Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Thoracic changes and exercise capacity in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Introduction: The spine deformity due to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) generates respiratory mechanical limitations that may reduce the physical activity performance. Objective: To evaluate the thoracic deformity, exercise capacity and lung function in AIS patients comparing to healthy adolescentes. Besides investigating associations between thoracic deformity and exercise capacity in AIS patients. Methods: Thirty-two AIS patients and 22 healthy adolescents underwent chest wall evaluation by photogrammetry. We created thoracic markers shaped as angles (A): A3 (xiphoid process and the last false rib on the right and left sides) and A5E (inframamilar / inferior angle of the scapula / left acromion). Individuals were submitted to incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) and physiological responses were quantified: oxygen consumption (VO 2 ), tidal volume (VT), minute ventilation (VE), the rate of gas exchange (R) and the walked distance (ISWD). Pulmonary function test was performed and the forced vital capacity (FVC) and expiratory volume in first second (FEV 1 ) were obtained. Results: Patients with AIS presented FVC (p = 0.015), FEV 1 (p = 0.044), VO 2 (p = 0.015), VO 2 /kg (p = 0.008), VT (p < 0.001), VE(p = 0,010) and ISWD significantly reduced compared to healthy adolescents. We found moderate correlations between the thoracic markers A5E and VO 2 (r = -0.480, p = 0.001), A3 and VE/VO 2 (r = -0.480; p = 0.001) and R(r = -0.480, p = 0.001) in AIS patients. Conclusion : Patients with AIS presented reduced exercise capacity and reduced pulmonary function. The thoracic deformity is related to worse exercise capacity in individuals with AIS.
Network-connected MEMS measuring system for high-speed data transfer to CAD and simulation tools

We describe an advanced interferometric testing system that we have built at the Berkeley Sensor & Actuator Center (BSAC) at the University of California, Berkeley. The system provides live dynamic views of microelectromechanical devices as well as precise measurements of their motions in three dimensions. A high-speed interface feeds these signals to an ultra-high-performance network (SuperNet), which can deliver them to remote locations where they can, for example, be compared to simulations. An illustrative example using a nonlinear oscillating microactuator demonstrates the utility of the system.
PV based Isolated DC-DC Converter Fed Induction Motor Drive Applications

The dual active bridge (DAB) topology as an attractive alternative to full-bridge topology. In comparison with the conventional full bridge topology, the output inductor is transferred to the ac side, and is in series with the leakage inductance. Consequently, the energy in the leakage inductance is transferred to the load without causing reverse recovery losses in the output diodes. This allows higher switching frequencies and, therefore, an increase in power density. In this project three-phase dual active bridge (DAB) topology used as high-power-density dc–dc converter for railway applications. The three-phase DAB is analyzed concerning the current intervals, the output power, and soft switching region, including the impact of zero-voltage switching capacitors. Furthermore, two measures are proposed to achieve soft-switching in the entire operating range, being auxiliary inductors and a straightforward switching strategy called the burst mode. Optimal component values are calculated to minimize losses in the complete operating range and to assess which measure is best suited. The proposed with topologic is RES and Induction Motor drive system . The simulation results are presented by using Matlab/Simulink software.
Genetic Structure of Western Massasauga Rattlesnakes (Sistrurus catenatus tergeminus)

Abstract Understanding how habitat heterogeneity influences the genetic structure of populations is an important goal of conservation genetics. Species with different evolutionary histories may respond differently to contemporary habitat loss and fragmentation. Recent genetic analyses have shown high levels of genetic structure in two subspecies of Massasauga Rattlesnakes of conservation concern (Eastern Massasaugas, Sistrurus catenatus catenatus and Desert Massasaugas, Sistrurus catenatus edwardsii) living in highly fragmented habitats. Here, we complement those results with an analysis of the genetic structure of the third subspecies (Western Massasaugas, Sistrurus catenatus tergeminus), which has a largely continuous distribution in Kansas but with some isolated populations in Missouri. We found no evidence of genetic structure among the Kansas populations of Western Massasaugas, though our STRUCTURE analysis did identify the two Missouri populations as distinct clusters from each other and from the Kansas populations. Population differentiation estimates were much lower across all Western Massasauga populations compared to those observed in Eastern and Desert Massasaugas. Quantitative analyses of habitat availability and fragmentation confirm that the Kansas landscape is less fragmented than the range occupied by Eastern Massasaugas; this supports a possible influence of habitat fragmentation on genetic structure of these snakes. The more-continuous distribution and relative genetic uniformity of Western Massasaugas found in Kansas contrast with the isolated nature of Desert and Eastern Massasaugas, making the Western subspecies unique within the Massasauga complex.
Production of Steel-Light Metal Compounds with Explosive Metal Cladding

Explosive Metal Cladding is a High Speed Welding Process using the energy of an explosive to bond different metals and alloys in a 2-dimensinal areal configuration. Parameters influencing the cladding process are discussed and the potentials of the method are presented. Microscopic properties of a Cu-Al and a Steel-Ti transition zone are studied in detail to get a better knowledge of the principle mechanisms included in the bond creation. A perspective for future applications of explosive cladding in different industries like automotive and aerospace is given.
CROSS-LINGUISTIC INFLUENCES OF MALAY THROUGH CARTOONS ON INDONESIAN CHILDREN’S LANGUAGE USE IN THE HOME DOMAIN

The Malay cartoons that air on Indonesian television channels are now popular among children in Indonesia. The shows Upin & Ipin, Boboboi, and Pada Zaman Dahulu are especially popular with Acehnese children. Initial observations found that these cartoons have played a great role in the increased use of contemporary Malay in their Indonesian. Thus, this study discusses the cross-linguistic influences of Malay from cartoons in Indonesian children’s language use in the home domain. Data were collected through recordings and field notes. Some steps based on the framework by Lacey and Luff (2007) were taken to analyze the data. The results were transcribed and sifted to distinguish the significant data. The recording and its transcription were then re-checked. The last step was categorizing the data into cross-linguistic influences based on Ringbom (1987). These influences include borrowing, hybrids, phonetic influence, and relexification. The results showed the presence of only two aspects of cross-linguistic influences: borrowing and phonetic influences. Borrowing was the most frequent aspect, followed by phonetic influence. Relexification and hybrid did not appear in the data. Nevertheless, there were other cross-linguistic aspects that were found in the data, including intonation, parenthetic remark, and interjection. In the broad-spectrum, the initial mimic on the Malay cartoon characters has expanded to employment in the language use of the children while speaking Indonesian. This study is expected to contribute in some ways or another towards the development of sociolinguistics, especially in cross-linguistic influence in children’s language use. Indonesia and Malaysia are neighboring countries, and language contact between the two countries is inevitable and evident. Hence, the study on the influences can benefit sociolinguistics, especially when investigating language change in the future.
Photoactivity of Titanium Dioxide Foams

TiO2 foams have been prepared by a simple mechanical stirring method. Short-chain amphiphilic molecules have been used to stabilize colloidal suspensions of TiO2 nanoparticles. TiO2 foams were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The photoassisted oxidation of NO in the gas phase according to ISO 22197-1 has been used to compare the photoactivity of the newly prepared TiO2 foams to that of the original powders. The results showed that the photoactivity is increased up to about 135%. Foam structures seem to be a good means of improving the photoactivity of semiconductor materials and can readily be used for applications such as air purification devices.
The Glycaemic Index and Glycaemic Load of Snack Foods Consumed by Healthy Adults

The study determined the glycaemic index (GI) and glycaemic load (GL) of foods commonly consumed by Singaporean athletes. 11 Physical Education (PE) student-teachers (6 male and 5 female; age 24.5 ± 1.4 yrs; BMI, 21.6 ± 0.7) volunteered to ingest, in randomised order, either glucose or one of eight foods (mass 52-655 g; 106-347 kcal; protein 4.3-12.3 g; fat 3.7-22.6 g and available CHO 14.0-49.2 g; predicted GI 14-112) after an overnight fast. Capillary whole-blood glucose concentrations were analysed immediately before 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 minutes after food consumption. Of the 8 foods tested, none was considered as low GI, one was classified as a medium GI food (Curry Puff) while the rest was classified as high GI foods (Nasi Lemak, Mee Goreng, Fried Rice, Mee Siam, Lor Mai Kai, Cheese Bun and Red Bean Pau). Actual-determined GL values of the test foods were different from those predicted from the 2002 International Food Tables, so caution is advised when making predictions of the GL of Singaporean snack foods. These results provide useful information for sport nutritionists and athletes and a good basis further research, discussion and education.
Gaining Competitive Advantage through Strategic Green Supply Chain Management: From a Literature Review towards a Conceptual Model

The link between green supply chain practices (GSCPs) and competitive advantages (CAs) is a subject of growing interest amongst academics and practitioners. Despite the theoretical arguments that environmentally conscious practices would give competitive advantages for companies, there is no consensus in empirical research concerning the positive impact of GSCPs on CAs. Due to this lack of clarity in the literature, this study undertakes a comprehensive review to evaluate the circumstances necessary for GSCPs to achieve sustainable CAs. Subsequently, a conceptual model is proposed to elaborate on the causal relationship between GSCPs and CAs. Future research opportunities are recommended to expand on the proposed conceptual model and to address the shortcomings of the existing literature.
Privatization, Ownership and Technical Efficiency a Study of the Turkish Cement Industry

This paper presents an empirical study on the effects of ownership and privatization on technical efficiency in Turkish cement industry. We first summarize the characteristics of Turkish cement industry and changes in industrial structure in the post- privatization period. The effects of ownership and privatization on technical efficiency are estimated in stochastic production frontier framework. The empirical tests presented, which use data on all cement plants in Turkey, suggest that neither ownership nor privatization had a significant impact on technical efficiency.
Digital gene expression of water-stressed Phyllanthus urinaria (Dukung anak)

In this study, we investigated the up- and down-regulation of genes involved in the secondary metabolite biosynthesis pathways in mature dukung anak ( Phyllanthus urinaria ) plants known to produce phytochemicals. Phytochemicals could contribute to human health by subjecting them to drought stress under net house conditions. Our raw data analyses using digital gene expression (DGE) technology showed that the number of sequence tags in the water-stressed plants was 1.9 folds more than in the control plants. Blast analysis showed that more than 90% of these sequences matched to the annotated sequences in the plantTA database with an up- or down-regulation of several genes in the main isoprenoid, shikimate, fatty acids, steroids and amino acids biosynthesis pathways in the water-stressed plants. Several enzymes were induced after water-stress but at a low frequency while some were either completely suppressed or showe no change in their expression. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis at level 2 revealed a significantly higher number of annotated sequences (E-value ≤10–6) in the water-stressed plants in each of the biological process, molecular function and cellular component categories, compared to the control plants. The results clearly indicated the beneficial effect of water-stress in increasing the production of several useful secondary metabolites in P. urinaria plants.
Repatriate Children’s Readjustment to the Home Country and the Impact on Repatriates

The aim of the study is to examine the effect of the readjustment of repatriate children on their home country. There are many antecedents that are related to repatriate children’s readjustment. However, individual-related factors specific to the repatriate children are the main focus of the present study. For repatriate children, we found that satisfaction with new friends and acquaintances is significantly related to their psychological well-being and general readjustment to the home country. Furthermore, dismissive-avoidant attachment style among repatriate children is negatively and significantly related to repatriates’ well-being. The present study indicates that repatriate children’s readjustment to the home country is imperative for repatriates’ own readjustment process. The repatriates’ psychological well-being was found to have been significantly related to their spouses’ well-being and children’s general readjustment. In addition, the present study findings highlight that it is compulsory for repatriates to take into consideration the performance of the readjustment practices among their family members when they return to their own country. Such consideration is important in view of the impact of the readjustment process of their family to their career achievement in their home country.
Educational use of handheld game consoles – PSP and NDS in Thai colleges

Today’s students are fascinated by computer and console video games. Computer game-based learning has gained increasing acceptance and has been applied as an option to classroom lecturing. Educational use of handheld game consoles such as Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP) and Nintendo Dual Screen (NDS) also gain much attention in many places. However, research on the use of these applications in Thai colleges is scarce. This paper aims to examine the features, characteristics, advantages and educational use of PSP and NDS consoles, and to examine the learning and teaching with technology in Thai colleges. This paper also proposes a conceptual model of the adopting of these two kinds of handheld game consoles in Thai college learning environment.
Observations on the distribution, biology, short-term movements and habitat requirements of river sharks Glyphis spp. in northern Australia

The genus Glyphis comprises a group of rare and poorly known species. G. glyphis and G. garricki are found in northern Australia, and both species are listed as Critically Endangered C2a(i) on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. We collated all available records of G. glyphis and G. garricki in Australia to gain an understanding of the species’ distribution and biology. All records of G. glyphis (n = 106) were confined to 9 tropical rivers and estuaries north of 15°S. G. garricki (n = 32) were captured in 4 rivers and estuaries as well as in marine environments north of 18°S. Both species can be classified as euryhaline elasmobranchs. Parturition is thought to occur in October to December, and size at birth for both species is around 50 to 65 cm total length (TL). Two male G. garricki were mature at 142 and 144 cm TL, 2 females of 177 and 251 cm TL were mature, with the smaller animal having 9 early-stage embryos in utero. No mature G. glyphis have been recorded to date. Short-term movement patterns of 3 G. glyphis were investigated in the Adelaide River (Northern Territory) using acoustic tags. Animals were tracked for 27.8, 27.0 and 50.2 h respectively and displayed up- and downstream tidally assisted movement, moving on average 10 to 12 km per tide. The limited distribution, specific habitat requirements and repeated use of available habitat make Glyphis species particularly vulnerable to localised overfishing and habitat degradation. These findings highlight the need for additional research and the implementation of national recovery plans for both species
NUMERICAL INVESTIGATION OF SURFACE ROUGHNESS EFFECTS ON THE FLOW FIELD IN A SWIRL

The aim of this study is to investigate axial and tangential velocity profiles, turbulent dissipation rate, turbulent kinetic energy and pressure losses under the influence of surface roughness for the swirling flow in a cyclone separator. The governing equations for this flow were solved by using Fluent CFD code. First, numerical analyses were run to verify numerical solution and domain with experimental results. Velocity profiles, turbulent parameters and pressure drops were calculated by increasing inlet velocity from 10 to 20 m/s and roughness height from 0 to 4 mm. Analyses of results showed that pressure losses are decreased and velocity field is considerably affected by increasing roughness height.
Marine diversity shift linked to interactions among grazers, nutrients and propagule banks

Diverse coastal seaweed communities dominated by perennial fucoids become replaced by species-poor turfs of annual algae throughout the Baltic Sea. A large-scale field survey and factorial field experiments indicated that grazers maintain the fucoid community through selective consumption of annual algae. Interactive effects between grazers and dormant propagules of annual algae, stored in a 'marine seed bank', determine the response of this system to anthropogenic nutrient loading. Nutrients override grazer control and accelerate the loss of algal diversity in the presence but not in the absence of a propagule bank. This implies a novel role of propagule banks for community regulation and ecosystem response to marine eutrophication.
An Artificial Intelligence Method for Asphalt Pavement Pothole Detection Using Least Squares Support Vector Machine and Neural Network with Steerable Filter-Based Feature Extraction

This study establishes an artificial intelligence (AI) model for detecting pothole on asphalt pavement surface. Image processing methods including Gaussian filter, steerable filter, and integral projection are utilized for extracting features from digital images. A data set consisting of 200 image samples has been collected to train and validate the predictive performance of two machine learning algorithms including the least squares support vector machine (LS-SVM) and the artificial neural network (ANN). Experimental results obtained from a repeated subsampling process with 20 runs show that both LS-SVM and ANN are capable methods for pothole detection with classification accuracy rate larger than 85%. In addition, the LS-SVM has achieved the highest classification accuracy rate (roughly 89%) and the area under the curve (0.96). Accordingly, the proposed AI approach used with LS-SVM can be very potential to assist transportation agencies and road inspectors in the task of pavement pothole detection.
Non‐traditional reflection of internal waves from a sloping bottom, and the likelihood of critical reflection

The problem of internal inertio‐gravity wave reflection from an arbitrarily orientated uniform slope is solved in a linear setting and with Coriolis effects fully included; that is, the horizontal component () of the Earth rotation vector is taken into account. A new criterion is derived for critical reflection. The presence of creates a specific anisotropy: the criterion depends on the orientation of the bottom slope in the horizontal geographical plane, while it does not depend on the horizontal orientation of the incident wave. Using an empirical‐based bottom‐slope distribution, the probability of critical reflection is calculated for diurnal and semi‐diurnal internal‐tide bands, for a range of latitudes and for various values of stratification. The probability is largest near the inertial latitudes, i.e., when the internal tides are near‐inertial. It is explained how the inclusion of gives significant changes in the probability near these latitudes, especially for weak stratification.
The Personnel Positioning Method of Underground Coal Mine

The high cost, high Positioning precision or low Positioning precision are some questions of applying single staff Positioning method underground coal mine. The Positioning kind was divided into 3 kinds containing roadway, gab area and cavern. The beacon Layout scheme was adopted according to the characters of Positioning workplace. In the area of gab area, trilateral Positioning algorithm is applied. In the area of roadway and cavern RSSI was modified and centroid algorithm was adopted as trilateral Positioning algorithm’s supplement. The test data demonstrates it can satisfy the underground coal mine demands.
Stakeholder Management and CSR approach in Italian “territorial” companies - Loccioni Group and the “LOV – Land of Values” Project

The research question posed at the basis of this study is the following: what is the importance of sharing common values that originate from (and are reinforced by) the entrepreneurs’ and company’s embeddedness in a cohesive territorial socio-economic system? How can “land values” influence the company’s stakeholder and CSR approaches? Taking both a deductive and inductive perspective, the reflections are developed around three main topics: the CSR roots, strictly connected to ethical oriented core values and influenced by the belonging to a specific geographical context; the development of social and ethical networks of stakeholders (promoted by “territorial” companies) that share a minimum mutual set of values; the influence of those values on the company’s approach to stakeholders management. After presenting the theoretical framework, the second part of the paper examines a case study of an Italian company, the Loccioni Group, which offers an example of a “CSR-oriented” organizational ecosystem and a best practices of stakeholder management that co-evolves with the environment, moving in the direction of responsible development, improving, at the same time, its own competitiveness and the social conditions of the environment and of the local context.
Assessment of heat transfer measurements at droplet/wall interactions: relation with the impact conditions

The study presented here addresses the heat transfer mechanisms occurring at droplet/wall interactions. The experiments encompass the measurement of the instantaneous surface temperatures and the evaluation of the heat flux between the liquid and the surface, within a wide range of impact conditions. The results stress a strong dependence of the cooling performance of the droplets with the liquid and solid thermal effusivities rather than with other parameters, such as droplet diameter and impact velocity. So, the cooling performance of the impinging droplets, determ