Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acoustic Modeling of a 3-Layered Panel Incorporating Electro-Rheological/ Magneto-Rheological (EMR) Fluids

Applications of Electro-Rheological (ER) or Magneto-Rheological (MR) fluids as typical smart materials have been widely investigated over the past decades (since their introduction in 40’s). The special applications of these materials as a means of noise suppression are not yet investigated. Constrained Layer Damping (CLD) sheets can be realized by incorporating EMR (ER/MR) materials. In this way, a multilayered damping sheet is obtained with adaptive (tunable) stiffness and damping characteristics. These properties are easily changed in proportion to the electric (magnetic) field applied upon the EMR layer. This notion has been introduced for semi-active vibration control problems. Herein, such panels incorporating EMR material are proposed for adaptive acoustic treatments. Modeling (simulation) of a 3-layered panel with the middle layer being EMR with adjustable properties is carried out in this paper. The tunability of transmission/absorption characteristics of these composite sheets enables us making smart panels for adaptive noise and acoustic treatments. An adaptive performance can be achieved via changing the properties of such panels, on line, according to some sensor outputs. The main objective is to develop proper models to predict the Transmission Loss (TL) of such panels. Also, the TL of this panel is compared with the middle layer of a Newtonian fluid.
An Investigation of the Extent of Adoption of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) by Banks in Zimbabwe

The purpose of this paper is “to determine the degree of adoption of enterprise risk management practices among banks in Zimbabwe. A mixed method approach was used in this study. The population of the study comprised of 18 commercial banks operating in Zimbabwe. Purposive or convenience sampling was used to select respondents for the study. The respondents consisted of chief risk officer/risk managers and compliance officers of the commercial banks. The data required for this study was collected from both sources i.e. primary and secondary sources. Primary data was collected through the use of a questionnaire while secondary data was obtained from published annual reports of banks, monetary policy statements, risk management guidelines and Reserve Bank annual bank supervision reports and regulations. Correlation analysis using SPSS v16 was undertaken to measure the strength and direction of a linear association that exists between the variables, while Chi-square statistic was used to test the research hypotheses. The findings reveal that all the four variables namely portfolio view of risk across the enterprise; risk aggregation and consolidation; integration of ERM into strategy and operations; and aggregated bank-wide risk reporting are positively correlated to each other. This implies banks that are more likely to implement or adapt, for example, the principle of portfolio view of risk are more likely, for example, to consider the principle of aggregated ERM (bank-wide) reporting. The results of this study have proven that banks consider the principle of Portfolio View of Risks as the highest important principle when implementing ERM. The main value of this paper is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the extent to which banks have adopted the principles of ERM.
Prostaglandin E 2 and hyaluronic acid facilitates treatment of osteochondral deffects Prostaglandin

Evaluations were carried out at week six in all groups by radiology and histology. Coverage of defective area with various grades of fibrous or hyaline cartilage was noticed in all groups. All treatment groups presented better healing patterns than the control group. Hyaline cartilage with normal matrix staining pattern was observed on Safranin-O stained sections from (1) bone marrow on fibrin clot with PGE2 and (2) bone marrow on fibrin clot with hyaluronic acid and PGE2. Healing response at these groups was statistically better then the control group.
A Cost-sensitive Decision Tree under the Condition of Multiple Classes

Cost-sensitive learning is one of the top ten problems in the field of data mining, its target is to produce the least cost in the classification process under the condition of ac hieve a given classification accuracy. The decision tree is a kind of cost-sensitive classification algorithm. There are many typically cost-sensitive decision tree algorithms based on greedy method to build a single model such as PM, MinCost, etc. This kind of algorithms has good comprehensibility, requires less time and space complexity compared to other cost-sensitive classification algorithm. However, , currently a lot of research works are limited to binary classification problem, very few people study the performance of classification cost and accuracy of this kind of algorithm under the condition of multiple classes. This paper puts forward a cost-sensitive decision tree based on score-evaluation under the condition of multiple classes (S ECS DT_MC for short). Experiments show that S ECS DT_MC compared with PM and MinCost can produce fewer classification costs or achieve higher classification accuracy in most cases under the condition of multiple classes.
Cardiac Vasculature: Development and Pathology

Coronary vessels are of particular clinical interest to the general public and adult cardiologists because of their propensity in populations of developed countries to get clogged leading to chest pain (angina) and heart attacks (myocardial infarctions; MIs). Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading type of heart disease and the leading cause of deaths in the USA in both men and women (representing 51% of all cardiovascular diseases in 2006; American Heart Association Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2010 Update-at-a-glance; http://www.americanheart.org/downloadable/heart/1265665152970DS3241%20HeartStrokeUpdate_2010.pdf; http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/coronaryartery disease.html). While the developmental biology of cardiac vessels seems removed from this concern for the adult population, findings from this field may be beneficial and relevant for all age groups. Interest in the development of coronary vessels has increased due to findings that suggest the embryonic epicardium provides components of the coronary vessels and factors that positively influence the myocardium. The possibility has been raised that the epicardium might be sufficiently activated to repair cardiac tissue in the adult in part by promoting coronary vascularization. The aim of this Chapter is to call attention to questions regarding coronary vessels that still require answers and to introduce hypotheses that may lead to answers and strategies for cardiotherapy.
Assessing the Spreading of Nile Blend Crude Oil in the Sudanese Red Sea Coastal Water

Spreading is one of the most important processes of the early stages of oil slick transformation. Four physical forces were considered to develop spreading: gravity, inertia, viscous and surface tension forces. In this study Fay's analytical approach was used to predict the spreading of Sudanese Nile Blend in the Red Sea coastal water. These results were verified using experimentally determined data from the measurement of the spread of Sudanese crude oil and kerosene on the surface seawater of the Red Sea. Two different weather conditions (wind and calm weather) were considered. The spread under calm condition was found to be slower than that under wave action. Field data showed that Fay's theory greatly underestimates slick growth. The spreading rate of kerosene is found to be 1.12 to 4.78 times the spreading rate of NB crude oil. The results of NB was compared with other three crude oils namely Arabic Light crude oil, North Sea crude oil, and Venezuela crude oil using Fay spreading theory. The results show that spreading rate of Arabic light, North Sea and Nile Blend are all most the same. Venezuela crude oil showed a lower spreading rate.
‘We swam before we breathed or walked’: able-bodied belonging in popular stories of evolutionary biology

Abstract This article introduces the concept of ‘able-bodied belonging,’ and pays particular attention to the cultural mechanisms in which ableism intertwines with the forms of belonging. Taking a cultural studies viewpoint, the article focuses on present evolutionary biological accounts, and explores the ableist and speciesist assumptions that frame evolutionary biology. The article investigates how these accounts invoke a feeling of belonging to the animal world in ways which reinforce the idea that only a particular kind of body is species-typical of humans. First, the article explores how the cultural stories that emphasize the connection between human beings and non-human species eventually distance particular bodies from humanity. Second, the article shows how humans’ connection to the animal world could emerge in a way that contests the exceptionality of able-bodied humanity.
The Dynamics of Perspective-taking in Discussions on Socio-technical Issues

Ayush Gupta is Assistant Research Professor in Physics and Keystone Instructor in the A. J. Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland. Broadly speaking he is interested in modeling learning and reasoning processes. In particular, he is attracted to fine-grained analysis of video data both from a microgenetic learning analysis methodology (drawing on knowledge in pieces) as well as interaction analysis methodology. He has been working on how learners’ emotions are coupled with their conceptual and epistemological reasoning. He is also interested in developing models of the dynamics of categorizations (ontological) underlying students’ reasoning in physics. Lately, he has been interested in engineering design thinking and engineering ethics education.
Correlation of isocitrate lyase activity and riboflavin formation in the riboflavin overproducer Ashbya gossypii.

Isocitrate lyase (ICL) was assayed during batch cultivations of Ashbya gossypii on soybean oil or glucose as carbon source. On soybean oil, a correlation between enzyme activity and riboflavin synthesis was observed. On glucose as carbon source, riboflavin overproduction started in the late growth phase when glucose was exhausted. ICL activity appeared in parallel and reached a maximum of 0.41 U (mg protein)-1. This suggested synthesis of vitamin B2 from the intracellular reserve fat. ICL specific activity correlated with the enzyme concentration detected by specific antibodies. Itaconate, an efficient inhibitor of ICL, was used as an antimetabolite to screen mutants with enhanced ICL activity. Cultivations of an itaconate-resistant mutant on soybean oil revealed a 15% increase in enzyme specific activity and a 25-fold increase in riboflavin yield compared to the wild-type. On the other hand, growth experiments on glucose resulted in an eightfold increase in riboflavin yield but showed a 33% reduction in ICL specific activity compared to the wild-type grown on the same medium. These results support the idea of an ICL bottleneck in the riboflavin overproducer A. gossypii when plant oil is used as the substrate.
Customer Awareness of the Social Responsibility and Its Relation to Loyalty

Purpose: To discover the extent to which customers understand the social responsibility practices by Telecom companies operating in Jordan and their loyalty to these companies.Methodology: A case study questionnaire was administered to 380 respondents dealing with Telecom companies operating in Jordan those companies play a significant role in Jordan economy over a month in 2017, with results from Likert scalesAnalysis using descriptive analysis and correlation to analyze customers awareness and loyalty toward telecom companies operating in Jordan practicing social responsibility. Results: Analysis of 380 suitable responses found no statistically significant differences at the level of (α ≤ 0.05) in customer awareness of social responsibility practices in telecom companies according to the variables of the current study and no statistically significant differences at the level of (α ≤ 0.05) in the loyalty of customers toward telecom companies ,it also found a positive correlation of statistical significance at the level of (α ≤ 0.05) between customers awareness and the social responsibility of telecommunications companies and their loyalty to those companies.Recommendations: (1) Telecomm companies should continually improve to achieve a high level of social responsibility as well as achieve greater loyalty from their customers (2) Telecom companies should do what is necessary to raise the customers awareness level of social responsibility through the advertising and action of their front line employees.
Histology of embryogenic formations during in vitro culture of oil palm Elaeis guineensis Jacq.

Histological analysis was carried out to investigate the formation and evolution of embryogenic cells and nodules during in vitro vegetative propagation of oil palm. Primary calli isolated from explants proliferated on a medium with 2,4-D, cytokinine and activated charcoal. When culture conditions were favourable the cambium-like zone which assumed the proliferation of nodular calli became embryogenic. This histological modification was described. Embryogenic cells became isolated specially towards the edges of the calli, undergoing few internal divisions but the proembryos formed did not develop further (.)
CFD optimization of a transonic compressor using multiobjective GA and metamodels

This paper present an automatic design process where a non-deterministic, global search optimization is utilized to optimize a first stage rotor of a highly loaded transonic compressor. The first part is focused on finding the best suited metamodel that can be used to accelerate the design process. The second part presents the results of using the meta model within the design process for an industry relevant case. Using the radial basis functions as acceleration technique for the optimization was seen to be very successful. The meta model assisted optimization reduced the total design time from approximately 2 weeks to 3.5 days given that 8 designs could run in parallel on a cluster. The 3D optimization produced a pareto front where it was possible to select blades having either high efficiency or high stability.
A competency model for general health managers (Case: Iran medical of health and education)

Inevitably, it is essential to identify variant dimensions and indexes of managers’ adequacy. This problem is considered as the core of this study. This research makes use of qualitative method and interview. As for sampling, after interviewing 12 participants, this research reached saturation point where repetition was observed. Thematic analysis was utilized to encode data, which resulted in eight dimensions: general knowledge and awareness, intelligence and talent, values and attitudes, personality traits, communication skills, decision-making skills, leadership and management abilities. Moreover, some sub-themes concordant to the related literature were found. Findings of the present study suggest the argument that in order to determine every individual’s adequacy positions should be aptly identified by proper procedures firstly. Then, an appropriate competency model in line with the organization should be developed. In addition, such a model needs to fit with the structure of the organization and its positions and strategies.
Design Implications: Impact of Socio-Physical Setting on Public Housing Transformation in Nigeria

Scholars claim physical surroundings as concrete manifest of space organisation. Its arrangement delineates spatial relationship of social activities’ network within housing units. Yet, housing challenges in Nigerian cities portray minimal sensitivity to socio-physical attributes impacting public housing adjustments. Focusing on users’ adjustments experience and emphasising on socio-physical environmental impact, public housing dwellers were examined to ascertain the socio-physical impact on housing adjustments initiatives. A survey with 276 households conducted in ten public housings in northern states of Nigeria, evaluated users’ experience on socio-physical model of housing adjustment. Features of Building attributes; Neighbourhood influence; Technology; Plot size and Quality of urban living standards were explored using questionnaire forms and analysed by SEM. The result shows significant influence of socio-physical constituents on homeowners housing adjustment decisions. This implies the need to review design policies and developers culture responsive design innovative initiatives harmonising the emic and etic paradigms based on user desires.
A Study on Unsaturated Zone Characterization and Feasibility of Soil Vapor Extraction at a DNAPL-contaminated Site in Korea

This study aimed at characterizing unsaturated zone at the source zone area contaminated by DNAPL and investigating feasibility of soil vapor extraction (SVE). Five boreholes with three multi-level screens at the depth of 3.0~4.5 m, 5.5~7.0 m, and 8.0~12.0 m were installed at the source zone. Pneumatic tests were performed to determine the permeability of porous medium. Permeability was estimated to be 81.6 to 203.7 darcy, depending on the applied solutions, which was contradicted by grain size analysis of cored soil samples leading to 3.51 darcy. This is due to air flow through gravel pack during the early stage of pneumatic test. Pressure-drawdown curve in the late stage also well showed the leaky aquifer type, indicating air leakage to the ground. Air flow tests were also carried out to investigate air flow connectivity between multi-level wells, indicating that the horizontal air flow was well developed between the lower screens of the wells, not between the upper and middle screens due to the leakage to the surface. For the SVE test, there was no noticeable variation in TCE vapor concentration between three different test runs: 1. 8 hours daily for 5 days, 2. 24 hours together with air blowing at another well (BH1), 3. five consecutive days. Even for five-day consecutive test, total amount of removed TCE was estimated only to be as low as 46.5 g.
Expression of DR-II Adhesins Encoded by the draE2 Genes in Escherichia coli Strains from Urinary Tract Infections—Related Bacteremia

In this study we detected and determined the transcription of the d r aE2 gene encoding for the Dr-II adhesin,in rela- tion to other adhesins to determine its role in urinary tract infection (UTI) and UTI-related bacteremia.PCR and RT- PCR of d r aE 2g e n e,in addition to p a p g e n e,encoding P fimbriae (UTI-associat- ed gene),and e a eA gene encoding intimin (non-UTI associated),was done on extracted DNA and RNA of 3 refer- ence strains harboring the genes and E. coli isolated from clinical specimens of patients with UTI (n = 10),UTI related blood infection (n = 14),non-UTI related blood infection (n = 17) and control iso- lates from sputum and pus (n = 5). O u r data have shown that the percentage of p a p,d r aE 2and eaeA genes detected by PCR and RT- P C R ,r e s p e c t i v e l y,was as follows in the different study groups:
PREVIMER: A contribution to in situ coastal observing systems

To design a prototype for an Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS), at least three components are mandatory: a modeling platform, an in situ observing system and a structure to collect and to disseminate the information (e.g. database, website). The PREVIMER project followed this approach and in order to sustain model applications, PREVIMER has developed, funded and organized part of in situ observing networks in the Bay of Biscay and the Channel. For a comprehensive system, focus was addressed on fi xed platforms (MAREL MOLIT, MAREL Iroise, Island network and D4 for sediment dynamics), ships of opportunity (RECOPESCA program and FerryBoxes), and coastal profi lers (ARVOR-C/Cm). Each system is briefl y described and examples of scientifi c results obtained with corresponding data are highlighted to show how these systems contribute to solve scientifi c multidisciplinary issues from the coastal ocean dynamics to the biodiversity including pelagic and benthic habitats.
Phylogeny of Australian Gnaphalieae (Asteraceae) Based on Chloroplast and Nuclear Sequences, the trnL Intron, trnL/trnF Intergenic Spacer, matK, and ETS

Abstract The Gnaphalieae are a group of sunflowers that have their greatest diversity in South America, Southern Africa, and Australia. The objective of this study was to reconstruct a phylogeny of the Australian Gnaphalieae using sequence data from the trnL intron, trnL/trnF intergenic spacer, matK, and ETS. Included in this investigation are the Australian genera of the Gnaphalieae from the subtribes Cassiniinae, Gnaphaliinae, Angianthinae, and Loricariinae, and one to four genera from all tribes of the subfamily Asteroideae to serve as outgroups. Results indicate that the subtribes Angianthinae and Cassiniinae are non-monophyletic as currently circumscribed. There is also some evidence to suggest that the genera Asteridea, Craspedia, Hyalosperma, Millotia, and Podolepis are monophyletic, whereas Calocephalus, Gnephosis, Myriocephalus pro parte, Ozothamnus, Siloxerus, Trichanthodium, and Xerochrysum are non-monophyletic. A group of perennial shrubs and alpine cushion plants from southeastern Australia dominates the clade at the base of the Gnaphalieae. The more derived clades contain primarily herbaceous annual taxa, mainly from western Australia. Based on our results, it seems likely that initial colonization and diversification of the Australian Gnaphalieae occurred in the Bassian Floristic region in eastern New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania. Following diversification in eastern Australia, concurrent with the increasing aridity over the entire continent during the Miocene, a massive radiation in the Gnaphalieae occurred into the arid zone of South Australia and Western Australia. Communicating Editor: Matt Lavin
Saving fresh water by crop cultivation on salinizing soils, a survey

Global soil salinization covers large coastal and inland areas as a result of climate warming and poor irrigation practices. Water supply for the cultivation of vegetable and fodder crops covers a major part of fresh water sources at the expense of drinking water and water for industrial purposes. Salinity adapted crops are being cultivated in saline agriculture. Some high salt tolerant crops produce well under seawater (EC 40-50 dS/m) irrigation, other crops can be cultivated under brackish conditions. First we consider soil salinization viewed by soil scientists and crop physiologists. Second, we discuss the definition of salt tolerance of crops and measurement of salt tolerance in the field and other controlled indoor conditions. Growth response curves obtained under field or indoor conditions indicate how crop yield varies with increased salinity. Above a threshold salinity value in the curve, plant yield decreases with increased salinity (slope). Threshold salinity and slope values are generally applied to classify crops as salt tolerant, salt sensitive or intermediate. In saline agriculture crops are being cultivated as vegetable crops, fodder crops, ornamentals and as bio-energy crops. Use of large amounts of brackish water (salt concentrations ranging from 1 to 50% of that of seawater, EC values 0.125 dS/m), often regarded unsuitable for crop cultivation, can be successfully applied in saline agriculture, saving significant volumes or fresh water. There is an increasing need of salt tolerant crops for large scale saline agriculture at a global scale. Traditionally salt tolerance crops have been obtained by selection and breeding. Alternatively improved salt tolerance of crops can be obtained by genetic engineering. Genes involved in salt tolerance may be transferred and activated in salt sensitive crops.