Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
AN APPLICATION OF OVERSET GRIDS TO PAYLOAD/FAIRING INTERNAL FLOW CFD ANALYSIS

The application of overset grids to the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of threedimensional internal flow in the payload/fairing of an expendable launch vehicle (ELV) is described. With the aid of Navier-Stokes analysis from the OVERFLOW code, in conjunction with Spalart-Almaras one-equation turbulence model, the flowfield in the payload/fairing configuration was computed. Details of the flowfield, such as velocity field, and flow streamlines are characterized.
COVID-19 Changed Human-Nature Interactions across Green Space Types: Evidence of Change in Multiple Types of Activities from the West Bank, Palestine

COVID-19 stay-at-home orders impacted the way humans interacted with built and natural environments. Previous research on the human use of green spaces during the pandemic, largely conducted in a Western context, has found increased use of home gardens and urban green spaces, and decreased visitation to conservation areas. We explored changes in residents’ outdoor nature-associated activities during the pandemic in the West Bank, Palestine. We used a web-based survey to ask residents about their passive, interactive, and extractive outdoor activities that take place in home gardens, urban parks, and natural areas. Overall, our 1278 respondents spent less time with family and friends and more time alone. We found differences in respondent’s participation in activities both between green space types and between activity types. Participation in passive appreciation of nature activities increased for home gardens but decreased in urban parks and natural areas. Interactive activities, including cultivation, increased for all areas, while extractive activities stayed the same or decreased. Only in natural areas did respondents’ demographics explain changes in activity participation rates after the pandemic. Residents’ increased time alone raises concerns about mental health. The differences we observed in activity participation across green space types highlights the importance of looking across different types of natural spaces and different activities in the same setting, as well as examining non-Western settings.
Vibration control of a micro/macro-manipulator system

Inertial force damping control by micro-manipulator modulation is proposed to suppress the vibrations of a micro/macro manipulator system. The damping controller, developed using classical control theory, is added to the existing control system. Real-time measurements of macro-manipulator flexibility are used to adjust the motion of the micro-manipulator to counteract structural vibrations. Experimental studies using an existing micro/macro flexible-link manipulator testbed demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme for both vertical and horizontal plane vibration.
Competences Gap in European Railways Education

This paper addresses the gap between the competences offered by educational institutions and those required by railway firms. The competences gap has long been recognized as contributing to low job satisfaction and productivity. The term refers to the mismatch between the competences required for accomplishing a task and the actual competences of the employee. The research had two purposes: to develop a framework for analysis of the competences gap between firms and educational institutions and to assess the gap between competences required by the European Union railway market and those offered by higher education. The key competences of a railway employee were identified as the following: rolling stock and traction; systems engineering; civil engineering; control systems; operations; economics, business, and regulation; and environment. Railway firms were surveyed to identify the current demand for competences. The curricula of railway courses were reviewed to assess the competences being offered by educational institutions. Comparison of the competences demanded with those being offered indicated the existence of gaps with regard to several competences.
Developing Classroom Web Sites for 21st Century Learning

Classroom Web sites have the potential to support and enhance student learning by targeting 21st century skills, such as collaboration among teachers, students, parents, and other teachers, media literacy, and interpersonal and self-directional skills, as well as thinking and problem-solving skills. For example, Web site components such as collaborative projects can enhance students’ interpersonal skills (Holcomb, Castek, and Johnson 2007). These skills are imperative for the 21st century student, as Dede (2007, 16) suggested: “The importance of cooperative interpersonal capabilities is substantially higher than in the prior industrial era. ” Web 2.0 tools such as blogs, vokis, and podcasts enhance teacher Web sites to prepare students for the future. By making learning a social event, teachers help to keep students engaged with course material. In addition, teachers are supporting 21st century skills through the posting of student work so that classmates may comment on and refine one another’s products. Research shows that the Internet, along with proper technology, allows students to take control of their own learning (Strom et al. 2010). Jennifer Tingen is a doctoral student in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Instructional Technology and a research assistant at the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation at North Carolina State University in Raleigh. Her research interests include Web 2.0 tools and online learning. Lauren Philbeck is an instructional technology specialist at North Ridge Elementary in Raleigh, North Carolina. She always is looking for new, fun, and effective technology to use with her students. Lori B. Holcomb is an Assistant Professor of Instructional Technology at North Carolina State University. Her research interests include the adoption of technology by in-service teachers, distance education, and the evaluation of technology in educational settings. By using classroom Web sites, teachers are encouraging students to seek out information themselves, which is a necessary skill for success in the 21st century.
Impact of Corporate Governance on Environmental Information Disclosure-Evidence from China

This study examined the impact of corporate governance on environmental information disclosure in the China context. Our data was based on Shanghai A-share companies for the period 2008 to 2011. We examined the effect of corporate governance from different aspects. We found that Outstanding shares rate, State-holding ratio, and CEO/Chairman duality negatively affect environmental disclosure index (EDI) significantly; Proportion of independent directors, supervisory board and board sizes positively affect EDI significantly. Our results indicate that in China, corporate governance does influence the extent of environmental information disclosure significantly.
Student–faculty interaction and academic self-concept: the intersection of race and gender

ABSTRACT Using longitudinal data from the Higher Education Research Institute (HERI) at the University of California, Los Angeles, this study examined how race, gender and experiences with faculty interact and influence students’ academic self-concept. Findings demonstrated a positive relationship between interactions with faculty and academic self-concept for Black, Asian and Multiracial students. Results also revealed additional notable findings about the influence of gender on academic self-concept.
Effect of the chassis length on the bandwidth, SAR, and efficiency of internal mobile phone antennas

The effect of the chassis length on the characteristics of the combination of an internal mobile phone antenna and a phone chassis were studied with simulations at 900 MHz and 1800 MHz. The results show that a local increase of SARs and a local decrease of radiation efficiency occur when the bandwidth reaches its maximum. This happens when the resonant frequency of the chassis equals that of the antenna. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 36: 457–462, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10789
The Virtue of Complexity in Machine Learning Portfolios

We theoretically characterize the behavior of machine learning portfolios in the high complexity regime, i.e. when the number of parameters exceeds the number of observations. We demonstrate a surprising “virtue of complexity”: Sharpe ratios of machine learning portfolios generally increase with model parameterization, even with minimal regularization. Empirically, we document the virtue of complexity in US equity market timing strategies. High complexity models deliver economically large and statistically significant out-of-sample portfolio gains relative to simpler models, due in large part to their remarkable ability to predict recessions.
The performance of contractors in Japan, the UK and the USA: a comparative evaluation of construction cost

Globalization of the world economy demands that performance comparisons are undertaken at an international level. A new research protocol has been developed for comparing contractor performance internationally by combining the appropriate characteristics of two established approaches in order to balance the requirements of comparability and representativeness. This new approach is used to reveal some important international performance characteristics among Japanese, UK and US contractors. Building costs in the UK, when adjusted for exchange rate fluctuations, are significantly higher than those in Japan and the USA. Furthermore, cost certainty and client satisfaction are higher in Japan than in the UK, but there is no significant difference between Japan and the USA. Disparities in cost performance between the three countries are believed to originate from differences in the relationships between contractors and clients and also in the construction process.
Methodology for determination of economic connection capacity for renewable generator connections to distribution networks optimised by active power flow management

Increased penetration of renewable energy in line with current national targets will necessitate the implementation of new operational management arrangements for the control of distribution networks. The traditional distribution network and accompanying operational philosophy is incapable of accommodating large amounts of distributed renewable energy generation. These existing distribution networks were designed to operate passively and deliver unidirectional power flows to dispersed customers. Changing the mode of operation to 'active network management' will allow increased connection of distributed generation, while also avoiding the need for expensive reinforcement of circuits and providing adequate network security for the distribution network operator. A method for actively managing power flows associated with the connection of multiple renewable generators to the distribution network is introduced. The accompanying benefits in terms of exploitable distribution network capacity are demonstrated through the determination of an economic 'cutoff' point for new connections, thus maximising the utilisation of the existing distribution network capacity.
Parents’ Willingness to Vaccinate Their Children Against Seasonal Influenza After the COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Survey

Purpose To explore the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on caregivers’ willingness to vaccinate their children against influenza in 2021 in Saudi Arabia and the factors influencing this decision. Patients and Methods An online survey of 2501 caregivers in Saudi Arabia with children aged 6 months–18 years was conducted between July 15, 2021, and August 2, 2021. A convenience sample of participants that met the inclusion criteria was used as the study sample. Social Science Package Statistical (SPSS) was used for the statistical analysis. Categorical variables were reported as frequencies and percentages. The Chi-square test was used for categorical variables to assess the difference between the variables and the parents’ willingness to vaccinate their children against seasonal influenza after the COVID-19 pandemic. Results Of the 2501 respondents to the survey, 1185 (47.3%) parents plan to give their children the influenza vaccine next year, which is an increase from 745 (29.8%) in the previous year. The following were the main reasons for not giving children the vaccine: children were less likely to get seasonal flu (617, 24.7%), fear of side effects (491, 19.6%), and fear of needles and syringes (484, 19.4%). Among the parents, 1222 (48.9%) were more likely to receive the seasonal flu vaccine themselves the following year, and 1361 (54.4%), which is more than half, were concerned about their children contracting seasonal influenza. Conclusion Parents’ decision-making to vaccinate their children against seasonal influenza has been influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Numerous factors including a caregiver who had received the seasonal influenza vaccine themselves, who had vaccinated or planned to vaccinate their children during the previous or current seasonal influenza season, and/or who had a higher education level were associated with increased willingness to receive the flu vaccine.
Suitability of cement combinations for carbonation resistance of structural concrete

Purpose – This paper aims to assess the suitability of cement combination containing CEM I, fly ash, silica fume and metakaolin for durability design against carbonation-induced corrosion in concrete. Design/methodology/approach – Cube compressive strengths at 28 days and accelerated carbonation depths at 28 days and at various exposure ages were determined at the water/cement ratios of 0.35, 0.50 and 0.65. To assess their suitability for carbonation-induced corrosion, the material costs and embodied carbon dioxide (eCO2) contents of the concretes at equivalent performance were compared. Findings – Cement combination concretes achieved equal carbonation resistance with CEM I at higher compressive strengths, lower water/cement ratios and higher cement contents. The comparison of the concretes, at equivalent performance, based on the carbonation-induced corrosion exposure classes XC3 and XC4 (Table A.4 of BS 8500-1), shows that ternary and more binary cement concretes have lower costs and eCO2 contents than.
Miter Bend Loss and Higher Order Mode Content Measurements in Overmoded Millimeter-Wave Transmission Lines

High power applications require an accurate calculation of the losses on overmoded corrugated cylindrical transmission lines. Previous assessments of power loss on these lines have not considered beam polarization or higher order mode effects. This thesis will develop a theory of transmission that includes the effect of linearly polarized higher order modes on power loss in overmoded corrugated transmission line systems. This thesis derives the linearly polarized basis set of modes for corrugated cylindrical waveguides. These modes are used to quantify the loss in in overmoded transmission line components, such as a gap in waveguide or a 90◦ miter bend. The dependence of the loss in the fundamental mode on the phase of higher order modes (HOMs) was investigated. In addition, the propagation of a multi-mode beam after the waveguide was quantified, and it was shown that if two modes with azimuthal (m) indices that differ by one propagate in the waveguide, the resultant centroid and the tilt angle of radiation at the guide end are related through a constant of the motion. These theoretical calculations are useful for high-power applications, such as the electron cyclotron heating in plasma fusion reactors. In addition, this thesis develops a low-power S-Parameter Response (SPR) technique to accurately measure the loss in ultra-low loss overmoded waveguide components. This technique is used to measure the loss of components manufactured to ITER (an experimental fusion reactor) specifications, operated at 170 GHz with a diameter of 63.5 mm and quarter-wavelength corrugations. The loss in a miter bend was found to be 0.022±0.08 dB. This measurement is in good agreement with theory, which predicts 0.027 dB loss per miter bend, and past measurements [18]. The SPR was used to measure the loss in a gap of waveguide and the results were in good agreement with the well-established theoretical loss due to gap, which demonstrates the accuracy of the SPR technique. For both of these measurements, a baseline analysis determined the effects of a small percentage (1–2%) of higher order modes in the system.
Performance evaluation of adiabatic gates

In this paper, buffer and NAND-NOR adiabatic gates are compared to a gate designed with the traditional complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) approach. The comparison is carried out assuming both an assigned power supply and by setting its value in such a way as to minimize power consumption. General relationships, which are independent of process parameters, as well as being simple enough to be used in a pencil-and-paper evaluation, are calculated. The analysis is developed id detail for the fully adiabatic gates and extended to include partially adiabatic circuits such as 2N-2P and 2N-2N2P. The analytical results are validated by SPICE simulations using 0.8-/spl mu/m CMOS technology. The analysis shows that with the technology considered and a fan-out of three, the adiabatic buffer is advantageous at power clock rise times higher than 3 ns and 23 ns for the nonoptimized and the optimized design, respectively, assuming a 100-fF load capacitance. These rise times increase to 22 ns and 384 ns for the NAND-NOR gate. Moreover, all the minimum rise times increase linearly when the fan-out of the gate is increased.
Effects of Heme Oxygenase-1 on c-Kit-Positive Cardiac Cells

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is one of the most powerful cytoprotective proteins known. The goal of this study was to explore the effects of HO-1 in c-kit-positive cardiac cells (CPCs). LinNEG/c-kitPOS CPCs were isolated and expanded from wild-type (WT), HO-1 transgenic (TG), or HO-1 knockout (KO) mouse hearts. Compared with WT CPCs, cell proliferation was significantly increased in HO-1TG CPCs and decreased in HO-1KO CPCs. HO-1TG CPCs also exhibited a marked increase in new DNA synthesis during the S-phase of cell division, not only under normoxia (21% O2) but after severe hypoxia (1% O2 for 16 h). These properties of HO-1TG CPCs were associated with nuclear translocation (and thus activation) of Nrf2, a key transcription factor that regulates antioxidant genes, and increased protein expression of Ec-SOD, the only extracellular antioxidant enzyme. These data demonstrate that HO-1 upregulates Ec-SOD in CPCs and suggest that this occurs via activation of Nrf2, which thus is potentially involved in the crosstalk between two antioxidants, HO-1 in cytoplasm and Ec-SOD in extracellular matrix. Overexpression of HO-1 in CPCs may improve the survival and reparative ability of CPCs after transplantation and thus may have potential clinical application to increase efficacy of cell therapy.
An improved Geneva mechanism for optimal kinematic performance

In this article, an alternative Geneva mechanism is presented and optimized. Unlike the original mechanism in which the driving pin operates at a fixed radius, the alternative mechanism benefits from a fixed groove cam which controls the radius of action of driving pin, resulting in continuous wheel acceleration and lower maximum velocity and acceleration. Apolynomial displacement function is adopted for the cam in the interval of engagement of driver and wheel. The problem of finding the coefficients of the polynomial is formulated as a constrained optimization problem in which the maximum acceleration of the Geneva wheel is to be minimized, while the motion of the pin is constrained to have zero velocity and zero acceleration at the beginning and end of the motion, respectively. Moreover, it is argued that since the objective function is highly sensitive to the variations of design variables, traditional search algorithms often fail to find its global optimum. To resolve this problem, a new hybrid genetic algorithm with a built-in adaptive local search is employed to find the coefficients of a polynomial that would define the optimal groove profile. The proposed approach is applied to the classical problems of designing a Geneva mechanism with four, five, and six grooves, and the results are compared with those obtained by other methods. The comparison shows that the proposed approach is capable of designing shock-free mechanisms with significantly reduced maximum angular velocity and acceleration of the Geneva wheel.
PREDICTION METHOD FOR SEISMIC DAMAGE OF REINFORCED CONCRETE BRIDGE COLUMNS

This research aims to determine the effect of loading pattern on the damage of a reinforced concrete bridge column. Five specimens were tested with uni-directional or bi-directional cyclic loading patterns combined with a constant axial load. In this report, a simple procedure to predict the damage and failure of a reinforced concrete column, that is subjected to an arbitrary seismic loading pattern, is proposed using the fatigue based damage model combined with the energy dissipation.
Oxytocin Attenuates the Stress-Induced Reinstatement of Alcohol-Seeking in Male Rats: Role of the Central Amygdala

Factors such as stress and anxiety often contribute to alcohol-dependent behavior and can trigger a relapse of alcohol addiction and use. Therefore, it is important to investigate potential pharmacological interventions that may alleviate the influence of stress on addiction-related behaviors. Previous studies have demonstrated that the neuropeptide oxytocin has promising anxiolytic potential in mammals and may offer a pharmacological target to diminish the emotional impact on reinstatement of alcohol-seeking. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of oxytocin on stress-induced alcohol relapse and identify a neural structure mediating this effect through the use of an ethanol self-administration and yohimbine-induced reinstatement paradigm. While yohimbine administration resulted in the reinstatement of ethanol-seeking behavior, the concurrent administration of yohimbine and oxytocin attenuated this effect, suggesting that oxytocin may disrupt stress-induced ethanol-seeking behavior. The central amygdala (CeA) is a structure that drives emotional responses and robustly expresses oxytocin receptors. Intra-CeA oxytocin similarly attenuated the yohimbine-induced reinstatement of ethanol-seeking behavior. These results demonstrate that oxytocin has the potential to attenuate stress-induced relapse into ethanol-seeking behavior, and that this mechanism occurs specifically within the central amygdala.