Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Using Different Fibers on Slab on Grades

esistance to crack propagation is achieved by fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) that contain coarse aggregate, and the existence of coarse aggregate in the matrix, brings some difficulties for fiber distribution or dispersion. Thus the volume fraction is highly limited. For fiber reinforced concrete used in practice, the applicable fiber volume fraction range from 0.4 to 2% for steel fiber and 0.06 to 0.5% for polypropylene. Slab on grades are the most important element in industrial projects. Considering to the use these floors are subjected to the damages and with repair and retrofitting need expenditure. Design and construction a durable concrete floor in the storage, saloon and platforms are important [1]. The industrial floors have two functions; one bearing operational loadings, storages of material, the dynamic load from lift truck wheels and transferring them to the subgrades, secondly, providing a smooth surface for ease of use and safety [2]. It is necessary to enhance the quality of the concrete. Normal concrete is weak in tension about 1/10 of the compressive strength. It is brittle against the impact loadings. Reinforcement with steel rebar cannot prevent their resistance against cracking therefore the fibers is introduced. These fibers are separated and are distributed in concrete randomly. The precedence of the use of fibers is backed to the old Egyptian that they used fibers in mud walls. Also rock wools fibers for reinforcement of clay is used about 5000 years ago [3]. From different kinds of fibers used in concrete the steel and polypropylene are mostly used. This research tried to evaluate two kinds of fibers. The flexural and impact resistance are the most important parameters. Base on this, six prisms specimens were prepared for testing flexural strength, six concrete disks for impact testing and nine cubes for compressive strength tests. In general, slab on grade problems can be categorized as cracking, surface deterioration, curling, settlement or heave, failure of joints, delamination of finishes, water penetration, chemical attack and wearing out [4]. R ABSTRACT
THE STUDENTS’ MATHEMATICAL ABSTRACTION ABILITY THROUGH REALISTIC MATHEMATICS EDUCATION WITH VBA-MICROSOFT EXCEL

The purpose of this research is to analyze the level of abstraction mathematical ability of the students through learning using Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) with Visual Basic Application (VBA) for Microsoft Excel. This research uses a descriptive qualitative method and the subject of this study is junior high school students of grade 9th in one school in Ngamprah as many as 35 students. One of the instruments in this study is the abstraction test. Results show that as many as 65.71% of students are in the first level of Perceptual Abstraction. As many as 57.14% of students are in the second level of Internalization. As many as 31.43% of students are in the third level of Interiorization, and as many as 17.14% of students are at the last level, namely Second Level of Interiorization. Overall, the sample in this study can be categorized into four levels of abstraction.
Vanity versus art : exploring the effects on Instagram self-presentation

Instagram is a popular photo sharing application that enables users to present images, with the opportunity to strategically present themselves. This study examined the effects of personality traits on the congruency of individual’s self-presentation on Instagram. Congruency of self-presentation is encouraged for positive effects on psychological well-being. The influence of exhibitionism, drive, social desirability, conformity, appreciation of beauty, grandiose and vulnerable narcissism were examined. 175 Instagram users, including both students and community members completed the anonymous online survey. The sample was predominantly female however, gender was found to have no effect on variables. Results of the regression analysis indicated that grandiose narcissism was a significant predictor of congruent self-presentation, whereas vulnerable narcissism and appreciation of beauty were significant predictors of decreased congruency. Results indicated exhibitionism, drive, conformity and social desirability did not influence self-presentation. Furthermore, grandiose and vulnerable narcissism were not significant moderators of the relationship between predictors and self-presentation. Content-based frequencies indicated a high percentage of users post to show and share images with an audience. Limitations of the study include self-report measures and cross-sectional design. Implications include identifying an alternative influence of artistic traits of Instagram users, and challenging the negative stereotyping of young Millennials and Instagram
Scalable Dynamic Graph Summarization

Large-scale dynamic interaction graphs can be challenging to process and store, due to their size and the continuous change of communication patterns between nodes. In this work, we address the problem of summarizing large-scale dynamic graphs, while maintaining the evolution of their structure and interactions. Our approach is based on grouping the nodes of the graph in supernodes according to their connectivity and communication patterns. The resulting summary graph preserves the information about the evolution of the graph within a time window. We propose two online algorithms for summarizing this type of graphs. Our baseline algorithm <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$k$</tex-math><alternatives><mml:math><mml:mi>k</mml:mi></mml:math><inline-graphic xlink:href="bonchi-ieq1-2884471.gif"/></alternatives></inline-formula>C based on clustering is fast but rather memory expensive. The second method we propose, named <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu$</tex-math><alternatives><mml:math><mml:mi>μ</mml:mi></mml:math><inline-graphic xlink:href="bonchi-ieq2-2884471.gif"/></alternatives></inline-formula>C, reduces the memory requirements by introducing an intermediate step that keeps statistics of the clustering of the previous rounds. Our algorithms are distributed by design, and we implement them over the Apache Spark framework, so as to address the problem of scalability for large-scale graphs and massive streams. We apply our methods to several dynamic graphs, and show that we can efficiently use the summary graphs to answer temporal and probabilistic graph queries.
Analysis of Publications of FEP and their Affinities

In this paper we analyse the scientific production of the researchers of the School of Economics and Management of the University of Porto (FEP). The titles of articles appearing in the bibliographic database Authenticus were used as the basis of this study. We have explored the representation in the form of a network visualised as graph, where each researcher is represented by a node. The nodes are connected by the level of similarity of the publications’ titles. To obtain this network we have used the software Affinity Miner. This software can also identify affinity groups that join researchers with similar publications. We have explored two methods for this purpose and determined that Louvain’s method produces the best results. As the original network has a rather high density of links, the visual analysis would be rather difficult if the network were not simplified. Simplification is done by removing the weakest links. Using a measure called modularity with component penalty, we determine an adequate value for the minimum weight of a link. The results obtained with this methodology are interesting. First, it can identify both central researchers of FEP and central researchers in each scientific group (e.g. in Economics, Management, etc.). The 9 affinity groups that were generated are also of interest. We note that the scientific group of Economics is divided into 3 rather cohesive subgroups. Two of those include mainly researchers from this scientific group, while the third one is a mix of researchers mainly from Economics and Management. All affinity groups are characterised by automatically generated keywords. Similar analysis can be done for all other scientific subgroups. In our opinion, the structures discovered are pertinent and provide interesting insights into how FEP is in fact organised.
Simultaneous localization and mapping for vehicles using ORB-SLAM2

This thesis details work developing a containerized version of ORB-SLAM2 implemented in the open source software framework OpenDLV as well as testing it both on established datasets as well as on gathered data in a real traffic scenario in the Gothenburg area. Parallel to the real traffic scenarios this thesis also evaluates the feasibility for ORB-SLAM2 to be run on a formula student race car, due to the authors involvement in the Chalmers formula student driverless project which will compete with an autonomous race car in the formula student germany competition. The thesis also evaluates ORB-SLAM2 as a SLAM solution on a regular car and the strengths and weaknesses of the system in that area.
Implementation of DNN-based real-time voice conversion and its improvements by audio data augmentation and mask-shaped device

Voice conversion (VC) enables us to change speech while preserving the linguistic information and is expected to play a signiﬁcant role in augmented human communication. Recently, deep neural network (DNN)-based VC has been attracting attention because it can synthesize high-quality speech. However, existing methods typically assume ofﬂine processes (i.e., analysis, conversion, and synthesis) and cannot be directly applied to real-time VC. Therefore, we propose an implementation method of DNN-based VC that works online with low latency. We also propose audio data augmentation to improve the speech quality of real-time VC. Finally, we develop a mask-based real-time VC device to improve robustness against background noise. Experimental results demonstrate that 1) the proposed real-time VC works with 0.50 of the real-time factor, 2) the proposed data augmentation improves speech quality, and 3) the proposed mask-based VC device is more robust to noise than a standard microphone-based VC device.
Internationalization as a strategy for small and medium‐sized enterprises and the impact of regulatory environment: An emerging country perspective

This study focuses on identification, categorisation and comparison of regulatory barriers to internationalisation for the SMEs from an emerging market context. Primary data were collected to develop and validate a structural model to assess the salient regulatory barriers of internationalisation with a particular attention to the SMEs in Bangladesh. Structured questionnaire has been used to collect data from 212 SMEs operating in Bangladesh. The results indicate that both administrative and economic regulatory barriers are significant for the internationalisation of SMEs whereby administrative regulatory barriers are slightly more substantial. This study provides further discussion from both theoretical and methodological aspects. By developing and validating structural model, this study contributes to the literature on small business and regulation with particular attention to the emerging markets.
A Configuration of Double Input Z-Source DC-DC Converter for Standalone PV/Battery System Application

In this paper, a double input DC-DC converter based on modified Z-source converter is suggested for standalone PV/Battery system application. The configuration of double input DC-DC converter under one port powered off is presented to solve problem of randomness and intermittency in distributed power source. In the proposed topology, the input DC voltage is boosted and achieved higher voltage gain with lower voltage stress on power switches. Other merits of the proposed converter are that it operates with wide range of load, and input DC voltage sources supply DC load individually or simultaneously. The configuration of the proposed double input DC-DC converter is introduced and then, its operation principle is analyzed in detail. Switches voltage and current stresses are studied and then, calculation of voltage gain is performed for different states of the converter. Finally, simulation results are given to verify the theoretical analysis and performance of the suggested DC-DC converter.
Telling the Story of a Collection with Visualizations: A Case Study

Abstract Patrons and scholars are increasingly likely to first encounter a collection in a digital space rather than a physical one. This article considers how to utilize data visualization in an academic library to promote a unique collection to remote visitors. In order to create awareness of the Valente Italian Library at Seton Hall University, one of the largest Italian collections in the United States, subject librarians considered ways to convey and describe the collection beyond the search box or the discovery filters of the catalog. After considering meaningful data points available in the records data, the authors harvested, cleaned, and mined the data for interesting collection facets. Visualizations were created from the data and the authors explore whether they offer a greater understanding of the collection and aid in telling its story, as well as recreate a sense of browsing for the online visitor.
Electron Spin Resonance detectors from 400 MHz to 360 GHz

Methods based on the electron spin resonance (ESR) phenomenon are non-invasive tools adopted to investigate paramagnetic systems at temperatures ranging from above 1000 K to below 1 K. At room temperature, commercially available spectrometers achieve spin sensitivities in the order of 1010 spins/Hz1/2 on samples with volumes of a few μL. Since 2008, the group of Dr. G. Boero has been working on a novel detection technique based on the integration of ESR sensors on single silicon (Si) chips. The proposed methodology allowed to study samples in the nL scale and reach a spin sensitivity at least two orders of magnitude better than the best commercially available spectrometers, comparable to the performance of microresonators. The detection principle is based on an inductive approach and can be summarized as follows. An ESR sensitive sample is placed in close proximity to the planar inductor (coil) of an LC oscillator operating at microwave frequency. In presence of a suitable static magnetic field, whose direction and magnitude respectively depend on the orientation of the inductor and the working frequency of the oscillator, the ESR phenomenon takes place. It causes a variation in the sample magnetization which translates to a variation of the inductance, leading to both a frequency shift of the LC oscillator (frequency detection) and a variation of the oscillation amplitude (amplitude detection). Consequently, the ESR phenomenon may be detected by tracking the operating point of the oscillator. In order to maximize the spin sensitivity, it is necessary to maximize the ESR signal generated by the sample under inspection and minimize the intrinsic noise of the oscillator. The former objective is achieved by (1) maximizing the operating frequency, (2) matching the coil size to the expected sensitive volume, and (3) cooling down the system to cryogenic temperatures (if possible) so as to benefit from the larger magnetization of paramagnetic samples. The latter strictly depends on (1) the nature of the noise (thermal noise or 1/ f noise), (2) the working frequency, (3) the detection method (either amplitude or frequency detection), (4) the bias point of the oscillator, (5) the ambient temperature, and (6) the design methodology (e.g., transistors, topology, quality factor, layout, parasitics, electrical coupling with other subsystems, etc.). Moreover, also the microwave magnetic field generated by the LC oscillator contributes to maximizing the spin sensitivity. For the frequency detection, it must be as low as possible in order not to degrade the spectral purity of the ESR signal (saturation). Conversely, for the amplitude detection, it must be tunable since its optimal magnitude is greater than zero and depends on the nature of the paramagnetic target. In general, the microwave magnetic field strictly depends on both the amplitude of the AC current circulating in the coil and on its geometrical size, leading to further constraints at design level.
Environmental Information Transparency—Evidence from Romanian Companies

The purpose of this paper is to analyse disclosure of environmental information (DEI) for a set of 100 companies listed at the Bucharest Stock Exchange (BSE) and identify possible correlations between this and the evolution of some relevant economic and financial measures of companies’ activities. For these purposes we have calculated an index of environmental information disclosure and we employed a system dynamic panel data estimation model and panel corrected standard errors for sampled companies for the 2013–2017 period. The results we have obtained show that sampled companies have a low degree of environmental information disclosure, as the highest registered score was of 15 out of a maximum of 29 points, with an average of merely 6.37 points. Regarding the possible correlations, the tests performed have shown that entity size, expressed by the number of employees, is the factor which positively influences environmental information’s disclosure. Results also evidence that performance determines the quantity of information the firm provides to external users, as opposed to maturity/age. Our study is the first approaching companies from Bucharest Stock Exchange with data for 5 years using a mixed approach (DEI–index and regressions) and we think the results obtained are useful for managers, general public and investors, considering that size and performance greatly influence companies’ environmental awareness.
Leverage Over the Firm Life Cycle, Firm Growth, and Aggregate Fluctuations

We study the leverage of U.S. firms over their life cycles and the connection between firm leverage, firm growth, and aggregate shocks. We construct a new dataset that combines private and public firms' balance sheets with firm-level data from U.S. Census Bureau's Longitudinal Business Database for the period 2005-12. Public and private firms exhibit different leverage dynamics over their life cycles. Firm age and size are systematically related to leverage for private firms but not for public firms. We show that private firms, but not public ones, deleveraged during the Great Recession and that this deleveraging is associated with a reduction in firm revenue and employment growth. Exploiting sectoral variation, we find that the leverage dynamics of firms is also relevant for aggregate fluctuations.
Project Management Tools and Techniques (T&T) Usage in Building Sector Companies in Cartagena City, T.C.D..

According to the PMBOK guide [1] project management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to project activities in order to meet project requirements. Tools and techniques are the basis upon projects management are built as discipline; once these tools are mastered and properly used the companies that make projects take the next step towards the use of solid methodologies, standardization and implementation of good practices, implementation of PMO project office and the search for organizational maturity. This research work was mainly focused on good practices related to Tools and Techniques T&T useful in project management. In essence, the theoretical framework is shown in a general way, starting with the strategic framework of project management, life cycle, types of organizations and the main tools and techniques taken into account during the initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and control and closure. One of the main products of this research was the design of a data collection instrument that can not only be applicable to the construction sector, but serves as a basis for making diagnoses in other areas or sectors where projects are executed. The diagnosis could show at what level is each tool and technique of project management used in the construction companies of Cartagena city. From this analysis it was possible to conclude that a group of tools and techniques are used optimally and others are not thus their potential is not exploit for the organization benefit. From the results of the research and according to the vocation and needs of the sector, a prioritization of T&T was made, especially, those impacting the most the results of the projects of the construction sector. To facilitate and train on its use a didactic guide was designed recommending the relevance of T&T taking into account the findings of the sector and the main worldwide references.
Is landholding a potential barrier to adopting profitable livelihoods in the Mekong Delta region in Vietnam

Using secondary data on rural households in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam, our study is the first to identify (i) what livelihoods are adopted by rural households, (ii) which ones are profitable and which are not, and (iii) whether access to various types of land is an important factor affecting households’ choice of remunerative livelihoods. Considering various income sources, we apply cluster analysis techniques to offer the first classification of five types of livelihood adopted by local households. We then compare livelihood outcomes across livelihood groups using Bonferroni pairwise tests and quantile functions (Pen’s parades). It was found that households engaged in farm work, formal wage-earning work and non-wage work livelihoods obtained higher levels of income than did those with livelihoods depending on informal wage-earning work or non-labor income sources. Using a multinomial logit model, we also examine factors affecting choices of income-earning activities, and find that several types of land are positively associated with the choice of high-return livelihoods, implying that lack of access to land is a potential obstacle to adopting profitable livelihoods. Fortunately, education is found to play a major role in the pursuit of remunerative livelihoods, which suggests that better education would help households move from low- to high-return activities.