Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Racial and Class Inequality in US Incarceration in the Early Twenty-First Century

Abstract:The relative importance of racial and class inequality in incarceration in the United States has recently become the subject of much debate. In this paper, we seek to give this debate a stronger empirical foundation. First, we update previous research on racial and class inequality in people's likelihood of being imprisoned. Then, we examine racial and class inequality in people's risk of having a family member imprisoned or living in a high-imprisonment neighborhood. We find that racial inequality in prison admissions has fallen in the twenty-first century, while class inequality has surged. However, in recent years, Black people with high levels of education and income were more likely than white people with low levels of education and income to experience the imprisonment of a family member or to live in a neighborhood with a high imprisonment rate. These seemingly contradictory conclusions can be reconciled by the fact that enduring structures of racial domination have made class boundaries among Black people more permeable than they are among white people. Imprisonment in the United States is increasingly reserved for the poor. But because Black Americans are disproportionately connected to the poor through their families and neighborhoods, racial inequality exceeds class inequality in people's indirect experiences with imprisonment.
Childhood adversity, resilience, and autism: a critical review of the literature

Abstract The long-term, negative physical and mental health effects of childhood adversity are well-documented in the literature, as are the mitigating effects of resilience factors. However, for those on the autism spectrum, these phenomena are relatively unstudied and not well-understood. Articulating the concept of mental health as a function of childhood adversity, resilience, and autistic identity, provides a foundation from which to conduct research and provide clinical mental health supports to individuals on the autism spectrum. Research on adversity and resilience in this population must consider neurodiversity and foreground the perspectives of the autism and autistic communities in research design, study implementation, and findings dissemination. Points of interest Children on the autism spectrum experience more adversity and more mental health challenges than their non-autistic peers, a relationship that is not well-understood by researchers or clinicians. Autistic adults can provide insight into their experience of adversity and the potential influence of it on their mental health. It is unclear what factors contribute to protecting autistic children from the potential negative effects of adversity. This protection is known as resilience and may be developed differently in children on the autism spectrum. Childhood adversity and resilience are important considerations in developing mental health supports for individuals on the autism spectrum. Research and clinical practice can adopt a neurodiversity-affirming perspective to better meet the mental health needs of autistic individuals. Engaging the autistic community to provide their perspectives and experiences is vital to developing effective mental health strategies for those on the autism spectrum.
SPEED ZONE GUIDELINES USING ROADWAY CHARACTERISTICS AND AREA DEVELOPMENT

The objective of this study was to quantify effects that selected characteristics and adjacent development patterns have on roadway speeds. Based on the results of a literature search and the availability of data for Kansas highways, twenty-seven variables were identified as possibly affecting speeds on rural state highways and thirty-two variables were identified as possibly affecting speeds on urban state highways. Speed data and data for the potential explanatory variables were collected for a total of 539 sections of state highway (186 rural and 353 urban sections). Two approaches were used to develop and test models to predict speeds on rural and urban state highways based on roadway characteristics and adjacent development patterns. The first approach was based on models in the form of multiple linear regression equations. The second approach employed artificial neural networks (ANNs) to predict highway speeds. None of the regression models were entirely satisfactory in terms of their ability to predict the 85th percentile speeds on rural and urban highways within +/-5 mph (+/-8 km/h). A number of regression models are presented, however, they should be used with caution. Two independent databases were used to train two sets of ANN models of rural and urban speeds. The first set of ANN models (Stage 1) was developed using the same data used in the regression analysis. The second set of ANN models (Stage 2) was developed using a database provided by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) Bureau of Traffic Engineering. The second database contained only those variables that KDOT believed drivers consider in selecting a driving speed. Overall, the Stage 2 ANN models developed in this study were found to perform much better than either the Stage 1 ANN models or the regression models in predicting rural and urban highway speeds.
An Observational Study of Dermatological Manifestations in Patients of Chronic Renal Failure Undergoing Hemodialysis

Background: Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) patients develop myriad of cutaneous findings. Novel cutaneous changes are being described since the introduction of hemodialysis, which prolongs the life expectancy, and thus more time for the skin changes to develop. Aims & Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of dermatologic manifestations among the patients suffering from Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) who are on hemodialysis. hemodialysis Results: All the enrolled patients experienced some skin problem. The most prevalent cutaneous manifestation was xerosis (54.8%), followed by pallor (21.5%), pruritus (19.35%) and dyspigmentation (18.3%). Other dermatologic manifestations included Kyrle’s disease (5.4%); fungal (5.4%), bacterial (6.5%) and viral (3.2%) infections and purpura (9.7%). Recorded nail changes were half and half nail (21%), koilonychia (39.78%), onychomycosis (1.08%), onychorrhexis (6.45%), splinter hemorrhages (1.08%),
Undocumented Students

 Attended a high school in New Jersey for three or more years, and  Graduated from a high school in New Jersey or received the equivalent of a high school diploma in New Jersey, and  Registers as an entering student or is currently enrolled in a public institution in New Jersey, and  Files an affidavit with the college or university stating that the student has filed an application to legalize immigration status or will file an application as soon as the student is eligible to do so. Student information submitted in affidavit is a part of the student’s record and kept private.
Children's tool making: from innovation to manufacture

Through eight experiments this thesis investigated the divergence in children’s abilities in the domain of tool making. Despite being excellent tool manufacturers following full instruction, children displayed great difficulty in innovating novel tools to solve problems. Experiments 1 to 3 found four-to-seven- year-olds’ tool-innovation difficulty to be a robust phenomenon that extended to new tasks requiring different tools made by a variety of methods and materials. Experiments 3 and 4 aimed to discover whether some tool-innovation tasks are harder for children than others. Together these experiments suggested that the difficulty of tool innovation is due to the type of transformation required. Experiments 5 to 8 investigated why children find tool innovation so difficult. Experiments 5 and 6 ruled out singular executive functions as limiting factors on children’s performance. Experiments 7 and 8 found that young children have great difficulty in generating and coordinating the components of a problem even if aspects of the task are highlighted for them. Overall this thesis led to the conclusion that tool-innovation difficulty is due the ill-structured nature of the task. Additionally this thesis provides new definitions and frameworks with which to study tool-related behaviour that will benefit both the developmental and comparative literatures.
Nitrogen Content Estimation of Apple Leaves Using Hyperspectral Analysis

Leaf nitrogen content (LNC) is an important factor reflecting the growth quality of plants. We estimated the nitrogen content of apple leaves using hyperspectral wavelength analysis using the differential spectrum, differential spectrum transformation, and vegetation spectrum index with different derivative gaps. We then used the characteristic wavelengths extracted via the correlation coefficient method as the input vectors to the gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT) model for analysis and performed cross-validation to optimize the inversion model parameters. We analyzed the results with different input variables and loss functions and compared the GBDT model with other mainstream algorithm models. The results show that the R2 value of the optimized GBDT inversion model is higher than that obtained using the random forest (RF) and support vector regression (SVR) models. Thus, the GBDT model is accurate, and the characteristic wavelength analysis is helpful for the tasks of real-time monitoring and detection of apple tree health.
Real time determination of sensor node location in a wireless sensor network using particle swarm optimization

In this paper, we investigate a localization system that consists of unknown emitter nodes in a wireless sensor network (WSN) with four anchor nodes that have known locations. It is assumed that the only available information to the system is the received signal strength indicators (RSSI) of the RF signals that are in practice difficult to be accurately measured. To estimate the unknown node position, particle swarm optimization (PSO) approach is first utilized to estimate the multipath model of the transmission channel. The estimated channel model is then used together with the PSO to perform estimation of the sensor node position. Both simulation and experimental results of the proposed approach are presented and shown to be better than previously reported results.
The role of muscle tendon unit elasticity in real life activities.

The interaction of a muscle and associated tendon during dynamic activities such as locomotion is critical for both force production and economical movement. It is generally assumed that, under sub-maximal conditions, muscle activation patterns are optimised to achieve maximum efficiency of work. Here, I explore the interaction between the contractile component (CC) and the elastic tendinous tissue to understand the relationship between a muscle's power output and efficiency. In this thesis, I examine the interaction of the CE and the elastic tendinous tissue and its effect on power output and efficiency of muscle using both experimental and modelling techniques. In the first chapter, a model of muscle energetics is developed and validated against dynamic muscle contractions of different muscle types. I then used this model to explore how optimal muscle power and efficiency varies with different activation conditions, clastic properties and length change trajectories. The third and forth chapter presents experiments which explore ultrasound measurement techniques for determining the length changes and mechanical properties of the human gastrocnemius medial is (GM) muscle fibres and Achilles tendon (AT) respectively. I then used similar techniques to explore musclc-tcndon unit (MTU) interaction during gait under different gait conditions. Specifically, I explore how GM power output and efficiency vary with different speeds and inclination and explore how variation in tendinous compliance might influence muscle efficiency. The results suggest that muscles remain highly efficient due to compliant tendons allowing muscle fibres to act at highly powerful and efficient velocities. However variation in power output and particularly muscle function affects the efficiency of muscle. Finally, I determined that the optimal value of tendon stiffness for maximum GM efficiency during walking and running is close to that determined experimentally.
INFLUENCE OF ASPHALT TEMPERATURE SUSCEPTIBILITY ON PAVEMENT CONSTRUCTION AND PERFORMANCE

This report, NCHRP Report 268, and a companion report, NCHRP Report 269, "Paving with Asphalt Cements Produced in the 1980's," will be of special interest and value to individuals responsible for materials testing, mix designs, and construction of asphaltic concrete pavements. The findings of laboratory and field studies on the effects of asphalt cement properties on pavement construction operations and short-term performance are described in this report. These findings indicate that the physical properties of asphalt cements are likely to be more variable today than 20 years ago even though they remain within specification values. However, variations in other material properties and construction practices may mask the influence of this variation on pavement performance. The companion report is a field manual containing suggestiongs for making adjustments in materials selection, mix design, and construction operations to overcome the variations in asphalt cement properties that have been found to occur. The suggestions in the manual are based on field experience and thus are suitable for immediate implementation. (Author)
Fusion of Imaging and Inertial Sensors for Navigation

Abstract : The motivation of this research is to address the limitations of satellite-based navigation by fusing imaging and inertial systems. The research begins by rigorously describing the imaging and navigation problem and developing practical models of the sensors, then presenting a transformation technique to detect features within an image. Given a set of features, a statistical feature projection technique is developed which utilizes inertial measurements to predict vectors in the feature space between images. This coupling of the imaging and inertial sensors at a deep level is then used to aid the statistical feature matching function. The feature matches and inertial measurements are then used to estimate the navigation trajectory using an extended Kalman filter. After accomplishing a proper calibration, the image-aided inertial navigation algorithm is then tested using a combination of simulation and ground tests using both tactical and consumer- grade inertial sensors. While limitations of the Kalman filter are identified, the experimental results demonstrate a navigation performance improvement of at least two orders of magnitude over the respective inertial-only solutions.
Performance of a Small Internal Combustion Engine Using N-Heptane and Iso-Octane

Abstract : With the sustained interest in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Micro Air Vehicles (MAV), the military services have a real need for vehicles powered by an internal combustion (IC) engine that can run efficiently on heavy hydrocarbon fuels, especially JP-8 due to established logistics. This thesis concerns the results of running a two horsepower, 4-stroke, spark-ignition engine (FUJI BF34-EI) with both iso-Octane and n-Heptane. Results include the knocking characteristic of this engine with n-Heptane, a comparison of the brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) of the two fuels in a factory delivered engine configuration over a 17x10 APC propeller loading, a comparison of the heated fuel effects on BSFC and torque of the two fuels and the effects of varied spark timing with n-Heptane on BSFC and torque. It is shown with stock ignition timing and fuel at ambient temperature, n-Heptane exhibits on average less specific fuel consumption than iso-Octane; specifically, an average of 4.1% over the entire engine loading and 12.61% over the stock propeller engine loading. It is concluded that the knocking characteristic of a zero octane number (ON) fuel using a stock configuration in this engine is negligible, thus allowing the USAF to run any ON fuel for this particular engine. Additionally, with spark timing advanced or retarded beyond the stock setting, it is shown to decrease BSFC on average 9.4% with n-Heptane. Lastly, the performance effects of heating n-Heptane up to 344K and iso-Octane up to 311K are shown to be negligible.
Falls from height : risk perception of ladder users within the UK construction industry

Accidents involving falls from portable ladders occur at a rate of forty per week in the construction industry. Ladders are so common that they are taken for granted and the perceived risks are often under-estimated. The purpose of this study was to analyse the risk perception of operatives using portable ladders, and to develop and test a ladder-use training aid. The research used a quantitative, within-subjects survey, consisting of three structured questionnaires administered to four hundred respondents attending construction related training programmes. The surveys used images of actual ladder-use situations, and were carried out in two stages; the first stage measured the level of risk perception and sensation seeking before any training had taken place, and the second measured any change in the level of risk perception following the use of the ladder training-aid. Initial pre-training results revealed that operatives over-estimated the risks from high-level ladder use situations, and underestimated the risks from low-level ladder use situations. Post-training results showed an improvement in risk perception, especially for low-level situations. It was concluded that risk perception varies both with the individual and their level of experience, and that the training-aid had a positive impact on the improvement of ladder-use risk perception.
Developing Improved Civil Aircraft Arresting Systems

This report evaluates alternative materials that could be used for an engineered material arresting system (EMAS), as well as potential active arrestor designs for civil aircraft applications. Currently, there is only one manufacturer that has been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. This report provides an evaluation of (1) cellular glass foam, (2) aggregate foam, (3) engineered aggregate, and (4) a main-gear engagement active arrestor system. Airport operators will find the updated cost information and performance considerations useful, airport planning firms will be aided by evaluating future options with respect to runway dimensions and land requirements, and manufacturers of alternative products will be encouraged to see the performance characteristics of other materials and the potential process by which they may be able to gain approval.
Comparative Overview of MOVES2010 and MOBILE6.2 for Smoothing the Model Conversion Process

MOVES (MOtor Vehicle Emission Simulator) is a computer program developed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to estimate emissions from mobile sources. Its newest version, MOVES2010, replaces EPA’s previous emission factor model for on-road mobile sources, MOBILE6.2. This paper is intended to provide a comparative overview of MOVES2010 and MOBILE6.2 from the perspective of model features and evaluate the functionality of input file converters that were developed by EPA for helping with the transition from MOBILE6.2 to MOVES2010. Input file converters are considered having a significant effect on the smooth transition from MOBILE6.2 to MOVES2010. The research also attempts to conduct a comparative analysis of outputs of criteria pollutant emissions from MOVES2010 and MOBLES6.2 by modeling the scenario of on-road emissions collected by applying the Portable Emission Measurement System (PEMS). In light of the official release of MOVES2010 by EPA, findings from this research will help the process of the model’s conversion from MOBILE6.2 to MOVES2010 and enrich the understanding of MOVES2010’s applications to estimate on-road vehicle emissions.
La aplicación del Kaizen en las organizaciones mexicanas. Un estudio empírico

En un entorno turbulento de negocios, potenciado por la “crisis” economica-financiera de los anos 2008 y 2009, ciertas organizaciones de la industria mexicana han comenzado algunos esfuerzos por mejorar sus operaciones con otro tipo de estrategias, como el Kaizen (Mejora Continua). Por tal motivo, el realizar un estudio empirico resulta primordial en el ambiente industrial mexicano por tres razones fundamentales, que conforman el proposito de este estudio: 1) comprender como se aplica la filosofia Kaizen en las organizaciones de la industria mexicana; 2) analizar la presencia e implementacion de los principios, tecnicas y herramientas del Kaizen en empresas industriales y, 3) encontrar los posibles beneficios que les ha traido para hacer frente a un entorno mundial de “crisis”, asi como las principales dificultades que han tenido para implementarlo y mantenerlo a lo largo del tiempo. En este trabajo de investigacion que se combina el enfoque cualitativo y cuantitativo se presentan los resultados (en tablas y graficos) de la encuestas en terminos de la aplicacion de la filosofia Kaizen y del involucramiento del factor humano.
Yield-power law model more accurately predicts mud rheology

The yield-power law rheological model can calculate yield point much more accurately than that calculated by the Bingham plastic model. The yield-power law (Herschel-Bulkley) model offers many advantages over the Bingham plastic and power law models because it more accurately characterizes mud behavior across the entire shear rate range. The yield-power law model has not found widespread use in the oil field because of the lack of simple analytical solutions for viscometric and hydraulics calculations. These concerns are no longer pertinent, however, because of the rapid spread of personal computers in the field and recent developments in using this model. The paper describes yield stress, the Bingham plastic model, the power law model, the yield-power law model, calculation method, model comparison, mixed metal hydroxide drilling fluids, mud hydraulics, and results from applying the model to these drilling muds.
Investigating the Moderating Role of Social Support in Online Shopping Intentions

Relationship building plays a crucial role in business success because of the saturated nature of the market. Thus, there has been stronger competition because many businesses offer similar products for sale on an online shopping platform. This has given online consumers a wide range of alternatives when shopping online. This present study aimed to investigate the influence of relationship quality on purchase intention among Ghanaian consumers in an online shopping platform while moderated by social support. A convenience sampling method was employed to collect 304 responses from the respondents via web-survey. Partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to assess the structural model. The findings reveal that customer trust and customer satisfaction did not significantly influence purchase intention. Furthermore, Customer commitment and social support had a significant and positive influence on purchase intention. Also, social support moderated the relationship between customer trust and purchase intention but had no moderation effect on the relationship between customer satisfaction and purchase intention and customer commitment and purchase intention. This article ends with theoretical and practical implications.