Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A systematic review of technology acceptance models and theories in construction research

Technology use in the construction industry fosters improvements in schedule, safety, cost, productivity, and quality. In this domain, the construction technologies adoption highly depends on stakeholders, who may exhibit some resistance to operational use. This underscores the importance of determining technology integration success using effective methods such as predictive and explanatory modelling. Although existing literature has provided some critical insight into the use of these models and theories, there is no domain-based synthesis on the utility of these models and theories as tools to facilitate the integration of emerging construction technologies. Therefore, this paper provides a systematic review and content analysis showcasing different methods and theories for investigating technology acceptance and generates insights expected to guide future technology acceptance studies. Using a three-phase systematic review process, 35 relevant articles were identified and analysed. This review identified perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, social norm, attitude, perceived behavioural control, and facilitating conditions as key constructs impacting workers’ intention to accept a construction technology. TAM, TPB, and UTAUT were identified as popular choices for developing hybrid models, while UTAUT provided a relatively higher predictive power. Finally, seven areas for further exploration were discussed. This study contributes to construction knowledge by providing a better understanding of technology acceptance research and generating fundamental insights needed to develop robust and effective predictive and explanatory models for advancing technology acceptance research which would support successful technology integration.
Estimating Quantiles of Normal Populations with a Common Mean

Suppose independent random samples are available from two normal populations with a common mean and unequal variances. Estimation of a quantile of the first population is considered with respect to the quadratic loss. Some new estimators for the quantile are proposed using some previously known estimators of a common mean. Inadmissibility results are proved for estimators which are equivariant under affine and location groups of transformations. Risk values of various estimators of a quantile are compared numerically using a detailed simulation study.
INVESTIGATION OF THE USE OF CALCIUM CARBONATE AS NANOPARTICLES IN NUCLEAR REACTORS

In this study, calcium carbonate (CaCO3) was considered as nanoparticle. In the first part of the study, half-value layer (HVL) and mean free path (MFP) values, which are radiation shielding parameters, were investigated in determined energy ranges by Phy-X open access software. At increasing energy levels, the HVL value reached approximately 10 cm, while the MFP value reached approximately 17 cm. In the second part of the study, the reactor core geometry was modeled with the MCNP code and then the relative power distribution values were determined. COBRA code input was prepared with the determined relative power distribution values and thermal analyzes were made. These analyzes were performed for three different nanoparticle ratios. As a result of the analysis, the temperature value at the end of the channel was 613 K when only water was used as a coolant, while the temperature value at the end of the channel was 611.19 K when 0.03% nanoparticles were used. Although the coolant temperature increased with the nanoparticle ratio, it was observed that the temperature decreased when only water was used.
Band Structure of Graphite and de Haas-van Alphen Effect

The de Haas-van Alphen effect in the magnetic susceptibility of graphite has been interpreted by applying the susceptibility formula for general bands of Lifschitz and Kosevich to the band model of Slonczewski. The majority electrons and holes are responsible for the two periods of oscillation of the susceptibility. The analysis yields information concerning the band structure: (1) the total band overlap is about 0.03 ev, (2) the energy difference between the two doubly degenerate bands at the corner of the Brillouin zone is about 0.025 ev, (3) ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{0}$ must be larger than about 1.2 ev, and (4) the relation ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{1}=0.04{{\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{0}}^{2}$ holes approximately (where both $\ensuremath{\gamma}'\mathrm{s}$ are in ev and correspond to Wallace's notation). Calculated carrier densities are 2.4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$ per atom for electrons and 1.8\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$ per atom for holes, in rough agreement with estimates made from galvanomagnetic data. Rough agreement with electron specific-heat data is also obtained.
Nomograms for Predicting Survival Outcomes in Patients with Neuroendocrine Neoplasms of the Gallbladder Undergoing Primary Tumor Resection: A Population-Based Study

Background: Neuroendocrine neoplasms of the gallbladder (GB-NENs) are a rare group of histologically heterogeneous tumors, and surgical resection of the primary tumor is the mainstream treatment at the moment. The current study aimed to establish and validate novel nomograms for patients with GB-NENs undergoing primary tumor resection to predict the 6-, 12-, and 18-month overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). Methods: Clinicopathological information of patients with GB-NENs undergoing primary tumor resection between 2004 and 2018 was derived from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Candidate prognostic factors were selected by Cox regression analyses, and the nomograms were constructed. Finally, concordance index (C-index), calibration plot, area under the curve from the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and decision curve analysis (DCA) were utilized to assess the effective performance of the nomograms. Results: A total of 221 patients with GB-NENs undergoing resection were enrolled in this retrospective study. Using the Cox regression analyses, age, pathological classification, tumor size, and SEER stage were identified as the independent prognostic factors of patients with GB-NENs undergoing resection, and nomograms were constructed. The C-indexes of OS and CSS in training dataset were 0.802 (95% CI: 0.757–0.848) and 0.846 (95% CI: 0.798–0.895), while those of internal validation dataset were 0.862 (95% CI: 0.802–0.922) and 0.879 (95% CI: 0.824–0.934), respectively. Conclusions: Taken together, the nomograms are accurate enough to predict the prognostic factors of GB-NEN patients undergoing resection, allowing for treatment decision-making and clinical monitoring for future clinical work.
Exploring the experiences of community first responders working in a UK ambulance service

Background: Community first responders (CFRs) work voluntarily to support UK ambulance services by responding to emergencies. They are dispatched via the local 999 call centre and details of incidents in their local area are sent to their mobile phone. They have emergency equipment with them, including a defibrillator and oxygen, and attend a range of incidents, including cardiac arrests. Previous research has looked at the impact the CFR role has had on patient survival, but there is no previous research looking at the experiences of the CFRs while working in a UK ambulance service. Method: This study involved 10 semi-structured interviews, which took place in November and December 2018. One researcher interviewed all the CFRs using a pre-defined interview schedule. The findings of the study were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: The main themes from the study are ‘relationships’ and ‘systems’. The sub-themes of relationships are the relationship between CFRs; the relationship between CFRs and ambulance service staff; and the relationship between CFRs and patients. The sub-themes of systems are call allocation; technology; and reflection and support. Conclusions: CFRs support one another and are encouraging with new starting members. Their relationships with ambulance service staff have improved since CFRs first became active, but there is still room for improvement. The calls that CFRs attend are not always within their scope of practice, but the rate of this occurring is unclear. CFRs are frustrated with the level of technology involved in their role and feel it impacts them attending incidents quickly. CFRs reported attending cardiac arrests on a regular basis and the support that they receive afterwards. Further research should use a survey approach to further explore the experiences of the CFRs based on the themes raised in this study. Using this methodology would identify if these themes are unique to the one ambulance service where this was conducted, or if they are relevant to all UK CFRs.
Electron beam injection experiments: The beam‐plasma discharge at low pressures and magnetic field strengths

A column of enhanced density plasma, exceeding the density expected from ionization by primary beam electrons, has been observed in a large vacuum system at low magnetic fields (1 to 1.5 G) and low ambient pressures (10−6 to 10−5 torr). The peak luminosity of the discharge is about 10 times that of the beam alone, with a radius increase by a factor of 3. In the absence of the discharge, RF emission is observed at 1.1 to 1.2 fc. A strong band of RF noise with upper frequency cutoff at about fc is observed in the discharge mode, along with higher frequency noise at or near the plasma frequency. The onset of the plasma discharge is critically dependent on beam current. The present results agree with observations made at much higher densities and magnetic fields in fusion research studies.
Dynamic crack propagation based on loss of hyperbolicity and a new discontinuous enrichment

A methodology is developed for switching from a continuum to a discrete discontinuity where the governing partial differential equation loses hyperbolicity. The approach is limited to rate‐independent materials, so that the transition occurs on a set of measure zero. The discrete discontinuity is treated by the extended finite element method (XFEM) whereby arbitrary discontinuities can be incorporated in the model without remeshing. Loss of hyperbolicity is tracked by a hyperbolicity indicator that enables both the crack speed and crack direction to be determined for a given material model. A new method was developed for the case when the discontinuity ends within an element; it facilitates the modelling of crack tips that occur within an element in a dynamic setting. The method is applied to several dynamic crack growth problems including the branching of cracks. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Insight into the Speciation of Heavy Metals in the Contaminated Soil Incubated with Corn Cob-Derived Biochar and Apatite

Soil heavy metal contamination is a severe issue. The detrimental impact of contaminated heavy metals on the ecosystem depends on the chemical form of heavy metals. Biochar produced at 400 °C (CB400) and 600 °C (CB600) from corn cob was applied to remediate Pb and Zn in contaminated soil. After a one month amendment with biochar (CB400 and CB600) and apatite (AP) with the ratio of 3%, 5%, 10%, and 3:3% and 5:5% of the weight of biochar and apatite, the untreated and treated soil were extracted using Tessier’s sequence extraction procedure. The five chemical fractions of the Tessier procedure were the exchangeable fraction (F1), carbonate fraction (F2), Fe/Mn oxide fraction (F3), organic matter (F4), and residual fraction (F5). The concentration of heavy metals in the five chemical fractions was analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). The results showed that the total concentration of Pb and Zn in the soil was 3023.70 ± 98.60 mg kg−1 and 2034.33 ± 35.41 mg kg−1, respectively. These figures were 15.12 and 6.78 times higher than the limit standard set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA 2010), indicating the high level of contamination of Pb and Zn in the studied soil. The treated soil’s pH, OC, and EC increased significantly compared to the untreated soil (p > 0.05). The chemical fraction of Pb and Zn was in the descending sequence of F2 (67%) > F5 (13%) > F1 (10%) > F3 (9%) > F4 (1%) and F2~F3 (28%) > F5 (27%) > F1 (16%) > F4 (0.4%), respectively. The amendment of BC400, BC600, and apatite significantly reduced the exchangeable fraction of Pb and Zn and increased the other stable fractions including F3, F4, and F5, especially at the rate of 10% of biochar and a combination of 5:5% of biochar and apatite. The effects of CB400 and CB600 on the reduction in the exchangeable fraction of Pb and Zn were almost the same (p > 0.05). The results showed that CB400, CB600, and the mixture of these biochars with apatite applied at 5% or 10% (w/w) could immobilize lead and zinc in soil and reduce the threat to the surrounding environment. Therefore, biochar derived from corn cob and apatite could be promising materials for immobilizing heavy metals in multiple-contaminated soil.
Validation and Determination of Physical Activity Intensity GT3X+ Cut-Points in Children and Adolescents with Physical Disabilities: Preliminary Results in a Cerebral Palsy Population

Background: Children and adolescents with disabilities engage in low levels of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA), which may create the onset of a sedentary lifestyle. In light of this, MVPA levels must be quantified with a valid tool such as accelerometry. This study aimed to: (i) analyze the accuracy of Evenson cut-points by estimating MVPA and sedentary behavior (SB) in children and adolescents with disabilities; (ii) define new equations to estimate energy expenditure (EE) with the GT3X+ accelerometer in this population and particularly in those with cerebral palsy (CP); (iii) define specific GT3X+ cut-points to estimate MVPA in those with CP. Methods: A total of 23 children and adolescents with disabilities (10 ± 3 years; 44%females) participated in the study. GT3X+-counts and oxygen uptake (VO2) were measured in four laboratory walking conditions. Results: (i) Evenson cut-points were accurate; (ii) new equations were defined to effectively predict EE; (iii) specific GT3X+ cut-points (VM ≥ 702 counts·min−1; Y-Axis ≥ 360 counts·min−1) were defined for estimating MVPA levels in children and adolescents with CP. Conclusions: The use of specific cut-points for ActiGraph GT3X+ seems to be accurate to estimate MVPA levels in children and adolescents with disabilities and, particularly, in those with CP, at least in laboratory conditions.
OBSERVATIONAL EVIDENCE OF A CORONAL MASS EJECTION DISTORTION DIRECTLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO A STRUCTURED SOLAR WIND

We present the first observational evidence of the near-Sun distortion of the leading edge of a coronal mass ejection (CME) by the ambient solar wind into a concave structure. On 2007 November 14, a CME was observed by coronagraphs onboard the STEREO-B spacecraft, possessing a circular cross section. Subsequently the CME passed through the field of view of the STEREO-B Heliospheric Imagers where the leading edge was observed to distort into an increasingly concave structure. The CME observations are compared to an analytical flux rope model constrained by a magnetohydrodynamic solar wind solution. The resultant bimodal speed profile is used to kinematically distort a circular structure that replicates the initial shape of the CME. The CME morphology is found to change rapidly over a relatively short distance. This indicates an approximate radial distance in the heliosphere where the solar wind forces begin to dominate over the magnetic forces of the CME influencing the shape of the CME.
A Gantry Crane Problem Solved

Rest to rest movement of a crane's swinging load, at the bottom end of a cable, by moving a speed-limited gantry trolley at the top, involves resolving the apparently conflicting demands of exact load positioning and active swing damping. If system parameters are unknown beforehand, best existing strategies offer only asymptotic solutions. The proposed control strategy stops the load dead, exactly on target, in a finite time. It is robust and self-adapting. Using mechanical wave concepts, the gantry controller "learns" from the previously unknown dynamic response in the first part of the motion exactly how to terminate the motion. All results are verified numerically.
Maximal Exercise Improves the Levels of Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Heart Failure Patients

The impact of exercise on the levels of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), a marker of endothelial repair and angiogenesis, and circulating endothelial cells (CECs), an indicator of endothelial damage, in heart failure patients is largely unknown. This study aims to evaluate the effects of a single exercise bout on the circulating levels of EPCs and CECs in heart failure patients. Thirteen patients with heart failure underwent a symptom-limited maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test to assess exercise capacity. Before and after exercise testing, blood samples were collected to quantify EPCs and CECs by flow cytometry. The circulating levels of both cells were also compared to the resting levels of 13 volunteers (age-matched group). The maximal exercise bout increased the levels of EPCs by 0.5% [95% Confidence Interval, 0.07 to 0.93%], from 4.2 × 10−3 ± 1.5 × 10−3% to 4.7 × 10−3 ± 1.8 × 10−3% (p = 0.02). No changes were observed in the levels of CECs. At baseline, HF patients presented reduced levels of EPCs compared to the age-matched group (p = 0.03), but the exercise bout enhanced circulating EPCs to a level comparable to the age-matched group (4.7 × 10−3 ± 1.8 × 10−3% vs. 5.4 × 10−3 ± 1.7 × 10−3%, respectively, p = 0.14). An acute bout of exercise improves the potential of endothelial repair and angiogenesis capacity by increasing the circulating levels of EPCs in patients with heart failure.
Unsteady Three-Dimensional Mode Transition Phenomena in a Scramjet Flowpath

The physical process of mode transition, in which an accelerating hypersonic propulsion ramjet progresses from dual to scramjet mode operation, is explored in the context of the HIFiRE-2 ground and flight test campaign using three-dimensional, unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes simulations with a validated combustion model. Key highlights of the numerical procedure, mesh development, experimental validation, and the asymptotic end states are first summarized from prior work. From this basis, the methods and assumptions involved in the transient simulations are discussed with a focus on computational tractability. The results indicate that several major interactions play a crucial role in the mode transition, including separation associated with unsteady shock/turbulent boundary layer interactions, jet-in-crossflow barrel shock/flameholding, and cavity dynamics. The transition event, wherein the character of the flow changes in a rapid manner to delineate dual- and scramjet-mode phenomena, is general.
Spontaneous emission and threshold characteristics of 1.3-/spl mu/m InGaAs-GaAs quantum-dot GaAs-based lasers

The spontaneous emission spectra and lasing characteristics of long-wavelength (1.3-/spl mu/m) quantum-dot lasers are studied. It is found experimentally that nonradiative recombination can dominate the room-temperature efficiency and limit threshold, By describing the quantum-dot spectral emission as due to energy levels of a two-dimensional harmonic oscillator, rate equations are developed to account for the temperature-dependent spontaneous and lasing characteristics.
The nature of the PSR J2051-0827 eclipses

ABSTRA C T In the three years following the discovery of PSR J205120827, we have observed a large number of eclipse traverses over a wide frequency range. These data show that the pulsar usually undergoes complete eclipse at frequencies below 1 GHz. At higher frequencies the pulsar is often detected throughout this low-frequency eclipse region with pulse times of arrival being significantly delayed relative to the best-fitting timing model. Variability in the magnitude of the delay is clearly seen and occurs on time-scales shorter than the orbital period. Simultaneous dual frequency observations highlight the difference in the eclipse behaviour for two widely separated frequencies. The low-frequency eclipses are accompanied by a significant decrease in pulsed flux density, while the flux density variations during higher frequency eclipses are not well defined. We consider a number of eclipse mechanisms and find that scattering and cyclotron absorption in the magnetosphere of the companion are consistent with the phenomena presented here.
Le-LWTNet: A Learnable Lifting Wavelet Convolutional Neural Network for Heart Sound Abnormality Detection

Automatic heart sound abnormality detection plays a vital role in the preliminary diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Many handcraft-designed or learning-based methods have been proposed in recent years. However, due to the influence of the environment, the divergence of different stethoscopes, and the data collection protocol, the pattern of heart sound signals are so complex that fixed pattern feature extraction or learning features directly from the signal cannot enough lead to the final accurate classification. For this issue, a learnable lifting wavelet transform (Le-LWT) block, which embeds the trainable convolutional neural network (CNN) into the lifting wavelet transform (LWT), is proposed in this article. Le-LWT can utilize the nonlinear learning ability of CNN while maintaining the multiresolution time–frequency analysis ability of wavelet transform (WT), as well as more interpretation than the deep networks designed as black boxes. Based on the Le-LWT module, we propound an end-to-end Le-LWTNet that has stronger nonlinear characterization capabilities and few parameters for automatic abnormality detection of the heart sound. Experimental evaluations are performed on a ten-fold cross-validation task using the 2016 PhysioNet/CinC Challenge dataset (PCCD) and the new publicly available pediatric heart sound dataset (PHSD) we collected. Results demonstrate that the proposed method excels the state-of-the-art models both in abnormality detection and parameter consumption. Moreover, the proposed method can give an interpretation of the current classification results, which will help doctors do a second review.
Subsonic and Transonic Jet Control with Cross-Wire

Cross-wire eectiv eness for subsonic and sonic jet control is reported in this paper. Mach 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 axisymmetric jets from a convergent nozzle with cross-wire along a diameter at the exit were studied. The cross-wire was found to be eectiv e in promoting jet mixing right from the nozzle exit, at all Mach numbers. For the underexpanded sonic jet at NPR 3, 5 and 7, the cross-wire inuenced the core and the shock cells, causing signican t reduction of core length and weakening of the shocks at all levels of underexpansion. The jets from the nozzle with cross-wire spread faster in the direction normal to the cross-wire.