Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Computer simulation study of a horizontal light pipe integrated with laser cut panels in a dense urban environment

A computer simulation study on the daylighting performance of a horizontal light pipe system integrated with laser cut panels at the entrance and output apertures was performed for two identical test rooms with different degree of obstructions in a dense urban environment under the CIE clear sky condition. It is observed that by properly varying the separation-to-thickness ratio and the aperture tilt angle of the laser cut panel at the entrance aperture, the illumination beneath the pipe emitter can be enhanced. It is concluded that due to the obstructed environment, the horizontal light pipe should aim at capturing light from high altitude sky and sun. An optimal set of STR and ATA values for the LCP at the entrance aperture of 0.5 and 35° respectively is found to be effective for both high and low floors in buildings within a dense urban context.
Determining factors of academic success of first year BSc Dietetics students

It is broadly acknowledged that a host of factors influence the academic success of students, but there currently is a paucity of literature about this issue in the field of health sciences, and none in specifically Dietetics, in South Africa, and very little globally. This constitutes a significant knowledge gap in the field of higher education, as determining which factors are most important in facilitating the success of Dietetics students in a South African context, will make a significant contribution to understanding and assisting such students. The aim of this article is to report on a study that identified the key factors of success of first year BSc Dietetics students at one South African university. The aim of the study was to inform the design of interventions that would improve the performance and throughput of these students. Quantitative analysis of success factors contained in the existing data of the university, qualitative focus group discussions on students’ perceptions and a questionnaire with a qualitative and quantitative section on success factors were used. In recruiting students for Dietetics, strict adherence to admission criteria is necessary and support should be given to students on an individual basis to ensure the highest quality of student intake and eventual output. This study showed that Dietetics students realised their own responsibility to ensure their academic success, but participants also provided important insights on what can be done by the staff, the department and university in order to improve the academic success. This information is useful to others in the higher education community and also in other programmes in health sciences. More research on the perception of staff regarding academic success factors is needed and various intervention strategies to improve success can then be investigated.
The role of the public library in a networked environment: a review of the literature

As societies become increasingly dependent on sophisticated electronic information exchange, the public library's responsibility to provide equal access to internet resources becomes both more critical and more complex. Public libraries, it is argued, are ideally positioned to make a significant contribution to the national government objective of developing a network literate society which is able to be competitive in global economies. This article is part of a longer literature review submitted in partial fulfilment of a Masters in Library and Information Management degree at Charles Sturt University. This is a refereed article
Quantifying the effect of stress relaxation on excavation stability

Abstract Stress relaxation is relevant to the design of both civil and mining excavations. While many authors refer to the adverse effect of stress relaxation on excavation stability, some present compelling empirical evidence indicating that stress relaxation does not have a significant effect. Establishing clear definitions of stress relaxation was critical to understanding and quantifying stress relaxation of the various types that have been referred to in the literature. This paper defines three types of stress relaxation – partial relaxation, full relaxation and tangential relaxation. Once clear definitions were determined, it became clear that the theoretical arguments and empirical evidence presented by various authors to support their respective cases are not contradictory; rather, the different conclusions can be attributed to different types of stress relaxation. In particular, when the minor principal stress is negative the intermediate principal stress has been identified as significantly affecting jointed rock mass behaviour. The aim of the study was to review and evaluate existing methods of quantifying the effect of stress relaxation around underground excavations and, if necessary, propose a new set of recommendations. An empirical stope stability model, that has been termed the Extended Mathews stability chart, was considered to be the most appropriate method of quantifying the effects of stress relaxation. A new set of guidelines to account for the effect of stress relaxation on excavation stability in the Extended Mathews stability chart has been proposed from a back-analysis of 55 case histories of stress relaxation.
Women and minority groups in UK construction: recent trends

Trends in the employment share of women working in UK construction are compared to the proportions of women in the total national workforce. The distribution of women workers across occupations in construction is examined and factors limiting the participation of women are briefly addressed. The position of ethnic minority workers in construction is analysed using recent data. Broad statistics on the extent of disability in the workforce are presented. Recent data is produced on the regional distribution of women, ethnic minorities and disabled people in the industry workforce. Finally, attention is drawn to likely future changes in diversity in the workforce and influences are noted that may yet result in greater participation of minority groups in the construction labour market.
Fill Factor Assessment in Hole Selective Layer Free Carbon Electrode‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells with 15.5% Certified Power Conversion Efficiency

Carbon‐electrode‐based perovskite solar cells (C‐PSCs) are promising candidates for commercialization due to their high stability. However, the absence of a hole selective layer (HSL) often limits their performance, yielding low fill factors (FFs). Herein, a certified FF of 78.8% obtained through HSL‐free C‐PSCs is focused. This is found to approach the highest values reported for metal‐electrode‐based PSCs employing highly selective HSLs. The loss mechanisms affecting the FF in fully printed HSL‐free C‐PSCs are thus investigated. Methods commonly used to analyze and quantify the impact of recombination and transport losses on the FF of established photovoltage devices are assessed, and their applicability in C‐PSCs is examined. In the improved devices, non‐radiative recombination contributes to only 3%abs loss with respect to the FF in the radiative limit, which is attributed to an optimal diode ideality factor approaching 1.0. Moreover, contributions of shunt resistive losses are determined to be negligible. Interfacial series resistance losses at the perovskite/carbon interface are identified as the main loss channel, highlighting the importance of the quality of the contact between the perovskite and the back‐contact electrode.
Synthesis, DFT calculations and optical nonlinear properties of two derived Schiff base compounds from ethyl-4-amino benzoate

Two Schiff base compounds viz., Ethyl (E)-4-((3-ethoxy-2-hydroxybenzylidene)amino)benzoate(EHB) and Ethyl (E)-4-(((2-hydroxynaphthalen-1-yl)methylene)amino)benzoate(ENB) are synthesized by condensation of ethyl-4-amino benzoate with 2-hydroxy-3-ethoxy benzaldehyde and 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde. The two compounds are studied and identified by FT-IR, UV-visible, Mass, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR spectroscopies. The nonlinear refractive index (NRI) of the two compounds are determined, for ENB compound via the diffraction ring patterns (DRPs) and the Z-scan and via Z-scan for the EHB compound, using continuous wave (CW) low power laser beam, and founds of the order of 10−7 cm2 W−1 due to the first technique and 10−8 cm2 W−1 due to the second technique. The optical limiting (OL) property of both compounds is studied too with OLg thresholds of 16.5 mW and 11 mW for the compounds EHB and ENB respectively, which makes these two compounds as candidates to be used as an optical limiter (OLr). The DRPs are numerically simulated based on the theory of Fresnel-Kirchhoff with reasonable agreement compared to the experimental findings.
The differential effects of integral pride and gratitude on divergent moral judgment for the self versus others

Individuals tend to have divergent moral judgment when judging oneself versus others, which is termed moral hypocrisy. While prior research has examined different factors that might influence moral hypocrisy, there are limited insights on the influences of different, discrete emotions. The present research seeks to address this gap and examines the differential influences of pride and gratitude on moral hypocrisy. Results of a pilot study and three main studies demonstrate that pride (but not gratitude) leads to moral hypocrisy. These effects are replicated across different cases of questionable behaviors and prosocial behaviors in a team setting. More importantly, this research identifies one mechanism that potentially explains this effect—the appraisal of self-other similarity. The findings of this research thus provide empirical evidence that distinct emotions arising from an organizational setting can differentially influence moral hypocrisy and offer practical implications. JEL Classification: C91, D23, D91
Packaging and environmental stability of thermally controlled arrayed-waveguide grating multiplexer module with thermoelectric device

We designed and fabricated arrayed-waveguide grating (AWG) modules with thermoelectric (TE) devices, and investigated their wavelength controllability and stability. The fabricated AWGs had 16 channels with a spacing of 0.8 nm in the 1.55 /spl mu/m band. We confirmed that the center wavelength could be kept constant in a precise 0.02 mn range at ambient temperatures from -10 to 70/spl deg/C and moreover could be tuned over a 0.35 nm range. We performed environmental tests with reference to the Bellcore requirements. These results confirmed both the stability of the AWG module under severe conditions and its mechanical strength.
Eigen analysis of series compensation schemes reducing the potential of subsynchronous resonance

A.A. Edris (see ibid., vol.5, no.1, p.219-36, 1990) described a new concept for mitigation of the phenomenon of subsynchronous resonance (SSR) based on asymmetrical series capacitor compensation at SSR frequencies. The studies reported by A.A. Edris are based on a digital time-domain simulation technique. This paper provides a quantitative evaluation of the concept using a novel eigen analysis approach. The eigen analysis approach represents the mathematical models of power system components in the three-phase basis, and can evaluate the impacts of asymmetry and imbalance on the system dynamics in the subsynchronous frequency range. The study results restate the technical feasibility of the proposed SSR countermeasure. This paper opens the avenue for examination of active power filter topologies to introduce artificial asymmetry at SSR frequencies to counteract torsional oscillations. >
The Effect of Short-term Treatment with Metformin on Insulin Resistance among Obese Iraqi Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Sir, Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most frequently encountered endocrine‐metabolic disorder among reproductive‐aged females. PCOS is frequently associated with insulin resistance (IR), hyperinsulinemia, obesity, and cardio‐metabolic co‐morbidities. [1] The general consensus is that obese PCOS women are resistant to insulin and that PCOS appears to intensify the adverse effects of obesity on IR. [2] One of the most common strategies in targeting IR in PCOS is the use of insulin‐sensitizers, in particular metformin. A prospective interventional study conducted at Al‐Yarmouk Teaching Hospital between January 2019 and April 2020. The study was approved by the Local Ethical Committee. A total of 71 obese PCOS women were included. They were allocated into three sub‐groups according to the WHO classification of obesity into: Class I (BMI of 30‐34.99 kg/m2), Class II (BMI of 35‐39.99 kg/m2), and Class III (BMI ≥40 kg/m2). Diagnosis of PCOS was made according to modified Rotterdam criteria. [3]
Vorbereitende Forschung für die zweite Evaluationsrunde Mindestlöhne : Erschließung neuer Datenquellen

"This Methodenreport systematically compiles existing datasets in Germany and explores their suitability for evaluation of sectoral minimum wages according to the German 'Arbeitnehmer-Entsendegesetz' (posted workers act). It aims at making new data sources known, assessing the potential of data used already in previous evaluations and making suggestions with respect to enhancements and improvements. We conclude that while a comprehensive dataset suitable for evaluating German sectoral minimum wages does not yet exist, a combination of sources (if permitted) might prove satisfactory. " (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en)) Additional Information Anhang
Suppressed activity of the rostral anterior cingulate cortex as a biomarker for depression remission

Abstract Background Suppression of the rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) has shown promise as a prognostic biomarker for depression. We aimed to use machine learning to characterise its ability to predict depression remission. Methods Data were obtained from 81 15- to 25-year-olds with a major depressive disorder who had participated in the YoDA-C trial, in which they had been randomised to receive cognitive behavioural therapy plus either fluoxetine or placebo. Prior to commencing treatment patients performed a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) task to assess rACC suppression. Support vector machines were trained on the fMRI data using nested cross-validation, and were similarly trained on clinical data. We further tested our fMRI model on data from the YoDA-A trial, in which participants had completed the same fMRI paradigm. Results Thirty-six of 81 (44%) participants in the YoDA-C trial achieved remission. Our fMRI model was able to predict remission status (AUC = 0.777 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.638–0.916], balanced accuracy = 67%, negative predictive value = 74%, p < 0.0001). Clinical models failed to predict remission status at better than chance levels. Testing the model on the alternative YoDA-A dataset confirmed its ability to predict remission (AUC = 0.776, balanced accuracy = 64%, negative predictive value = 70%, p < 0.0001). Conclusions We confirm that rACC activity acts as a prognostic biomarker for depression. The machine learning model can identify patients who are likely to have difficult-to-treat depression, which might direct the earlier provision of enhanced support and more intensive therapies.
Establishment of an ELISpot Assay to Detect Cellular Immunity against S. pneumoniae in Vaccinated Kidney Transplant Recipients

In organ transplant recipients, the rate of invasive pneumococcal diseases is 25 times greater than in the general population. Vaccination against S. pneumoniae is recommended in this cohort because it reduces the incidence of this severe form of pneumococcal infection. Previous studies indicate that transplant recipients can produce specific antibodies after pneumococcal vaccination. However, it remains unclear if vaccination also induces specific cellular immunity. In the current study on 38 kidney transplant recipients, we established an interferon-γ ELISpot assay that can detect serotype-specific cellular responses against S. pneumoniae. The results indicate that sequential vaccination with the conjugated vaccine Prevenar 13 and the polysaccharide vaccine Pneumovax 23 led to an increase of serotype-specific cellular immunity. We observed the strongest responses against the serotypes 9N and 14, which are both components of Pneumovax 23. Cellular responses against S. pneumoniae correlated positively with specific IgG antibodies (r = 0.32, p = 0.12). In conclusion, this is the first report indicating that kidney transplant recipients can mount specific cellular responses after pneumococcal vaccination. The ELISpot we established will allow for further investigations. These could help to define, for example, factors influencing specific cellular immunity in immunocompromised cohorts or the duration of cellular immunity after vaccination.
Clinical Characteristics, Treatment, and Short-Term Outcome in Patients with Heart Failure and Cancer

(1) Our study aimed to look at the clinical characteristics, treatment and short-term outcomes of patients hospitalized due to heart failure with coexisting cancer. (2) Methods: Seventy one cancer (Ca) patients and a randomly selected 70 patients without Ca, hospitalized due to heart failure exacerbation in the same time period constituted the study group (Ca patient group) and controls (non-Ca group), respectively. Data on clinical characteristics were collected retrospectively for both groups. (3) Results: Cancer patients presented with a less advanced NYHA class, had more frequent HFpEF, a higher peak troponin T level, and smaller left atrium size, as compared with controls. The in-hospital deaths of Ca patients were associated with: a higher New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, lower HgB level, worse renal function, higher K and AST levels, presence of diabetes mellitus, and HFpEF. By multivariate logistic regression analysis, impaired renal function was the only independent predictor of in-hospital death in Ca patients (OR-1.15; CI 1.05; 1.27); p = 0.017). The following covariates entered the regression: NYHA class, HgB, GFR, K+, AST, diabetes mellitus t.2, and HFpEF. (4) Conclusions: The clinical picture and the course of heart failure in patients with and without cancer are different.
An environmental comparison of bridge forms

The embodied energy and carbon dioxide emissions from the use of construction materials are among the concerns engineers must consider when planning, designing and constructing a bridge. Previous studies have been carried out on building structures to assess both the energy consumed and the CO2 emissions in their construction and use but less information is available to bridge designers. This paper outlines the range of embodied energy and CO2 emissions for materials commonly used in bridges and the variability of these values is discussed. A study is carried out for a moderate length river bridge of energy use and CO2 emission during construction. A number of different bridge forms and materials are considered. The primary forms are girder, tied arch and cable stayed. Three broad material groups were investigated, namely concrete, steel and steel–concrete composite. The study also estimates the continuing CO2 emission throughout the life of the structure from maintenance and repairs. From the study a num.
An optimal approach to non-linear control of vehicle yaw dynamics

Direct yaw moment control (DYC) is a recent active safety method introduced to control vehicle handling dynamics in non-linear regimes. The external yaw moment is considered as an important control input for DYC, which should be kept as low as possible. In the current paper, to achieve this aim, an optimal yaw rate tracking law is developed for DYC by the response prediction of a continuous non-linear vehicle dynamics model. A linear yaw rate model limited by tyre/road conditions is proposed as a desired model to be tracked by the controller. The derived control law is evaluated and its main features are discussed. The performed analysis gives an insight into the regulation of free parameters of the control law to make a compromise between tracking accuracy and control energy. The effectiveness of the designed controller is compared with a sliding mode controller, reported in literature, through simulations of various manoeuvres using a developed non-linear full vehicle dynamics model. The simulation results indicate that a satisfactory handling performance through a reduced external yaw moment can be achieved when the proposed optimal controller is engaged with the model.
Adapting Sanitation Needs to a Latrine Design (and Its Upgradable Models): A Mixed Method Study under Lower Middle-Income Rural Settings

Rural households have latrine preferences and unique sanitation needs. An assessment of how rural households adapt their sanitation needs to a nationally encouraged latrine design was done. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 790 households in a rural district of Zimbabwe from November 2020 to May 2021. Data were analysed using logistic regression. Qualitative data were collected using focus groups and analysed using thematic analysis. Analyses were done in STATA 16 and considered significant at p < 0.05. There was low adoption of the Blair ventilated improved pit latrine and its upgradable models. Significant predictor variables of BVIP latrine adoption were mainly contextual and psychosocial at the individual and household levels. They included source and level of household income, residence period, nature of homestead, number of cattle owned, knowledge of sanitation options and perceived high latrine cost. The latrine design was considered not a pro-poor option as it was unaffordable by many rural households resulting in its non-completion, poor-quality designs, alternative options, sharing and open defaecation. Poverty appears the main barrier for latrine ownership. However, a window of opportunity to improve access to sanitation in rural Zimbabwe exists by considering alternative sanitation options and financial investment mechanisms.
Soil Moisture Estimation Using Sentinel-1/-2 Imagery Coupled With CycleGAN for Time-Series Gap Filing

Fast soil moisture content (SMC) mapping is necessary to support water resource management and to understand crop growth, quality, and yield. Therefore, earth observation (EO) plays a key role due to its ability of almost real-time monitoring of large areas at a low cost. This study aimed to explore the possibility of taking advantage of freely available Sentinel-1 (S1) and Sentinel-2 (S2) EO data for the simultaneous prediction of SMC with cycle-consistent adversarial network (CycleGAN) for time-series gap filling. The proposed methodology, first, learns latent low-dimensional representation of the satellite images, then learns a simple machine learning (ML) model on top of these representations. To evaluate the methodology, a series of vineyards, located in South Australia ’s Eden valley are chosen. Specifically, we presented an efficient framework for extracting latent features from S1 and S2 imagery. We showed how one could use S1 to S2 feature translation based on CycleGAN using S1 and S2 time series when there are missing images acquired over an area of interest. The resulting data in our study is then used to fill gaps in time-series data. We used the resulting latent representations to predict SMC with various ML tools. In the experiments, CycleGAN and the autoencoders were trained with data randomly chosen around the site of interest, so we could augment the existing dataset. The best performance was demonstrated with random forest (RF) algorithm, whereas linear regression model demonstrated significant overfitting. The experiments demonstrate that the proposed methodology outperforms the compared state-of-the-art methods if there are missing optical and synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) images.