Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Polarization-independent depolarizers for highly coherent light using Faraday rotator mirrors

We propose two novel polarization-independent optical depolarizers for highly coherent light using Faraday rotator mirrors (FRM). One uses delay fibers, and the other uses frequency shifters for depolarization. We demonstrate experimentally their polarization-independent depolarization. We also discuss the factors degrading the performance of these depolarizers.
Performance and Blood Profiles of Feedlot Bunaji Bulls Fed Diets Containing Graded Levels of Shea Nut Cake

This preliminary study was carried out to assess the effect of feeding diets containing varying levels of Shea nut cake (SNC) on the growth performance and blood profiles of feedlot Bunaji bulls. Six Bunaji bulls, aged two years and weighing averagely 142 Kg were allotted to three dietary treatments (T1, T2 and T3) in which Shea nut cake was included at 0.0, 5.0 and 10.0% respectively at the expense of maize offal in a Completely Randomized experimental Design. Other feed inputs used in formulating the diets included palm kernel cake, brewer dried grain, melon seed husk meal, bone ash and table salt. The experimental diets were fed to the bulls for 90 days at the rate of 3.0% body weight while elephant grass and drinking water were offered ad libitum. Growth performance indices measured were feed intake, water intake, daily body weight change and feed conversion ratio while haematological indices assessed were white blood cells, red blood cells, haemoglobin, parked cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes, basophils and platelets. Results showed that, of the growth performance indices measured, only the average daily concentrate intake, average daily water intake and total body weight gain differed significantly (P<0.05) while the average daily forage intake, average daily total feed intake, average daily body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and final body weight did not differ significantly (P>0.05). In a similar vein, only the WBC differed significantly (P<0.05) while the other haematological parameters did not show any significant difference (P>0.05). It was concluded that dietary inclusion of SNC did not exhibit any deleterious effect on growth performance and haematological indices of the Bunaji bulls. It was recommended that Bunaji cattle farmers could include SNC at 5% in diets for feedlot fattening of Bunaji bulls.
Comparison of trace element contents in normal thyroid and thyroid with Hashimoto's thyroiditis using neutron activation analysis

Role of trace elements (TE) in etiology and pathogenesis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is unclear. The aim of this exploratory study was to assess whether there were significant changes in thyroid tissue levels of ten TE (Ag, Co, Cr, Fe, Hg, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, and Zn) are present in the autoimmune transformed thyroid. Ten TE of thyroid tissue were determined in 8 patients with HT and 105 healthy populations. The measurements were performed using non-destructive instrumental neutron activation analysis with high resolution spectrometry of long-lived radionuclides. Elevated mean values of Ag, Hg, and Rb content were found in thyroid with HT in comparison with normal level (in approximately 21, 30, and 1.6 times, respectively). Because the considerable changes in some TE contents in tissue of thyroid with HT were found, it is reasonable to assume that the levels of these TE in thyroid tissue can be used as HT markers. However, this topic needs additional studies.
Three-Dimensional Substrate Impedance Engineering Based on<tex>$hbox p ^-$</tex>/<tex>$hbox p ^+$</tex>Si Substrate for Mixed-Signal System-on-Chip (SoC)

A novel approach for three-dimensional substrate impedance engineering of p/sup -//p/sup +/ Si substrate is described for mixed-signal integrated circuit applications. This technology requires minimum intrusion to conventional Si CMOS processing, but offers astounding improvements with regard to radio frequency (RF) crosstalk via substrate and on-chip inductor performance. Electroless plating or electro-plating is used to fabricate Faraday cage for crosstalk isolation as well as to provide "true ground" contacts. A self-limiting porous Si (PS) formation process is employed to allow the insertion of PS regions from the backside of the wafer, eliminating completely the waste of chip surface area. On-chip inductors are situated above the semi-insulating PS regions allowing for greatly increased Q-factor and resonance frequency (f/sub r/). RF crosstalk is reduced to the level limited by that across the air gap between the measurement probes.
Physical and mechanical properties of impregnated polystyrene jabon (Anthocephalus cadamba) glulam

Jabon (Anthocephalus cadamba) laminas were impregnated with polystyrene and reached 21.2% polymer loading. The laminas were manufactured for three-layer glued laminated timber (glulam) using isocyanate glue with glue spread 280 g/m2 and cold-press process. For comparison purposes, untreated glulam as control and also solid wood were prepared. The physical-mechanical properties were evaluated according to the Japanese Agricultural Standard (JAS) 234-2003. The results showed that the color of glulam was not different from polystyrene glulam. The density of polystyrene glulam was higher than untreated glulam and solid wood, but the moisture content was lower than the other. The product kinds of solid wood, untreated glulam, and polystyrene glulam did not affect shear strength and modulus of rupture (MOR), while the modulus of elasticity (MOE) of untreated glulam and hardness of polystyrene glulam were the highest values and the other products were not different one each other. Both kinds of glulam fulfilled the Japanese standard in terms of moisture content, MOR, and delamination in hot water, but MOE and shear strength did not. Regarding its advantages, polystyrene glulam could be further developed using a higher wood density.
Mutation hotspots of SARS-CoV-2 RNA motifs conserved in betacoronaviruses

The pandemic of the coronavirus infection COVID-19, which began at the end of 2019 and caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has led to unprecedented consequences in the world. By the end of May 2021, in the world there were 167 million infected and 3.5 million died directly from infection [1]. SARS-CoV-2 is a beta coronavirus, so it shares many conserved fragments with other known viruses of this type [2]. Since the beginning of the spread of the COVID-19, one of the important issues of research of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been the search for its conserved RNA motifs and their functional annotation. These motifs are potential targets for the treatment and diagnosis of a disease caused by the virus. This report examines the structural RNA fragments of SARS-CoV-2, similar to the corresponding fragments in other beta coronaviruses [2]. For these RNA motifs the nucleotide variability during the spread of the virus, depending on their secondary structure, was investigated. All the motifs display the similar background variability although contain hypervariable positions.
Neotectonics and geodynamics of the Streltsovsky ore region according to the analysis of digital elevation models

In the case of underground mining of mineral deposits under difficult mining and geological conditions and at great depths, one of the most urgent problems is the prevention of dangerous geodynamic events. The use of digital elevation models significantly expands the possibilities of preliminary assessment of the potential hazard of their manifestation. This article discusses the results of an assessment of the neotectonics and geodynamics of the Streltsovsky ore region carried out using digital elevation models. The interpretation of the obtained data is based on the concept of lateral tectonic flows adapted for the Far Eastern region of Russia. Digital elevation models based on the GTOPO30 made it possible to identify and evaluate the drift direction of three tectonic flows in the region. The direction determined by the relief coincides satisfactorily with the GPS direction.
Industry Bachelor Programme: An Experience Report

Students within many disciplines, information technology being one, face challenges of getting their first job, such as lack of work experience and outsourcing. This paper describes a variant of a Bachelor education degree, which is called the Industry Bachelor Programme. The motivation behind the Industry Bachelor Programme is to introduce the students to working in a company as consultants so that they may enter directly into a work environment when they finish their studies. Guided by Action Research as the main approach, we report from three years of collected data from interviews, grade reports and documentation. Our contribution is twofold. First, we contribute to academic literature by extending an existing framework for university and company collaboration. Second, we offer a roadmap with detailed tasks, responsibilities and timespan for universities that want to start an Industry Bachelor Programme.
Gradual Domain Adaptation without Indexed Intermediate Domains

The effectiveness of unsupervised domain adaptation degrades when there is a large discrepancy between the source and target domains. Gradual domain adaptation (GDA) is one promising way to mitigate such an issue, by leveraging additional unlabeled data that gradually shift from the source to the target. Through sequentially adapting the model along the"indexed"intermediate domains, GDA substantially improves the overall adaptation performance. In practice, however, the extra unlabeled data may not be separated into intermediate domains and indexed properly, limiting the applicability of GDA. In this paper, we investigate how to discover the sequence of intermediate domains when it is not already available. Concretely, we propose a coarse-to-fine framework, which starts with a coarse domain discovery step via progressive domain discriminator training. This coarse domain sequence then undergoes a fine indexing step via a novel cycle-consistency loss, which encourages the next intermediate domain to preserve sufficient discriminative knowledge of the current intermediate domain. The resulting domain sequence can then be used by a GDA algorithm. On benchmark data sets of GDA, we show that our approach, which we name Intermediate DOmain Labeler (IDOL), can lead to comparable or even better adaptation performance compared to the pre-defined domain sequence, making GDA more applicable and robust to the quality of domain sequences. Codes are available at https://github.com/hongyouc/IDOL.
An electromechanical model for sensing and actuation of ionic polymer metal composites

Ionic polymer metal composites (IPMCs) are active materials that exhibit a bidirectional electromechanical coupling. An IPMC is an electrolytic polymer membrane that is plated by two metallic electrodes. A voltage difference across the electrodes generates structural deformations; and, conversely, a mechanical deformation yields a voltage difference across the electrodes. In this paper, we develop a physics-based model for the sensing and actuation of IPMCs undergoing small deformations. The model describes a variety of phenomena taking place in an IPMC, including counterions, solvent, and polymer motions; electric dipole generation; osmotic effects; boundary layer formation; polymer swelling; and local charge imbalances. We specialize the model to the analysis of linear static deformations of a thin and flat IPMC, for which we derive a plate-like model. The reduced-order linear plate-like model is derived by using the principle of virtual work and a parallel-plate approximation for the electrostatic field inside the IPMC. The proposed plate-like model is equivalent to traditional plate models for moderately thin piezoelectric bimorph plates. The constitutive parameters of the plate-like model are expressed in terms of fundamental IPMC physical quantities, such as polymer hydration level, IPMC dielectric constant, polymer and electrode dimensions and elastic properties, and solute concentration. We validate the reduced-order model by comparing its predictions with available experimental data on mechanical stiffness, electric capacitance, and sensing and actuation capacity of water-hydrated Nafion in Na+ form. The model predictions are in close agreement with experimental findings. The model provides new insights into the design and optimization of IPMCs and into the role of the IPMC electric capacitance on electromechanical performance. More specifically, we show that the IPMC capacitance is largely independent of the IPMC thickness and highly correlated to the thickness of the boundary layers formed by the counterion species in the vicinity of the electrodes. Further, we analytically show that the capacitance strongly influences the sensing and actuation effectiveness of IPMCs.
Semisimplicity of \'etale cohomology of certain Shimura varieties

Building on work of Fayad and Nekov\'{a}\v{r}, we show that a certain part of the etale cohomology of some abelian-type Shimura varieties is semisimple, assuming the associated automorphic Galois representations exists, and satisfies some good properties. The proof combines an abstract semisimplicity criterion of Fayad-Nekov\'{a}\v{r} with the Eichler-Shimura relations.
Profit-led in Effect or in Mere Appearance? Estimating the Irish Demand Regime Given the Influence of Multinational Enterprises

In the Republic of Ireland, the activities of MNEs drive real demand on one level and severely distort conventional national accounts statistics on another. This poses a problem for the valid estimation of the Irish demand regime since key variables such as the wage share of GDP are skewed and strongly correlated with omitted variables that determine some components of demand. This paper summarises the real and distortionary effects of MNEs in Ireland, and then adjusts and controls for these effects as much as possible in an econometric estimation of the underlying Irish demand regime. Both ordinary least squares and three stage least squares estimators are used, the latter as an attempt to deal with the issue of simultaneity bias that confronts all empirical attempts at demand regime estimation. The main results of this paper are twofold. Firstly, Ireland is found to be wage-led in the specifications that adjust and control for the influence of MNEs. Second, the average effective corporate tax rate (AECTR) on foreign affiliates in Ireland is found to be statistically significant in explaining investment. This, alongside indicative foreign affiliate statistics, supports the view that Ireland may be “tax competition-led”, in the sense implied by Woodgate (2020), where a lower AECTR has a net positive effect on aggregate demand in Ireland (though at the expense of other nations). The implications of these findings for policy are drawn.
A study of the implementation of BIM in the AEC industry in New Zealand

In the most recent two decades, Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been considered one of the most significant global technological innovations in the context of the Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC) industry. Notably, several developed countries such as Finland, Singapore, Denmark, and Norway have successfully implemented BIM in both the government and private sectors. Modern research shows wider use and acceptance of BIM would benefit the AEC industry in New Zealand, with gains such as more effective processes, better cost-control and significant quality improvement of buildings and infrastructure. Even though there is a support mechanism to advocate the employment of BIM into the AEC industry in New Zealand, there are numerous barriers for its successful implementation. Past literature shows that only a few studies have analysed the reasons for lack of BIM use in New Zealand despite its well-recognised benefits and the available support mechanism. Therefore, this study aims to explore the barriers of BIM implementation in New Zealand. The study employed a qualitative approach. Selected subject matter experts from academia and the AEC industry in New Zealand were interviewed. The study found that the BIM adoption support mechanism in New Zealand is inefficient due to a lack of government leadership for supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the construction industry. An inconsistency of standards and classifications has also resulted in loose collaboration and a lack of coordination between members in the AEC industry. It is expected that the research findings will contribute to a deeper understanding of the barriers for BIM application in New Zealand.
Creative Drive and Algorithm Aversion – The Impact of Influence in the Process of Algorithmic Decision-making on Algorithm Aversion

: Although algorithms make more precise forecasts than humans in many applications, decision-makers often refuse to resort to their use. In an economic experiment, we examine whether the extent of this phenomenon known as algorithm aversion can be reduced by granting decision-makers the possibility to exert an influence on the design of the algorithm (an influence on the algorithmic input). In addition, we replicate the study carried out by Dietvorst et al. (2018). This shows that algorithm aversion recedes significantly if the subjects can subsequently change the results of the algorithm – and even if this is only by a few percent (an influence on the algorithmic output). The present study confirms that algorithm aversion is reduced significantly when there is such a possibility to influence the algorithmic output. However, exerting an influence on the algorithmic input seems to have only a limited ability to reduce algorithm aversion. A limited opportunity to modify the algorithmic output thus reduces algorithm aversion more effectively than having the ability to influence the algorithmic input.
Nature Vs Nurture in Personality Formation

Personality is defined as the characteristic sets of cognition, feelings, and behaviors derived by a person’s subjective experiences and desires. In this paper, I argue that personality is mainly influenced by the environment. First, I argue that the family environment, culture, and learned values form the personality. Second, I argue that environmental influences such as war and trauma can alter the personality formation process. Alternative positions include case studies on separated twins and parent-child similarities that suggest a stronger genetic influence on personality. However, I show that many of these studies seem to be biased towards greater twin similarity. This paper is important as understanding the environmental influences on personality is a crucial step in predicting human behavior. I conclude my paper by recommending that more adequately controlled case studies must be conducted to capture an accurate interplay linking genetics and personality.
The role of transformational leadership, servant leadership, digital transformation on organizational performance and work innovation capabilities in digital era

The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between Transformational Leadership, Servant Leadership, Digital Transformation on Organizational Performance and Work Innovation Capabilities. In this study using quantitative methods and data analysis techniques Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using SmartPLS 3.0 software. This research was conducted in the population in this study were all SMEs in Tangerang City as many as 41,155 SMEs and based on the method of determining the number of samples according to Morgan, the sample units were 380 SMEs. Based on the results of data analysis transformational leadership has a significant effect on Organizational Performance, transformational leadership has no significant effect on Work Innovation Capabilities, servant leadership has a significant effect on Organizational Performance, servant leadership has no significant effect on work innovation capabilities, digital transformation has no significant effect on organizational performance, digital Transformation has no significant effect on Work Innovation Capabilities, organizational performance has no significant effect on work innovation capabilities, transformational Leadership has no significant effect on Organizational Performance through Work Innovation Capabilities, Servant Leadership has no significant effect on Organizational Performance through Work Innovation Capabilities, digital transformation has no significant effect significant to the Organizational Performance through Work Innovation Capabilities.
Effective Utilization of a Small-Scale Municipal Solid Waste for Power Generation

Quantity of small scale municipal solid waste available in each of the states of Nigeria was assessed and determined. Physical and Chemical characteristics of the various types of solid wastes were analysed and their values estimated. Thermal analysis of a small-scale municipal solid waste-fired steam generator was done. The analysis was based on the selected design parameters: operating steam pressure of 10 bar, with fuel consumption rate of 500 Kg/h and combustion chamber which utilizes mass burn incineration using water wall furnace. The plant is designed as a possible option for thermal utilization of rural and urban wastes in Nigeria. The average daily generation of MSW was considered in order to assess the availability of the material. The data were collected from Enugu State Waste Management Authority (ENSWAMA). This was calculated based on the state population, urbanization and industrialization strengths. Calculation of calorific value of the waste to determine the heat contents was carried out using two methods: Bomb calorimeter and Dulong’s formula. Some samples of the garbage were analyzed with bomb calorimeter in the National Centre for Energy Research & Development Laboratory, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The calorific values obtained from this analysis were 12572.308 KJ/kg, 14012.05 KJ/kg, 21833.26 KJ/kg and 20551.01 KJ/kg for paper products, woods, plastics and textiles waste respectively, while the energy content obtained from the elemental composition of waste using Dulong’s formula was 15,101 KJ/kg . The maximum temperature of the furnace attained from the energy balance based on this value around the combustion chamber was 833.7 K and the amount of air required per kg of MSW was 8.66kg
Organisational Change in Systems of Building Regulation and Control: Illustrations from the English Context

This paper evaluates organisational changes in English local authority building-control departments (BCD), in a context in which the adoption and development of management procedure, technique, and process, more commonly associated with corporate private-sector enterprises, are occurring. Referring to data based on twenty-nine interviews with building surveyors, we show that change in building control is complex and contradictory, and best thought of as the emergence of new capacities, competencies, and interactions (of regulation) both within BCD, and between BCD and new actors and agents. This includes the enlargement of the regulatory networks of BCD, through the use of external expert advisors, and by the formation of, sometimes unstable, partnerships in which BCD may work with each other and with clients of building-control services. Such partnerships and networks are part of a complexity of regulation, in which outcomes are not the products of any one professional, or actor, but part of a diversity of overlapping relations and interventions. Such relations, we argue, are part of a process that may undermine, even dismantle, the public provision of building-control services.