Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Plastic Microbead Accumulation in our Freshwaters: North American Great Lakes Assessments and Perspective

The authors review recent studies conducted across the Great Lakes of North America to assess the quantity and type of microplastic waste found in these waters, sediments, and beaches. Findings from their own studies are shared, sampling plastic pollution from remote and secluded Nature Reserves in Lake Erie (ON), and the Ottawa River watershed (QC), showing significant accumulation of microbeads. Spherical ‘microbeads’ made of plastics are now ubiquitous in a wide range of personal healthcare and cleansing products, used by the average North American consumer now at upwards of quadrillions per day. Designed to be flushable, these plastic microbeads inevitably end up in municipal wastewater streams, and then to a large extent leak into our freshwater ecosystems. Recent studies throughout the important Great Lakes system of North America have reported microbeads at essentially all locations examined. On the shorelines, in surface waters, throughout water columns, and in sediments of these freshwater systems, microbeads are now ever-present, and are accumulating in significant amounts. Their small and stable shape and composition, and limited pathways to degradation produce a long lifespan, with the capacity to remain in the freshwater environment for potentially hundreds of years. This review collects and compares initial microbead studies between 2013–2021 in the Great Lakes region to provide a snapshot of the current levels and locations, and to serve as a baseline for future tracking to assess progress as the microbead contamination and accumulation problem is addressed. We as well present findings from our own local study of microplastic/bead accumulation downstream of the Great Lakes, in the St. Lawrence and Ottawa rivers near Montreal. Aspects of microbead contamination represent a unique subset of the worldwide microplastic problem, in that much control remains over their life cycle and eventual fate. Consequently, the power to address this microbead problem can rest with polymer chemists and engineers, who, armed with a better understanding of the relevant physical polymer properties of the beads that govern their movement into the aquatic environment, hold the ability to rationally redesign microbead composition and develop removal techniques.
The computable city

Abstract By the year 2050, everything around us will be some form of computer. Already, we are seeing a massive convergence of computers and communications through various forms of media. Computerized highways are in prospect and smart buildings are almost upon us. As planners we are accustomed to using computers to advance our science and art but it would appear that the city itself is turning into a constellation of computers. The implications of this for city planning are enormous. New data sources emerging in real time, and software to understand many elements of the working of cities such as simulation games and GIS, are now widespread. The juxtaposition of media that a generation ago would have been regarded as unthinkable is generating entirely new opportunities for understanding and planning cities. This paper raises these issues through a travelogue across the Internet. Ideas for what is becoming possible in our domain are illustrated from that latest of networking triumphs, the World Wide Web, f.
Study of prevalence of endometrial cancer in patients with adenomyosis uteri

Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of adenomyosis in endometrial cancer patients and to determine the frequency of adenomyosis and endometrial cancer at hysterectomy specimens.Methods: This study was carried out retrospectively on pathologic specimens of hysterectomies. A total of 98 women in the period May 2020 to January 2021enrolled to the study. All pathologies seen in hysterectomy specimens were noted. The frequency of adenomyosis and the accompanying pathologies were determined. These women were categorized into two groups according to the cause of hysterectomy. The incidence of adenomyosis was analyzed together with the endometrial cancer.Results: The incidence of adenomyosis was 22% at hysterectomy specimens. There was no statistically significant difference between the mean age of the two groups (p=0.002*). There were 22 cases with adenomyosis and the only pathologic finding was adenomyosis, in 22.7% of cases. The most common accompanying pathologies with adenomyosis were uterine myomas in 95% and on significant association was found in cases of endometrial carcinoma.Conclusions: There is no evidence that adenomyosis increases the risk of endometrial cancer as there is no statistically significant difference found between the group with and the group without adenomyosis in terms of coexistence with endometrial carcinoma.
Experimental-clinical analysis of some aspects of the Coronaviruses emergence in piggery during 1987–2020

The paper presents an analysis of own clinical and experimental data on the participation of ducks in the possible emergence of swine alpha-coronavirus — a virus of endemic diarrhea (PED-CoV), as well as of the porcine beta-coronavirus threats (hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus, PHE-CoV) in the COVID pandemia context. The coronavirus of duck enteritis (DE-CoV) was studied in the nineties of the twentieth century: biodiversity of its morphology includes the morphological variants identical to the morphology of PED-CoV and PHE-CoV. Moreover, hemagglutinins of all these viruses have a bilateral affinity among them on the level 24–42%. Obtained data suggest the real risk of ducks’ participation in the emergence of at least alpha-coronavirus infections in pigs. There are also threats of the emergence of porcine beta-coronavirus infection under the influence of COVID-19 in industrial pig herds
Strain energy harvesting for wireless sensor networks

Our goal was to demonstrate a robust strain energy harvesting system for powering an embedded wireless sensor network without batteries. A composite material specimen was laminated with unidirectional aligned piezoelectric fibers (PZT5A, 250 um, overall 13x10x.38 mm). The fibers were embedded within a resin matrix for damage tolerance (Advanced Cerametrics, Lambertville, NJ). A foil strain gauge (Micro-Measurements, Raleigh, NC) was bonded to the piezoelectric fiber and shunt calibrated. The specimen was loaded in three point cyclic bending (75 to 300 με peak) using an electrodynamic actuator operating at 60,120, and 180 Hz. Strain energy was stored by rectifying piezoelectric fiber output into a capacitor bank. When the capacitor voltage reached a preset threshold, charge was transferred to an integrated, embeddable wireless sensor node (StrainLink, MicroStrain, Inc., Williston, VT). Nodes include: 16 bit A/D converter w/programmable gain and filter, 5 single ended or 3 differential sensor inputs, microcontroller w/16 bit address, on-board EEPROM, and 418 MHz FSK RF transmitter. Transmission range was 1/3 mile (LOS, 1/4 wavelength antennas, 12 milliamps at +3 VDC). The RF receiver included EEPROM, XML output, and Ethernet connectivity. Received data from network nodes are parsed according to their individual addresses. The times required to accumulate sufficient charge to accomplish data transmission was evaluated. For peak strains of 150 με, the time to transmit was 30 to 160 seconds (for 180 to 60 Hz tests).
An Investigation of the Effects of Scaffolding Task-Based English Logic Learning: A Cognitive Style Approach

ABSTRACT Task-based learning can be used to promote language learning. On the other hand, scaffolding instruction can help students without sufficient abilities to undertake tasks. Accordingly, we developed the Scaffolding Task-based English Logic Learning (S-TELL) by incorporating scaffolding instruction into Task-based Learning. The S-TELL was applied to facilitate research students to learn how to present clear logical relationships in academic writing. Additionally, an empirical study was conducted to investigate how different cognitive style groups (i.e., Serialists and Holists) reacted to the S-TELL, including learning performance, learning perception and learning behavior. Regarding learning performance, the findings showed that either Holists or Serialists made significant improvement via interacting with the S-TELL. Moreover, Holists significantly obtained higher post-scores than Serialists though they had similar task scores. Regarding learning perception, few perception differences existed between Serialists and Holists. Regarding learning behavior, Holists demonstrated more behavior sequences than Serialists. This was due to the fact that Holists often checked the current status and used the English hint while Serialists did not show such behavior. According to these findings, we proposed a framework, which can be employed to personalize the S-TELL in our future work so that the preferences of Holists and Serialists can be accommodated.
Technology Acceptance Model Approach to Analysing the Use of Fintech in MSME Transactions in Buleleng

The use of technology should be a strategy for MSME to run their business. Supported by various regulations and facilities by the government and the private sector, MSME actors should be able to make the best use of technology according to their business needs. Fintech is a financial service that can help perpetrators to make payment transactions, with various promised benefits. In fact, many factors can support or hinder MSME actors from using this technology. The Technology Acceptance Model can be used to find these factors, so that a conclusion can be found that can be used by various parties involved in the use of this technology
Using the Delphi Technique in Normative Planning Research: Methodological Design Considerations

Worldwide, metropolitan areas continue to be confronted by a growing number of increasingly difficult planning issues. It is our experience that planning practitioners have not taken full advantage of what the Delphi technique can contribute to making informed choices in a wide variety of decision and policy environments. The objectives of this paper are to describe and explain the research design that supported a real-world application of the Delphi technique in an urban, regional, and ecosystem-based planning context, as well as to demonstrate how this model has been or can be adapted to serve a variety of planning research or application tasks.
Unravelling the large-scale circulation modes in turbulent Rayleigh-Bénard convection

The large-scale circulation (LSC) is the most fundamental turbulent coherent flow structure in Rayleigh-Bénard convection. Further, LSCs provide the foundation upon which superstructures, the largest observable features in convective systems, are formed. In confined cylindrical geometries with diameter-to-height aspect ratios of , LSC dynamics are known to be governed by a quasi-two-dimensional, coupled horizontal sloshing and torsional (ST) oscillatory mode. In contrast, in cylinders, a three-dimensional jump rope vortex (JRV) motion dominates the LSC dynamics. Here, we use dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) on direct numerical simulation data of liquid metal to show that both types of modes co-exist in and cylinders but with opposite dynamical importance. Furthermore, with this analysis, we demonstrate that ST oscillations originate from a tilted elliptical mean flow superposed with a symmetric higher-order mode, which is connected to the four rolls in the plane perpendicular to the LSC in tanks.
Effects of a Specifically Designed Physical Conditioning Program on the Load Carriage and Lifting Performance of Female Soldiers.

Abstract : Forty-six women were studied to determine whether their ability to perform "very heavy" Army jobs could be improved by a specially designed 24-week physical training program administered within normal Army time constraints; 32 subjects remained for the entire testing and training program. The training program proved effective. The weight of boxes the women could lift to three different heights improved between 30% and 47%. After training, the average box-weight the women could lift onto a truck was 118 pounds, 81% of the Army male value. The number of 40-pound boxes the women could lift onto a truck in 10 minutes increased from 106 to 140. The number of 40-pound boxes that could be lifted off the ground, carried 25 feet and placed onto a truck increased from 53 to 62. Vertical jump and standing long jump distance increased 20% and 15% respectively. The speed at which a 75 pound backpack could be carried over a 2-mile mixed-terrain course increased from 3.4 to 4.4 miles per hour. Before the training, only 24% of the women could qualify for "very heavy" Army jobs; after the training, 78% could qualify. Body composition improved as well.
Promoting sustainable construction waste management in Hong Kong

Similar to many affluent cities found elsewhere in the world, Hong Kong is currently facing a great challenge to manage the wastes generated from its construction and demolition (C&D) activities that has wide‐ranging impacts on the environment. To tackle this, the Hong Kong Special and Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has signalled the required changes by sorting out the inert substances from C&D waste for reusing and recycling and using recycled building materials in construction through its role as both a construction client and contractor. The current practices and attitudes of local project participants towards C&D waste management were collected through questionnaires. A total of 69 questionnaires were received: 61% of the respondents stated that their projects did not take any measures to collect and separate C&D wastes and 64% of the projects did not use recycled building materials in construction. The prevailing problems of local construction industry are addressed through examinations of the constraints involved in improving C&D waste treatment and according to the results of the survey, to evaluate the practicability of increasing the capability and capacity of the industry to learn to be more sustainable.
Models of pulsationally assisted gravitationally confined detonations with different ignition conditions

Over the past decades, many explosion scenarios for Type Ia supernovae have been proposed and investigated including various combinations of deﬂagrations and detonations in white dwarfs of di ﬀ erent masses up to the Chandrasekhar mass. One of these is the gravitationally conﬁned detonation model. In this case a weak deﬂagration burns to the surface, wraps around the bound core, and collides at the antipode. A subsequent detonation is then initiated in the collision area. Since the parameter space for this scenario, that is, varying central densities and ignition geometries, has not been studied in detail, we used pure deﬂagration models of a previous parameter study dedicated to Type Iax supernovae as initial models to investigate the gravitationally conﬁned detonation scenario. We aim to judge whether this channel can account for one of the many subgroups of Type Ia supernovae, or even normal events. To this end, we employed a comprehensive pipeline for three-dimensional Type Ia supernova modeling that consists of hydrodynamic explosion simulations, nuclear network calculations, and radiative transfer. The observables extracted from the radiative transfer are then compared to observed light curves and spectra. The study produces a wide range in masses of synthesized 56 Ni ranging from 0.257 to 1 . 057 M (cid:12) , and, thus, can potentially account for subluminous as well as overluminous Type Ia supernovae in terms of brightness. However, a rough agreement with observed light curves and spectra can only be found for 91T-like objects. Although several discrepancies remain, we conclude that the gravitationally conﬁned detonation model cannot be ruled out as a mechanism to produce 91T-like objects. However, the models do not provide a good explanation for either normal Type Ia supernovae or Type Iax supernovae.
Line ◊ tester analysis for seed yield and yield components in spring and winter type varieties of oil seed rape

Line ◊ tester analysis of two testers of spring type and six lines of winter type oil seed rape varieties were used to estimate combining ability and heterosis of yield components and seed yield. Significant mean squares of treatments for yield components and seed yield, indicating significant genetic variations among the genotypes including parents and their crosses. Parents vs crosses mean square which indicate average heterosis was significant for all the traits except pods per plant. Line ◊ tester mean square was significant for all the traits except pods per plant. High narrow sense heritability estimate for 1000-seed weight indicating the prime importance of additive genetic effects for this trait. Significant positive general combining ability (GCA) effects of seed yield were observed for parents which had positive GCA effects of pods per plant. Most of the crosses with significant positive specific combining ability (SCA) effects for pods per plant had significant positive SCA effects of seed yield. Most of the crosses had significant positive over spring parent heterosis of seed yield, indicating winter type of oil seed rape varieties are suitable candidates for improving this trait using combination method.
A Pareto-based memetic algorithm for optimization of looped water distribution systems

Looped water distribution networks have traditionally been used in urban and industrial water supply. Nowadays, they are also being introduced in certain irrigation water distribution systems, such as in greenhouse horticultural systems. The design of looped networks is a much more complex problem than the design of branched ones, but their greater reliability can compensate for the increase in cost. Most articles found in the literature try to minimize the network investment cost, while other designing objectives are considered as constraints. This article introduces a multi-objective memetic algorithm that simultaneously optimizes the total investment cost, and also the reliability of the network in terms of total surplus power at the demand nodes. This memetic algorithm uses the Pareto-dominance concept to determine the quality of the solutions. The results obtained in two small water supply networks, and a large irrigation water supply network denote the good performance of the memetic algorithm here proposed in comparison with other well known meta-heuristics.
A Web-Based Survey on Factors for Unvaccination and Adverse Reactions of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines in Chinese Patients with Psoriasis

Purpose Vaccination is one of the most important strategy to prevent infections and control epidemics, but it also raises concerns about safety in patients receiving treatments. This study aimed to investigate the rate and factors for unvaccination, as well as adverse reactions and deterioration of disease after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in psoriatic patients. Methods A web-based questionnaire survey on SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, adverse reactions, and self-reported change of disease condition after vaccination in patients with psoriasis was conducted. Demographic, clinical, and psychological data were collected. Multivariable logistic regression was used in the estimation of associations. Results A total of 788 psoriatic patients were investigated, and 68.9% reported SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Younger age, use of interleukin-17 inhibitors, and symptoms of anxiety were associated with unvaccination. The incidence of overall adverse reactions after vaccination was 30.8%, and no severe adverse reaction was reported. The most common local and systemic adverse reactions were pain at the injection site and fatigue, respectively. Most patients reported no change in psoriasis after vaccination, while 16.6% and 4.4% reported slight and significant deteriorations of the disease, respectively. Nonadherence to treatment, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and perceived stress were associated with self-reported deterioration of psoriasis after vaccination. Conclusion While a favorable safety profile of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines is observed, receiving biologic treatment is factor for unvaccination in patients with psoriasis. Deterioration of psoriasis reported by a small proportion of patients is partially attributable to mental and behavioral factors.
Passive acoustic signal sensing approach to detection of ice on the rotor blades of wind turbines

In cold seasons, irregular layers of atmospheric ice (AI) are usually accreted on the rotor blades of wind turbines. These layers can cause unexpected downtimes and increase the maintenance cost reducing the efficiency. AI presents an unpredictable mixture of crystalline and amorphous ices including such forms as dense snow frozen to the surface, soft rime, hard rime, clear ice, and glaze. The parameters of the AI-layer e.g., the thickness, mass volumetric density, porosity, elastic moduli, viscosities, and stress relaxation time, vary significantly, from a half on order to a few orders, depending on the parameter and type of AI.To solve the icing problem for wind turbines, the ice-detection and de-icing systems are needed. The ice detection systems (IDSs) should not only detect the AI-layer on the blade skin but also provide the data allowing identification of the AI-layer parameters, which are sufficient for the cost-efficient de-icing. The identification method is, thus, in the focus of the IDS development, which deals with the following main features. (1) The operational load in a blade creates irregular space-time distributions of acoustic variable (e.g., strain, stress, and displacement) which depend on the acceleration, deceleration, and speed of rotation of the rotor, the blade-pitch angle, the wind, the presence of the AI layer on the skin, and other factors. The corresponding experimental data are well documented. (2) The blade skin is a layer of a complex, curvilinear shape, which, in the course of the turbine operation, varies in space and time. This feature is also well documented. (3) The AI stress-relaxation time can be in an interval of a few orders. (4) The AI-layer parameters should be identified by means of an appropriate acoustic model from the data of the sensors, which are located on the inner surface of the blade skin and wirelessly controlled in the real-time mode by a computer and gateways. The present work develops an acoustic model and method for identification of four of the AI-layer parameters: the thickness, mass density, bulk-wave speed, and stress-relaxation time. Due to Point (1), the identification method presumes passive rather than active sensing. The method is based on measurements of the acoustic accelerations at different points on the inner surface of the skin. The challenge in Point (2) is met by the generalizing the thin-planar-disk approximation from a single solid layer to the system of the blade-skin/AI layers. The proposed identification method is computationally efficient and suitable for the use indicated in Point (4). It extends the scope of the structural health monitoring techniques.