Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Settling of finite-size particles in an ambient fluid: A Numerical Study

We have investigated the gravity induced settling of finite-size particles in an ambient fluid by means of direct numerical simulation (DNS). Such configurations are relevant to a large number of applications such as meteorology, mechanical and environmental engineering. For single particle a variety of motion patterns exist, from straight vertical to fully chaotic paths, for which the fluid motion in the near field around the particles and the particle wake play a dominant role. Here, the interface between the dispersed- and carrier-phase was fully resolved by means of an immersed boundary method. Particular care has been taken to meet the respective resolution requirements. We have performed simulations of particles settling with two different Galileo numbers, ���� = 121 and ���� = 178. The settling regimes for a single particle settling with this Galileo numbers are: (a) steady axisymmetric regime and (b) steady oblique regime. We observed, that in the steady oblique regime (���� = 178) the particles exhibit wake induced clustering, while in the steady axisymmetric regime (���� = 121) this was not observed. Furthermore, the mean settling velocity of the particles with ���� = 178 was strongly enhanced compared to the velocity of a single settling particle.
Small-boat surveys for coastal dolphins: line-transect surveys for Hector's dolphins (Cephalorhynchus hectori)

Management of coastal species of small cetaceans is often impeded by a lack of robust estimates of their abundance. In the Austral summers of 1997−98, 1998−99, and 1999−2000 we conducted line-transect surveys of Hector’s dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori) abundance off the north, east, and south coasts of the South Island of New Zealand. Survey methods were modified for the use of a 15-m sailing catamaran, which was equipped with a collapsible sighting platform giving observers an eye-height of 6 m. Eighty-six percent of 2061 km of survey effort was allocated to inshore waters (4 nautical miles [nmi] or 7.4 km from shore), and the remainder to offshore waters (4−10 nmi or 7.4–18.5 km from shore). Transects were placed at 45° to the shore and spaced apart by 1, 2, 4, or 8 nmi according to pre-existing data on dolphin density. Survey effort within strata was uniform. Detection functions for sheltered waters and open coasts were fitted separately for each survey. The effect of attraction of dolphins to the survey vessel and the fraction of dolphins missed on the trackline were assessed with simultaneous boat and helicopter surveys in January 1999. Hector’s dolphin abundance in the coastal zone to 4 nmi offshore was calculated at 1880 individuals (CV=15.7%, log-normal 95% CI=1384−2554). These surveys are the first line-transect surveys for cetaceans in New Zealand’s coastal waters.
DESIGN-BASED LEARNING IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS: THE ROLE OF KNOWLEDGE AND MOTIVATION ON LEARNING AND DESIGN OUTCOMES

This research explores use of Design-based Learning (DBL) in an IT education as a means of improving knowledge of the design process, design outcomes, and student motivation. This study involved the implementation of Designbased Learning strategies in IS classes. Students were assigned a team-based design project with Design-based Learning approach. Then they were assessed in terms of their knowledge of the design process (Gentili et al. 2005), level of motivation (Mykytyn et al. 2008), and learning approach (deep vs. surface) (Cope et al. 2002). The results show that the design process knowledge is significantly correlated with design outcomes indicated as peer design rating and peer usability rating. The study also finds that using Design-Based Learning pedagogical approach has the potential to increase IS students’ understanding of the design process through engaging in active and authentic learning projects.
Predictive power of inspection outcomes for future shipping accidents – an empirical appraisal with special attention for human factor aspects

ABSTRACT This paper investigates whether deficiencies detected during port state control (PSC) inspections have predictive power for future accident risk, in addition to other vessel-specific risk factors like ship type, age, size, flag, and owner. The empirical analysis links accidents to past inspection outcomes and is based on data from all around the globe of PSC regimes using harmonized deficiency codes. These codes are aggregated into eight groups related to human factor aspects like crew qualifications, working and living conditions, and fatigue and safety management. This information is integrated by principal components into a single overall deficiency index, which is related to future accident risk by means of logit models. The factor by which accident risk increases for vessels with above average compared to below average deficiency scores is about 6 for total loss, 2 for very serious, 1.5 for serious, and 1.3 for less-serious accidents. Relations between deficiency scores and accident risk are presented in graphical format. The results may be of interest to PSC authorities for targeting inspection areas, to maritime administrations for improving asset allocation based on prediction scenarios connected with vessel traffic data, and to maritime insurers for refining their premium strategies.
Facilitation of ground-dwelling wolf spider predation on mirid bugs by horizontal webs built by Tetragnatha spiders in organic paddy fields

Abstract Trait-mediated effects of predators can impact prey population dynamics by affecting prey behavior. The mirid bug Stenotus rubrovittatus (Matsumura) (Hemiptera: Miridae), a major insect pest in Japanese rice production, usually remains in the upper layer of paddies to feed on rice ears. However, the mirids are frequently trapped by horizontal webs of Tetragnatha spp. spiders, which are highly abundant in organic rice paddies, and fall to the bottom layers of paddies where they are preyed upon by ground-dwelling predators. It is hypothesized that Tetragnatha spp. spiders facilitate bug predation by wolf spiders through trait-mediated effects, in which their horizontal webs force the bugs onto or near the ground and thereby into the hunting zones of wolf spiders. Molecular gut-content analysis of 619 wolf spiders coupled with field measurements revealed that the number of wolf spiders that tested positive for mirid bug predation increased significantly with the density of Tetragnatha spp. spiders in the paddies. We also observed a positive relationship between Tetragnatha spp. abundance and total cover by their webs in paddies. We identified the potential for an unexpected interaction between an herbivorous insect pest and ground-dwelling spiders that usually inhabit different microhabitats in paddy fields by focusing on trait-mediated effects of webs built by Tetragnatha spp. Because spider webs occupy a certain proportion of the available space in terrestrial ecosystems, consideration of trait-mediated effects on interactions between flying insects and other predators may lead to a better understanding of local food webs.
Determination of the Scale of Damage in the Wastewater Tunnels due to Earthquake: A Case Study

The pre-determination of the effect of earthquake in subsurface structures is gaining importance increasingly. One of the main factors in determination of the damages due to earthquakes in subsurface structures, especially tunnels are horizontal acceleration value. The aim of the study is to put forward the scale of damage due to earthquake in a wastewater tunnel in Istanbul, the most populated city of Turkey, under construction. Possible damage caused by earthquake will be determined by utilizing the information about the route of the wastewater tunnel analyzed in the study.
Oedema extension distance in intracerebral haemorrhage: Association with baseline characteristics and long-term outcome

Abstract Introduction Oedema extension distance is a derived parameter that may reduce sample size requirements to demonstrate reduction in perihaematomal oedema in early phase acute intracerebral haemorrhage trials. We aimed to identify baseline predictors of oedema extension distance and its association with clinical outcomes. Patients and methods Using Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive-Intracerebral Haemorrhage, first Intensive Blood Pressure Reduction in Acute Cerebral Hemorrhage Trial, and Minimally Invasive Surgery and rtPA for Intracerebral Hemorrhage Evacuation II datasets, we calculated oedema extension distance at baseline and at 72 h measured using computed tomography. Using linear regression, we tested for associations between baseline characteristics and oedema extension distance at 72 h. Ordinal regression (underlying assumptions validated) was used to test for associations between oedema extension distance at baseline and 72 h and oedema extension distance change between baseline and 72 h, and modified Rankin scale scores at 90 days, adjusted for baseline and 72 h prognostic factors. Results There were 1028 intracerebral haemorrhage cases with outcome data for analyses. Mean (standard deviation, SD) oedema extension distance at 72 h was 0.54 (0.26) cm, and mean oedema extension distance difference from baseline (EED72–0) was 0.24 (0.18) cm. Oedema extension distance at 72 h was greater with increasing baseline haematoma volume and baseline oedema extension distance. Increasing age, lobar haemorrhage, and intraventricular haemorrhage were independently associated with EED72–0. In multifactorial ordinal regression analysis, EED72–0 was associated with worse modified Rankin scale scores at 90 days (odds ratio 1.96, 95% confidence interval 1.00–3.82). Discussion Increase in oedema extension distance over 72 h is independently associated with decreasing functional outcome at 90 days. Oedema extension distance may be a useful surrogate outcome measure in early phase trials of anti-oedema or anti-inflammatory treatments in intracerebral haemorrhage.
Capturing Hand Gesture Movement: A Survey on Tools, Techniques and Logical Considerations

The massive influx of computers in modern society has led to the discovery of novel approaches in how humans interact with computers. Extensive research on more “natural” mechanisms of human computer interaction (HCI) has led to the tracking of hand gesture movement, due to the fact that gestures play a predominant role in human communication. This paper analyzes numerous approaches to hand gesture capture, critically evaluating research carried out in the domains of computer vision and alternative sensor based tools and techniques. It is mainly hardware driven, but related logical considerations such as the use of gesture vocabularies and the need for following a framework based approach. For the purpose of this study, computer vision has not been generalized with other sensor based input techniques and has been evaluated separately due to the maturity of the domain when contrasted with alternative input modes.
Effect of Extraction Process Parameters on the Yield of Bioactive Compounds from the Roots of Eurycoma Longifolia

Kesan-kesan parameter proses pengekstrakan iaitu masa pengekstrakan (15-45 min), suhu (40-110oC), saiz partikel (akar Tongkat Ali dalam bentuk serpihan dan serbuk), kelajuan putaran (200-400 rpm) dan nisbah pelarut kepada pepejal (10:1, 20:1 and 30:1) ke atas hasil pengekstrakan daripada Eurycoma longifolia telah diselidik yang memfokus kepada eurycomanone, asid benzoik dan asid galik sebagai produk. Kepekatan komponen-komponen bioaktif tersebut diukur dengan menggunakan pemisahan sebatian cecair berprestasi tinggi (HPLC). Keputusan menunjukkan bahawa hasil pengekstrakan meningkat apabila saiz partikel semakin berkurang dan suhu, nisbah pelarut kepada pepejal dan kelajuan putaran semakin meningkat. Suhu pengekstrakan yang optimum untuk memaksimumkan hasil eurycomanone, asid benzoic dan asid galik adalah pada 100oC, 50oC and 80oC. Hasil maksimum pengekstrakan adalah apabila proses pengekstrakan dijalankan selama 45 minit, dengan nisbah pelarut kepada pepejal ialah 20 to 1, kelajuan putaran pada 400 rpm dan saiz partikel yang kecil digunakan (akar Tongkat Ali dalam bentuk serbuk). Keputusan yang didapati memberikan informasi yang berguna bagi memastikan proses tersebut adalah boleh dilaksanakan dari segi ekonomi dan terutamanya apabila pencarian komponen-komponen bioaktif yang lain masih diteruskan. Kata kunci: Eurycoma longifolia; pengekstrakan; eurycomanone; asid benzoik; asid galik; HPLC The effects of extraction process parameters, i.e., extraction time (15-45 min), temperature (40-110oC), particle size (Tongkat Ali roots in chip and powder form), agitation speed (200-400 rpm) and solvent to solid ratio (10:1, 20:1 and 30:1) on the extraction yields from Eurycoma longifolia were investigated, focusing on eurycomanone, benzoic acid and gallic acid as the product of interests. The concentrations of these bioactive compounds were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results obtained showed that the extraction yields increased with reduced particle size and increased of temperature, solvent to solid ratio and agitation speed. The optimum extraction temperature for maximizing yields of eurycomanone, benzoic acid and gallic acid were 100oC, 50oC and 80oC respectively. The highest yields were obtained when the process was run at 45 minutes, with a solvent to solid ratio of 20 to 1, agitation speed of 400 rpm and a smaller particle size (Tongkat Ali roots in powder form) was used. The results provided useful insights for making the process economically feasible and in particular, when the search of other bioactive components is to be continued. Keywords: Eurycoma longifolia; extraction; eurycomanone; benzoic acid; gallic acid; HPLC
A Split-Population Duration Approach to Understanding Agricultural Banking Survival Strategies during the Late 2000s Recession

This paper is designed to identify predictors of eventual bank failure as well as factors that could enhance the survival ability of agricultural and non-agricultural banks. This study utilizes a split-population survival model that addresses two shortcomings of the basic duration model. First, this model departs from the restrictive assumption of the traditional model that all bank observations in the sample would eventually fail. Second, this model provides for a clear distinction between the determinants of the probability of failure and factors influencing the timing of the failure. The results of this study suggest that failure to allow for a split population among sample banks represents an important misspecification with serious implications in identifying the determinants of the timing of bank failure, more than just the probability of failure.
JUST-IN-TIME MANUFACTURING AND PURCHASING PRACTICES AND BUSINESS PERFORMANCE: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY

In today’s challenging and turbulent competitive markets, companies need to constantly review their strategies in order to survive and sustain their market positions. One of the strategies frequently adopted by companies to improve manufacturing performance is Just-in-time purcahasing and manufacturing practices. Use of JIT enables them to be more efficient, effective and more responsive to customer needs as JIT is based on the philosophy of demand pull and lean manufacturing. This study investigates the relationship between the level of just-in-time (JIT) purchasing and manufacturing practices and performance. It employed a self-administered questionnaire survey to collect data from Malaysian manufacturing companies. The survey results provide empirical evidence that the level of JIT practices was positively related to perceived business performance. The findings reveal that the level of JIT practices were positively related to both perceived financial and non financial performance. The results suggest that companies which implement some aspects of JIT manufacturing and purchasing practices could achieve better financial and non-financial business performance.
Estimating the Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity of Granular Material, Using Artificial Neural Network, Based on Grain Size Distribution Curve

The spatial distribution of saturated hydraulic conductivity based on data measured or observed at well locations is necessary for the numerical simulation of various ground water flow and transport problems. An Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model for estimating of hydraulic conductivity of a saturated granular porous medium from easily measured grain size distribution curve was developed and tested. Five types of porous media are considered in this work: loamy sand, sand, sandy-loam, sand-clay-loam, and silt-clay-loam family. The application of artificial neural network technology for estimating of saturated hydraulic conductivity from grain size distribution curve has been investigated. It has been found that reasonable estimates of this parameter can be obtained with the help of a network that uses the percent finer of the aquifer material as the input neurons, and the logarithm of the hydraulic conductivity value as the output neuron. A better estimate is obtained with a model that takes into account the logarithm of sigmoid function in hidden layer as a transform function. The artificial neural network models are found to give better estimates of saturated hydraulic conductivity of the individual group of soil as input neuron rather than all type of soil groups as input neuron for training step. For the loamy sand soils, the prediction of hydraulic conductivity was the best estimator. A comparison between the measured values of hydraulic conductivity of an unconfined Aquifer in Zahedan by pumping test and predicted value from their grain size distribution curve using the artificial neural network model shows a reasonable estimate of this parameter when using the model which trained by loamy sand data.
Photonic Integrated Circuits for Communication Systems

Photonic Integrated Circuits allow to meet the increasing demand of communication systems for internet which is growing at about 40% per year. This growth is driven mainly by increasing video traffic in the internet network. This growth is now further accelerated by mobile access, with video clients shipping on all smart phones and tablets, enabling video to be consumed more conveniently via network connections anywhere and anytime. This paper reviews several material platform of photonic integrated circuits and compares their performance. This paper also describes the new approaches in the design and fabrication of optical transceivers based on photonic integrated circuits for next terabit era.
Estudi de la toxicitat i biodisponibilitat de l’àcid maslínic

L’acid maslinic (2a, 3s-dihidroxilean-12-ene-28oic) es un triterpe pentaciclic que s’ha aillat de diferents especies vegetals, tant medicinals com comestibles, i al qual se li han atribuit efectes beneficiosos per a la salut. A la present memoria s’ha estudiat la toxicitat i la biodisponibilitat d’aquest compost per tal d’aprofundir en el seu coneixement. En primer lloc, s’ha posat a punt una tecnica per determinar l’acid maslinic a plasma de rata mitjancant una doble extraccio liquid-liquid i posterior analisi per HPLC-MS. Aquest metode ha demostrat ser lineal (R>0,997), exacte (<4,82%), sensible (LLOQ 5 nM), precis, tant intra-dia (5,45%) com inter-dia (8,38%), amb una recuperacio del 99% i un efecte matriu del 24%. El metode va permetre la determinacio de l’acid maslinic a plasma 24 h despres de l’administracio oral de 10, 25 i 50 mg/kg a rates mascle Sprague-Dawley tot indicant que es apropiat per a ser emprat en estudis de biodisponibilitat. A continuacio, s’ha avaluat si l’administracio de dosis elevades d’acid maslinic presenta efectes nocius seguint les normes OECD (2008). La toxicitat subaguda s’ha avaluat administrant l’acid maslinic (50 mg/kg) diariament per via oral a ratolins mascle Swiss CD-1 durant 28 dies. No s’han observat alteracions ni anomalies causades pel tractament ni en el pes corporal, ni en les magnituds hematologiques i bioquimiques ni a l’examen histopatologic dels organs vitals. Un cop establerta l’absencia de resultats de rellevancia toxicologica es va estudiar la biodisponibilitat, com a pas previ al seu us futur com a nutriceutic. Per aixo, es va administrar el triterpe a rates mascle Sprague-Dawley per via oral (50 mg/kg) i intravenosa (1 mg/kg) i es va extreure sang a diferents temps durant 24 hores. Les concentracions plasmatiques de l’acid maslinic obtingudes despres de l’administracio oral i intravenosa van ser analitzades simultaniament seguint una aproximacio poblacional amb el programa NONMEN. El model bicompartimental amb absorcio de primer ordre i eliminacio lineal es el que millor descriu el comportament de l’acid maslinic a l’organisme. L’analisi de les constants farmacocinetiques indiquen que aquest compost bioactiu te una absorcio relativament rapida (Ka = 0,52 1/h) amb una concentracio maxima de 4,03 µM a les 0,51 h i una biodisponibilitat del 5,13%. Per ultim, s’han estudiat els metabolits de l’acid maslinic despres de l’administracio oral a rata (50 mg/kg), mitjancant l’HPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS. S’han identificat 7 metabolits a plasma resultants del metabolisme de fase I, corresponents a les relacions massa/carrega (m/z) de 487,3 (M1 - M4), 485,3 (M5) i 501,3 (M6 i M7) i a orina s’han detectat nomes 4 (M1, M4, M5 i M6) sent l’acid maslinic majoritari en ambdues matrius. En conclusio, l’acid maslinic no presenta efectes adversos in vivo, te una baixa biodisponibilitat i es metabolitza poc donant derivats unicament de fase I. Els resultats obtinguts constitueixen un primer pas en l’us futur de l’acid maslinic com a nutriceutic.
Effects of aerobic exercise and pomegranate extract on antioxidant markers in women postmenopausal with type 2 diabetes

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of aerobic exercise and pomegranate extract on antioxidant markers in women postmenopausal with type 2 diabetes. Methods: The statistical population of this study was the postmenopausal diabetic women of Babol City, North of Iran, who were referred to the Diabetes Association of the city. Among them, 33 subjects were selected randomly and divided into four groups: Control-Water (CW), Control-Pomegranate extract (CPE), Training-Water (TW) and Training-Pomegranate extract (TPE). The experimental group training plan consisted of 6-week aerobic exercise training, three times a week for at least 45 minutes per session. Consumer groups of pomegranate extract drank 150 ml of pomegranate extract every day for 6 weeks. Before and after this interventional study, blood sampling was performed from the brachial vein in a sitting position in a fasting state. The antioxidant markers of GPX, SOD, GSH and TAC were measured in the specimens. Results: The results showed that aerobic exercise training with the consumption of pomegranate extract significantly increased the levels of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, plasma glutathione and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) in women with type 2 diabetes compared to the control group (P<0.001). Women with type 2 diabetes in Training-Pomegranate extract groups had the highest levels of the antioxidants. Conclusion: Our finding showed that aerobic exercise training associated with the consumption of pomegranate extract improve the body's antioxidant defense system by increasing the levels of plasma antioxidants.