Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dithering Strategy Applied to Tinnitus Masking

W referacie przedstawiono teorie wyjaśniającą zjawisko szumow usznych na gruncie akustyki, elektroniki i telekomunikacji. Spostrzezenie, ze sluch jest w istocie akustycznym ukladem transmisyjnym, sklania do poszukiwania interpretacji powstawania szumow usznych w ogolnej teorii spontanicznego generowania szumu w ukladach transmisyjnych. Sformulowana hipoteza wskazuje na istnienie pasozytniczej kwantyzacji, ktora pojawia sie w sytuacji wystąpienia ubytku sluchu, dlatego zostala ona powiązana z teoriami, dotyczącymi przyczyn powstawiania szumow usznych. W ramach prac badawczych zostaly przeprowadzone wstepne badania, mające na celu weryfikacje zasadności zaproponowanej interpretacji sposobu dzialania maskera. Dla celow realizacji eksperymentow zostala opracowana skuteczna metoda podawania sygnalu maskującego z wykorzystaniem kostnego przewodnictwa dźwieku. Wyniki przeprowadzonych badan potwierdzają wystepowanie analogii pomiedzy zjawiskami progowymi, ktore wystepują w elektronicznych ukladach transmisji sygnalow fonicznych z kwantyzacją i zjawiskami związanymi ze slyszeniem i powstawaniem szumow usznych, co moze prowadzic do stworzenia bardziej skutecznych metod terapii. Slowa kluczowe: audiologia, szumy uszne, ultradźwieki, audiometria
Systematic review of the impact of emissions from aviation on current and future climate

Abstract Aviation emissions have an impact on the global climate, and this is consequently an active area of research worldwide. By adapting replicable and transparent systematic review methods from the field of evidence-based medicine, we aim to synthesise available data on the effects of aviation emissions on climate. From these data, we aim to calculate lower and upper bounds for estimates of the effect of aviation on climate in an objective manner. For the systematic review an appropriate protocol was developed and applied by two independent reviewers, to identify research that met the inclusion criteria. These included all aviation types, original research studies, climate models with aviation as a specific component, with outcomes for emissions, radiative forcing, global warming potential and/or surface temperature changes. These studies were prioritised and data extracted using a standard process. The 35 studies reviewed here reported radiative forcing, global warming potential and/or temperature changes as outcomes, allowing direct comparisons to be made. Tabulated results and a narrative commentary were provided for overall effects on climate, and the individual effects of carbon dioxide, water, contrails, cirrus clouds, ozone, nitrogen oxides, methane, soot and sulphur oxides. Lower and upper bounds for these effects, and their relative contributions compared to overall radiative forcing and surface temperature changes, have been described. This review shows that the most recent estimates for the contribution of aviation to global climate are highly dependent on the level of scientific understanding and modelling, and predicted scenarios for social and economic growth. Estimates for the future contribution of aviation to global radiative forcing in 2015 range from 5·31% to 8·04%. For 2050 the estimates have a wider spread, from 2·12% to 17·33%, the latter being for the most extreme technology and growth scenario. These global estimates should be considered within the context of uncertainties in accounting for the direct and indirect effects of different contributions. Variations between lower and upper bounds for estimates of radiative forcing are relatively low for carbon dioxide, around 131% to 800% for cirrus clouds effects, and 1,044% for soot. Advances in climate research, particularly in the area of contrail and cloud effects, has led to some revision of the 1999 IPCC estimates(1), and demonstrates that the research community is actively working to further understand the underlying science. The approaches assumptions, limitations and future work were discussed in detail. We have demonstrated how the systematic review methodology can be applied to climate science, in a replicable and transparent manner.
Development of a fibre optic oxygen sensor for respiratory monitoring in the intensive care unit

Arterial oxygen tension is commonly measured by means of intermittent arterial gas sampling. This technique is unable to detect within-breath oxygen tension changes that may be observed in mechanically ventilated patients, especially in the presence of lung injury. Moreover, it may not afford sufficient time resolution to detect potentially injurious settings of the mechanical ventilation itself. Continuous and rapid arterial oxygen tension measurement could detect within-breath changes in pulmonary gas exchange and offer clinically important feedback for the management of mechanical ventilation therapy in real time. We developed a novel fibre optic intravascular oxygen tension sensor, measured its fast response time in vitro, tested its blood clotting resistance over a period of 24 hours, and its capacity to measure arterial oxygen tension in vivo in a pig model of uninjured lung. This short communication will review the main steps of this collaborative project’s progress to date, highlighting the technology’s strengths, together with future potential for translation to a clinical scenario.
YouTube in the secondary classroom: how teachers use instructional videos in mainstream classrooms

ABSTRACT Online streaming has transformed instructional videos into a seemingly ubiquitous part of learning and teaching in secondary schools. Much of the research into video use in secondary education has either proposed best practices or focused on a-typical pedagogies like flipped learning and distance education. The use of videos in mainstream schooling is under-examined. Drawing on the experiences of nine Australian secondary teachers this research examines ways in which instructional videos, mostly from YouTube, were used in mainstream classrooms. These uses included replacing the teacher as direct instructor, displaying historical footage, and the demonstration of abstract phenomena. However, some practices were less predictable, such as a virtual duplication of teachers or the use of controversial videos to prompt critical discussion. A connection emerged between teacher experience and the innovative use of instructional videos, suggesting that the use of videos is a pedagogical skill that improves with wisdom of practice.
Strength and Creep Characteristics of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement–Sand Blend Backfill in Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls

Using reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) as a backfill for mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls provides both environmental and economic benefits by allowing in situ recycling for road widening projects. RAP, a well-drained granular material, has lower reinforcing strip pullout strength than A-3 sand and creeps under constant load. The objective of this research was to determine whether blending RAP with A-3 sand would improve RAP's performance in MSE applications. Laboratory specimens of 100% RAP, 100% A-3 sand, and 50% RAP–50% sand blends were compacted by the modified Proctor method and tested for vertical creep with one-dimensional oedometer compression tests at three stress levels to simulate different depths behind an MSE wall. Large-scale test pit testing was performed to determine reinforcing strip ultimate lateral pullout strength; pullout creep at 25%, 50%, and 75% of ultimate pullout; and vertical creep at the three overburden stress levels used in laboratory testing. RAP–sand blends had higher density, friction factors, and pullout strength and developed ultimate pullout strength at lower displacements than either 100% sand or 100% RAP. The RAP–sand blends exhibited more horizontal and vertical creep than 100% sand but significantly less creep than 100% RAP.
Blood Pressure in Healthy Youngsters is modified by Vitamin-D Supplementation

Objective Our study aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on blood pressure in vitamin D insufficient young volunteers compared to an age matched control group with sufficient levels of vitamin D. Secondarily we aimed to evaluate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on the RAAS and sympathetic nervous system. Design Single centre, Randomised controlled Trial. of Range 2.4) mmHg (p = 0.009), diastolic BP (daytime) decreased -4.5 (2.1) mmHg (p = 0.03), norepinephrine decreased -0.80 (0.21) nmol/L, (p = 0.0002). There was no effect of vitamin D supplementation on night time systolic or diastolic BP, and no effect on angiotensinogen, renin, angiotensin (I+II), aldosterone or epinephrine. We observed that 180 days of vitamin D supplementation in normal youngsters with insufficient vitamin D significantly lowered systolic and diastolic BP during daytime. Vitamin D supplementation also significantly lowered circulating norepinephrine. Nothing happened in the control group with normal vitamin D. Hence, it is tempting to conclude that vitamin D acts on BP through SNS as no changes were observed in the RAAS.
Low-Cost Rural Surface Alternatives: Demonstration Project

The goals of this project were to implement several stabilization methods for preventing or mitigating freeze-thaw damage to granular surfaced roads and identify the most effective and economical methods for the soil and climate conditions of Iowa. Several methods and technologies identified as potentially suitable for Iowa were selected from an extensive analysis of existing literature provided with Iowa Highway Research Board (IHRB) Project TR-632. Using the selected methods, demonstration sections were constructed in Hamilton County on a heavily traveled two-mile section of granular surfaced road that required frequent maintenance during previous thawing periods. Construction procedures and costs of the demonstration sections were documented, and subsequent maintenance requirements were tabulated through two seasonal freeze-thaw periods. Extensive laboratory and field tests were performed prior to construction, as well as before and after the two seasonal freeze-thaw periods, to monitor the performance of the demonstration sections. A weather station was installed at the project site and temperature sensors were embedded in the subgrade to monitor ground temperatures up to a depth of 5 ft and determine the duration and depths of ground freezing and thawing. An economic analysis was performed using the documented construction and maintenance costs, and the estimated cumulative costs per square yard were projected over a 20-year timeframe to determine break-even periods relative to the cost of continuing current maintenance practices. Overall, the sections with biaxial geogrid or macadam base courses had the best observed freeze-thaw performance in this study. These two stabilization methods have larger initial costs and longer break-even periods than aggregate columns, but counties should also weigh the benefits of improved ride quality and savings that these solutions can provide as excellent foundations for future paving or surface upgrades.
Does Quality of Host Regulation Matter in Multinational Investment Attraction? Evidence from Sub-Sahara Africa

The study examined whether the regulatory quality matter in multinational investment inflows into the SSA region. The study utilized System GMM in investigating the relationship using a total enumeration of 48 SSA countries from 2004 to 2018. The results showed that regulatory infrastructure is weak across SSA, specifically the rule of law, control of corruption and quality of government policies formulation. The study also finds that regulatory variables individually show diverse patterns but jointly exert a significant impact on multinational investment inflow. This partly elucidates why SSA is lagging in attracting foreign investments as compared to other regional blocs in the developing countries. The policy implication of this study is for policymakers to strengthen regulations further, making policies that would promote and attract the inflows of multinational investments into SSA through strengthening the various government agencies responsible for upholding the regulatory institutions. This means that SSA governments should enhance their regulatory structures through reforms to attract more multinational inflows into the sub-region.
Sketching: The Basics

In 2011, following the phenomenal global success of "Sketching," which has sold over ninety thousand copies to date, authors Koos Eissen and Roselien Steur debut the sequel entitled "Sketching: The Basics. " In fact, prequel would be a better word for this new book, since it is aimed towards the novice designer. Whereas "Sketching" shows you how to draw various aspects of shape and form, and serves more as a reference book, "The Basics" explains things in more detail, taking the reader by the hand and guiding him step by step through all the various aspects of drawing that novice designers come up against. "The Basics" explains the rudiments of learning to draw both clearly and comprehensively, using step-by-step illustrations, examples, and strategies. You will learn to use and master the different techniques and also how to apply sketches in the design process.It is the perfect book for those just starting out in sketching, for the first years of art and design courses, and for those who wish to revise the basics of good sketching; it is a simple and efficient way of learning all you've ever wanted to know but have never had explained to you.Koos Eissen is an associate professor at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, where he is responsible for the freehand and digital drawing classes at the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering.Roselien Steur lectures at the Royal Academy of Arts in The Hague and specialises in design sketching workshops for professionals.
Student Engagement in Final Year Independent Project Work

Final Year Projects are a common component of many degree programmes and often contribute heavily to final award marks. In addition to providing students the opportunity to demonstrate the skills and knowledge they have developed during the course of their studies, final year projects also allow students to exercise a wider set of employability and professional skills. This means that in many disciplines projects are significant in the transformation of students into professionals. Despite the significance of Final Year Projects they have received very little attention in terms of student engagement. Student engagement with project work is critical given the independent nature of many final year projects. It is important that students not only appreciate and understand the technical or subject specific requirements of a given project but also appreciate the wider needs of a significant piece of independent work such as project management and control, objective setting and evaluation of both the outcomes of the project and the process undertaken to achieve this. In this paper we will review three types of student engagement, namely cognitive engagement, behavioural engagement and emotional engagement, with final year project work based on the three-part model of student engagement proposed by a number of authors . Based on this review and evidence gathered from monitoring the progress of an entire cohort of students we describe an approach for structuring final year project work without compromising the degree of independence required from the students or degrading the opportunity for them to progress on the transition from student to professional.
RURAL ROADS SPEED INCONSISTENCIES DESIGN METHODS. PART 1. OPERATING SPEEDS AND ACCIDENT RATES ON TWO-LANE RURAL HIGHWAY CURVED SECTIONS: INVESTIGATIONS ABOUT CONSISTENCY AND INCONSISTENCY IN HORIZONTAL ALIGNMENT

The document contains reviews of international speed concepts and accident characteristics in different countries, a methodology for use in the analysis of speed and accident data, an analysis of variables affecting curve oprating speeds and accident rates with the corresponding prediction equations, and investigations about reasonable boundaries for good, fair, and poor design practices. The research was undertaken to determine by regression analysis the influence of design parameters and traffic volume on operating speeds and accident rates, as related to an established data base of 261 road sections of two-lane rural State Routes in the State of New York. Of the several parameters considered, the most successful parameters for explaining much of the variability in operating speeds and accident rates were found to be "degree of curve" or posted "recommended speed".
Policy Transfer: An Analysis of the Implementation of E- Government Reform Strategies by the Nigeria Immigration Service

Policy transfer has been the dominant approach by donors to domestic policy development in less developed countries across Africa. Arguably, countries in the global north have been the main sources and triggers of public sector reforms to Africa. Many of the reforms, were inspired by the ideas of New Public Management (NPM) and e-government strategies. The nature of the transfer has been partly imposed due to loan, debt relief, and technological dependence on the global north by the Nigerian Government. The donors that trigger such transfers in many cases ignored the domestic contextual factors and the critical role of StreetLevel-Bureaucrates in policy implementation in developing countries. But the use of conditions by donors to impose policy on African governments may not necessarily lead to the expected outcomes of policy implementation. The Nigeria Immigration Service was used as an empirical case in this research. The data for this study was collected through the use of in-depth interviews with relevant governmental and non-governmental policy actors and documentary sources.
Hybrid-Identities: Degrees of Digital Selves

Digitally mediated social network sites can be conceived as ‘sandbox games’ where users can play with and perform identity in a variety of ways. This paper will look at the ways in which Facebook and Pinterest offer two different platforms for identity play with both actual and idealized forms of selves through the posting and framing of personal information and the (re)appropriation of pre-existing content on the internet. In doing so, it will be demonstrated that it is possible for hybrid-identity to emerge and stabilize through the archival nature of the internet.
Essentials of Organization Theory and Design

PART 1: INTRODUCTION TO ORGANIZATIONS. 1. Organizations and Organization Theory. PART 2: THE OPEN SYSTEM. 2. Strategic Management and Organizational Effectiveness. 3. The External Environment. PART 3: ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE AND DESIGN. 4. Manufacturing, Service, and Advanced Information Technology. 5. Organization Size and Life Cycle. 6. Fundamentals of Organization Structure. 7. Contemporary Designs for Global Competitors. PART 4: DYNAMIC PROCESSES IN ORGANIZATIONS. 8. Innovation and Change. 9. Information Technology and Organizational Control. 10. Organizational Culture and Ethical Values. 11. Decision-Making Processes. 12. Power and Politics. 13. Interdepartmental Relations and Conflict. PART 5: STRATEGY AND STRUCTURE FOR THE FUTURE. 14. Interorganizational Relationships. 15. Toward the Learning Organization.
Retrieval of water vapor using ground-based observations from a prototype ATOMMS active centimeter- and millimeter-wavelength occultation instrument

Abstract. A fundamental goal of satellite weather and climate observations is profiling the atmosphere with in situ-like precision and resolution with absolute accuracy and unbiased, all-weather, global coverage. While GPS radio occultation (RO) has perhaps come closest in terms of profiling the gas state from orbit, it does not provide sufficient information to simultaneously profile water vapor and temperature. We have been developing the Active Temperature, Ozone and Moisture Microwave Spectrometer (ATOMMS) RO system that probes the 22 and 183 GHz water vapor absorption lines to simultaneously profile temperature and water vapor from the lower troposphere to the mesopause. Using an ATOMMS instrument prototype between two mountaintops, we have demonstrated its ability to penetrate through water vapor, clouds and rain up to optical depths of 17 (7 orders of magnitude reduction in signal power) and still isolate the vapor absorption line spectrum to retrieve water vapor with a random uncertainty of less than 1 %. This demonstration represents a key step toward an orbiting ATOMMS system for weather, climate and constraining processes. ATOMMS water vapor retrievals from orbit will not be biased by climatological or first-guess constraints and will be capable of capturing nearly the full range of variability through the atmosphere and around the globe, in both clear and cloudy conditions, and will therefore greatly improve our understanding and analysis of water vapor. This information can be used to improve weather and climate models through constraints on and refinement of processes affecting and affected by water vapor.
Why The Best Man For The Job Is A Woman: The Unique Female Qualities of Leadership

Corporate America is filled with millions of women managers striving to become successful, effective leaders. Yet the countless management books published each year fail to capture the experience of what it means for women to play with -- and beat -- the big boys at their own game. Providing inspiration, encouragement, and hard-won advice, Why the Best Man for the Job Is a Woman draws on the cumulative experiences of women such as Meg Whitman, CEO of eBay; Shelly Lazarus, CEO of Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide; Patricia Fili-Kruschel, president of ABC-TV Network; Rebecca Mark, Vice Chairman of Enron; Orit Gadiesh, Chairman of Bain & Coo; Ann Winblad, Partner, Hummer Winblad Venture Partners; Martha Ingram, Chairman of Ingram Industries; and Marcy Carsey, Co-founder and Co-president of the Carsey -- Werner Company, to help all women climb the corporate ladder. It identifies the key characteristics of these women that establishes a new management paradigm, thereby leading to an understanding of what they do differently.and why it works!
Design of Feedback Control Strategies in a Plant-Wide Wastewater Treatment Plant for Simultaneous Evaluation of Economics, Energy Usage, and Removal of Nutrients

Simultaneous removal of nitrogen and phosphorous is a recommended practice while treating wastewater. In the present study, control strategies based on proportional-integral (PI), model predictive control (MPC), and fuzzy logic are developed and implemented on a plant-wide wastewater treatment plant. Four combinations of control frameworks are developed in order to reduce the operational cost and improve the effluent quality. As a working platform, a Benchmark simulation model (BSM2-P) is used. A default control framework with PI controllers is used to control nitrate and dissolved oxygen (DO) by manipulating the internal recycle and oxygen mass transfer coefficient (KLa). Hierarchical control topology is proposed in which a lower-level control framework with PI controllers is implemented to DO in the sixth reactor by regulating the KLa of the fifth, sixth, and seventh reactors, and fuzzy and MPC are used at the supervisory level. This supervisory level considers the ammonia in the last aerobic reactor as a feedback signal to alter the DO set-points. PI-fuzzy showed improved effluent quality by 21.1%, total phosphorus removal rate by 33.3% with an increase of operational cost, and a slight increase in the production rates of greenhouse gases. In all the control design frameworks, a trade-off is observed between operational cost and effluent quality.