Tunable THz Radiations Using a Medium of Conducting Nanocylinders

There are a large number of studies for terahertz (THz) radiation generation, but tunable THz sources are still a challenge since it is difficult to tune frequency, focus and intensity of the radiation simultaneously. The present work proposes the THz generation by the interaction of two hat-top laser beams with a host medium of argon gas containing graphite nanocylinders, as these beams result in highly nonlinear interaction because of a smooth dip in their peak intensity and a fast rise and fall in the overall intensity pattern. Such an interaction produces nonlinear current (6.7 × 108 A/m2) because of the electron cloud of the nanocylinders, which can be modulated by the laser and medium properties for realizing tunable THz radiation. The orientation of basal planes of nanocylinders is shown to be important for this mechanism, though it may be challenging for the experimentalists. The resonant excitation takes place when the plasmon frequency matches the beating frequency of the laser beams, and in the proposed mechanism one can have longitudinal surface plasmon resonance (~12 THz) and transverse surface plasmon resonance (~40 THz), leading to frequency-tunable THz radiation. The role of height and inter particle distance between the adjacent nanocylinders on the THz field amplitude and the efficiency of the mechanism is uncovered by controlling the aspect ratio in the nanocylinders. For example, reducing the inter particle distance from 180 nm to 60 nm leads to the enhancement of THz field from 1 × 108 V/m to 5.48 × 108 V/m. The profile of the emitted THz radiation is investigated in detail under the effect of various parameters in order to prove the practicality of the proposal. The proposed design and mechanism would be attractive for electromagnetic and communication societies which are dealing with millimeter-waves and THz components in addition to its medical application.
Barotropic seiches in a perennially ice‐covered lake, East Antarctica

Water movement in ice‐covered lakes is known to be driven by wind, sediment heat flux, solar radiation, saline density flows, and advective stream discharge. In large ice‐covered lakes, wind‐induced oscillations have been found to play a major role in horizontal flows. Here, we report recurrent, wind‐driven, barotropic seiches in a small lake with a thick (~4 m) permanent ice‐cover. Between 2010 and 2016, we recorded 10.5‐ to 13‐min oscillations of the hydrostatic water level in Lake Hoare, McMurdo Dry Valleys, East Antarctica, using pressure transducers moored to the lake bottom and suspended from the ice cover. Theoretical calculations showed a barotropic seiche should have a period of 12.6 min. Barotropic seiches were most frequent during high wind events (> 5 m s−1) in winter months (February–November). The period increased during summer months (December–January) when fast ice thinned and melted along the shoreline.
Understanding environment management systems performance: an expanded empirical study

Successful implementation of Environment Management System (EMS) poses a dilemma for many managers and researchers. On one hand, there have been notable successes in the implementation of EMS systems. Yet, in spite of these successes, many firms have been unable to realise similar benefits. To address this dilemma, past studies have identified several factors contributing to the success of EMS implementation. This study builds upon these studies by presenting an expanded and integrated view of the factors that affect EMS success. Using data provided by large study into EMS implementation, the study shows that successful EMS implementation is influenced by the interaction of various factors such as scale of operation, uncertainty in the business environment, past experience of Quality Management efforts and the status of a formal EMS. The investigation improves our understanding of successful implementation of EMS and its relation with various contextual factors.
Impact of Visual Scene Field of View on F-16 Pilot Performance

The tremendous expense and inherent dangers of training in the aircraft have led to the increased use of simulators for practicing and maintaining air combat skills; However, the advantages and disadvantages of using high or low-fidelity simulators for such training must be specified. An experiment was conducted to examine the in-simulator performance differences between pilots flying lower-fidelity simulators compared to higher-fidelity simulators. The primary difference between the two simulators is the visual scene field-of-view. Sixteen U.S. Air Force F-16 pilots flew standard training missions as an integrated team of four (a “four-ship”) with two pilots flying in the high-fidelity simulators and two pilots flying in the lower-fidelity simulators. Various subjective and objective measures were collected to assess the pilots' ability to maintain a briefed formation. Overall, the results suggest that pilots who practice four-ship employment in the lower-fidelity simulators can perform at the same level as those who practice in the high-fidelity simulators. Future analyses should be conducted to examine the impact of simulator fidelity on other air combat skills and on training effectiveness.
Finite-Element Analysis of Stress Concentration around Dowel Bars in Jointed Plain Concrete Pavement

AbstractStresses in the concrete surrounding dowel bars is a major factor that contributes to transverse joint distress in jointed plain concrete pavement (JPCP). In this study, a distribution of stresses around dowel bars was analyzed with special attention to compressive and tensile stresses, which are responsible for cracks’ initiation and propagation. Calculations considering diameter, spacing, and length of dowels in JPCP were made using the finite-element method (FEM). Sliding interfaces with friction that permit separation between dowels and surface concrete were modeled using the full cylindrical surface between each dowel and the surrounding concrete. Practical functional relationships among the studied parameters may be useful in the calculation of maximal stresses in concrete around a dowel bar in dependence on its characteristics. Knowledge about the mechanical behavior of dowel bars at their contact with concrete is important to develop effective doweled joints and to improve the load transfe.
Stepping Stones and Creating Futures: A group‐based approach to addressing violence against women through working with men

Abstract In low‐ and middle‐income countries, group‐based interventions to address intimate partner violence (IPV) working with men, whether or not they are violent themselves, are increasingly common. Stepping Stones and Creating Futures (SSCF) is one intervention demonstrating reductions in men's perpetration of IPV through working with men around gender inequalities and livelihoods. Using a case study of Thembani, a young man living in an urban informal settlement in South Africa who was a participant within a large randomized controlled trial evaluating SSCF, we discuss how his use of violence changed. This reduction occurred through recognition that his situation was not a personal failing, but similar to others, thus reducing the shame he felt, learning to control his anger, and starting to understand how others felt when he used his power over others. This case study provides some initial evidence about how group‐based interventions working with men may start to transform men's practices.
Technology Characteristics Predicting End User Acceptance of Smart Intravenous Infusion Pumps

Technology acceptance is an important predictor of end user technology usage. Perceptions of technology characteristics relating to usability and technical performance are particularly important to understanding user acceptance. This paper reports on the implementation of Smart intravenous infusion pumps at a tertiary care hospital. Nurse user perceptions of the technology usability (five dimensions), technical performance, and acceptance were measured one month after implementation. Overall, 42% of nurses responded positively towards accepting the pump. For 21 of 23 usability characteristics and performance questions, nurses were more likely to report neutral perceptions than positive or negative perceptions. The highest positive perceptions were for ease of learning to operate the pump and reliability of the pump. Six characteristics predicted end-user acceptance. Perceptions that the IV pump enhanced job effectiveness, made the job easier, increased safety of care, and functioned as expected predicted higher acceptance, while perceptions that alarm messages were frustrating and the pump interface was rigid predicted lower acceptance. Therefore, a new finding provided in this study is that highlighting improved patient safety when hospitals implement Smart intravenous infusion pumps may improve user acceptance of the pump.
Ischaemic background of brain fog in long-haul COVID-19 – a nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy-based metabonomic analysis. Preliminary results

Purpose Long-haul COVID-19 is a condition of unknown background occurring in COVID-19 survivors regardless of the severity of the SARS-CoV-2 infection itself. The aim of the study was to evaluate brain changes in patients suffering from variable symptoms of brain fog after COVID-19. Material and methods Eleven patients hospitalized due to symptoms of severe brain fog, i.e. insomnia, sudden impairment of cognitive function, headache, and depression, and 14 healthy volunteers underwent brain imaging including MR spectroscopy. Results Routine MR imaging revealed no specific macroscopic changes in keeping with brain fog. Considering that the clinical manifestation of brain fog is transient, the evaluation of the metabolic status of the brain remained the method of choice. The concentration of the major cerebral metabolites, i.e. NAA, Cho, and Cr, remained stable. However, changes in Glx and Lac concentration were observed in MR spectroscopy. Conclusions Following results along with clinical course of the brain for imply probable ischaemic background of symptoms.
The bacterial biome of ticks and their wildlife hosts at the urban–wildland interface

Advances in sequencing technologies have revealed the complex and diverse microbial communities present in ticks (Ixodida). As obligate blood-feeding arthropods, ticks are responsible for a number of infectious diseases that can affect humans, livestock, domestic animals and wildlife. While cases of human tick-borne diseases continue to increase in the northern hemisphere, there has been relatively little recognition of zoonotic tick-borne pathogens in Australia. Over the past 5 years, studies using high-throughput sequencing technologies have shown that Australian ticks harbour unique and diverse bacterial communities. In the present study, free-ranging wildlife (n=203), representing ten mammal species, were sampled from urban and peri-urban areas in New South Wales (NSW), Queensland (QLD) and Western Australia (WA). Bacterial metabarcoding targeting the 16S rRNA locus was used to characterize the microbiomes of three sample types collected from wildlife: blood, ticks and tissue samples. Further sequence information was obtained for selected taxa of interest. Six tick species were identified from wildlife: Amblyomma triguttatum, Ixodes antechini, Ixodes australiensis, Ixodes holocyclus, Ixodes tasmani and Ixodes trichosuri. Bacterial 16S rRNA metabarcoding was performed on 536 samples and 65 controls, generating over 100 million sequences. Alpha diversity was significantly different between the three sample types, with tissue samples displaying the highest alpha diversity (P<0.001). Proteobacteria was the most abundant taxon identified across all sample types (37.3 %). Beta diversity analysis and ordination revealed little overlap between the three sample types (P<0.001). Taxa of interest included Anaplasmataceae , Bartonella , Borrelia , Coxiellaceae , Francisella , Midichloria , Mycoplasma and Rickettsia . Anaplasmataceae bacteria were detected in 17.7% (95/536) of samples and included Anaplasma , Ehrlichia and Neoehrlichia species. In samples from NSW, ‘Ca. Neoehrlichia australis’, ‘Ca. Neoehrlichia arcana’, Neoehrlichia sp. and Ehrlichia sp. were identified. A putative novel Ehrlichia sp. was identified from WA and Anaplasma platys was identified from QLD. Nine rodent tissue samples were positive for a novel Borrelia sp. that formed a phylogenetically distinct clade separate from the Lyme Borrelia and relapsing fever groups. This novel clade included recently identified rodent-associated Borrelia genotypes, which were described from Spain and North America. Bartonella was identified in 12.9% (69/536) of samples. Over half of these positive samples were obtained from black rats (Rattus rattus), and the dominant bacterial species identified were Bartonella coopersplainsensis and Bartonella queenslandensis . The results from the present study show the value of using unbiased high-throughput sequencing applied to samples collected from wildlife. In addition to understanding the sylvatic cycle of known vector-associated pathogens, surveillance work is important to ensure preparedness for potential zoonotic spillover events.
A Structural Equation Modeling of Mental Health Literacy in Healthcare Students

Background: There is a high prevalence of mental illness among healthcare students, and most students with mental health problems are reluctant to seek help from mental health professionals. Help-seeking is a component of mental health literacy (MHL). Although MHL is conceptualized as multi-dimensional, a theory-based multi-construct of MHL is still lacking. We aimed to build a theory-based multi-construct of MHL to explore the pathways of help-seeking. Methods: The data were obtained from a survey on MHL among healthcare students in 2018 (n = 1294). The Mental Health Literacy Scale for Healthcare Students was used to measure the maintenance of positive mental health, recognition of mental illness, mental illness stigma attitudes, help-seeking efficacy, and help-seeking attitudes. Descriptive analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) were conducted. Results: The findings of the SEM model indicated recognition of mental illness had a positive direct effect on both help-seeking efficacy and maintenance of positive mental health. Additionally, help-seeking efficacy fully mediated the relationship between recognition of mental illness and help-seeking attitudes. Conclusions: Help-seeking efficacy plays a significant role in healthcare students’ willingness to seek professional help when mental health care is needed. Accordingly, improving help-seeking efficacy strategies would increase the use of mental health services and contribute to the prevention of mental health problems.
Enhancing future teachers’ competencies for technology integration in education: Turning theory into practice

The main aim of this conceptual paper is to provide an overview of effective strategies to support pre-service teachers to adequately integrate ICT in teaching and learning activities. Specifically, the focus is on the strategies included in the SQD (Synthesis of Qualitative Evidence) model: 1) using teacher educators as role models, 2) reflecting on the role of technology in education, 3) learning how to use technology by design, 4) collaboration with peers, 5) scaffolding authentic technology experiences, and 6) providing continuous feedback. To turn this model into practice, the approach of teacher design teams is adopted. A teacher design team can be described as a group of two or more (pre-service) teachers who design (ICT-rich) curriculum materials. Based on the SQD model – theory - and the implementation of the key themes emerging from this model via teacher design teams – practice -, this conceptual paper provides recommendations to improve the potential of pre-service training to enhance future teachers use of ICT in their educational practice.
Stimulation of Sulfonamides Antibacterial Drugs Activity as a Result of Complexation with Ru(III): Physicochemical and Biological Study

Antibiotic resistance is a global problem, and one promising solution to overcome this issue is using metallodrugs, which are drugs containing metal ions and ligands. These complexes are superior to free ligands in various characteristics including anticancer properties and mechanism of action. The pharmacological potential of metallodrugs can be modulated by the appropriate selection of ligands and metal ions. A good example of proper coordination is the combination of sulfonamides (sulfamerazine, sulfathiazole) with a ruthenium(III) ion. This work aimed to confirm that the activity of sulfonamides antibacterial drugs is initiated and/or stimulated by their coordination to an Ru(III) ion. The study determined the structure, electrochemical profile, CT-DNA affinity, and antimicrobial as well as anticancer properties of the synthesized complexes. The results proved that Ru(III) complexes exhibited better biological properties than the free ligands.
Effects of unilateral voluntary and electromyostimulation training on muscular strength on the contralateral limb

Abstract This study investigated the effects of unilateral electromyostimulation (EMS) versus voluntary isometric strength(VIM) training on knee extension strength of the contralateral limb, a phenomenon termed cross education, inpreviously untrained healthy young adults. Subjects in EMS (n=10) and VIM (n=10) groups trained with 40voluntary or evoked isometric knee extensions, at an intensity of 65% of maximum voluntary contraction force(MVC), three sessions per week for four weeks. Before and after training, both legs were tested for MVC on anisokinetic dynamometer, at 0 deg.s -1 (isometric), 60 and 180 deg.s -1 velocities. The results showed that the EMSand VIM training induced similar strength improvement in the trained limb (P<0.05), as well as cross-educationeffects (EMS +21.1% and VIM +21.4% in the contralateral limb, both P<0.05) in isometric MVC, but no crosseducation was found for isokinetic performance. Analysis of integrated EMG showed a trend, but not statisticallysignificant, of increase in the trained groups. No significant variation in knee extension strength, neither in EMG,was found in a control group (n=10). The mechanism of cross education in response to the EMS training, and theapplication significance of cross education in exercise rehabilitation are of the interests in further studies.
The Influence of the Type of Dry-Cured Italian PDO Ham on Cathepsin B Activity Trend during Processing

Cathepsin B activity was measured during processing in hams originating from the main Italian prosciutto PDOs: Parma, San Daniele and Toscano. Sixty-five heavy pig thighs, from sixty-five Italian large white x Italian Landrace pigs bred and slaughtered in the same conditions were considered. Five thighs represented the post-mortem control time. The other 60 were distributed one plant per PDO, following a balanced plan. The thighs were sampled at the biceps femoris in groups of four per plant in the following ripening phases: salting, resting, drying, greasing, end of curing. The activity of the Cathepsin B (U/g protein) was determined by means of fluorescence measurements. The Cathepsin B ripening trend of the various PDOs was significantly different, particularly during the initial and mid-curing stage. This activity correlates with the proteolysis index through a PDO dependent pattern, indicating that different processing conditions can influence the quality of prosciutto, since they determine its biochemical development.
Using GPS Data to Gain Insight into Public Transport Travel Time Variability

Transit service reliability is an important determinant of service quality, which has been mainly studied from the perspective of passengers waiting at stops. Day-to-day variability of travel time also deteriorates service reliability, but is not a well-researched area in the literature partly due to the lack of comprehensive data sets on bus travel times. While this problem is now being addressed through the uptake of global positioning system (GPS)-based tracking systems, methodologies to analyze these data sets are limited. This paper addresses this issue by investigating day-to-day variability in public transport travel time using a GPS data set for a bus route in Melbourne, Australia. It explores the nature and shape of travel time distributions for different departure time windows at different times of the day. Factors causing travel time variability of public transport are also explored using a linear regression analysis. The results show that in narrower departure time windows, travel time distributions are best characterized by normal distributions. For wider departure time windows, peak-hour travel times follow normal distributions, while off-peak travel times follow lognormal distributions. The factors contributing to the variability of travel times are found to be land use, route length, number of traffic signals, number of bus stops, and departure delay relative to the scheduled departure time. Travel time variability is higher in the AM peak and lower in the off-peak. The impact of rainfall on travel time variability is only found significant in the AM peak. While the paper presents new methods for analyzing GPS-based data, there is much scope for expanding knowledge through wider applications to new data sets and using a wider range of explanatory variables.