Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Live Road Condition Assessment with Internal Vehicle Sensors

Modern cars are equipped with many sensors that measure information about the vehicle and its surroundings. These measurements are therefore related to the ride-surface conditions over which the vehicle is passing. The paper commences by outlining a four-component vision for performing road condition evaluation based on in-vehicle sensor readings and subsequent feeding of pavement management systems (PMSs) with live condition information. This is expected to enrich the functionalities of PMSs, and ultimately lead to improved maintenance and repair decisions. Next the LiRA (Live Road Assessment) project—an ongoing proof-of-concept attempt to realize the vision components—is presented. The project elements and software architecture are described in detail, listing any assumptions, compromises, and challenges. LiRA involves a fleet of 400 electric cars operating in Copenhagen, both within the city streets and nearby highways. Sensor data collection is performed with a customized Internet of Things (IoT) device installed in the cars. Data processing and structuring involve new software tools for quality control, spatio-temporal interpolation, and map matching. A hybrid approach, combining machine learning models with physical (mechanics-based) models, is currently being applied to convert data into relevant information for PMSs. Based on the experience thus far with LiRA, the vision actualization is deemed achievable, workable, and up-scalable.
A Complete DFT, TD-DFT and Non-Linear Optical Property Study on 6-Amino-2-Methylpyridine-3-Carbonitrile

The optimized geometric structure and photophysical properties of 6-Amino-2-methylpyridine-3-carbonitrile dye have been studied by using Density Functional Theory (DFT). The lowest singlet excited state geometry optimized using Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT). On the basis of ground and excited state geometries, the absorption spectra have been calculated using the DFT and TD-DFT method in gas phase and acetonitrile medium. To understand the Non-Linear Optical properties of 6-Amino-2-methylpyridine-3-carbonitrile dye, we computed dipole moment (μ), electronic polarizability (α), and first hyperpolarizability (β0) and second order hyperpolarizability (γ) using B3LYP density functional theory method in conjunction with 6-311++G(d) basis set.
Identification of C-H Bond Vibration Mode Using Absorption Spectroscopy By A Simple Optically Configured Setup

An optical system model for the identification of Carbon-Hydrogen stretching using spectroscopy is demonstrated and applied to the experiment setup. The optical simulation is achieved using simulation software and performed in a two-mirror system. The optical setup covers a wavelength range of 600 nm to 1200 nm which is a new study based on carbon-hydrogen stretch and test with samples from the alkene group. Significant results of the Carbon-Hydrogen stretch from the alkene group at 1149 nm are detected in Dichloromethane and ethanol. This observation is recorded in real-time and applied in a fast diagnostic system. The isosbestic point of water is measured at 970 nm and useful for our system spectral calibration. The result also shows the ability to quantify the chemical bond of a sample based on two peaks of absorption due to the C-H stretching. This gives a better opportunity for Chemometrics to perform accurately.
A comparative analysis of experts’ and consumers’ perceptions of regionality in Australian wine purchase decisions

ABSTRACT This study provides insight into consumers’ perception of regionality when purchasing regional wine in terms of regional specialisation for style, volume of production of the wine style, quality of the wine, heritage of the wine region and the distinctiveness of the wine styles produced in the wine regions of Australia. Data were collected from 203 Australian wine consumers through an online survey. The study compares the results of this study with Easingwood et al. [2011. The drivers of wine regionality. Journal of Wine Research, 22(1), 19–33. ] study on experts’ opinion of regionality drivers. This paper will expand knowledge on how consumer involvement levels impact decisions relating to purchasing regional wine. This study is of value to academics and wine practitioners alike. It contributes to the wine literature by providing a new perspective on consumers’ perception and draws attention to the risk of drawing conclusions about wine consumption based on experts’ opinions as being reflective of the average consumers’ purchase decision-making.
From First-Union Separation to Stepfamily in Italian Context: Building a Stepcouple Identity

The present work aimed to explore the building process of couple identity for stepcouples’ partners. Fifteen Italian women and fifteen Italian men, engaged in a new couple’s relationship after first-union separation or divorce, were interviewed. Semi-structured interviews were analyzed through a Grounded Theory approach. Results showed that the first-union separation experience plays an important role in the process of stepcouple identity building, as it influences the priorities in individual organization of life, qualities, and expectations about new relationships, the importance attributed to individual, couple, and family boundaries, and the choice of the new partner. New functional stepcouple relationships are characterized by a strong sense of shared projects and purposes. This generative dimension, clearly perceived by interviewees as a fundamental characteristic of stepcouple identity, is a resource, in spite of complexity and challenges of stepcouples’ life cycle.
Optimized Treatment and Recovery of Irradiated [18O]-Water in the Production of [18F]-Fluoride

Enriched [18O]-water is the target material for [18F]-fluoride production. Due to its high price and scarce availability, an increased interest and necessity has arisen to recycle the used water, in order to use it multiple times as a target material for [18F]-fluoride production. This paper presents an efficient treatment and reprocessing procedure giving rise to high chemical quality [18O]-water, thereby maintaining its enrichment grade. The reprocessing is subdivided into two main steps. In the first step, the [18F]-FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose) synthesis preparation was modified to preserve the enrichment grade. Anhydrous acetonitrile is used to dry tubing systems and cartridges in the synthesis module. Applying this procedure, the loss in the enrichment throughout the reprocessing is <1%. The second step involves a fractional distillation in which the major part of the [18O]-water was recycled. Impurities such as solvents, ions, and radioactive nuclides were almost completely separated. Due to the modified synthesis preparation using acetonitrile, the first distillation fraction contains a larger amount of an azeotropic [18O]-water/acetonitrile mixture. This fraction is not further distillable. Contents of the remaining [18O]-water were separated from the azeotropic mixture by using a molecular sieve desiccant. This process represents a fast, easy, and inexpensive method for reprocessing used [18O]-water into new [18O]-water quality for further application.
Accounting for the faculty differentials in the production of PhD graduates in a South African university

The ability of an institution to graduate students, also known as the throughput rate, is one of the most important means of an institution receiving a grant/ subsidy from the government. This article sought to interrogate the differentials in throughput rates of PhD graduates per faculty in a selected institution over a period of five years. Framed within the interpretive paradigm, a qualitative approach and a case study design were adopted. A non-probability purposive sample of 30 participants was selected the academic staff within the six faculties that make up the university under investigation. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and document analysis. Interview transcripts were analysed thematically and using the constant comparison technique. The major findings pointed to differentials in PhD production across faculties as emanating from variations in supervision approaches as reflected in the recruitment and selection of candidates, students’ composition, allocation of supervision load, preparation and orientation of candidates, mentoring of both students and junior staff members, as well as monitoring and evaluation of students’ progress. The findings also revealed challenges like lack of financial support for students, poor structural set-up of some faculties as well as “positive” discrimination in some faculties. These factors constrained the throughput rates in different faculties differently, resulting to a difference in PhD graduate production. It is concluded that there are some quality concerns resulting from the poor processes and procedures as well as the number of graduates from some staff members. It is recommended that the university harmonise its diverse PhD processes and procedures, and enlarge some faculties by creating distinct departments to provide requisite support and interventions to narrow the differentials and improve quality.
Changes in Heavy Metal Accumulation Depending
on Traffic Density in Some Landscape Plants

Air pollution is among the major problems stemming from modern urban life. Millions of people worldwide die from air pollution every year. Especially heavy metals have great importance among these pollutants. Because heavy metals can stay in nature for a long time without deterioration, and their concentration in the environment is constantly increasing. They also tend to bioaccumulate. Many heavy metals arise from exhaust gases, car wheels, vehicles, and vehicle corrosion in cities. Determining heavy metal concentrations in plants is important both for determining the ability of plants to remove heavy metals from the air, and thus to be used as a means of increasing air quality, as well as for monitoring air quality. The purpose of this study is to determine the variation of different heavy metal concentrations, depending on the traffic density, in some landscape plants sampled from areas with different levels of traffic density. Our results show that heavy metal accumulation differs according to both plant species and traffic density. In traffic-dense areas we measured the greatest amounts of Cu, Ni, and Fe in Prunus cerasifera; of Ca, Mg, and Mn in Ailanthus altissima; of Cr and Zn in Elaeagnus angustifolia; and of Pb and Cd in Tilia tomentosa.
Threshold Effect of Economic Growth on Energy Intensity— Evidence from 21 Developed Countries

Based on threshold regression models, this paper analyzes the effect of economic growth on energy intensity by using panel data from 21 developed countries from 1996 to 2015. Results show that a 1% increase in GDP per capita can lead to a 0.62–0.78% reduction in energy intensity, implying economic growth can significantly reduce energy intensity. The extent of the reduction in energy intensity varies depending on the economic development stages represented by key influencing factors including energy mix in consumption, urbanization, industrial structure, and technological progress. Specifically, the reduction in energy intensity due to economic growth can be enhanced with relatively more renewable energy consumption and more urban population until a threshold point, where the enhancement disappears. On the other hand, the extent of the energy intensity reduction due to economic growth can be weakened with relatively more tertiary industry activities and more research and development (R&D) investment in an economy until a threshold point, where the weakening cannot continue. However, compared to the early stages represented by the low ends of renewable energy consumption, urban population, tertiary industry activities, and R&D investment, the later stages represented by the high ends of these key factors after a threshold show the weakened effect of economic growth on the decline of energy intensity. Hence, when an economy is well-developed, policy makers are advised to put fewer expectations on the role of economic growth to reduce energy intensity, while pursuing relatively cleaner energy, greater urbanization, more tertiary industry activities, and advanced technologies.
Study of the Intelligent Control and Modes of the Arctic-Adopted Wind–Diesel Hybrid System

For energy supply in the Arctic regions, hybrid systems should be designed and equipped to ensure a high level of renewable energy penetration. Energy systems located in remote Arctic areas may experience many peculiar challenges, for example, due to the limited transport options throughout the year and the lack of qualified on-site maintenance specialists. Reliable operation of such systems in harsh climatic conditions requires not only a standard control system but also an advanced system based on predictions concerning weather, wind, and ice accretion on the blades. To satisfy these requirements, the current work presents an advanced intelligent automatic control system. In the developed control system, the transformation, control, and distribution of energy are based on dynamic power redistribution, dynamic control of dump loads, and a bi-directional current transducer. The article shows the architecture of the advanced control system, presents the results of field studies under the standard control approach, and models the performance of the system under different operating modes. Additionally, the effect of using turbine control to reduce the effects of icing is examined. It is shown that the advanced control approach can reduce fuel consumption in field tests by 22%. Moreover, the proposed turbine control scheme has the potential to reduce icing effects by 2% to 5%.
Using Theory in Practice – An Intervention Supporting Research Dissemination in Social Work

ABSTRACT This guest editorial explores how theory-informed and evidence-informed practice can be strengthened in human service organizations. This exploration involves the description of a Practice and Theory group intervention model. Based on a three-case study of pilot intervention groups provided to social workers, the short-term and intermediate outcomes as well as the expected intermediate and long-term outcomes are presented and illustrated by a logic model. The shared conversations help overcome the difficulties practitioners and managers may have in understanding the role of theory or research in practice. Discussing theories in the context of everyday practice can provide practitioners with concrete tools for decision-making. Applying and experimenting with theories opens new perspectives for the problem-solving process where the practitioner is experimenting, reflecting and seeking to improve practice. Thus, shared reflections of theories and research can promote adaptive and developmental workplace learning and enhance an individual sense of epistemic agency.
Theta activity and phase resetting during perception of French homophonous utterances

ABSTRACT Speech perception involves segmenting a continuous stream of speech into its word components. This can be challenging in the case of homophonous utterances only differing in non-contrastive subphonemic features. Yet, the speech perception system seems able to discriminate subphonemic deviation in homophonous utterances, since it has been shown to elicit a mismatch response (MMN). Here, we focused on the oscillatory correlates, namely phase resetting and power, of non-contrastive subphonemic deviation processing in language. An oddball task that considered natural intraspeaker variability was used. Subphonemic deviance elicited intertrial phase coherence (ITC) differences in the theta band at Fz during the time window of the MMN. No differences in power were found. This suggests that the processing of subphonemic deviation in speech signals, reflected by the MMN, might rely on mechanisms of phase resetting. ITC might facilitate the synchronous firing of functional networks involved in the processing of subphonemic deviance.
A Study of Market Efficiency in Emerging Markets Using Improved Statistical Techniques

ABSTRACT This article helps resolve the current unsatisfying and inclusive studies covering the efficiency of stock markets in developing countries. Previous studies have used limited data and partial statistical tests. We use a large, unique data set, across 12 countries, and a comprehensive set of traditional and recent statistical methods as well as powerful multiple-break unit root and spectral analysis tests, many of which have never been used to evaluate the efficient market hypothesis (EMH) in emerging markets. Our results confirm the rejection of the EMH for emerging markets. Our findings have important implications for investors and policy makers, suggesting the possibility for excess profits in these markets.
Comparative Assessment of Forest Optimization with Deep Ensembling Technique for Human Activity Recognition based on Data Collected from Wearable Devices

Aim: Improving the performance of Human Activity Recognition based on information sensed by wearable devices. Materials and methods: In this study we have considered two groups namely forest optimization with sample size of 1408 and deep ensemble techniques with sample size 1408 (Kane, Phar, and BCPS n.d.). Accuracy was computed for the dataset size of 9673 to recognise six various human activities (walking, jogging, standing, upstairs, sitting, downstairs). Result: It was observed that the forest optimization algorithm obtains accuracy as 96% and loss as 14%. Forest optimization technique appears to have better significance than deep ensemble technique with value of p=0.000. Conclusion: The result proves that forest optimization approaches with varying seed value have significant improvement in human activity recognition.
Effectiveness of Esterification Catalysts in the Synthesis of Poly(Ethylene Vanillate)

Over the last few decades, bio-based polymers have attracted considerable attention from both academic and industrial fields regarding the minimization of the environmental impact arising from the excessive use of petrochemically-based polymeric materials. In this context, poly(ethylene vanillate) (PEV), an alipharomatic polyester prepared from 4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-3-methoxybenzoic acid, a monomer originating from lignin-derived vanillic acid, has shown promising thermal and mechanical properties. Herein, the effects of three different catalysts, namely titanium butoxide (TBT), titanium isopropoxide (TIS), and antimony trioxide (Sb2O3), on the synthesis of PEV via a two-stage melt polycondensation method are investigated. The progress of the reaction is assessed using various complementary techniques, such as intrinsic viscosity measurement (IV), end group analysis (AV), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The thermal stability of the produced polyesters is studied by evolved gas analysis mass spectrometry (EGA-MS). Moreover, as the discoloration in polymers affects their applications, color measurement is performed here. Finally, theoretical kinetic studies are carried out to rationalize the experimental observations.
Hydropower Development, Collective Action, and Environmental Justice in the Brazilian Amazon

Abstract The Brazilian Amazon has long served as a site of infrastructure development and natural resource extraction. Development projects including dams and mines have largely benefited distant urban actors at a cost to local communities and the environment. We draw from theories of internal colonialism and environmental justice to examine the ways that dam building undermined the well-being of communities affected by construction of the Belo Monte Dam, and to understand how those communities engaged in collective action to minimize negative impacts on their livelihoods. Drawing from semi-structured interview and ethnographic data, we find that farmers and fishers impacted by Belo Monte used a variety of tactics to resist exploitation and ultimately receive more equitable compensation for their losses. We propose two processes that were central to their success in mobilizing for environmental justice: transformative resistance and collaborative claims-making.
Legal rules, information transparency and Islamic bank capital decisions

ABSTRACT To what extent does the formal institutional environment influence Islamic bank capital decisions? We answer this question by assessing the effect of the legal rule index on a sample of 100 Islamic banks in 28 countries from 1999 to 2013. Our econometric analyses show that legal rule index positively and significantly influences capital ratios. The results can be explained by the idea that effective legal rules incentivize Islamic banks to hold higher capital ratios to signal better monitoring to depositors and regulators. In addition, we find that this positive association can be enhanced through strong information transparency channels, democratic and stable political institutions. These results provide insight into how a formal institutional environment can shape Islamic bank capital ratios. It further suggests that the formal institutional environment serves as a constraint on policymakers, as any given capital guideline may function very differently depending on the complexity of the formal institutional environment.
Freeway Network Travel Time Reliability Analysis Methodology and Software Tool Development

Applications in the field often require analysis of freeway travel time reliability (TTR) at the network level. While micro-simulation is suitable for performing network-level analysis, the computational burden can become unreasonable when TTR analysis is factored in. As for macro-simulation, most network analysis studies often use simplified link performance functions to represent the travel time and flow relationship. Such functions are not generally sensitive to the range of geometric and traffic conditions that can influence freeway facility operations. This research extends the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) freeway TTR analysis methodology to the network level. The proposed freeway network TTR analysis methodology generates scenarios that represent the impacts of origin–destination (OD) demand variations, weather events, incident events, and work zone events on freeway network travel time. For each scenario, the methodology performs user equilibrium (UE) traffic assignment and the HCM freeway facility core methodology is applied to represent the travel time and flow relationship. The method of successive average approach is applied to solve the UE traffic assignment. Finally, scenario travel times (and/or other performance measures) are aggregated into various distributions of interest, such as the network-, facility-, and OD-level distributions, and TTR performance measures are calculated at the three different levels. A software tool is developed using C# language on the . NET Framework. The software tool provides a convenient and efficient approach for transportation planners and researchers to conduct the freeway network TTR analysis, which helps to bridge the gap between research and practice.