Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using Digital Socialization to Support Geographically Dispersed AEC Project Teams

In the field of knowledge management research, socialization means to convert individual into group tacit knowledge. This process matters from the outset of an architecture, engineering, and construction AEC project to enhance collaborative work. Face-to- face meetings and phone calls undoubtedly facilitate socialization. However, meetings can be hard to timetable and expensive when AEC teams are geographically dispersed, whereas phone calls are cheap but offer limited capabilities for problem solving. Further, both media are not good at supporting asynchronous socialization. This study investigates the extent Internet-based media can promote cross-firm socialization and enhance collaborative work. The cross fertilization of findings from an exploratory case study with theory in computer- supported collaborative work CSCW informs the development of a conceptual framework on digital socialization. This framework underpins IDRAK—a proof-of-concept of a rich Internet application prototype to promote socialization in AEC projects. Our main contribution is the design of a novel methodology to evaluate the usability of digital systems to support socialization at the early design stage of an AEC project. The results from our lab experiments suggest that IDRAK can satisfactorily and efficiently enhance collaborative work. However, more research is needed, first, to evaluate the effectiveness of IDRAK to improve design quality and asynchronous socialization; and second, to investigate how other CSCW features can improve the performance of IDRAK-like systems.
Impact of different spawn substrates on yield of Calocybe indica

Mushrooms have existed for millions of years and mankind has regarded them as a valuable food and at present, mushroom cultivation is the only economically viable biotechnology process where in waste materials or crop residues may be converted into valuable food. Paddy straw mushroom, Volvariella sp. , and oyster mushroom, Pleurotus sp. , could not perform better in the summer months because of their temperature preferences. Milky mushroom, Calocybe indica, with its ability to grow fairly at high temperatures with excellent shelf life seems to be the best alternative to such mushrooms. Due to this promising ability, an experiment was conducted to find the suitability of different grains as spawn substrates and their effect on yield parameters of C. indica. The results revealed the supremacy of sorghum grains as the most suitable substrate for early spawn run, which took only 13.7 days for hundred percent mycelial growth. The yield and number of buttons harvested were found maximum in the sorghum grain spawn followed by ragi grain spawn. The maize grain substrates took 19 days for complete spawn run and recorded low yield when compared to other spawn substrates. The days for pin head formation and first harvest of the crop were earlier in case of sorghum grain spawn followed by ragi spawn. Key words: Mushroom, Calocybe indica, spawn substrate, sorghum grain.
Low-Rank Hankel Signal Model: Numerical Results

—Hankel matrices arise in several applications of signal processing, such as tensor decompositions, biomedical signal processing, etc. In general, these techniques rely on digital signals that can be modeled as a linear combination of exponential polynomials. Hence, the Hankel matrix built from these signals presents full rank, equal to the number of poles, ensured under mild constraints. The present work observes other features of the low-rank Hankel model, using singular value decomposition (SVD) to assess rank deﬁciency. The effects observed may impact blind source separation (BSS) problems
Experimental Assessment of New Generation Radio Networks Based on Layered Division Multiplexing

Despite the recent advances in broadband penetration and accessibility, broadcasting networks continue to be the most efficient way for delivering media content to large areas independently of the user density. Nevertheless, a convergence of broadcasting services into the broadband networks is foreseen. In this context, Layered Division Multiplexing (LDM) allows the joint provision of unicast, multicast, and broadcast services in mobile cells infrastructure. Despite the success of LDM in broadcasting infrastructure, its practical application in Long Term Evolution networks providing Evolved Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Services (LTE eMBMS) and 5G-MBMS is more difficult. In this paper, we experimentally quantify the cell-interference and its impact on the network performance and Quality of Service. Our experiments reveal that the inter-cell interference margin for LTE eMBMS is about 3 dB higher compared to traditional LTE networks. If a layered architecture is incorporated this higher inter-cell interference would cause a reduction of approximately 19% of the Enhanced Layer (Lower Layer) coverage.
Government Sector Re-alignment in Sri Lanka and the Role of Visionary Leadership & Process Re-engineering

This paper initially discusses the necessity for realigning the mission and operations of government agencies to meet the changing demands of the environment, highlighting the need for organisational transformation (OT). Thereafter the paper moves on to discuss e-government as a key enabler to facilitate government sector re-alignment (GSR), and discusses the concepts of change content and change implementation within the context of OT. Researchers have identified over 70% of such initiatives which have not been successful and at the same time other researchers have identified the lack of attention on change content. Therefore this paper identifies visionary leadership and Government Process Re-engineering (GPR) as a methodology for developing change content. The use of GPR as a methodology facilitates a shift from developing structure based change content towards process based change content – which would enable the organisation to view the required re-alignment from a more holistic perspective. Sri Lanka Journal of Development Administration, Vol. 5, pp. 37-57, 2015
Real exchange rate effect on economic growth: comparison of fundamental equilibrium exchange rate and Balassa–Samuelson based Rodrik approach

ABSTRACT This study reproduces the work of Dani Rodrik on real exchange rate undervaluation and economic growth for 93 countries over the period 1990–2018. While the empirical literature on the dynamics between the real exchange rate1 1 It is a measure of the bilateral real exchange rate with respect to the US dollar. and economic growth is relatively comprehensive, little has been done to compare these dynamics within economies using the Balassa–Samuelson-based Rodrik approach (BS) and the fundamental equilibrium exchange rate model (FEER). This research, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, is one of the first to compare the fundamental equilibrium exchange rate model and Balassa–Samuelson-based Rodrik approach and use dynamic estimation on the Rodrik approach. The findings of the study support Rodrik’s conclusion that undervaluation has a significant impact on economic growth, although the results of FEER are more significant than those of BS. Furthermore, the first lag of undervaluation has a significant effect on economic growth.
Clinical presentation does not affect acute mechanical performance of the Novolimus-eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffold as assessed by optical coherence tomography

Introduction Initial trials of bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) have mostly excluded patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, these patients might benefit from a BVS platform, in particular as they are often younger and have been less frequently treated than patients with chronic disease. Aim To compare the acute performance of a Novolimus eluting BVS in ACS and non-ACS patients using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients presenting with acute or chronic coronary syndrome. Material and methods The final OCT pullback of 79 patients (34 with ACS, 45 non-ACS) was analysed at 1-mm intervals. The following indices were calculated: mean and minimal area, residual area stenosis, incomplete strut apposition, tissue prolapse, eccentricity index, symmetry index, strut fracture, and edge dissection. Results OCT showed a minimum lumen area (non-ACS vs. ACS) of 6.2 ±2.1 vs. 5.6 ±1.5 mm2 (p = 0.21). Mean residual area stenosis was 14.5% vs. 19.5% (p = 0.39). The mean eccentricity index did not differ significantly (0.78 ±0.13 vs. 0.78 ±0.06; p = 0.42). There was a non-significant tendency for more fractures in the non-ACS group (22.2% vs. 5.9%; p = 0.07). Prolapse area was comparable (4.4 ±7.4 mm2 vs. 5.2 ±10.9 mm2; p = 0.62). Conclusions This is the first study to investigate the acute mechanical performance of a Novolimus-eluting BVS in patients with different clinical presentations using OCT. We found that clinical presentation did not determine acute mechanical performance as assessed by the final OCT pullback. There was evidence of more mechanical complications in terms of fractures and a higher percentage of incomplete strut apposition in the group of patients with chronic coronary syndrome.
CFD predictions of flow near impeller blades in baffled stirred vessels: Assessment of computational snapshot approach

The present article summarizes simulations of turbulent flow generated by a Rushton turbine (six blades with disc) and a downflow pitched blade turbine (four blades, 45° inclined) using a computational snapshot approach. The computational snapshot approach proposed by Ranade and Dommeti was extended and generalized to suit impellers of any shape. The approach was implemented using a commercial CFD code, FLUENT (Fluent Inc., USA). Mean flow and turbulence characteristics were computed by solving the Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equations combined with the standard k - l turbulence model. The QUICK discretization scheme (with SUPERBEE limiter function) was used to discretize all the governing equations. Preliminary numerical experiments were carried out to identify adequate grid resolution. The predicted results were compared with the comprehensive data set available in the literature. Simulated results show a pair of trailing vortex behind the blades of a turbine. The results were also compared quantitatively in the near-impeller region with the published experimental data and published simulated results using other approaches. The simulations have captured most of the key features of near-impeller flows with sufficient accuracy. The results and conclusions drawn from this study will have important implications for extending the applicability of CFD models to simulate complex stirred reactors.
Effect of isocenter deviation on volume modulated arc therapy plan results and gamma passing rate in the treatment of cervical cancer

Background Isocenter deviation, often induced by small displacements of both the device and the patient, is a common error seen in radiotherapy. In this study, we investigated the impact of isocenter deviation on the results of the volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plan and dosimetric verification gamma passing rate in the treatment of cervical cancer. Methods The clinical data of 15 patients with cervical cancer who were treated with VMAT were retrospectively collected and analyzed. In this study, the isocenter site modification method was adopted. The VMAT plan with isocenter deviation adjustment was set as the experimental group, while the original plan was set as the control group. The impact of isocenter deviation on the results of the VMAT plan and dosimetric verification gamma passing rate was analyzed. Applying gamma analysis with different test criterions, the impact of isocenter deviation on the gamma passing rates was evaluated, and the sensitivity of different test criterions in identifying isocenter deviation was also analyzed. Results There was a significant difference in the average dose in the target area between experimental group and control group (P<0.05). In organs at risk (OAR) terms, isocenter deviations also caused significant differences in dose parameters between the two groups. Except that there was no significant difference in the rectal V40 between two groups when the isocenter deviation was greater than 3 mm in the y axis direction. With the increase in the isocenter deviation, there was a trend towards decreased gamma passing rates with different analysis criterions in the experimental group. The 2 mm/2% standard had the highest sensitivity for identifying isocenter deviation. Conclusions Isocenter deviation has significant effects on the results of the volume rotation intensity modulation plan and dosimetric verification gamma passing rates in the treatment of cervical cancer. When the isocenter deviation was less than 3 mm, a higher gamma passing rate (>90%) could also be obtained under the condition of the 3 mm/3% test criterions. It is recommended that the 2 mm/2% test standard should be utilized in clinical practice.
Evaluating Ventilation Systems for Existing Homes

During the course of this project, an affordable and high performance ductwork system to directly address the problems of thermal losses, poor efficiency, and air leakage was designed. To save space and enable direct connections between different floors of the building, the ductwork system was designed in such a way that it occupied interior or exterior frame wall cavities. The ductwork system satisfied building regulations for structural support when bridging multiple floors, the spread of fire and smoke, and insulation to reduce the heat flow into or out of the building. Retrofits of urban residential buildings will be the main focus for the application of this ductwork system. Highly reflective foils and insulating materials were used to aid in the increase of the overall R-value of the ductwork itself and the wall assembly. It is expected that the proposed system will increase the efficiency of the HVAC system and the thermal resistance of the building envelope. The performance of the proposed ductwork design was numerically evaluated in a number of different ways. Our results indicate that the duct method is a very cost attractive alternative to the conventional method.
Use of the Soil-Plant-Air-Water Model to Predict Hydraulic Performance of Vegetative Treatment Areas Controlling Open Lot Runoff

Alternative treatment systems to control runoff from open beef feedlots may enhance environmental security and protect water quality. Several Midwestern states have issued National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permits allowing beef feedlots to use vegetative treatment systems (VTSs) to control and treat feedlot runoff. Monitoring VTSs has provided data to validate performance modeling strategies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of the Soil-Plant-Air-Water (SPAW) model to predict the hydraulic performance of vegetative treatment areas (VTAs). Two approaches, one using the field module and the other the pond module of the SPAW model, were investigated. The model results from the SPAW field and pond modules were compared to monitored performance data from five VTAs in Iowa. Modeling statistics were calculated to evaluate SPAW's ability to predict VTA hydraulic performance. Based on the 18 site-years of data collected, the Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), percent bias (BIAS), and ratio of the root mean square error to the standard deviation (RSR) were 0.95, 8%, and 0.22, respectively, on an annual basis. The NSE, BIAS, and RSR for the field module were 0.32, 32%, and 0.83, respectively. The results showed that the SPAW model could be used successfully to predict the hydraulic performance of VTAs, with the pond module being more successful than the field module.
Estimation of Combining Ability and Gene Action for Yield and Its Contributing Traits in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum.L)

Combining ability analysis for grain yield and its components, and nature of gene action in bread wheat were investigated using twelve lines (L1 “FLORKA” , L2 “MALLIN” , L3 “KLAK” , L4 “RIZGARY” ,L5 “ARAS” ,L6 “SITEMALL” ,L7 “HIDHAB” ,L8 “ALLAI” ,L9 “OASIS” ,L10 “KAUZ” , L11 “ADANA99” and L12 “ACSAD5”) and three testers (T1 “ABU GHRAIB 3” ,T2 “SHAM 6” and T3 “API 99” ) and thus 36 crosses produced in line x tester mating design which were evaluated in randomized block design with three replications. Study on gene action revealed the preponderance of non-additive gene action for all traits On the basis of GCA effects, the parents KLAK, ARAS, SITEMALL, ALLAI and tester ABU GHRAIB3 were identified as good general combiners revealing their in desirable direction. Hybrid ABU GHRAIB 3×ALLAI and SHAM6× KAUZ was found to be the best specific cross combination for grain yield and eight traits. However, the best specific cross combinations for other contributing traits were ABU GHRAIB 3× FLORKA for days to 50% heading, ABU GHRAIB 3× FLORKA for plant height in desirable direction for low height of plant and API 99×FLORKA for plant height in desirable direction for height of plant , API 99×ADANA 99 and SHAM6× FLORK for Number of spikelets /spike, SHAM6× KAUZ for leaf area ABU GHRAIB 3 ×ACSAD5 for number of tillers per plant and Number of spikes /plant, ×ABU GHRAIB 3 ALLAI and API 99×ALLAI Number of grains/spike, API 99×ALLAI Biological yield/plant API 99×ALLAI and ABU GHRAIB 3 ×ALLAI for Grain yield/plant, ABU GHRAIB 3 ×ALLAI for harvest index and ABU GHRAIB 3× KLAK for 1000 grain weight.
An Artificial Neural Network Based Method for Seismic Fragility Analysis of Highway Bridges

Fragility functions have become widely adopted in the seismic risk assessment of highway bridges, or even a transportation network. The computational effort required for a fragility analysis of highway bridges using incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) can become excessive, far beyond the capability of modern computing systems, especially when dealing with the structural parameter uncertainty in generating the fragility functions. In this paper, an artificial neural network (ANN) based prediction scheme for the generation of analytical fragility curves for highway bridges is presented. And the extremely time-consuming process in traditional analytical fragility methodologies is replaced by properly trained ANNs. The implementation of ANNs is focused on the simulation of median value and standard deviation of IDA curves at a given intensity level. The uniform design method (UDM) is proposed for selecting the training datasets for establishing a well-trained ANN model. It is observed that the proposed procedure can provides accurate estimates of fragility curves with relative short time compared to conventional procedures. The sensitivity study also reveals importance of material or geometric uncertainty in developing fragility curves of highway bridges.
An Improved Random Access Scheme Using Directional Beams for 5G Massive Machine-Type Communications

In the 5th generation (5G) massive machine-type communication (mMTC), random access is the limiting factor of performance because there may be massive user equipments (UEs) up to 1 million unit competing for the access opportunities. Existing random access schemes in the 4th generation (4G) or 5G systems are not able to handle such a large amount of concurrent random access requests. This article proposes a random access scheme based on directional beams, which offers a new spatial degree of freedom to improve the random access performance in 5G mMTC. In this scheme, a cell is divided into Beam Zones in the space domain. UEs in different Beam Zones choose a certain physical random access channel (PRACH) resource with a different probability. When preamble collision occurs, uplink radio resource is allocated to the Beam Zone which has low collision probability. We provide theoretical performance analysis of the proposed scheme using different performance metrics. Comparisons are carried out between the proposed and several existing random access schemes. The proposed scheme can be easily deployed without any modification to the 5G framework. Existing random access optimizing algorithms can also be applied to the proposed scheme.
Investors’ Reactions to Extreme Events in the Hungarian Stock Market

This paper examines investors’ reactions to extreme events in the Hungarian stock market. We seek to answer the research question whether following extreme events any overreaction of investors can be observed on the Budapest Stock Exchange. With a view to answering the research question, we identify extreme events based on extreme returns on the market portfolio and then – using an event study – we examine abnormal returns on winner and loser equities. After examining investors’ reactions, we inspect the performance of the contrarian strategy in the created event windows. The main result of our research is the presentation that – based on the analysis of the differences between the average cumulative abnormal returns after extreme events – investor overreactions can be observed in the Hungarian stock market. The loser portfolios relating to extreme events significantly outperform winner portfolios connected to the event. The excess return of the contrarian strategy cannot be attributed to differences in the market risk of winner and loser portfolios. The excess return of the strategy can be shown only under tighter extreme value thresholds. The clustering of the event windows with short-term reversal, high market volatility and extreme events is beneficial to the performance of the contrarian strategy. In addition, our research also shows that the purchase of loser portfolios or the development of a contrarian strategy after extreme events may generate profit for investors, since after extreme events the loser portfolios usually beat the market on a horizon of 21 days.
Financing agri-food business in the Mediterranean area through crowdfunding: Do environmental issues matter?

Global expectations are that crowdfunding will be able to unleash the great potential for contributing to sustainable development by providing financial resources for environmentally and socially oriented ven-tures. The purpose of this paper is to estimate which factors, including the orientation to sustainability, foster the likelihood of crowdfunding success in agri-food campaigns. Using a sample of crowdfunding campaigns launched in the Kickstarter platform, this paper employs a binary logistic regression model to investigate factors that motivate investment decisions. The results demonstrate that the campaigns that are rated as sustainable show a positive, statistically relevant relation to the success. In addition, improv-ing the quality and complexity of the project, together with the realistic setting of goal increase the odds of success. In the era of innovative finance, this paper contributes to the growing literature and initiatives to promote and develop crowdfunding in the agri-food industry.