Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EVALUATION OF EARTHQUAKE RESPONSE SPECTRA CONSIDERING DEPTH OF SEISMIC BEDROCK

The design earthquake motions are often defined by the response spectra. For example, in the seismic design standard for the Japanese Railway facilities (1999) there are two types of design spectra for the Level-1 earthquake and the Level-2 earthquake. The Level-1 earthquake is the earthquake, which has an occurrence probability of a few times during the service life of the structures. The Level-2 earthquake motions have high intensity, which are defined by taking into account earthquake activities in the inter-plate regions (Spectrum-I) and defined by considering the near source earthquake motions characteristics caused by intra-plate earthquakes (Spectrum-II). The Spectrum-II for the Level-2 earthquake has been evaluated by chiefly using the records observed in the 1995 Hyogo-ken Nambu earthquake. These records have been observed at the site where the strong motions were largely amplified due to the influence of the deep seismic bedrock. However, the ground motions were not so much amplified at the site with the shallow bedrock. Therefore, we propose the response spectra for the Level-2 earthquake considering the depth of the seismic bedrock. In the area with shallow bedrock, we can make the designed spectra approximately 30 percent less than those in the deep area at the longer period. Using these proposed spectra, the seismic design become more rational for the structures built in mountain areas with shallow bedrock.
Female genital cutting and education: theory and causal evidence from Senegal

We use across-ethnic-group variation in exposure to a law that banned the practice of female genital cutting (FGC) in Senegal to evaluate the impact of the law and to document the perverse effect that this cultural practice has on girls’ education. We find that the law, interpreted as a rise in the cost of FGC, reduced the prevalence of FGC, which later increased educational investments received by girls. To explain this result, we propose a theoretical model where, consistent with previous evidence, both education and FGC lead to better marriage market outcomes. In line with the predictions of the model, the results suggest that education and FGC work as substitutes in the marriage market and that educational investments are affected by the cost of alternative pre-marital investments. Additionally, we rule out alternative mechanisms, such as a broader change in gender norms, better health or fewer adolescent women leaving school to get married, to explain why the law increased educational investments.
Relationship between transformational leadership styles with self-determination of employees

The goal of this study is to analyze the relationship between transformational leadership styles with selfdetermination of employees in the Islamic Azad universities, Mazandaran Province. The research is a descriptive correlation study. The statistical community is all employees in Islamic Azad universities in five cities of Mazandaran province include Tonekabon, Chlos, Sari, Neka, Behshahr are the number of 829 peoples. The statistical random sampling method of this research is based on Morgan’s table and the number of 256 people was determined. For collecting data and needed information, the library and field method were used. Data collection tools and informational in this study is two questionnaires: spritzer s psychological empowerment questionnaire (1995) and Bass and Avolio s transformational leadership questionnaire ((2000). Data were analyzed by Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis. Result showed that there is the positive relationship between self-determination and transformational leadership style (p<0/01). In addition, regression analysis showed that the predictor variables, individual consideration and intellectual stimulation are the most important role in predicting self-determination (p<0/01). [Javad Khalatbari, Syed Leila Hosseini Tabaghdehi. Relationship between transformational leadership styles with self-determination of employees. Life Sci J 2013;10(1s):456-460] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite. com. 74
Exploring a New Determinant of Task Technology Fit: Content Characteristics

Although task technology fit has received academic attention as a measure of information systems success, compared to other popular information systems success models it has received less empirical testing in the information systems field. One reason might be a relatively low explanatory power for the main construct, i.e., task technology fit, in the model. In this study, we suggest content characteristics as a new determinant of fit, and empirically test it along with the two existing determinants, task and technology characteristics with 105 users of a web-based learning management system. In order to verify the contribution of content characteristics to the explanatory power, both task technology fit models with and without content characteristics are tested and compared. The results support that the addition of content characteristics dramatically increases the explanatory power for the task technology fit.
Hyperglycemia inhibits osteoblastogenesis of rat bone marrow stromal cells via activation of the Notch2 signaling pathway

Background: Bone fragility and related fractures are increasingly being recognized as an important diabetic complication. Mesenchymal progenitors often serve as an important source of bone formation and regeneration. In the present study, we have evaluated the effects of diabetes on osteoblastogenesis of mesenchymal progenitors. Methods: Primary bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) were isolated from control and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. These cells were evaluated for the effects of in vivo hyperglycemia on the survival and function of mesenchymal progenitors. We concomitantly investigated the effects of different concentrations of glucose, osmolality, and advanced glycation end product (AGE) on osteogenic differentiation and matrix mineralization of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (RMSC-bm). The relationship between the expression levels of Notch proteins and the corresponding ALP levels was also examined. Results: Our results revealed that in vivo hyperglycemia increased cell proliferation rate but decreased osteogenic differentiation and matrix mineralization of primary rat BMSCs. In vitro high glucose treatment, instead of high AGE treatment, induced a dose-dependent inhibition of osteoblastogenesis of RMSC-bm cells. Activation of the Notch2 signaling pathway, instead of the Notch1 or osmotic response pathways, was associated with these diabetic effects on osteoblastogenesis of mesenchymal progenitors. Conclusions: Hyperglycemia might inhibit osteoblastogenesis of mesenchymal progenitors via activation of the Notch2 signaling pathway.
Piecewise linear continuous-curvature path planning and tracking for autonomous vehicles in crossroads

Intelligent vehicles have become extensively studied due to their promising capabilities of improvement regarding transportation of people and goods. Those vehicles must be able to autonomously drive, which means planning the maneuvers that will lead it to its destination. The work presented in this paper deals with path planning and control for autonomous vehicles. An urban scenario with intersections and two-lane roads is considered. A route from the departure road to the destination one is automatically found considering the connections between roads and traffic rules. The path is generated using piecewise linear continuous-curvature paths, providing smooth driving. Model Predictive Control is used for path following and simulation results are presented. Keywords— Intelligent Vehicles, Path planning, Vehicle control, Clothoids.
Improved silver staining procedure for fast staining in PhastSystem Development Unit. I. Staining of sodium dodecyl sulfate gels

A new modification of silver staining of proteins in sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels is adapted to automated staining in PhastSystem Development Unit. The use of a reduction step, after fixation, with thiosulfate in alcoholic sodium acetate buffer results in a considerable increase in sensitivity without the need for a recycling step. The detection limit is tenfold lower than in the silver staining procedure recommended so far for PhastSystem and corresponds to 0.05–0.1 ng protein per band. Total staining time with the new procedure is 75 min.
12-17 , 2008 , Beijing , China CHARACTERISTICS OF LIQUEFACTION STRENGTH OF SAND UNDER OVERCONSOLIDATION AND LONG-TERM CONSOLIDATION CONDITIONS

If sandy soil deposits are subjected to overconsolidation or long-term consolidation, their liquefaction strength increases. However, only a few studies have investigated the effects of overconsolidation or long-term consolidation by means of laboratory element tests in order to simulate the in-situ ground condition more closely. In the present study, the liquefaction strength characteristics of overconsolidated sand samples were investigated under a K0-stress condition by using a hollow cylindrical torsional shear apparatus based on the of the supposition that earthquake excitations affect the ground horizontally. Further, a surcharge method was used to simulate the stress histories of overconsolidation. The effect of overconsolidation on the liquefaction strength was studied on sand samples that were consolidated for a considerable period of time. Clean Toyoura sand and sandy soil collected from the sea bed containing fines were used as samples. The following behaviors were observed in the tests: 1) The liquefaction strength of both types of sand increased due to overconsolidation when the samples were subjected to long-term consolidation before the stress history of overconsolidation was applied to them. 2) The increase in the liquefaction strength of the two types of sand subjected to overconsolidation and long-term consolidation could be formularized by the overconsolidation ratio and the time taken for long-term consolidation.
Molecular and computational analyses of genes involved in mannose 6‐phosphate independent trafficking

The newly‐synthesized lysosomal enzymes travel to the trans‐Golgi network (TGN) and are then driven to the acidic organelle. While the best‐known pathway for TGN‐to‐endosome transport is the delivery of soluble hydrolases by the M6P receptors (MPRs), additional pathways do exist, as showed by the identification of two alternative receptors: LIMP‐2, implicated in the delivery of β‐glucocerebrosidase; and sortilin, involved in the transport of the sphingolipid activator proteins prosaposin and GM2AP, acid sphingomyelinase and cathepsins D and H. Disruption of the intracellular transport and delivery pathways to the lysosomes may result in lysosomal dysfunction, predictably leading to a range of clinical manifestations of lysosomal storage diseases. However, for a great percentage of patients presenting such manifestations, no condition is successfully diagnosed. To analyse if, in this group, phenotypes could be determined by impairments in the known M6P‐independent receptors, we screened the genes that encode for LIMP‐2 and sortilin. No pathogenic mutations were identified. Other approaches will be needed to clarify whether sortilin dysfunction may cause disease.
Contributions of Selected Indian Researchers to Multi Attribute Decision Making in Neutrosophic Environment: An Overview

Multi-attribute decision making (MADM) is a mathematical tool to solve decision problems involving conflicting attributes. With the increasing complexity, uncertainty of objective things and the neutrosophic nature of human thought, more and more attention has been paid to the investigation on multi attribute decision making in neutrosophic environment, and convincing research results have been reported in the literature.
Postpartum weight loss and infant feeding.

BACKGROUND Women are often advised that lactation accelerates loss of the excess weight gained during pregnancy, but the evidence underlying this advice is sparse and conflicting. To help fill this gap, we assessed differences in the rate of postpartum weight loss in the first 9 months postpartum according to method of infant feeding. METHODS Two hundred thirty-six women attending two public health clinics in Montreal were weighed in one to four routine infant immunization visits up to the 9th postpartum month. After each weighing, we administered a telephone questionnaire assessing the method of infant feeding (predominantly breast-feeding, mixed-feeding, or predominantly bottle-feeding) and potential confounders. Data were analyzed using unbalanced multivariate repeated measures linear regression. RESULTS Infant feeding was not associated with statistically significant differences in the rate of weight loss. Gestational weight gain, postpartum smoking, and maternal birthplace were important predictors of postpartum weight change. CONCLUSION Although our results cannot exclude an effect of more exclusive or more prolonged breast-feeding, breast-feeding as commonly practiced does not appear to influence the rate of postpartum weight loss. This information should be useful in counseling new or prospective mothers and in avoiding unrealistic expectations.
Integrating Hardware-Inthe-Loop Simulation and BIM for Planning UAV-based As-built MEP Inspection with Deep Learning Techniques

Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly used and have many potential applications in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. UAVs are now commonly controlled manually with an experienced survey engineer in field operation, but UAVs can also fly autonomously with the support of localization technologies such as simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM). Autonomous flying of UAVs can reduce human effort and minimize human error. However, it requires careful flight path planning, active environment sensing, and effective obstacle avoidance techniques, especially where the built environment is complex and space is tight. Currently, algorithms flight path planning, object detection and obstacle avoidance are developed based on testing that involves actual Survey UAVs; this is not only time consuming but also expensive and hazardous in the sense that it may damage hardware and injury ground personnel if error-induced crashes occur. This paper presents a hardware-in-the-loop simulator which can simulate the behavior of a drone and generate synthetic images from the scene as datasets, detect and verify as-built MEP objects with a trained neural network, and generate point cloud data for validating as-designed BIM model with as-built BIM model in the future. The system architecture, operations, and performance of the developed simulator are discussed, followed by an illustrative example.
A randomized controlled trial of interleaved mathematics practice.

We report the results of a preregistered, cluster randomized controlled trial of a mathematics learning intervention known as interleaved practice. Whereas most mathematics assignments consist of a block of problems devoted to the same skill or concept, an interleaved assignment is arranged so that no 2 consecutive problems require the same strategy. Previous small-scale studies found that practice assignments with a greater proportion of interleaved practice produced higher test scores. In the present study, we assessed the efficacy and feasibility of interleaved practice in a naturalistic setting with a large, diverse sample. Each of 54 7th-grade mathematics classes periodically completed interleaved or blocked assignments over a period of 4 months, and then both groups completed an interleaved review assignment. One month later, students took an unannounced test, and the interleaved group outscored the blocked group, 61% versus 38%, d = 0.83. Teachers were able to implement the intervention without training, and they later expressed support for interleaved practice in an anonymous survey they completed before they knew the results of the study. Although important caveats remain, the results suggest that interleaved mathematics practice is effective and feasible. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Induction of Basal Resistance by Methyl Jasmonate against Fusarium culmorum in Bread Wheat

Fusarium culmorum is a soilborne fungal pathogen, agent of crown and root rot disease (FCRR), responsible of major economic losses in wheat plants. This host–pathogen interaction, following methyl jasmonate (MeJA) application at the beginning of the necrotrophic stage of infection, has not been previously studied at molecular level. In this study, using real-time quantitative PCR, the emerging role of MeJA in the basal resistance of two bread wheat cultivars against F. culmorum has been investigated. MeJA treatment was dispensed 6 hours after pathogen inoculation (6 hai) to detect the defense response at the beginning of the necrotrophic stage. The expression of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), lipoxygenase (LOX), cytochrome P450 (CYP709C1) genes and of some pathogenesis related (PR) genes, including PR3, PR4 and PR9, was examined in both root and crown tissues of the susceptible wheat cultivar Falat and the tolerant cultivar Sumai3. The pathogen responsive defense genes were induced in both cultivars, with a higher level of induction in Sumai3 than in Falat. MeJA treatment reduced the symptoms in cv Falat, whereas no significant effects have been detected in cv Sumai3. In fact, MeJA treatment caused a striking difference in defense gene induction. The genetic change was present in root and crown tissues of both wheat cultivars, demonstrating a systemic signaling pathway. The chemically induced protection correlated with induction of the F. culmorum-responsive genes supports a possible role of jasmonate signaling in regulating basal resistance in wheat–F. culmorum interaction.
Simulation and Experiment on Pin-to-Pin Electrostatic Discharge Firing of Bridgewire EED

This paper establishes an ideal mathematical model for pin-to-pin electrostatic discharge (ESD) firing that takes the axial and radial temperature distribution of the bridgewire, heat release, and the reagent consumption into consideration. The model is solved using the finite difference method, and the ESD firing process is analyzed using the results of the time-varying bridgewire/reagent temperatures and the residual reagent percentages. The effects of the model parameters on the ESD firing voltage are analyzed. A comparison of the ESD test firing voltages and the calculated results and a comparison of the test values of normal capacitor firing voltages and the calculated results both verify that the presented model is effective. The model can be used for the estimation of ESD firing voltage. The theoretical guidance of ESD protection for electric explosive device (EED) was provided.
Regional and seasonal variation of biochemical contents of phytoplankton in El-Rayah Al-Nasery and El-Rayah Al-Behery Nile River Egypt

The phytoplankton biochemical composition considered as a biomarker of the ecosystem of different sites in River Nile. So the present study investigated the spatial and temporal variations of the biochemical contents of the phytoplankton during 2014 at different stations of El-Rayah Al-Nasery and Al-Behery in River Nile, Egypt. In the tow Rayahs, the crude protein constitutes the major part of the biochemical contents of the phytoplankton while the total lipid constitutes the minor one. There is a direct relationship between the biochemical contents and the physiochemical and environmental conditions including nutrients especially nitrates and phosphates.
BUCKLING-INDUCED SHORTENING OF DEEP W-SHAPE COLUMNS IN SEISMIC STEEL FRAMES

ABSTRACT AISC Seismic Provisions specify a strong column-weak beam requirement for the design of special moment frames (SMF). But flexural hinging of columns at the base is permitted. Structural designers routinely specify deep, slender wide-flange columns (e.g., W24 or deeper sections) in SMF nowadays because their high moment of inertia about the strong-axis of bending is very efficient in reducing lateral story drifts to meet the code drift requirement. Deep column sections are characterized by a larger web slenderness (i.e., width-to-thickness) ratio than their stockier cross-section (e.g., W14) counterpart, which can result in significant local buckling in the plastic hinge. In addition, member slenderness is also higher, making a deep column vulnerable to out-of-plane buckling modes. A recent full-scale test program funded by the National Institute of Standards and Technology through a contract with the Applied Technology Council showed that deep columns that met the highly ductile compactness requirement specified in the AISC Seismic Provisions are prone to both local and lateral-torsional buckling under cyclic loading. Since typical software used by design engineers for performance-based seismic evaluation cannot simulate local buckling and the associated axial shortening, it is postulated that, as an alternative to bypass this limitation, dissipated energy computed at column ends by the software can be used to estimate the extent of buckling-induced axial shortening of deep columns. Based on results from both full-scale testing and numerical simulation, an expression is proposed that relates axial shortening to the column axial force, web width-thickness ratio, and normalized energy dissipation at the plastic hinge location.
Financial management practices and business performance of small and medium enterprises in western Uganda

Small and medium Enterprises are seen as a driving force for the promotion of an economy. The purpose of the study was to establish the relationship between financial management practices and business performance of SMEs in western Uganda with a view to establishing a coherent model directed at improving business performance and it was hypothesized that financial management practices positively influences Business performance. The study adopted a positivist (quantitative paradigm) with cross sectional and correlational designs. The study used a respondent sample of 335 SMEs operating in Mbarara, Sheema and Bushenyi whose owners/managers were the unit of enquiry. Structural Equations Modeling with Analysis of Moment Structures were used to for statistical modeling. The findings in respect of the main purpose of the study indicated that financial management practices accounted for 33.8% of the variance in business performance of SMEs. The results also indicated that working capital management influences highly since it predicts over 22% of the variance in business performance. The present study supported a multi-theoretic approach in explaining business performance of SMEs in Uganda. The study supports the pecking order theory in explaining the financing of SMEs together with resource based view as the theories that help in explaining business performance of SMEs. The study confirmed efficient financial management practices factor structure of observed variables and the latent variables. As a result, the study provided models for efficient financial management practices. These models can then used to provide a trajectory for improving business performance of SMEs in Uganda. Policy makers, ICPAU, PSFU and SMEs owners may use these findings as a way of improving business performance of SMEs in Uganda since the SMEs are great contributors to the Ugandan economy. The owners of SMEs should develop a positive attitude towards adopting financial management practices so as to achieve desired business performance. Key words: Financial Management, Business Performance, SMEs.