Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Local buckling behaviour of welded box sections made of high‐strength steel

One aim within the RFCS‐funded RUOSTE research project was to study the effects of high‐strength steel properties on local buckling. The respective parameters were investigated on 34 stub column specimens. The specimens were made of S500MC, S700MC and S960MC, with a non‐dimensional local slenderness varying between 0.64 and 1.55. Extensive imperfection measurements were undertaken and analysed. The specimens were then used in stub column tests to investigate the local buckling behaviour. The results were first compared with the resistance curve of the current Eurocode (EC), which was shown to be rather optimistic, especially towards the slender end of the range. Secondly, the results were compared with the general method, which uses an equivalent imperfection approach.
Validation of the altimetry-based water levels from Sentinel-3A and B in the Inner Niger Delta

Abstract. The comprehension of water level fluctuations and the sustainability of the Inner Niger River Delta (IND) is a major concern for the scientific community, but also for the local population. Located in the centre of Mali, the heart of the Sahel, the delta is characterised by a floodable area of more than 32 000 km2 during the rainy season, which contributes very strongly to the vitality of local ecosystem, and is consequently classified as a Ramsar site under the international Convention for Wetlands. In addition, the Delta acts as an environmental and socio-economic development barometer for the entire sub-region. Nowadays, we can observe an increasing fragility of the delta due to climate change, desertification and human activities, and justifies the need for permanent monitoring. The present study is based on the recent successes of radar altimetry, originally designed to monitor the dynamics topography of the ocean, and now very frequently used to retrieve inland water levels, of lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Previous studies evaluated the performances of several radar altimetry missions including Low Resolution Mode (LRM) (Topex-Poseidon, Jason-1/2/3, ERS-2, ENVISAT, and SARAL, and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Sentinel-3A missions for water level retrievals over 1992–2017. More than 50 times series of water levels were build at the crossing between water bodies and Sentinel-3A and 3B over 2016–2020. Twenty-four comparisons between in-situ and altimetry-based time-series of water levels were achieved over the IND. RMSE generally lower than 0.7 m and r higher than 0.9 were obtained.
Effect of Season and Parity on Reproduction Performance of Iberian Sows Bred with Duroc Semen

Simple Summary The Iberian pig is appreciated for the organoleptic and nutritional characteristics of its meat. Traditional breeding is extensive, but many farms perform intensive breeding for increased productivity. In these cases, Duroc boars are the source of semen for artificial insemination (AI). There is little information on this kind of breeding; therefore, we analyzed the records from a farm near Mérida (Spain). Our main interest was the effect of parity (number of previous farrowings) and season on the reproductive results of the farm. Sows between 2 and 4 previous farrowings showed the best fertility and prolificacy. Additionally, the results were higher for AI performed in autumn and winter, with a drop in reproductive performance earlier in the year than for other breeds, which usually decline by summer–early autumn. Increasing day length in the spring combined with higher temperatures in late spring–summer could lower performance during these periods. These results could help improve the management of Iberian sow farms. Abstract The Iberian pig is an autochthonous breed from the Iberian Peninsula highly valued for its meat. The sows are often bred as Iberian × Duroc crossings for increased efficiency. Since sow parity and season affect the reproductive performance, we evaluated two-year records from a commercial farrow-to-finish farm (live, stillborn, and mummified piglets after artificial insemination, AI). A total of 1293 Iberian sows were inseminated with semen from 57 boars (3024 AI). The effects of parity (gilts, 1, 2–4, 5–10, and >10 farrowings) and season were analyzed by linear mixed-effects models (LME). The data were fitted to cosinor models to investigate seasonal effects within parity groups. The effects of maximum daily temperature (MDT) and day length change (DLC) during spermatogenesis, pre-AI, and post-AI periods were analyzed with LME. The 2–4 group was the optimal one for parity. A seasonal effect was evident between spring–summer (lower fertility/prolificacy) and autumn–winter (higher). Cosinor showed that the seasonal drop in reproductive performance occurs earlier in Iberian sows than in other breeds, more evident in gilts. MDT negatively affected performance in all periods and DLC in spermatogenesis and pre-AI. These results are relevant for the improvement of Iberian sows’ intensive farming.
Plant Extract of Limonium gmelinii Attenuates Oxidative Responses in Neurons, Astrocytes, and Cerebral Endothelial Cells In Vitro and Improves Motor Functions of Rats after Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion

There are numerous publications demonstrating that plant polyphenols can reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory processes in the brain. In the present study we have investigated the neuroprotective effect of plant extract isolated from the roots of L. gmelinii since it contains a rich source of polyphenols and other biologically active compounds. We have applied an oxidative and inflammatory model induced by NMDA, H2O2, and TNF-α in human primary neurons and astrocytes, and mouse cerebral endothelial cell (CECs) line in vitro. The levels of ROS generation, NADPH oxidase activation, P-selectin expression, and activity of ERK1/2 were evaluated by quantitative immunofluorescence analysis, confocal microscopy, and MAPK assay. In vivo, sensorimotor functions in rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) were assessed. In neurons NMDA induced overproduction of ROS, in astrocytes TNF-α initiated ROS generation, NADPH oxidase activation, and phosphorylation of ERK1/2. In CECs, the exposure by TNF-α induced oxidative stress and triggered the accumulation of P-selectin on the surface of the cells. In turn, pre-treatment of the cells with the extract of L. gmelinii suppressed oxidative stress in all cell types and pro-inflammatory responses in astrocytes and CECs. In vivo, the treatment with L. gmelinii extract improved motor activity in rats with MCAO.
OPTIMAL DESIGN OF DUALBAND CPW-FED G-SHAPED MONOPOLE ANTENNA FOR WLAN APPLICATION

A dualband coplanar waveguide (CPW)-fed planar monopole antenna suitable for WLAN application is presented in this paper. The antenna resembling as a "G" shape and optimally designed by using the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm can produce dual resonant modes and a much wider impedance bandwidth for the higher band. Prototypes of the obtained optimized antenna have been constructed and tested. The measured results explore good dualband operation with −10 dB impedance bandwidths of 9.7% and 62.8% at bands of 2.43 and 4.3 GHz, respectively, which cover the 2.4/5.2/5.8 GHz WLAN operating bands, and show good agreement with the numerical prediction. Also, good antenna performances such as radiation patterns and antenna gains over the operating bands have been observed.
Impact of Taekwondo Practice on Self-Esteem in adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD is defined as a persistent mode of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that interferes with adolescent functional processing. The real benefits of Takwondo practice are mental rather than physical. Taekwondo integrates Poomsae to focus, release energy and to achieve the unity of executive function. This study aimed to investigate whether Taekwondo practice improves the self-esteem of adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder . Previous research has not examined the potential relationship between physical activity interventions and psychological domains of adolescents with ADHD. The aim of this study was to inquire the impacts of one and a half year Taekwondo (TKD) intervention on cognitive function in adolescents with ADHD. The data obtained on the general self-esteem subscale reveals the presence of significant differences according to the TKD group (F = 19.4±2.6, P <0,001) and measurement times (F = 14.0±2.2, P < 0.001). An interaction effect is also noted (F = 15.7, P <0.001) (Large ES = 2.53 [95% CI 2.6 to -2.2]). Comparisons between the TKD and control groups at baseline reveal significant differences by Cooper Smith’s test SEI. In statistical analysis, we concluded the following results: There is significant increase in Total self-esteem for TKD group (35.5±5.1 P <0,001) (21.2±3.8 P <0,001). (Large ES = -5.63 [95% CI -5.1 to -3.8]). Practitioners should implement martial art program in their general plan to favorably influence attention and health.
Structural Damage Detection by Changes in Natural Frequencies

Based on the new conception of natural frequency vector (NFV) and natural frequency vector assurance criterion (NFVAC), a new damage detection method using the natural frequencies as damage feature is described in detail. For a specific structure, a series of damage states can be simulated based on the finite element model of the intact structure. Then, the NFVs of these damaged structures can be calculated and used to build the damage feature database of the structure. At last, the NFVAC, which is defined by the relationship of NFVs in the damage feature database and the NFV measured on the actual structure are used as damage index. An 8-story shear frame model is adopted as an example to verify the feasibility and validity of the proposed method. Both numerical simulations and model experiments for damage detection are performed, the results of damage detection for several damage cases demonstrate that using NFVAC as damage index, the damage location can be identified correctly and the damage extents ca.
Eddy currents in solid iron due to alternating magnetic flux

The predetermination of the phenomena connected with the penetration of alternating flux into solid iron due to an alternating magnetic field is a problem of great complexity. The prediction is particularly difficult in the presence of saturation. The object of the paper is to present a unique graphical construction which would enable the designer to compute readily quantities such as flux, eddy-current loss, etc. This single construction has the merit of suitability for determining the above quantities for any magnetic material over any desired range of frequencies. A close examination of the geometry of the graphical construction leads to a new method of formulating the basic equations. This method of approach brings out the importance of the law of variation of the magnetizing force with the depth of penetration of the flux for the determination of all other relevant quantities associated with the phenomena. On the basis of the basic differential equations, a law for the field intensity is suggested, to take saturation into account. This law is shown to agree favourably with the results of the graphical construction. The analysis is applied to two different magnetic materials and is verified experimentally.
Battery Pot Plants with Magnets and Adjacent Balloon as Substitutes for Light

In a future of clean technologies and innovations, it is important with knowledge of new Power sources in terms of the impact on living plants and surrounding life. Organic battery plants with electric components are constructed and analysed. The purpose is to study how illumination i.e. light energy, can be replaced with electricity and matter. The novelty of the paper is the constructions; namely a Balloon capacitor next to a current amplifier in the lines of a pot battery with a plant that should prosper, and the related analysis. Also certain aspects of small magnetic fields alone are invoked. Doi: 10.28991/HEF-2021-02-02-05 Full Text: PDF
Compact multiband antenna for GPS/WiMAX/WLAN applications

A compact microstrip‐fed multiband planar antenna for global positioning system, worldwide interoperability for microwave access, and wireless local area network applications is presented. Three operating frequency bands are achieved by a pair of L‐shaped slots and rectangular slots, and defected ground structure. The fabricated prototype for the proposed antenna occupies an area of 32 × 22.6 mm2. The measured results show that the proposed antenna has 10 dB impedance bandwidth of 420 MHz (1.34–1.76 GHz), 590 MHz (3.21–3.80 GHz), and 1.5 GHz (5.05–6.55 GHz). The proposed antenna shows good radiation patterns and acceptable gain over three operating bands. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:1769–1773, 2015
Contractor Past Performance Information: An Analysis of Assessment Narratives and Objective Ratings

Abstract : The Department of Defense (DoD) acquires billions of dollars of supplies and services every year. In fiscal year (FY) 2013, the DoD obligated over $258 billion for military-unique weapon systems as well as commercial supplies and services. An integral part of the DoD s contract management process is the source selection phase when offerors proposals are evaluated and the contract award decision is made. A critical aspect of the source selection phase is the evaluation of contractor past performance information as part of the overall proposal evaluation process. The DoD uses the Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS), which consists of contractor report cards extracted from the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS). In this research, we examine the value of CPARS report card narratives for service contracts as they relate to their associated objective scores. Our primary focus in this research is to examine if the CPARS report card written narrative section provides value to the contractor performance evaluation process. Our data analysis includes sentiment and statistical analysis, as well as interviews with government agency contracting professionals. Using CPARS data, narrative analyses, and interviews, we answer the following research questions: (1) To what degree are government contracting professionals submitting to CPARS contractor performance narratives in accordance with the guidelines provided in the CPARS user s manual? (2) What is the added value of the contractor performance narratives beyond the value of the objective scores for performance? (3) What is the statistical relationship between the sentiment contained in the narratives and the objective scores for contractor evaluations? The research revealed that there are a variety of opportunities to improve the contracting process specifically related to the narrative portion of past performance assessment reports.
A tabu search approach for mixed-model parallel assembly line balancing problem (type II)

There are two types of assembly line balancing problems (ALBPs), which have received a great attention in the literature during the past four decades: types I and II. Both versions of ALBP are NP-hard and cannot be solved by exact methods. This paper presents an efficient tabu search (TS) metaheuristic approach for allocating tasks to balance the mixed-model production through the parallel assembly lines. Firstly, an initial solution is determined by a heuristic algorithm. Secondly, an optimum cycle time for each line in the mixed-model parallel assembly line (MMPAL) is calculated through the TS. The developed methodology, tabu search mixed-model parallel assembly line balancing (TMMPALB) model, is tested on test problems producing three and four products. Computational experiments show that the TMMPALB produces good enough solutions in case of MMPALs. The results of the proposed procedure improve cycle times of 77 test problems out of 87.
Gambaran Perilaku Penggunaan Alat Pelindung Diri (APD) Selama Pandemi Covid-19 pada Perawat di Rumah Sakit X

Latar Belakang: Alat pelindung diri (APD) adalah perangkat alat yang dirancang sebagai penghalang terhadap penetrasi zat, partikel padat, cair, atau udara untuk melindungi pemakainya dari cedera atau penyebaran infeksi atau penyakit. Penggunaanalat pelindung diri oleh tenaga kesehatan khusunya perawat saat memberikan pelayanan merupakan salah satu upaya pencegahan penularan virus Covid-19 yang saat ini masih menjadi wabah di seluruh dunia.Tujuan: Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui gambaran penggunaan alat pelindung diri oleh perawat di Ruang UGD dan Ruang khusus Covid-19.Metode: Penelitian ini merupakanpenelitian deskriptif yang melibatkan 45 orang perawatRuang UGD dan Ruang khusus Covid-19. Data dikumpulkan dengan menggunakan kuesioner dalam bentuk google form kemudian data dianalisis secara deskriptif dengan bantuan Program SPSS for Windows 17,0 version.Hasil: Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan gambaran penggunaan alat pelindung diri (APD) oleh perawat di ruang UGD dan Ruangan Khusus Covid-19 dalam pemakaian penutup kepala, masker bedah atau N95, pelindung wajah, gaun bedah dan gaun isolasi, apron, sarung tangan dan pelindung sepatu. Kesimpulan: secara umum perawat di Rumah Sakit X sudah menggunakan alat pelindung diri sesuai dengan aturan Kementerian Kesehatan tahun 2020.
Women and Men’s Perspectives on the Factors Related to Women’s Dyadic Sexual Desire, and on the Treatment of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder

Sexuality is a basic human need, which is expressed in the context of intimate personal relations. However, in studies of women’s sexuality, men’s attitudes are often overlooked. Health care providers can benefit from the examination of how both women and men perceive women’s sexual desire and what are the most acceptable avenues for treatment for women’s hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). This research aimed to explore differences between women and men on the factors affecting women’s sexual desire and the appropriate avenues for treatment. Data were collected using an online questionnaire from 233 heterosexual adults who had a dyadic, steady intimate relationship over most of the previous year. A theory-based questionnaire of 28 items was developed to explore the factors associated with women’s sexual desire. One quarter (7/28) of the items affecting women’s sexual desire were ranked significantly differently between women and men. Among women, interpersonal issues and physical attraction, and among men, physical attraction and daily hassles were the significant predictors of women’s sexual desire. Women more than men endorsed psychological help such as a sex therapist or psychologist as a more appropriate treatment for HSDD, while both men and women viewed the internet as a reasonable way to gain treatment information. Both women and men viewed gynecologists as a more acceptable source of treatment than a family doctor. Religious authorities were the least likely source of treatment advice for both women and men. The results support a multi-dimensional model of women’s sexual desire and suggest that psychological interventions to treat HSDD may be preferred by women more than men.
Low frequency noise characteristics of self-aligned AlGaAs/GaAs power heterojunction bipolar transistors

The low frequency noise characteristics of modern self-aligned AlGaAs/GaAs power HBT's have been studied as a function of bias, temperature, frequency, and circuit topology. The devices have a 1/f/sup /spl gamma// behavior between 10 Hz and 100 Hz with 0.78/spl les//spl gamma//spl les/1.65. Strong deviation from 1/f/sup /spl gamma// is measured at higher frequencies due to trapping. The bias dependence of the collector noise ranged from I/sub C//sup 1.5/-I/sub C//sup 2.6/, while that for the base noise ranges from I/sub B//sup 0.7/-I/sub B//sup 2.5/. In all cases the collector noise is greater than the base noise. The base noise is apparently dominated by surface recombination noise and generation-recombination (G-R) noise. The collector noise is due to recombination mechanisms and G-R noise. The activation energy (E/sub a/) of the most significant trap is approximately 0.58 eV. The noise of the devices tested was found to be dominated by material and fabrication related mechanisms and not by fundamental mechanisms. >
Social protection policy and agricultural labour outcome in West Africa

ABSTRACT This study engages panel data consisting of 15 West African countries that are members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). To resolve the possible issues of endogeneity, the system Generalised Method of Moments (GMM) was applied. The data for the analysis was sourced from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Country Policy and Institutional Assessment (CPIA), and the World Development Indicators (WDI) for the period 2005–2018. Findings show that all social protection indicators included in the study are positive and significant in explaining the level of agricultural labour outcome in West Africa. The implication of the result is that policy for social inclusion, building human resources, equity in public resource use and overall social protection coverage may increase agricultural labour outcomes by 0.77%, 0.82% and 0.26%, respectively. The study concludes that to raise labour productivity in West Africa towards the achievement of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially, SDG-1, there is a need for social protection coverage to mitigate shocks and vulnerability.
Efficient linear phase filters based on switching and time reversal

A class of linear-phase digital filters is introduced. The switching and resetting approach is combined with that of time reversal to produce an inherently stable infinite-impulse-response-like FIR (finite-impulse response) filter with exact linear phase. The frequency response error due to FIR approximation is discussed for both parallel and cascade architectures. Design examples are provided to illustrate the computational complexity and the group delay of these filters. The method's major drawback is the higher group delay involved in the time-reversal scheme. <<ETX>>
A Systematic Review of the Sex and Gender Reporting in COVID-19 Clinical Trials

Sex and gender have implications for COVID-19 vaccine efficacy and adverse effects from the vaccine. As vaccination is one of the key responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is vital that sex and gender differences be acknowledged, measured, and analysed in clinical research. Here, we systematically review published COVID-19 vaccine trials, both interventional and observational, to assess the quality of reporting of sex and gender. Of the 75 clinical trials on COVID-19 vaccines included in this review, only 24% presented their main outcome data disaggregated by sex, and only 13% included any discussion of the implications of their study for women and men. Considering the sex differences in adverse events after vaccination, and the gendered aspects of vaccine hesitancy, these oversights in clinical research on vaccines have implications for recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and for wider public health.
AC Losses in First and Second Generation High Tapes and Tapes

Technical and economical assessments for future power applications of High superconductivity require the evaluation and comparison of AC losses in first and second generation high tapes. An electrical and a thermometric method were developed and used to measure transport AC loss in OPIT Bi-2223/Ag tapes, Y-123 coated conductors and in new -based superconductors, simulating the AC conditions typical of power devices. The results were compared with analyt- ical models for AC losses calculation. The effect of the magnetic substrates used in coated conductors was also investigated and a simple calculation model was proposed.