Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SULFUR AS A PARTIAL REPLACEMENT FOR ASPHALT IN PAVEMENT

A full-scale experiment on introducing sulfur as a partial replacement for asphalt in road-paving mixtures was conducted in Kuwait. Laboratory and field testing programs were designed and carried out to analyze and investigate the results of this experiment. The optimum sulfur percentage in the sulfur-asphalt binder and the optimum binder content were established for the investigated mixtures at various curing ages. These mixtures were used in constructing two sections, each 0.67-mi long, of the driving lane of a main road. The first one, considered a control section, was constructed using the conventional asphalt concrete mixture. The second was the test section in which the sulfur-asphalt mixture was used in the entire pavement structure. The sulfur-asphalt mixture was found to significantly reduce rutting on the road. This was established in both field and laboratory investigations. Laboratory-aged samples showed longer fatigue life (indirect tensile stress control fatigue test). Inclusion of sulfur in the mixture was also shown to improve Marshall stability, indirect tensile strenth, and the rate at which strength was gained during curing. On the other hand, including sulfur made the mixture more susceptible to loss of stability on immersion in water and to having a lower resilient modulus at higher temperatures (above 95 deg F). Field Dynaflect measurements showed higher deflections for the road test section than for the control section.
Mental Health Problems among COVID-19 Frontline Healthcare Workers and the Other Country-Level Epidemics: The Case of Mexico

COVID-19 frontline healthcare workers (FHCW) are struggling to cope with challenges that threaten their wellbeing. We examine the frequency and predictors of the most frequent mental health problems (MHP) among FHCW during the first COVID-19 peak in Mexico, one of the most severely affected countries in terms of FHCW’s COVID-19 mortality. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between May 8 and August 18, 2020. A total of 47.5% of the sample (n = 2218) were FHCW. The most frequent MHP were insomnia, depression, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and health anxiety/somatization (whole sample: 45.7, 37.4, 33.9, and 21.3%; FHCW: 52.4, 43.4, 40.3 and 26.1, respectively). As compared to during the initial COVID-19 phase, depression and health anxiety/somatization symptoms as well as experiences of grieving due to COVID-19, personal COVID-19 status, and having relatives and close friends with COVID-19 were more frequent during the COVID-19 peak. Obesity, domestic violence, personal COVID-19 status, and grieving because of COVID-19 were included in regression models for main FHCW’s MHP during the COVID-19 peak. In conclusion, measures to decrease other country-level epidemics contributing to the likelihood of COVID-19 complications (obesity) and MHP (domestic violence) as well as FHCW´s probability of COVID-19 infection could safeguard not only their physical but also mental health.
Evolution of the Surface Structure and Functional Properties of the Electroconducting Polymer Coatings onto Porous Films

Composite systems containing electroconducting polymer coatings (polyaniline and polypyrrole) applied to porous films of semicrystalline polymers (polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinylidene fluoride) have been prepared. Porous supports were obtained in the process based on polymer melt extrusion with subsequent annealing, uniaxial extensions, and thermal stabilization. Conducting coatings were formed by the oxidative polymerization of the monomers directly onto the porous supports. The structure (overall porosity, permeability, pore sizes, factor of orientation) and morphology (specific surface and character of the film surface) of the supports were characterized by sorptometry, filtration porosimetry, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray scattering techniques. It was observed that the porous supports have a strongly developed relief surface which is formed in the pore formation process. It was proven by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) that the porous supports have an oriented structure, and the surface of the composites is defined by the morphology inherent in the conducting component. It was shown that these composites (porous support/conducting coating) demonstrate electric conductivity both along the surface and between surfaces. It was demonstrated that the deposition of conducting coatings leads to an increase in the water wettability of the composites compared with pronounced hydrophobic supports. The composites are characterized by good adhesion between components due to a relief film surface as well as high mechanical strength and elasticity provided by the oriented character of the supports.
COLLOCTIONAL CLASHES IN ENGLISH-PERSIAN TRANSLATIONS

It is generally accepted that collocational problems are present in the process of language learning, and they play an important role in the process of second language learning as well as translation. In spite of the fact that a majority of EFL learners have a good knowledge of grammar and vocabulary in English, they lack necessary knowledge of the collocational patterns. Moreover, collocations and restrictions related to their use are not considered important by teachers and learners. This study is a two-process study in which concerning the importance of linguistic issues in translation, the matter of collocational clashes in translation is investigated. The focus of the research is on how and to what extent SL collocations affect TL collocations and in what areas of translation we observe clashes between the two languages of English and Persian as we consider the choice of collocations. How selection of collocations in TL is affected by SL? Are natives and non-natives aware of the collocations in their language? In order to answer these questions six Persian translations of two English novels were studied. The clashes of collocations were collected. They were used in two multiple-choice tests that were prepared to show the fundamental factors which result in unacceptable collocations. They were given to the students of Persian literature and students of English language. The results were analyzed for further study. During this study it was found out that some causes for collocational clashes were more frequent as compared to other causes. The most frequent ones were as follows: type-setting errors mistranslation non-observance of collocational possibilities in TL
Kinetics of the Electronic States of Molecular Nitrogen in a Recombining Air/Argon Plasma

An electronic-specific collisional-radiative (CR) model of molecular nitrogen (N 2 ) is presented and applied to the study of a recombining air plasma. This plasma is produced at local thermodynamic equilibrium at 8000 K and 1 atm by a 50-kW Inductively Coupled Plasma torch and passes through a water-cooled tube that forces rapid cooling and recombination. The electronic state-specific model takes into account many processes, including (but not limited to) predissociation of N 2 (C), collisional quenching, and radiation. The 0D simulations are compared with measurements of the nonequilibrium species densities.
Power System Dynamic Study for Distributed Generation Interconnection to Distribution Network

One of the major concerns for the interconnection of distributed generation (DG) to distribution network is the technical issues associated from the connection. In the conventional distribution network, the power flow is uni-directional, from centralizes power plants to transmission and then to distribution before it supplied to the customer. However, with the anticipated amount of DG connected at distribution network, power flow is no longer uni-directional. Due to this fact, it is crucial to perform power system study to ensure the system stability is not deteriorating. This paper discusses the dynamic analysis to examine the electromechanical transient responses of the DG unit under various system faults and contingency situations. This contents presented in this paper can facilitate DG developers, consultants, contractor and utility engineer in planning for the new connection of DG to the distribution network.
Punching Shear Strength Prediction for Reinforced Concrete Flat Slabs without Shear Reinforcement

Failure of flat slabs usually occurs by punching shear mode. Current structural codes provide an experience-based design provision for punching shear strength which is often associated with high bias and variance. This paper investigates the effect of adding a horizontal reinforcement mesh at the top of the slab-column connection zone on punching the shear strength of flat slabs. A new equation considering the effect of adding this mesh was proposed to determine the punching shear strength. The proposed equation is based on the Critical Shear Crack Theory combined with the analysis of results extracted from previous experimental and theoretical studies. Moreover, the equation of load-rotation curves for different steel ratios together with the failure criterion curves were evaluated to get the design points. The investigated parameters were the slab thicknesses and dimensions, concrete strengths, size of the supporting column, and steel ratios. The model was validated using a new set of specimens and the results were also compared with the predictions of different international design codes (ACI318, BS8110, AS3600, and Eurocode 2). Statistical analysis provides that the proposed equation can predict the punching shear strength with a level of high accuracy (Mean Square Error =2.5%, Standard Deviation =0.104, Mean=1.0) and over a wide range of reinforcement ratios and compressive strengths of concrete. Most of the predictions were conservative with an underestimation rate of 12%. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2022-08-01-013 Full Text: PDF
1K pixel silicon-MPPC three-dimensional image sensor for flash LIDAR

Flash LIDAR is needed in order to take 3D images for obstacle avoidance and to measure relative distances and attitudes during lunar and planetary landings, surface exploration, and orbital rendezvous docking with spacecraft. Meanwhile, commercial Flash LIDAR is being developed for capturing 3D images required by autonomous cars and drones. We have developed a prototype 1K pixel 3D image sensor using Silicon-MPPC, which is capable of photon counting, as the light-receiving sensor [1]. In this paper, we describe the basic structure, circuit configuration, functions, and evaluation results of the basic performance of the sensor. sensor can operate at room temperature. Each pixel has one MPPC with dimensions of 100 × 100 μ m.
Cerium d-Block Element (Co, Ni) Bimetallic Oxides as Catalysts for the Methanation of CO2: Effect of Pressure

Nickel– and cobalt–cerium bimetallic oxides were used as catalysts for the methanation of CO2 under pressure. The catalysts’ activity increases with pressure and an increase of just 10 bar is enough to double the yield of methane and to significantly improve the selectivity. The best results were those obtained over nickel–cerium bimetallic oxides, but the effect of pressure was particularly relevant over cobalt–cerium bimetallic oxides, which yield to methane increases from almost zero at atmospheric pressure to 50–60% at 30 bar. Both catalyst types are remarkably competitive, especially those containing nickel, which were always more active than a commercial rhodium catalyst used as a reference (5wt.% Rh/Al2O3) and tested under the same conditions. For the cobalt–cerium bimetallic oxides, the existence of a synergetic interaction between Co and CoO and the formation of cobalt carbides seems to play an important role in their catalytic behavior. Correlation between experimental reaction rates and simulated data confirms that the catalysts’ behavior follows the Langmuir–Hinshelwood–Hougen–Watson kinetic model, but Le Chatelier’s principle is also important to understand the catalysts’ behavior under pressure. A catalyst recycle study was also performed. The results obtained after five cycles using a nickel–cerium catalyst show insignificant variations in activity and selectivity, which are important for any type of practical application.
Performance of rectangular labyrinth weir- an experimental and numerical study

Labyrinth weirs are commonly used to increase the capacity of existing spillways and provide more efficient spillways for new dams due to their high specific discharge capacity compared to the linear weir. In the present study, experimental and numerical investigation was conducted to improve the rectangular labyrinth weir performance. In this context, four configurations were tested to evaluate the influence of the entrance shape and alveoli width on its discharge capacity. The experimental models, three models of rectangular labyrinth weir with rounded entrance and one with flat entrance, were tested in rectangular channel conditions for inlet width to outlet width ratios (a/b) equal to 0.67, 1 and 1.5. The results indicate that the rounded entrance increases the weir efficiency by up to 5%. A ratio a/b equal to 1.5 leads to an 8 and 18% increase in the discharge capacity compared to a/b ratio equal to 1 and 0.67, respectively. In addition, a numerical simulation was conducted using the opensource CFD OpenFOAM to analyze and provide more information about the flow behavior over the tested models. A comparison between the experimental and numerical discharge coefficient was performed and good agreement was found (Mean Absolute Relative Error of 4–6%).
MSIS: Multispectral Instance Segmentation Method for Power Equipment

Infrared image of power equipment is widely used in power equipment fault detection, and segmentation of infrared images is an important step in power equipment thermal fault detection. Nevertheless, since the overlap of the equipment, the complex background, and the low contrast of the infrared image, the current method still cannot complete the detection and segmentation of the power equipment well. To better segment the power equipment in the infrared image, in this paper, a multispectral instance segmentation (MSIS) based on SOLOv2 is designed, which is an end-to-end and single-stage network. First, we provide a novel structure of multispectral feature extraction, which can simultaneously obtain rich features in visible images and infrared images. Secondly, a module of feature fusion (MARFN) has been constructed to fully obtain fusion features. Finally, the combination of multispectral feature extraction, the module of feature fusion (MARFN), and instance segmentation (SOLOv2) realize multispectral instance segmentation of power equipment. The experimental results show that the proposed MSIS model has an excellent performance in the instance segmentation of power equipment. The MSIS based on ResNet-50 has 40.06% AP.
Human and Mouse Eosinophils Differ in Their Ability to Biosynthesize Eicosanoids, Docosanoids, the Endocannabinoid 2-Arachidonoyl-glycerol and Its Congeners

High eosinophil (EOS) counts are a key feature of eosinophilic asthma. EOS notably affect asthmatic response by generating several lipid mediators. Mice have been utilized in hopes of defining new pharmacological targets to treat asthma. However, many pinpointed targets in mice did not translate into clinics, underscoring that key differences exist between the two species. In this study, we compared the ability of human (h) and mouse (m) EOS to biosynthesize key bioactive lipids derived from arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). hEOS were isolated from the blood of healthy subjects and mild asthmatics, while mEOSs were differentiated from the bone marrow. EOSs were treated with fatty acids and lipid mediator biosynthesis assessed by LC-MS/MS. We found that hEOS biosynthesized leukotriene (LT) C4 and LTB4 in a 5:1 ratio while mEOS almost exclusively biosynthesized LTB4. The biosynthesis of the 15-lipoxygenase (LO) metabolites 15-HETE and 12-HETE also differed, with a 15-HETE:12-HETE ratio of 6.3 for hEOS and 0.727 for mEOS. EOS biosynthesized some specialized pro-resolving mediators, and the levels from mEOS were 9-times higher than those of hEOS. In contrast, hEOS produced important amounts of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol (2-AG) and its congeners from EPA and DHA, a biosynthetic pathway that was up to ~100-fold less prominent in mEOS. Our data show that hEOS and mEOS biosynthesize the same lipid mediators but in different amounts. Compared to asthmatics, mouse models likely have an amplified involvement of LTB4 and specialized pro-resolving mediators and a diminished impact of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol and its congeners.
FREQUENCY DIVERSE ISAR TWO-DIMENSIONAL IMAGING METHOD AND RESOLUTION ANALYSIS

Aiming at the shortcomings of complex broadband transmitter/receiver systems and inflexible bandwidth control in the existing inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) imaging systems, in this paper, a novel two-dimensional imaging method based on frequency diverse ISAR (FDISAR) is proposed by combining frequency diversity technique with inverse synthetic aperture technique. In the imaging process, FDISAR is different from the stepped-frequency ISAR, which needs to transmit the same burst at different observation moments. Once the bandwidth is determined, the bandwidth of the subsequent burst synthesis cannot be changed, which reduces the flexibility of the radar system. In this method, single-frequency signals of different frequencies are transmitted to the target at different observation times, and the wideband signals are synthesized using the frequencies at different observation times to obtain the resolution capability in the range direction. In addition, the relative motion synthetic aperture of the target and radar is used to obtain the azimuth resolution capability, and finally the twodimensional imaging capability of the moving target is formed. Specifically, we established an ISAR imaging model based on frequency diversity to synthesize a broadband signal and used an improved backward projection algorithm (BP) to complete the two-dimensional imaging of the target. On this basis, the influence of the transmission signal frequency selection on the imaging quality is analyzed, and the half-power resolution in range and azimuth directions is derived. Furthermore, in order to eliminate side lobes and improve imaging quality, we combined compressive sensing (CS) theory with a BP imaging algorithm based on compressed sensing to obtain high-quality target 2D images. Simulation and actual measurement results show that FDISAR can achieve two-dimensional imaging of moving multi-scattering point targets. The application of this method is of great significance for reducing the complexity of the ISAR imaging system and improving the flexibility of the system’s control bandwidth resources.
Optimum of Treatment Condition for Artocarpus heterophyllus Seeds Starch as Natural Coagulant Aid in Landfill Leachate Treatment by RSM

Landfill still remains the most commonly employed treatment for municipal solid waste disposal around the world, which generates a high-strength wastewater with complex constituents referred to as landfill leachate. As consequences, if not properly treated and safely disposed, leachate can migrate into soil and subsoils which might cause severe damage to eco-system of land, surface water and groundwater. Aim of this paper is to establish the optimum parameters of starch-based coagulant as an alternative coagulant to remove suspended solid (SS), colour, turbidity, carbon oxygen demand (COD), and ammoniacal-nitrogen in leachate treatment by using RSM method. Leachate was collected from Matang Landfill Site, Perak, Malaysia. In this paper, the efficiency of Jackfruit seeds starch (JSS) act as a coagulant aid is established by using Kategunya method with percentage yield of 33.67%. The starch obtained is then used together with polyaluminium chloride (PAC) in leachate sample. The removal efficiency was determined by a series of experiments using jar test. By using three independent variables including pH, dosage of PAC and dosage of JSS for Central Composite Design (CCD) of RSM, optimum removal of response parameters is carried out. As a result, optimum removal of COD at pH 5, 523.32 mg/L of PAC, 400 mg/L of JSS gives Prob. >F significantly with only 4.32% error. The results showed that, addition of JSS as coagulant aid also helps to reduce the dosage of PAC as well as JSS in leachate. As a conclusion, JSS can be used as a coagulant aid to PAC.
Development of the Focused Malley Probe as a Local Aero-Optical Measurement Technique

A novel local aero-optical measurement technique, termed the focused Malley probe, is presented, where two converging-diverging laser beams passing through a wind tunnel are used to perform localized aero-optical jitter and convective speed measurements. Validating experiments were conducted using a subsonic speed tunnel with a small diameter cylinder placed in the middle of the test section to create local aero-optical distortions in the wake downstream. Measurements were performed in the wake downstream of the cylinder, in the freestream upstream of the cylinder, and in the turbulent boundary layer upstream of the cylinder. Spectral analysis of the crosscorrelations between two beams in these preliminary experiments clearly demonstrate the ability of the focused Malley probe under certain conditions to measure convective velocity primarily near the focal point. In the case when the focal points were placed inside the cylinder’s wake, a spectral peak corresponding to the shedding frequency was clearly resolved despite the presence of the corrupting effects from the boundary layers at the walls of the tunnel. Various experimental and data processing requirements to obtain accurate results are also discussed.
The Role of Family Ownership in the Relationship between Board Characteristics and Corporate Social Environmental Reporting: Evidence from Malaysia

The objective of this paper is to investigate the role of family ownership in the relationship between board of directors (BOD) characteristics and the reporting of corporate social and environmental practices (CSER) . BOD is one of the corporate governance mechanism put in place to ensure that the company is managed to the best interest of shareholders. However, previous findings on the relationship between BOD characteristics and CSER are inconclusive. The effectiveness corporate governance mechanisms including BOD characteristics is claimed to be influenced by cultural and societal norms. Hence, this study adds to the understanding of the role of BOD in reporting practices of companies in Malaysia. In addition, given the mixed findings on the relationship of BOD and CSER , this study also investigates the role of family ownership. This paper suggests that the relationship between BOD and CSER is weaker in family-owned companies because the owner tends to safeguard the information, hence lower disclosure is evidenced. Malaysia is unique in the sense than around 70% of companies are owned by families and this provide a good setting for the study. Cross-sectional sample of 136 public listed companies are selected using systematic stratified random sampling methods. BOD characteristics to be investigated are female on Board (FB) , board independence (BI) , board size (BS) and CSR committee (CC) . The CSER is assessed by content analysis, and PLS-SEM is used for data analysis. The results indicate that all of the BOD characteristics tested in this study except for board size, have significant positive relationship with CSER . However, the moderating role of family ownership is not supported.