Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ground Vibration Caused by Tunnel Construction and its Effect on an Electron Microscope

Abstract In this study, we observed the vibrations caused by the construction of a roadway tunnel excavated using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM) in an urban area. We analyzed the resulting vibrations and disturbances and their effect on a high-voltage electron microscope (HVEM). The characteristics of the construction equipment, various construction tasks, wave propagation and attenuation in the soil, along with the transmission of vibration forces to adjacent buildings were also clarified. These findings were combined and the effects on the HVEM were examined to model vibration-induced disturbances. The accuracy of these findings was confirmed by comparing the results obtained with actual observations that were recorded later. The findings of this study are expected to enhance the ability to distinguish between the many factors involved in vibration-induced disturbances caused by equipment. The findings could also be applied to monitoring construction activities and predicting the effects of vibration-induced disturbances on high-precision equipment.
Are banks too big to fail

Abstract We consider three measures on the systemic importance of a financial institu- tion within a interconnected financial system. Based on the measures, we study the relation between the size of a financial institution and its systemic importance. From both theo- retical model and empirical analysis, we find that in analyzing the systemic risk posed by one financial institution to the system, size should not be considered as a proxy of systemic importance. In other words, the "too big to fail" argument is not always valid, and alter- native measures on systemic importance should be considered. We provide the estimation methodology of systemic importance measures under the multivariate Extreme Value Theory (EVT) framework.
Studies on synthesis and Dyeing Performance of disperse azo dyes based on Schiff base of ninhydrin and 3-amino phenol

Some new disperse azo dyes based on Schiff base of ninhydrin and 3-amino phenol were prepared by coupling of various diazo solution of benzene derivatives. The resultant dyes were characterized by elemental analyses as well as IR and NMR spectral studies. The UV-Visible spectral data have also been discussed in terms of structural property relationship. All the disperse azo dyes were applied on polyester textile fibers. The percentage dye bath exhaustion and fixation on the polyester fibers have been found to be very good. The dyied fabrics showed moderate to very good light fastness and washing fastness properties.
EXPRESSION OF cDNA FOR MARINE ANNELID METALLOPROTEIN IN ESCHERICHIA COLI

A cDNA library of Nereis diversicolor coelomocytes was constructed in expression vector λgt 11 . Selection of clones of recombined phages was performed using the immunoreactivity of an anti-metalloprotein (anti-MPII) polyclonal antibody. It is of importance to note that this selection was confirmed with the use of two anti-MPII monoclonal antibodies. Conditions for strong expression of fusion proteins by bacteria which had integrated the recombined phages, and conditions for detection of these proteins by host cells. Nevertheless, it must be mentioned that these proteins, though altered, retained their antibacterial activity.
OVERCOMING TRAFFIC CONGESTION. A DISCUSSION OF REDUCTION STRATEGIES AND BEHAVIORAL RESPONSES FROM A NORTH-AMERICAN PERSPECTIVE

This paper addresses the issue of why measures designed to ease traffic congestion have met with limited success in North American cities. To this end, specific types of supply and demand strategies (i.e., roadway construction, jobs-housing balance and the compressed workweek) are discussed emphasizing behavioral responses to them. With respect to roadway construction, evidence of induced travel from recent studies undertaken in the United States is presented. With respect to the two remaining strategies, two studies conducted in Canada employing simulation models are described. Finally, activity-based travel demand models are discussed as a promising means for forecasting both anticipated and unanticipated behavioral responses to mitigation measures, thereby enabling policy makers to make informed decisions as to whether the measures merit implementation. (A)
From Existing Practices to Best Practices: Improving the Quality and Consistency of Participant Assessment Methods in Cartographic User Studies

User studies are a cornerstone of cartographic research, delivering valuable insights into the design and use of maps, as well as the attitudes and behaviors of map users. The ever-expanding body of cartographic user studies maintains cartography as a forward-facing discipline: emerging technologies and methods are actively pursued and adopted, rather than dismissed. Alongside this growing, diversifying body of research and methods are two persistent, logistical challenges: the cartographic community’s lack of an active database of past and present user studies, and the lack of formal guidelines for the selection of appropriate research methods. Over three articles, this dissertation explores how these challenges affect the critical assessment of user differences, and offers a practical solution to improve the overall quality of future cartographic user studies. The first article reviews participant assessment practices from ten years of refereed user studies: how participants were recruited, which information about the participants was assessed by the study authors, how that information was assessed, and the quality and consistency of the reported study details. The review reveals considerable inconsistency among these practices, either as a result of authors not doing an adequate job in designing their studies or, more likely, reporting on their studies. The second article examines recent developments in open-access data sharing, and uses those principles to guide the development of an online, collaborative, cartographic user study database that I hope cartographers will contribute to, and use, as a tool to guide their own user study designs. The third article examines the concept of best practices, which refers to methods or procedures that have been shown to produce superior results, and introduces a model to allow for their systematic identification. When combined, the database and the best practices identification model should assist cartographers in selecting the most appropriate methods to design a user study. The establishment of a cartographic user study database (CartoBase) and a systematic method for
Determination of genetic relationship in Turkish chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes using SSR molecular markers and capillary electrophoresis.

This study aimed to determinate the genetic relationship among 29 chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes in Turkey using SSR markers. A total of 13 SSR primers were used for PCR amplifications, but the study was conducted with the data obtained from 10 SSR primers that yielded good results. PCR products were separated by the Beckman Coulter CEQ-8000 genetic analysis system with capillary electrophoresis and peak values of each primer were scored as presence (1) or absence (0) for all genotype. The dendrogram was constructed based on the genetic similarity coefficient using the UPGMA (unweighted pair group with arithmetic average) method with the computer software NTSYS-pc. Also, polymorphism rates, heterozygosity and polymorphic informaiton content were calculated using statistical formula. A total of 134 alleles were obtained from 10 primers and 122 of them were turned out to be polymorphic and the allele numbers obtained with SSR primers varied between 4 and 28. Heterozygosity also ranged between 0.23 and 0.42. Polymorphic information contents (PIC) varied between 0.70 and 0.89. Genetic similarity coefficients changed between 0.45 and 0.87. Chickpea genotypes identified among the very high level of similarity to that obtained from the dendogram branches intertwined. As a result, Turkish chickpea genotypes can be expressed in a very narrow genetic base.
Effect of dietary protein level on the growth of Giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) and tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) under polyculture system in northern Bangladesh

The present experiment was conducted to assess the effects of dietary protein on the growth of Golda (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) and Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in ponds for a period of 4 months under three treatments of dietary protein levels viz. T1: 20% protein level (commercial feed), T2: 25% protein level (home made feed) and T3: 30% Protein level (commercial feed) each with three replications. Prawn and tilapia were stocked @ 19760 individuals/ha and 4940 individuals/ha with mean initial stocking weight of 2.66±0.08g and 36.78±3.25g respectively. Water quality parameters (water temperature, transparency, pH, dissolved oxygen, NH3-N and alkalinity) were monitored fortnightly and growth parameters were monitored monthly. Except transparency, treatments did not vary significantly for the mean water quality parameters. Significant differences were found for the growth parameters among the treatments except the mean weight gain (monthly) and the specific growth rate (SGR). Significantly highest yield was recorded from treatment T3 where the fishes were fed with commercial feed having 30% protein level. Duncan’s multiple range test showed significantly higher (p<0.05) specific growth rate (3.05% and 3.06%), survival rate (74.50% and 96%) in prawn and tilapia respectively fed with 30% protein rich feed (T3). In calculation of economics, significantly higher total return, net benefit and cost benefit ratio (CBR) were also recorded with the treatment T3. Better performances in production and economics with treatment T3 indicates that prawn and tilapia farming fed with 30% protein rich feed is more profitable in pond condition of northern Bangladesh.
The Impact of Psychological Capital on Job Performance: Development of a Conceptual Framework

Job performance of the employees is one of the central constructs which plays a crucial role in achieving organizational performance. The concept of Psychological Capital (PsyCap) has given much attention in the recent past as a new approach to enhance the job performance of the employees. However, the extent of the impact between PsyCap and job performance has not been investigated in Sri Lankan context. On the other hand the work values and attitudes of Sri Lankan employees are different from other countries. They may affect on the relationship between PsyCap and job performance. Therefore, the purpose of this conceptual paper is to propose a conceptual model for empirically examination of the impact of PsyCap on job performance. Moreover, the effect of work values and attitudes on this relationship is examined by reviewing the relevant literature. The proposed conceptual framework will be a valuable contribution to the future research.
Validation of standard neutron data libraries for LWR storage pools and transport casks criticality safety evaluations

This paper addresses the assessment of MCNPX-2.5. 0 criticality calculations using continuous energy cross section libraries based on JEF-2.2, JENDL-3.3, ENDF/B-6.8, and the recently released JEFF-3.1 data files. For this purpose, validation calculations were performed for a suite of benchmarks from the International Handbook of Evaluated Criticality Safety Benchmark Experiments. The benchmarks were selected on the basis of their similarity to designs found in today's Light Water Reactor (LWR) compact storage pools and transport casks, including MOX fuel rod assemblies, and in total comprised as much as 149 cases. In order to define the ranges of applicability of the used calculational methods and to detect possible trends, the spectrum-related characteristics of the modeled critical experimental configurations were analysed. It is found that the recently released JEFF-3.1 library improves the older JEF-2.2 compilation and leads to a value for the weighted average of the normalized eigenvaluesk calcff /k exp effvery close to unity. All libraries have in common that any evidence of a statistically significant trend in the normalized eigenvalues versus both spectrum-related characteristics and experimental design parameters could not be found.
Effect of NaCl stress on chlorophyll biosynthesis, proline, lipid peroxidation and antioxidative enzymes in leaves of salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive barley cultivars

In this research, the salt tolerance of salt-tolerant (Avci-2002) and salt-sensitive (Tokak 157/37) barley cultivars was analyzed. The seedlings were grown in a hydroponic culture containing 0, 100, 200 and 300 mM NaCl. The decrease in dry weight was more significant in Tokak 157/37 than in Avci-2002. On the other hand, no significant correlations were found between the altered d ­aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity and the chlorophyll content. The chlorophyll and carotenoid contents in leaves of Avci-2002 decreased significantly at only 300 mM NaCl, whereas the pigment contents of Tokak 157/37 decreased at all NaCl concentrations. The increase in proline content was significantly higher in Avci-2002 than in Tokak 157/37 at 300 mM NaCl. The lipid peroxidation level measured in terms of malondialdehyde (MDA) content was higher in Tokak 157/37 than in Avci-2002. Salt stress caused significant increases in superoxide dismutase (SOD), guaiacol peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT) activity. However, Avci-2002 had relatively lower SOD and CAT activities and higher POD and APX activities than Tokak 157/37. As a result, dry weight, pigments content, proline content, lipid peroxidation and activities of POD and APX results are in good correlation with supporting Avci-2002 being relatively salt-tolerant.
Trade Creation and Trade Diversion between Tunisia and EU: Analysis by Gravity Model

Since the middle of nineties, there has been a great rise of free trade agreements (FTAs) between the North and South countries. Indeed, the objective of this article is to know if FTASbetween an ndustrialized region as Europe and a small country as Tunisia are capable of increasing exchanges among them and then improving the trade of the weakest country. Our aim is to know if agreements between industrial countries and developed countries are able to increase trade between them and therefore improve the trade of the less developed country. To answer to this question we evaluate the two effects of regional integration: trade creation and diversion trade. We obtain two main results: the first result is after five years of the agreement between Tunisia and Europe, there is no trade creation. The second result shows that the preferential agreement between the two partners does not generate trade diversion of imports. However, there is a trade diversion of exports.
Pressure Leaching of EAF Dust with Sulphuric Acid

Hydrometallurgical pressure processing of EAF steelmaking dusts (by Paul Wurth S.A., Luxembourg) is investigated on a laboratory scale in the temperature range of 100 to 250 °C. The behaviour of zinc, iron and calcium under the influence of sulphuric acid as the leaching agent is discussed. The effect of temperature/pressure on the yield of the Zn-extraction is small. Only a relative small increase of pressure up to 4,1 bar at 150 °C shows some effect. The increase of temperature/pressure decreases the iron yield in a prepared solution. The concentration of H2SO4 is the most important factor for the increase of the Zn-extraction. After one or two days, the calcium sulphate generated in the solution is precipitated during the cooling of the solutions that were leached under ambient conditions. This does not apply to solutions obtained by leaching at higher temperatures/pressures. In regard to the selectivity of leaching, the optimal parameters are: T = 150 °C, c = 0.4 mol/dm 3 H2SO4 and an agitating speed of 700 rpm.
Measuring the intensity of disturbance in zooplankton communities of Mediterranean salt marshes using multivariate analysis

Fluctuating conditions are common in wetlands and shallow-water ecosystems, and many authors stress the importance of the processes of change in these and other ecosystems (Carpenter, 1990; Wetzel, 1992; Valiela, 1995; Reizopoulou et al., 1996; Schneider and Frost, 1996; Batzer et al., 1999). Quantifying large and infrequent disturbances provides a rich source of data (Pickett and White, 1985; Paine et al., 1998; Romme et al., 1998; Turner et al., 1998), especially in Mediterranean salt marshes, which are fluctuating ecosystems affected by natural and man-made disturbances (such as sea storms, desiccation, flux regulations or hypertrophy). However, it is complicated by the difficulty of finding a continuous variable (Sommer et al., 1993). Generally, aquatic disturbances have been qualitatively identified as starting from some meteorological event, or quantitatively by measuring a specific physical event such as stratification differences in lakes or water discharge in rivers and estuarine ecosystems [e.g. (Shipley et al., 1991; Allison, 1992; de Madariaga et al., 1992; Peterson and Stevenson, 1992; Moustaka-Gouni, 1993)]. Disturbance intensity can also be related to variations in water composition (Locke and Sprules, 1994; Locke et al., 1994) or a specific biological component (Gerino, 1990; Brey, 1991). Many studies have been carried out in controlled conditions by manipulating the cause of disturbance (Hurlbert et al., 1972; Jenkins et al., 1992; Locke and Sprules, 1993; Flöder and Sommer, 1999). Disturbance intensity has also been measured by observing the response of a specific community to environmental change. This is calculated using the distance of the state of a community from a specific reference state, expressed either as a mean value or an ideal measurement of capacity towards which the community tends (Rojo and
Assessment of Executive Functions in Preschool-Aged Children withAutism Spectrum Disorders: Usefulness and Limitation of BRIEF-P inClinical Practice

This study examines the context of executive functioning in preschool children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) and verifies the degree of agreement between the compilation of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functions-Preschool Version (BRIEF-P) by parents and therapists. To this end, parents and professionals of 46 ASD children aged between 24 and 71 months completed the BRIEF-P in order to highlight the level of agreement between these two different evaluators and then investigate the correlations between executive functions impairment, the degree of autistic symptomatology, the level of cognitive development, the chronological age and the therapy duration. The results showed that parents tend to underestimate the impairment of executive functions in ASD children compared to what estimated by specialized operators. A low level of agreement was found between the two evaluators. Moreover, both for parents and professionals, the EF impairment was not related to the severity of autistic symptoms, assessed with the ADOS-2, while it was correlated to cognitive development in professional evaluations, and to chronological age and therapy duration in parental evaluations. These results indicate that, even if among the pathogenic assumptions about ASDs there has been included also that of the EF impairment, this, if present, does not correlate with the severity of autistic symptoms. With regard to cognitive development, the greater correlation between cognitive and executive impairment seems to be rather obvious. The use of the BRIEF-P completed by parents allows them a greater awareness but does not add clinical data to the diagnosis.
Evaluation of white matter integrity with tract-based spatial statistics in patients with traumatic brain injury

Poster: "ECR 2017 / C-0747 / Evaluation of white matter integrity with tract-based spatial statistics in patients with traumatic brain injury" by: "C. S. Andrade1, D. M. Conceicao2, D. C. Grassi2, M. C. G. Otaduy2, A. L. C. Zaninotto2, M. C. S. Lucia2, W. S. Paiva2, M. J. Teixeira2, C. D. C. Leite2; 1Sao Paulo, SP/BR, 2Sao Paulo/BR"
Practical assessment of hardware limitations on power aware wireless sensor networks—An anti‐windup approach

This work considers the effect of hardware constraints that typically arise in practical ‘power‐aware’ wireless sensor network systems. A rigorous methodology is presented that quantifies the effect of output power limit and quantization constraints on bit error rate performance. The approach uses a novel, intuitively appealing means of addressing the output power constraint, wherein the attendant saturation block is mapped from the output of the plant to its input and compensation is then achieved using a robust anti‐windup scheme. A priori levels of system performance are attained using a quantitative feedback theory approach on the initial, linear stage of the design paradigm. This hybrid design is assessed experimentally using a fully compliant 802.15. 4 testbed where mobility is introduced through the use of autonomous robots. A benchmark comparison between the new approach and a number of existing strategies is also presented. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determinants of Working Capital Management: Case of Singapore Firms

It is undeniable that firms cannot survive and continue their daily operations without sufficient level of the working capital. The crucial part of working capital is the management of working capital since it affects both liquidity and profitability of the firms. Determining the important factors affecting working capital management would able managers to manage working capital efficiently and effectively. Therefore, managers should be aware about important factors that affect working capital management. Using panel data analysis including Pooled OLS, random effects and fixed effects estimations, we revealed that firm size, operation cash flow, capital expenditures, and gross domestic products negatively are correlated to the working capital management. Moreover, we found that firms with more profitability have longer cash conversion cycle. Finally, we did not find any significant relationship between cash conversion cycle and debt ratio.
Recovery of dynamical models of time-delay systems from time series

We develop the method for the estimation оf the parameters оf time-delay systems from time series. The method is based on the statistical analysis of time intervals between extrema in the time series and the projection of the infinite-dimensional phase space оf а time-delay system to suitably chosen low-dimensional subspaces. We verify our method by using it for the reconstruction оf different time-delay differential equations from their chaotic solutions.