Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Sediment Transport in Sewer using Artificial Neural Network

Abstract Sedimentation in sewers occurs regularly according to the alternating natural flow. The long term deposit of material in the sewerage systems increases the risk of changes in the sediments and their consolidation and cementation. In particular under low flow conditions, permanent settlement similar to that on the sewer bed alters the nature of velocity and distribution of the boundary shear stress. Consequently, it affects the capacity of sediment transport and the hydraulic resistance of the sewer. The article reviews the application of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) in predicting the sediment transport using the concept of self-cleansing of sewer systems. In comparison with existing methods, the ANN showed acceptable results.
Fretting Wear Modeling of Coated and Uncoated Surfaces Using the Combined Finite-Discrete Element Method

A new approach for modeling fretting wear in a Hertzian line contact is presented. The combined finite-discrete element method (FDEM) in which multiple finite element bodies interact as distinct bodies is used to model a two-dimensional fretting contact with and without coatings. The normal force and sliding distance are used during each fretting cycle, and fretting wear is modeled by locally applying Archard’s wear equation to determine wear loss along the surface. The FDEM is validated by comparing the pressure and frictional shear stress results to the continuum mechanics solution for a Hertzian fretting contact. The dependence of the wear algorithm stability on the cycle increment of a fretting simulation is also investigated. The effects of friction coefficient, normal force, displacement amplitude, coating thickness, and coating modulus of elasticity on fretting wear are presented.
Latent Variables in Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration

Collaboration within multidisciplinary teams makes or mars project success. Empirical research findings have reinforced the need for project team partners to collaborate, particularly BIM projects. Without collaboration, it is impossible to foster project deliverables. This study explores the descriptors of collaboration through five frameworks: governance, administration, autonomy, mutuality and, trust norms and reciprocity. The descriptors of these variables are discussed, with lesson drawn on how to reinforce collaboration in multidisciplinary project environments.
Active shape model-based user identification for an intelligent wheelchair

Recently, some novel human-machine interfaces (HMI) have been created for disabled and elderly people to control intelligent wheelchairs (IW) using facial and head gestures. To operate a wheelchair in this new visual-based control mode, user identification should be conducted beforehand. Rather than traditional user identification that requires the user to input his/her username and password by typing, the state-of-the-art biometric-based user identification provides a more convenient way for the disabled users. This paper first elaborates active shape model in details; then, video-based user identification using Mahalanobis distance is presented. As an extension, an adaptive learning module is designed to append or update the user's face record in the constructed face database. Experimental results show that our login subsystem is able to function well for a comparatively small face database.
Investigation of Forest Fire Activity Changes Over the Central India Domain Using Satellite Observations During 2001–2020

Recurrent and large forest fires negatively impact ecosystem, air quality, and human health. Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer fire product is used to identify forest fires over central India domain, an extremely fire prone region. The study finds that from 2001 to 2020, ∼70% of yearly forest fires over the region occurred during March (1,857.5 counts/month) and April (922.8 counts/month). Some years such as 2009, 2012, and 2017 show anomalously high forest fires. The role of persistent warmer temperatures and multiple climate extremes in increasing forest fire activity over central India is comprehensively investigated. Warmer period from 2006 to 2020 showed doubling and tripling of forest fire activity during forest fire (February–June; FMAMJ) and non‐fire (July–January; JASONDJ) seasons, respectively. From 2015 JASONDJ to 2018 FMAMJ, central India experienced a severe heatwave, a rare drought and an extremely strong El Niño, the combined effect of which is linked to increased forest fires. Further, the study assesses quinquennial spatiotemporal changes in forest fire characteristics such as fire count density and average fire intensity. Deciduous forests of Jagdalpur‐Gadchiroli Range and Indravati National Park in Chhattisgarh state are particularly fire prone (>61 fire counts/grid) during FMAMJ and many forest fires are of high intensity (>45 MW). Statistical associations link high near surface air temperature and low precipitation during FMAMJ to significantly high soil temperature, low soil moisture content, low evapotranspiration and low normalized difference vegetation index. This creates a significantly drier environment, conducive for high forest fire activity in the region.
Soil and water conservation in terraced and non‐terraced cultivations: an extensive comparison of 50 vineyards

Understanding the soil and water conservation (SWC) impact of steep‐slope agricultural practices (e.g. terraces) has arguably never been more relevant than today, in the face of widespread intensifying rainfall conditions. In Italy, a diverse mosaic of terraced and non‐terraced cultivation systems have historically developed from local traditions and more recently from the introduction of machinery. Previous studies suggested that each type of vineyard configuration is characterised by a specific set of soil degradation patterns. However, an extensive analysis of SWC impacts by different vineyard configurations is missing, while this is crucial for providing robust guidelines for future‐proof viticulture. Here, we provide a unique extensive comparison of SWC in 50 vineyards, consisting of 10 sites of 5 distinct practices: slope‐wise cultivation (SC), contour cultivation (CC), contour terracing (CT), broad‐base terracing (BT) and oblique terracing (OT). A big‐data analysis approach of physical erosion modelling based on high‐resolution LiDAR data is performed, while four predefined SWC indicators are systematically analysed and statistically quantified. Regular contour terracing (CT) ranked best across all indicators, reflecting a good combination of flow interception and homogeneous distribution of runoff and sediment under intense rainfall conditions. The least SWC‐effective practices (SC, CC, and OT) were related to vineyards optimised for trafficability by access roads or uninterrupted inter‐row paths, which created high upstream‐downstream connectivity and are thus prone to flow accumulation. The novel large‐scale approach of this study offers a robust comparison of SWC impacts under intense rainstorms, which is becoming increasingly relevant for the sustainable future management of such landscapes.
‘You are safe. You are not alone:’ gender and Social Support Coping (SSC) in public safety personnel

ABSTRACT Public Safety Personnel (PSP) experience significant job-related stressors including potentially psychologically traumatic event (PPTE) exposures that may compromise mental health; as such, strategies are needed to mitigate the impact of stressors. Substantial research evidence indicates that social support is a crucial strategy for enhancing mental health and well-being in PSP and non-PSP populations alike. Gender differences in using social support are understudied among PSP and stereotypical gender attitudes appear highly prevalent in PSP occupations. In the present study, we explore the differential use of social support by men and women PSP; specifically, personal, informal, and formal social support. We analyse 137 responses to two open-ended questions regarding Social Support Coping (SSC) from participants obtained through an online self-report survey for PSP. Our results suggest that gender significantly impacts how men and women PSP seek help or support from their peers, spouses, friends, or supervisors. Men appeared to rely more on families or spouses, whereas women sought support from friend groups or relationships based on reciprocity and formal programmes.
Performance Analysis of 3GPP LTE

One of the key concerns in identifying the technological innovation to involve in LTE, is the trade‐off between cost of performance and genuine advantages. The 3GPP LTE is a new standard with commendable performance targets, therefore it is necessary and urgent to evaluate the performance and quality of this new system at an initial phase in order to promote its smooth and cost-efficient
The Effect of Tether Damage on Tension Leg Platform Dynamics

The design of a tension leg platform (TLP) provides for tethers of equal stiffness at each corner. Damage to the tethers results in a loss of stiffness and consequently a change in the static equilibrium configurations and dynamic response of the platform and also affects the tether dynamics. Computer algorithms for the linear and nonlinear analysis of a tension leg platform subjected to regular waves have been developed assuming that the platform is modeled as a rigid body. In the linear case the tethers are modeled as one-degree of freedom springs whereas in the nonlinear study the tethers are modeled as a network of beam elements having bending and axial stiffness and also geometric stiffness because of the large displacements assumed. It is assumed that the hydrodynamic forces on the assembled structure equal the sum of the hydrodynamic forces on the component bodies while their interaction is ignored. A parametric study of the platform motion responses and tension variations has been presented for cases involving the loss of tether stiffness. Motion responses of the platform and the tension at each leg have been computed for a regular wave traveling from aft to forward for cases involving intact tethers and with a certain amount of stiffness lost, in one instance at both aft tethers, and in another case at only the aft starboard tether. A regular wave of 10.0-m height and 8.0-s period in 160-m water depth has been used for calculation purposes. The total mean pretension is assumed to remain constant. It is seen that the lateral motions of the platform (such as surge) are not affected by the loss of tether stiffness while the motions in the vertical plane (such as heave and pitch) increase with reduction in stiffness. In all cases the dynamic tension amplitude increases with loss of tether stiffness. For a given configuration, the nonlinear analysis yielded larger dynamic tension amplitudes than those obtained from linear analysis because of the inclusion of bending stiffness in the tethers and also because large displacements were taken into account.
Cartographical Aspects in the Design of Indoor Navigation Systems

Abstract The development of indoor navigation systems should utilize advanced teleinformation, geoinformation and cartographical knowledge. The authors analyzed available specifications of prototypes of indoor navigation systems and drew conclusions about how to enhance the use of cartographical methods in the whole process of designing a new system. The analysis proves that cartographical methodology is still very limited in the process of designing indoor navigation systems. Researchers focus mainly on improving the positioning accuracy, and they often neglect the issue of developing spatial databases and the rules of their effective visualization. The process of designing indoor navigation systems, just like in the case of outdoor navigation systems, consists of a number of tasks that can be supported by the theory and practice of cartography. This article presents the issues of determination of spatial database model appropriate for an indoor system, improvement of accuracy of positioning algorithms utilizing spatial data and methodology of generating graphical and voice directions for indoor navigation. In the authors’ opinion, the discussed cartographical methods and techniques may considerably enhance indoor navigation systems and accelerate their development. The fundamental knowledge of cartographical methods should be within the interest of designers of these systems. At present the first attempts in this field may be observed, although they are still not mature and complex
“You Feel Very Isolated”: Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Caregiver Social Connections

One in five individuals in the United States provides care and support to ill, disabled, and aging family members in the home, leading to feelings of burden, stress, and poor health and well-being. Social support represents an important buffer for family caregivers that allows them to feel less isolated and more positive about their caregiving role. This sequential mixed-methods study aimed to examine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on family caregivers’ social connections. Eighty-two caregivers completed a web-based survey which comprised of fixed-choice and open-ended questions. Survey data showed that the majority of caregivers (83%) reported an increase in stress and feeling lonely (77%) during the pandemic. Qualitative interviews with a subsample of caregivers (n=27) further explored social connections during the pandemic. Three themes echoed the quantitative findings and centered around defining boundaries, intentionality in social interactions, and loss of social resources. Although caregivers were often strained by new or increased caregiving demands, many experienced positive changes such as feeling a deeper connection with the care-recipient. Findings from this study highlight the need for further consideration of the impact of social isolation on the well-being of caregivers.
Improvement of MSME Sales and Capital Management through a Website-Based Marketplace System

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have a good enough potential to overcome poverty, because they have an absorption contribution of 99.45 percent. MSMEs can be developed by utilizing e-marketplaces, but the existing marketplaces have not been able to solve the problems faced by MSMEs. One of the problems faced by MSME actors is difficulty in accessing capital. In general, MSME capital is obtained from the bank, but MSME actors are burdened by the need for collateral to apply for loans. Based on these problems, a marketplace information system for MSME products was built with peer-to-peer lending features that can help MSMEs do product marketing as well as apply for loans on easy terms and without any collateral. Testing the system with the black box method shows that all features are functioning properly and in accordance with the expected functionality.Testing with the acceptance testing method for MSME actors obtained an average score of 89.25%, so it can be concluded that the system is acceptable and in accordance with the needs of MSME players in Gianyar Regency.
Correlates of viral non-suppression among South African antiretroviral therapy users: comorbidity of major depression, posttraumatic stress, and alcohol use disorders

ABSTRACT Antiretroviral therapy (ART) users at two public health facilities in South Africa were assessed for major depressive disorder (MDD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and alcohol use disorder (AUD), using the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM5 (n = 688). Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify associations between mental disorders and unsuppressed viral load (VL), controlling for sociodemographic factors. All main effects and two-way interaction effects between mental disorders were explored. Prevalence estimates for MDD, PTSD and AUD were 24.9%, 14.7% and 22.1%, respectively, and 22.0% had unsuppressed VL. In multivariate regression models, unsuppressed VL was associated with being unemployed (aOR = 2.23) and AUD (aOR = 1.78). MDD, PTSD and comorbid mental disorders did not increase risk of unsuppressed VL. Population Attributable Risk analysis indicated that treating AUD could yield a 2% absolute reduction in prevalence of unsuppressed VL (equivalent to 9.3% proportional reduction), highlighting the importance of screening and treating AUD among persons receiving ART.
Biomass production and heavy metal absorption by four plants grown at the Moravia dump, Medellin, Colombia

Dumps are sites where the presence of high heavy metal (HM) concentration is a common occurrence, creating the need for implementing restoration processes immediately after their closure. In the 7.6 ha and 45 m high Morro de Moravia dump, arose from the disposal of Medellin solid wastes from 1974 to 1984, previous studies have demonstrated high contents of contaminants, including HM, prompting the need to identify effective mechanisms to implement its restoration. The objective of this study was to evaluate the adaptation, growth and phytoremediation capacity of Bidens pilosa, Lepidium virginicum, Brachiaria decumbens and Arachis pintoi. Content of HM (mg/kg) in Moravia residue matrix went from 17 to 8193 for Pb, 44 to 564 for Cr, 0.2 to 339 for Cd and 77 to 1679 for Ni. Measurements of plant cover, plant height and dry matter production at all plant species studied suggested adequate growth and adaptation to the Moravia dump conditions. Plant absorption of HM showed the pattern Cr > Cd > Ni > Pb. Estimated bioconcentration factors were generally low, and maximum values were 0.36 in A. pintoi (Cr), 2.96 in B. pilosa (Cd) and 0.26 in B. decumbens (Ni). However, our estimations of the phytoremediation potential of the assayed species, suggested they possess low remediation efficiency. Further investigation should be carried out in order to identify more efficient HM accumulators, and to test the use of technologies such as modification of pH, rhizoremediation or the use of genetically enhanced accumulators to increase HM availability to plants
Multiaged forest stands for protection forests: Concepts and applications

Multiaged stands have two or more age classes that are the result of partial natural and anthropogenic disturbances that do not destroy all trees in a stand. Multiaged stands represent a more static structure than comparable even-aged stands because they fluctuate in a narrower range of variability in stand structure over time. For protection forests, potential benefits of multiaged stands are their resistance and resilience to disturbances. Resistance comes from the capacity to withstand or avoid disturbance effects. A variety of tree sizes might be desired for resistance depending on the specific protective function. Multiaged stands provide a range of tree sizes as well as developing trees to replace trees lost to disturbances. Resilience is the capacity to maintain or regain normal function after disturbance. Resilience may be higher in multiaged stands because of a smaller range of variation in structure over time that imparts a greater ability to quickly return to a pre-disturbance state. In the case of protection forests, the challenge is to establish and maintain a series of age classes of trees that maximize the resistance or resilience of the stand.
Intelligent control scheme of divided blank holder for square-cup deep-drawing process

To extend the potentially applicable process of the database- and Finite-Element-Method (FEM)-assisted system for the intelligent control (DFMASIC) of press systems for circular-cup deep-drawing, previously developed by the authors, the control system concept was applied to the divided and variable Blank-Holding-Pressure (BHP) control in the process. The basic idea proposed is that each divided controllable part, the straight part and corner part of the blank holder, may be considered and controlled individually as a circular-cup-drawing portion. For the divided and variable BHP control in the square-cup drawing, the results of the DFMASIC system show an enhancement of more than 40% for the maximum drawn cup height, compared with experimental results. Consequently, it is verified that the DFMASIC system is applicable to the square-cup drawing process as well as for circular-cup drawing.
Music-selective cortex is sensitive to structure in both pitch and time

Converging evidence suggests that neural populations within human non-primary auditory cortex respond selectively to music. These neural populations respond strongly to a wide range of music stimuli, and weakly to other natural sounds and to synthetic control stimuli matched to music in many acoustic properties, suggesting that they are driven by high-level musical features. What are these features? Here we used fMRI to test the extent to which musical structure in pitch and time contribute to music-selective neural responses. We used voxel decomposition to derive music-selective response components in each of 15 participants individually, and then measured the response of these components to synthetic music clips in which we selectively disrupted musical structure by scrambling either the note pitches and/or onset times. Both types of scrambling produced lower responses compared to when melodic or rhythmic structure was intact. This effect was much stronger in the music-selective component than in the other response components, even those with substantial spatial overlap with the music component. We further found no evidence for any cortical regions sensitive to pitch but not time structure, or vice versa. Our results suggest that the processing of melody and rhythm are intertwined within auditory cortex.
Software Effort Estimation: A Comparison Based Perspective

For any industry to stay competitive, managing balance between quality and cost of software is important. Estimating software development effort remains a complex problem and one which continues to attract considerable research attention. Number of researchers had made their efforts to produce different modeling techniques in last few decades. This paper is about the comprehensive descriptive exploration of the techniques that were presented in software effort estimation field. In this paper we present the main findings of few research papers that have utilized a various parametric and non parametric techniques amalgamated with computational intelligence technique, in software effort estimation. All widespread models discussed at one place will give researchers a prospect to comprehend the pros and cons, similarities and the differences among various models.
Epithelial cells of the intestine acquire cell-intrinsic inflammation signatures during ageing

During ageing, cell-intrinsic and extrinsic factors lead to the decline of tissue function and organismal health. Disentangling these factors is important for developing effective strategies to prolong organismal healthspan. Here, we addressed this question in the mouse intestinal epithelium, which forms a dynamic interface with its microenvironment and receives extrinsic signals affecting its homeostasis and tissue ageing. We systematically compared transcriptional profiles of young and aged epithelial cells in vivo and ex vivo in cultured intestinal organoids. We found that all cell types of the aged epithelium exhibit an inflammation phenotype, which is marked by MHC class II upregulation and most pronounced in enterocytes. This was accompanied by elevated levels of the immune tolerance markers PD-1 and PD-L1 in the aged tissue microenvironment, indicating dysregulation of immunological homeostasis. Intestinal organoids from aged mice still showed an inflammation signature after weeks in culture, which was concurrent with increased chromatin accessibility of inflammation-associated loci. Our results reveal a cell-intrinsic, persistent inflammation phenotype in aged epithelial cells, which might contribute to systemic inflammation observed during ageing.