Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis and Comparison of Microscopic Traffic Flow Models with Real Traffic Microscopic Data

The evermore widespread use of microscopic traffic simulation in the analysis of road systems has refocused attention on submodels, including car-following models. The difficulties of microscopic-level simulation models in the accurate reproduction of real traffic phenomena stem not only from the complexity of calibration and validation operations but also from the structural inadequacies of the submodels themselves. Both of these drawbacks originate from the scant information available on real phenomena because of the difficulty with the gathering of accurate field data. In this study, the use of kinematic differential Global Positioning System instruments allowed the trajectories of four vehicles in a platoon to be accurately monitored under real traffic conditions on both urban and extraurban roads. Some of these data were used to analyze the behaviors of four microscopic traffic flow models that differed greatly in both approach and complexity. The effect of the choice of performance measures on the model calibration results was first investigated, and intervehicle spacing was shown to be the most reliable measure. Model calibrations showed results similar to those obtained in other studies that used test track data. Instead, validations resulted in higher deviations compared with those from previous studies (with peaks in cross validations between urban and extraurban experiments). This confirms the need for real traffic data. On comparison of the models, all models showed similar performances (i.e., similar deviations in validation). Surprisingly, however, the simplest model performed on average better than the others, but the most complex one was the most robust, never reaching particularly high deviations.
Specificity Matters: Unpacking Impact Pathways of Individual Interventions within Bundled Packages Helps Interpret the Limited Impacts of a Maternal Nutrition Intervention in India

ABSTRACT Background To address gaps in coverage and quality of nutrition services, Alive & Thrive (A&T) strengthened the delivery of maternal nutrition interventions through government antenatal care (ANC) services in Uttar Pradesh, India. The impact evaluation of the A&T interventions compared intensive ANC (I-ANC) with standard ANC (S-ANC) areas and found modest impacts on micronutrient supplementation, dietary diversity, and weight-gain monitoring. Objectives This study examined intervention-specific program impact pathways (PIPs) and identified reasons for limited impacts of the A&T maternal nutrition intervention package. Methods We used mixed methods: frontline worker (FLW) surveys (n = ∼500), counseling observations (n = 407), and qualitative in-depth interviews with FLWs, supervisors, and block-level staff (n = 59). We assessed 7 PIP domains: training and materials, knowledge, supportive supervision, supply chains, data use, service delivery, and counseling. Results Exposure to training improved in both I-ANC and S-ANC areas with more job aids used in I-ANC compared with S-ANC (90% compared with 70%), but gaps remained for training content and refresher trainings. FLWs’ knowledge improvement was higher in I-ANC than S-ANC (22–36 percentage points), but knowledge of micronutrient supplement benefits and recommended foods was insufficient (<50%). Most FLWs received supervision (>90%), but supportive supervision was limited by staff vacancies and competing work priorities. Supplies of iron–folic acid and calcium supplements were low in both areas (30–50% stock-outs). Use of monitoring data during review meetings was higher in I-ANC than S-ANC (52% compared with 36%) but was constrained by time, understanding, and data quality. Service provision improved in both I-ANC and S-ANC areas, but counseling on supplement benefits and weight-gain monitoring was low (30–40%). Conclusions Systems-strengthening efforts improved maternal nutrition interventions in ANC, but gaps remained. Taking an intervention-specific perspective to the PIP analysis in this package of services was critical to understand how common and specific barriers influenced overall program impact.
Microwave Tomography for Brain Imaging: Feasibility Assessment for Stroke Detection

There is a need for a medical imaging technology, that supplements current clinical brain imaging techniques, for the near-patient and mobile assessment of cerebral vascular disease. Microwave tomography (MWT) is a novel imaging modality that has this potential. The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility, and potential performance characteristics, of MWT for brain imaging with particular focus on stroke detection. The study was conducted using MWT computer simulations and 2D head model with stroke. A nonlinear Newton reconstruction approach was used. The MWT imaging of deep brain tissues presents a significant challenge, as the brain is an object of interest that is located inside a high dielectric contrast shield, comprising the skull and CSF. However, high performance, nonlinear MWT inversion methods produced biologically meaningful images of the brain including images of stroke. It is suggested that multifrequency MWT has the potential to significantly improve imaging results.
Management of floods in Malawi: case study of the Lower Shire River Valley

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse some vital aspects of floods in Malawi by examining the case study of the Lower Shire River Valley. Whilst the world has many wars taking place and causing unbearable human suffering, natural disasters are also taking their toll on humanity in various ways. The threats of the flood hazard have become complex and interrelated whilst the number of the vulnerable is growing fast. Floods have not spared the peaceful country of Malawi. The whole of Malawi is virtually vulnerable to floods. However, the Lower Shire Valley has been one of the most affected parts of the country.Design/methodology/approach – The paper has focused on the extent of people's vulnerability to the flood hazard and the effectiveness of its management in the area. It has duly analysed the risk reduction measures in practice and identified the various political, social, and economic factors that influence the management of floods in this valley. The study exposes the Malawi strategy toward.
Performance characteristics of enhanced soil blocks: a quantitative review

Several studies have focused on improving the properties of soil blocks/bricks due to perceived and real strength and durability limitations. A review of 56 published studies is presented on the effect of stabilization on the performance characteristics of soil blocks. The review found that few studies have been conducted on durability properties of enhanced soil blocks as compared with physico-mechanical properties. Fibre-enhanced soil blocks tended to have peak performance with an optimal content that achieved maximum performance. The maximum performance improvement was generally less than a doubling of the strength of the soil without the fibres. Binders showed a continual improvement with greater concentrations, so much greater improvements can be obtained if the economic and social costs can be justified. Both fibres and binders have variable performance on water absorption with both reductions and increases possible. Generally, both fibre and binder inclusion in soil blocks enhance the performance characteristics of the blocks. Binders are typically more effective on a mass-fraction basis. However the supply of fibres is usually at a lower cost and a reduced environmental impact, and therefore may have a better performance on a per-cost or per-impact basis.
A speed estimator for high performance sensorless control of induction motors in the field weakening region

The paper proposes a modified version of the model reference adaptive system (MRAS) based speed estimator, whose outputs of the reference and the adjustable model are rotor flux space vectors. The estimator is modified in such a way that the variation in the instantaneous level of the main flux saturation during operation in the field weakening is recognized and properly compensated at all times. The speed estimation scheme is equally applicable to both vector controlled and direct torque controlled induction machines, since it operates in the stationary reference frame and requires measurement of only stator voltages and currents. Verification of the proposed scheme is provided by simulation and by experimentation on an indirect feedforward rotor flux oriented induction machine for speed references of up to twice the base speed.
Feed effects on the dimensions of wideband slot antennas

The feed interaction of wideband slot antennas is analyzed using finite‐element method optimizations. The achievable bandwidth with bow‐tie feed is around 115% (more than 2:1) for VSWR ≤ 2 and a similar configuration could achieve a bandwidth of 45% for VSWR ≤ 2 with radial stub feed. The effect of feeding mechanisms on the dimensions of the slots is discussed. A comparison of measured results for various feed configurations is presented. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 40: 77–79, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.11289
Micro-foundations of absorptive capacity : a study on knowledge processes for innovation in SMEs

This study examines the micro-foundations of absorptive capacity, which encompass the characteristics and (inter)actions of organizations' members, as well as organizational mechanisms that enable and stimulate knowledge exchange among these members. It contributes to a better understanding of the processes and routines of absorptive capacity, and offers managers of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) alternative strategies to manage their firms’ absorptive capacities to improve their innovation performance. MICRO-FOUNDATIONS OF ABSORPTIVE CAPACITY
LOGISTICS AND OPERATIONS SIMULATION IN PRECAST VIADUCT CONSTRUCTION: CASE STUDY

This paper presents a university-industry joint research endeavor to apply simulation modeling to review, assess, and improve the current co nstruction practices. In particular, the Simplified Discrete-Event Simulation Approach (SDESA) and its computer platform, a systems modeling and simulation tool for rapid construction application development and a result of in-house research, were utilized on an ongoing 4.2 km long highway viaduct construction project in Hong Kong. The limited site space did not allow on -site storage of the bulky precast viaduct segments (i.e. segmental box girders). Any disruption in the precast segment supply would lead to a whole idle day on the contractor’s side. Hence, the construction logistics and operations, spanning from the prefabrication, transportation, to site installation, warranted simulation modeling to achieve harmonious supply -demand matching and subsequent high productivity. The precast segment erection method was observed, modeled, and verified by comparison with the site records. Several alternatives to tackle the site inventory problem were then postulated, simulated, evaluated, and compared.
A Social Littering Attitude among University Students in Malaysia

No. Pg. Abstract Littering has been a long-term issue since ages ago. It is a recurring world wide problem, mainly in the fast-growing cities and towns. This problem has caused various negative effects on the environment such as unpleasant view, harmful to people and animals and causing bad odour. Adolescences are future generation in which will be expected to solve this long-term littering issue. Besides providing proper education, it can promisingly be eliminated by integrating the elements of religiosity, pro-environmental behaviour, and social ethics. A number of 139 university students in semester one had participated this study survey. Statistical analyses using descriptive statistics revealed that university students have moderately high littering attitudes. Their participation and desire to participate in garbage disposal operations, as well as to engage litters not to litter, were still relatively low, despite their own ethics and worry about waste problems increasing. Some students, on the other hand, agreed that litterers would throw trash next to a full litter bin if there was no empty litter bin nearby. These studies revealed that they have a lower social pro-environmental, earth preservation, and conservation attitude. As a result, while developing social marketing interventions to encourage anti-littering behaviour, social marketers should pay special attention to subjective norms and attitudes.
Congenital neutropenia: disease models guiding new treatment strategies

Purpose of review Myeloid diseases are often characterized by a disturbed regulation of myeloid cell proliferation, survival, and maturation. This may either result in a severe paucity of functional neutrophils (neutropenia), an excess production of mature cells (myeloproliferative disorders) or in clonal expansions of dysplastic or immature myeloid cells (myelodysplasia and acute myeloid leukemia). Although these conditions can be regarded as separate entities, caused by the accumulation of distinct sets of somatic gene mutations, it becomes increasingly clear that they may also evolve as the prime consequence of a congenital defect resulting in severe neutropenia. Prominent examples of such conditions include the genetically heterogeneous forms of severe congenital neutropenia (SCN) and Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome. CSF3 treatment is a successful therapy to alleviate neutropenia in the majority of these patients but does not cure the disease nor does it prevent malignant transformation. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is currently the only therapeutic option to cure SCN, but is relatively cumbersome, e.g., hampered by treatment-related mortality and donor availability. Hence, there is a need for new therapeutic approaches. Recent findings Developments in disease modeling, amongst others based on induced pluripotent stem cell and CRISPR/Cas9 based gene-editing technologies, have created new insights in disease biology and possibilities for treatment. In addition, they are fueling expectations for advanced disease monitoring to prevent malignant transformation. Summary This review highlights the recent progress made in SCN disease modeling and discusses the challenges that are still ahead of us to gain a better understanding of the biological heterogeneity of the disease and its consequences for patient care.
Assessing Accomplished Teaching AdvancedLevel Certification Programs

The mission of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) is to establish "high and rigorous standards for what teachers should know and be able to do, to certify teachers who meet those standards, and to advance other education reforms for the purpose of improving student learning in American schools. " In response to a request from the U.S. Congress, the National Research Council developed a framework for evaluating programs that award advanced-level teacher certification and applied that framework in an evaluation of the impacts of the NBPTS. Specifically, this book addresses the impacts on students, teachers, and the educational system in this country. Assessing Accomplished Teaching finds that teachers who earn board certification are more effective at improving their students' achievement than other teachers, but school systems vary greatly in the extent to which they recognize and make use of board-certified teachers. Many of the questions on the evaluation framework could not be answered because the data have not been collected, and the report makes recommendations for the kinds of research that are needed to fully evaluate the impacts of board certification by the NBPTS.
Effects of Cadmium Sulfate on the Brown Garden Snail Cornu aspersum: Implications for DNA Methylation

An extensive literature exists regarding the cellular, physiological, and genetic effects of cadmium (Cd)—A highly toxic, but commonly used trace metal in modern industry. However, limited data are available on its epigenetic effects, especially for terrestrial sentinel invertebrates. We determined Cd retention, total DNA methylation, and the methylation status of 5′ end of the Cd-MT gene in the hepatopancreas of the brown garden snail, Cornu aspersum, fed Cd sulfate for four weeks. Bodyweight changes and survival were also measured. Hepatopancreas cadmium increased in a dose-dependent manner from the third-lowest dose onward, with very large amounts being found for the highest treatment group. However, no mortalities occurred, irrespective of dietary Cd dose. We identified significant genome-wide hypermethylation in specimens given the highest dose, which overlapped with a significant bodyweight decrease. The Cd-MT gene showed an unmethylated 5′ end of the Cd-MT gene and this status was not affected by cadmium exposure. Hepatopancreas DNA methylation is as sensitive as bodyweight to non-lethal concentrations of dietary Cd given as cadmium sulfate but less responsive than tissue accumulation. Such an exposure event, by contrast, does not affect the methylation status of the Cd-MT gene 5′ end.
Pragmatik

Pragmatik befasst sich mit der situativen Verwendung von Sprache. Diese Einführung unterstützt exemplarisches Lernen, das für die neuen Studiengänge gefordert ist. Die Leser werden befähigt, pragmatische Themen der Linguistik zu verstehen, Analyseergebnisse zu reflektieren, Forschungsdebatten nachzuvollziehen.
Combined longitudinal and lateral control for automated vehicle guidance

This paper deals with the longitudinal and lateral control of an automotive vehicle within the framework of fully automated guidance. The automotive vehicle is a complex system characterised by highly nonlinear longitudinal and lateral coupled dynamics. Consequently, automated guidance must be simultaneously performed with longitudinal and lateral control. This work presents an automated steering strategy based on nonlinear model predictive control. A nonlinear longitudinal control strategy considering powertrain dynamics is also proposed to cope with the longitudinal speed tracking problem. Finally, a simultaneous longitudinal and lateral control strategy helps to improve the combined control performance. This whole control strategy is tested through simulations showing the effectiveness of the present approach.
TRIP-BASED MATERIAL HANDLING SYSTEMS: THROUGHPUT CAPACITY ANALYSIS

Abstract In this paper we present a general-purpose analytical model to compute die approximate throughput capacity of a trip-based material handling system used in a manufacturing setting. A wide variety of handling systems, including freight elevators, cranes, microload automated storage/retrieval (AS/R) systems, industrial lift trucks, and automated guided vehicle (AGV) systems can be modeled as trip-based handling systems. To our knowledge, this model is one of the few analytical models that explicitly considers an empty device dispatching rule. The model is first developed for a single-device system (such as a crane) and subsequently, with a simple modification, it is extended to multiple-device systems (such as lift trucks and AGVs). Using this model one can rapidly evaluate a wide range of handling and layout alternatives for given flow data. Hence, die model would be most effective when used early in the design phase to narrow down die set of alternative handling systems and configurations prior t.
C-band Single-Chip GaN-FET Power Amplifiers with 60-W Output Power

A C-band high power amplifier was successfully developed with a single-chip GaN-based FET. At 4.0GHz, the fabricated 24-mm wide FET delivers 62 W and 156W under CW and pulsed operating conditions, respectively with a universal test fixture. The internal matching circuit was designed to be set up in a half-size package as compared to that for GaAs-based comparable-power-level amplifiers. The developed GaN-FET amplifier with 24-mm gate periphery delivers a 61W output power with 10.2dB linear gain and 42% power-added efficiency under CW operating conditions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest CW output power achieved from a single-chip FET power amplifier at C-band.
A COMPARISON OF FOOTBALL PLAYERS' SPORT CONFIDENCE AND SELF-EFFICACY BELIEFS ACCORDING TO THEİR LEAGUE LEVEL IN TURKEY 12

purpose of the present study was to examine the sport confidence and self-efficacy beliefs in football players participating in either super league (N = 48) or second league (N = 53). Athletes completed the Trait Sport Confidence Inventory (TSCI), State Sport Confidence Invetory (SSCI), and Self-Efficacy Scale (SES). Pearson Moment Correlation results indicated a positive significant relationship between State Sport Confidence and Self-Efficacy levels (r = .492), Trait Sport Confidence and Self-Efficacty levels (r = .493) and State Sport Confidence and Trait Sport Confidence levels (r = .766) of the Super League players. Results also revealed a non-significant relationship between State Sport Confidence and Self-Efficacy levels (r = .227) and a postive significant relationship was found between Trait Sport Confidence and Self-Efficacty levels (r = .271) and State Sport Confidence and Trait Sport Confidence levels (r = .787) of the Second League players. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) analyses revealed significant differences between the Super League and Second League players' self-efficacy beliefs (F(1,99) = 7.188, p = . 009). The linear regression results revealed that for both the Super League and Second League players, trait sport- confidence predicted state sport-confidence and self-efficacy. Finally, it was revealed that the super league and second league football players were similar with regard to sport confidence, whereas, they had different self-efficacy beliefs.
Automated Classification Model With OTSU and CNN Method for Premature Ventricular Contraction Detection

Premature ventricular contraction (PVC) is one of the most common arrhythmias which can cause palpitation, cardiac arrest, and other symptoms affecting the work and rest activities of a patient. However, patients hardly decipher their own feelings to determine the severity of the disease thus, requiring a professional medical diagnosis. This study proposes a novel method based on image processing and convolutional neural network (CNN) to extract electrocardiography (ECG) curves from scanned ECG images derived from clinical ECG reports, and segment and classify heartbeats in the absence of a digital ECG data. The ECG curve is extracted using a comprehensive algorithm that combines the OTSU algorithm with erosion and dilation. This algorithm can efficiently and accurately separate the ECG curve from the ECG background grid. The performance of the classification model was evaluated and optimized using hundreds of clinical ECG data collected from Fujian Provincial Hospital. Additionally, thousands of clinical ECG reports were scanned to digital images as the test set to confirm the accuracy of the algorithm for practical application. Results showed that the average sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and accuracy of the proposed model on the MIT-BIH dataset were 95.47%, 97.72%, 98.75%, and 98.25%, respectively. The classification average sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and accuracy based on clinical scanned ECG images can reach to 97.24%, 81.6%, 83.8%, and 89.33%, respectively, and the clinical feasibility is high. Overall, the proposed method can extract ECG curves from scanned ECG images efficiently and accurately. Furthermore, it performs well on heartbeat classification of normal (N) and ventricular premature heartbeat.