Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DRAINMOD-DSSAT Simulation of the Hydrology, Nitrogen Dynamics, and Plant Growth of a Drained Corn Field in Indiana

AbstractDRAINMOD-DSSAT is an integrated model recently developed to simulate the hydrology, water quality, and crop growth for artificially drained croplands. DRAINMOD-DSSAT is an advanced research tool that contributes to increasing productivity, reducing cost, and enhancing sustainability of crop production on high water table soils with artificial drainage. In this study, the performance of the model was evaluated using a six-year data set (1985–1990) collected from a subsurface drained agricultural research site in Indiana in the United States. Subsurface drains were installed at three different spacings (5, 10, and 20 m). During the simulation period, all treatments were planted to corn receiving high preplant N-fertilization rates. Rainfall patterns varied significantly among the years. DRAINMOD-DSSAT predictions of monthly and annual drainage flow, and nitrate losses, were in good agreement with measured values. Similarly, variations in corn yield patterns were well captured by the model across dif.
Development of a Job-Stress Model for Construction Professionals in South Africa and Hong Kong

AbstractThe construction industry is a stressful working environment. Tasks that are simultaneously high in job demand while low in job control and job support generally cause the most stress. This paper examines and compares the stress levels and the job demand, control, and support experienced by construction professionals (CPs) in South Africa (SA) and Hong Kong (HK). The construction industries of both regions are similar in terms of their practices and procedures, given their colonial roots. Using regression analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM), a job-stress model for CPs in both regions is developed. The results of t-tests show that CPs from SA reported greater job demands, higher levels of job control, and less job support and stress than their HK counterparts. Job control and job demand predicted the stress levels of CPs in both countries in the regression and SEM analyses. However, job support was a significant predictor of stress for only the HK and not the SA CPs. Practical recommend.
How external and internal focus are used in the field: A review

The external focus and internal focus effects on motor performance and skill acquisition have been extensively examined and reviewed in laboratory research. However, the use of attentional focus in the field has not been summarized. Therefore, the present study conducted a systematic review of literature regarding the use of external/internal focus by practitioners (therapists and coaches) and recipients (patients and athletes). From 1999 to 2020, twelve studies examined how external/internal focus were used in the field. Results showed both therapists and coaches predominantly used internal focus; athletes tended to use more internal focus but varied by sports; and attentional focus varied between practice and competition. Additionally, the present review also consistently found that external/internal focus accounted for a small proportion relative to other foci outside the external/internal focus paradigm. Importantly, the differences in results were largely dependent upon the type of assessment (e.g. closed-ended and open-ended questionnaires). Future research needs to investigate the relative importance of external/internal focus as opposed to other foci, as well as that affect a shift of attentional focus from one type to another.
Running Head: NOSTALGIA AND REDUCED PREJUDICE 1 Nostalgia Proneness and Reduced Prejudice

We examined the association between nostalgia proneness and prejudice. In four correlational studies, we assessed nostalgia proneness, empathy, motivation to control prejudiced reactions, and blatant as well as subtle prejudice expression. The more prone to nostalgia participants were, the more likely they were to be motivated to control prejudice against an outgroup (African-Americans; Studies 1-4). Further, motivation to control prejudice mediated the relation between nostalgia proneness and reduced blatant/subtle prejudice expression (Studies 2-4). Finally, the stronger motivation to control prejudice and subsequent prejudice expression reduction was mediated by empathy that accompanied higher levels of nostalgia proneness (Studies 3-4). Nostalgia has implications for intergroup perception, and specifically prejudicial attitudes.
Green Synthesis of Nano Zinc Oxide/Nanohydroxyapatite Composites Using Date Palm Pits Extract and Eggshells: Adsorption and Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue

In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO) and nanohydroxyapatite (NHAP) were prepared in the presence of date palm pits extract (DPPE) and eggshells, respectively. Another four nanocomposites were prepared from ZnO and NHAP in different ratios (ZP13, ZP14, ZP15, and ZP16). DPPE and all nanomaterials were characterized using GC-MS, zeta potentials, particle size distributions, XRD, TEM, EDX, FTIR, and pHPZC. The characterization techniques confirmed the good distribution of ZnO nanoparticles on the surface of NHAP in the prepared composites. Particles were found to be in the size range of 42.3–66.1 nm. The DPPE analysis confirmed the presence of various natural chemical compounds which act as capping agents for nanoparticles. All the prepared samples were applied in the adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under different conditions. ZP14 exhibited the maximum adsorption capacity (596.1 mg/g) at pH 8, with 1.8 g/L as the adsorbent dosage, after 24 h of shaking time, and the static adsorption kinetic process followed a PSO kinetic model. The photocatalytic activity of ZP14 reached 91% after 100 min of illumination at a lower MB concentration (20 mg/L), at pH 8, using 1.5 g/L as the photocatalyst dosage, at 25 °C. The photocatalytic degradation of MB obeyed the Langmuir–Hinshelwood first-order kinetic model, and the photocatalyst reusability exhibited a slight loss in activity (~4%) after five cycles of application.
Effectiveness of Engineering Controls for Airborne Lead Exposure during Renovation/Demolition of a Commercial Building

Airborne lead exposure was evaluated during renova tion/demolition of a building that contained lead-based paint (LBP). During this work, different engineering and work practice controls were utilized for prevention and reduction of worker exposure to lead. These results sug gest that the highest exposure occurred when no engi neering or work practice controls were employed. Sum mary exposure levels under these conditions exceeded the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Level (PEL). When engi neering/work practice controls, in the form of negative air machine filtration (NAM) and wet methods were used, airborne concentrations of lead were well below the OSHA PEL (50 μg.m-3) and action level (30 μg.m-3). Employment of NAM without wet methods reduced arithmetic mean exposure below the OSHA PEL and geo metric mean below the OSHA action level. Occupational exposure concentration with NAM/wet methods was sta tistically lower when compared to no NAM/no wet meth ods and NAM/no wet methods. Exposure concentrations exhibited a nonnormal distribution. Comparison of with in and between-worker variability suggests that process/ environmental conditions (engineering/work practice controls) govern exposure. This study suggests employ ment of engineering and work practice controls for lead abatement and that process or environmental controls as compared to individual work practices/tasks are most important in controlling exposure. Study results support employment of NAM/wet method controls during reno vation or demolition of building materials that contain LBP.
A new self-sensing electronics for piezoelectric resonance sensor

A new self-sensing electronics for a piezoelectric-excited and piezoelectric-sensed cantilever-based resonant sensor is proposed. The self-sensing is achieved by using the positive half cycle of the excitation signal for actuation and sensing during negative half cycle. The proposed self-sensing electronics has been proven effective to track the variation in resonance frequency in a mass-sensitive resonant sensor. The concept is proved by analytical and numerical simulation; experimentation is carried out to test the practicability and applicability of the proposed electronics. The proposed electronics will ease the trend of miniaturizing a piezoelectric-excited/detected resonant sensor as the need for a single piezo for sensing and excitation has increased.
DRIVING ERGONOMY. NEW METHODOLOGY FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF STRESSES ON UPPER LIMBS

The study has been carried out within a combined theoretical-experimental program. The objective is to demonstrate the possibility to weight the stress of the muscles related to an extended time in driving. A very simple car simulator, properly arranged for reproducing a seat-steering system, has been installed at the laboratory of Rome University "La Sapienza", where an electromyographic equipment was already available.
Improved Force Identification Techniques using Curvature Sensors: application to Damage Detection

This study deals with the localization of damage in a beam, using methods which are insensitive to environmental variability. For this purpose, it considers the problem of adapting force identification techniques to the requirements of damage localization. Damage, when considered as a set of forces, creates a singularity in the structure, which can appear as a discontinuity in the spatial derivative of its transverse displacements. Damage or force localization methods attempt to locate and quantify such discontinuities. However, the damage effects are very small, when compared to those arising from forces, and can disappear due to the influence of low-level measurement noise. These considerations have led us to improve the conventional force identification techniques, in order to reduce their sensitivity to noise. The RIFF method ("Résolution Inversée Fenêtrée Filtrée"), which uses finite difference methods to compute highly noise sensitive spatial derivatives, is used to localize the forces. One major improvement proposed here is the use of curvature sensors (in the form of PVDF films), instead of displacements sensors, thereby avoiding the determination of two spatial derivatives and significantly increasing the noise robustness. Moreover, the derivatives are computed using the finite element method, rather than finite differences, which also improves the localization accuracy. When using these new sensors and calculus, the force identification techniques need to be rewritten, to enable damage to be localized, and new phenomena are detected. The aim of this study is to understand how force identification techniques can be used to locate damage, and to determine the improvements that could be made, in particular when using piezoelectric sensors as curvature sensors. Various numerical simulations of academic case studies illustrate the limitations and advantages of this approach.
The tiny big world of solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers: an updated review

Abstract Nanotechnology is currently a field of endeavour that has reached a maturation phase beyond the initial hypotheses with an undercurrent challenge to optimise the safety, and scalability for production and clinical trials. Lipid-based nanoparticles (LNP), namely solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and nanostructured lipid (NLC), carriers are presently among the most attractive and fast-growing areas of research. SLN and NLC are safe, biocompatible nanotechnology-enabled platforms with ubiquitous applications. This review presents a modern vision that starts with a brief description of characteristics, preparation strategies, and composition ingredients, benefits, and limitations. Next, a discussion of applications and functionalization approaches for the delivery of therapeutics via different routes of delivery. Additionally, the review presents a concise perspective into limitations and future advances. A brief recap on the prospects of molecular dynamics simulations in better understanding NP bio-interface interactions is provided. Finally, the alliance between 3D printing and nanomaterials is presented here as well.
Rapid Determination of β-Glucan Content of Hulled and Naked Oats Using near Infrared Spectroscopy Combined with Chemometrics

The quantification of β-glucan in oats is of immense importance for plant breeders and food scientists to develop plant varieties and food products with a high quantity of β-glucan. However, the chemical analysis of β-glucan is time consuming, destructive, and laborious. In this study, near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy in conjunction with Chemometrics was employed for rapid and non-destructive prediction of β-glucan content in oats. The interval Partial Least Square (iPLS) along with correlation matrix plots were employed to analyze the NIR spectrum from 700–1300 nm, 1300–1900 nm, and 1900–2500 nm for the selection of important wavelengths for the prediction of β-glucan. The NIR spectral data were pre-treated using Savitzky Golay smoothening and normalization before employing partial least square regression (PLSR) analysis. The PLSR models were established based on the selection of wavelengths from PLS loading plots that present a high correlation with β-glucan content. It was observed that wavelength region 700–1300 nm is sufficient for the satisfactory prediction of β-glucan of hulled and naked oats with R2c of 0.789 and 0.677, respectively, and RMSE < 0.229.
Web-Based Lifestyle Interventions for Survivors of Cancer: Usability Study

Background Internet-based lifestyle programs are increasingly being used to deliver health behavior change interventions to survivors of cancer. However, little is known about website use in this population or its association with healthy lifestyle changes. Objective The aim of this study is to describe lifestyle intervention website use (log-ins, time on website, and page views) among survivors of cancer and patterns of use by participant characteristics. In addition, associations were explored between website use and changes in healthy lifestyle knowledge and practice. Methods A total of 35 survivors of cancer were recruited between August 2017 and 2018 to participate in a 2-week, single-arm pilot test of the SurvivorSHINE lifestyle intervention website. Knowledge and practices related to healthy diet and physical activity behaviors were measured at baseline and follow-up. Website use (eg, time spent on the website, frequency of log-ins, and page views) were collected from the SurvivorSHINE administrative site during the intervention period. Patterns of use were examined by participants’ gender and race. Correlations between website use and changes in healthy lifestyle knowledge, physical activity, diet, and weight were explored. Mann–Whitney U tests were used to compare demographic factors on website use. Results Participants logged into the SurvivorSHINE intervention website an average of 3.2 (SD 2) times over the 2-week period and spent a total average of 94 (SD 56) minutes viewing the website during the intervention. Examining website activity, 1905 page views were logged. The User Profile (344 page views) and Home sections (301 page views) were the most frequently visited components. No associations were observed between the frequency of log-ins or the total time on the website, improvements in knowledge related to healthy lifestyles, or changes in body weight or dietary intake. However, the total time on the website was positively correlated with improvements in accelerometer-measured physical activity (r=0.74; P=.02) and self-reported physical activity (r=0.35; P=.04). Conclusions Survivors of cancer demonstrated clear interest in a diet and exercise intervention website, as evidenced by their frequency of log-ins, page views on numerous features, and total viewing time. Moreover, increased website use was correlated with improvements in physical activity.
Applying lean six sigma in a small engineering company – a model for change

Purpose – Both lean and six sigma are key business process strategies which are employed by companies to enhance their manufacturing performance. However, whilst there is significant research information available on implementing these systems in a sequential manner, there is little information available relating to the integration of these approaches to provide a single and highly effective strategy for change in companies. The purpose of this paper is to develop and implement an integrated lean six sigma (LSS) model for manufacturing industry.Design/methodology/approach – Through the development of a case study approach, the paper chronicles the design, development and implementation of an integrated LSS model. The work in this paper builds upon the SME six sigma model that has been successfully implemented in a number of SMEs. The model is subsequently evaluated for its effectiveness in the subject company.Findings – This paper proposes an integrated approach to lean and six sigma model. Its developmen.
Neglected Potential of Wild Garlic (Allium ursinum L.)—Specialized Metabolites Content and Antioxidant Capacity of Wild Populations in Relation to Location and Plant Phenophase

Wild garlic (Allium ursinum L.) is one of the species widely distributed in Europe and Asia and is often nutritionally neglected, characterized by a high content of various phytochemicals with high therapeutic potential and a range of biological activities. The aim of this study was to determine the content of bioactive compounds in the leaves of wild garlic populations collected from different micro-locations, and to determine the differences in the content of phytochemicals in the vegetative and generative phases. A significant content of different specialized metabolites was detected in all analyzed leaves of wild garlic populations regardless of the different factors (location and phenophase): vitamin C content with the highest determined value of 63.31 mg/100 g fw; total phenolic content with the highest determined value of 186.18 mg GAE/100 g fw (according to gallic acid in fresh sample); and antioxidant capacity with the highest determined value of 2230.66 µmol TE/L (according to Trolox). Significant differences in all the phytochemicals analyzed were observed depending on both the location and phenophase of the plants, with the most pronounced differences depending on the phenophase. Thus, lower levels of polyphenolic compounds and vitamin C were generally observed before the flowering phase, while the trend toward higher levels of pigment compounds was observed during the flowering phase of the plants. The results suggest that the leaves of wild garlic can be considered a valuable source of a variety of specialized metabolites with high antioxidant capacity, and thus have high production potential for various functional products and food supplements of natural origin, which are important for the promotion of human health.
Performance Assessment of Supervised and Unsupervised Neural Networks as Applied to Transformer Fault Diagnosis

Power transformer is a prime equipment of the transmission and distribution system. It is to be continuously monitored for all the types of incipient faults. Many conventional methods are available to diagnose its performance . In this paper, artificial intelligence methods especially neural networks are applied in fault diagnosis of power transformer. Their diagnosis ability in terms of accuracy and network structure using supervised and unsupervised learning is presented. The approach revealed better performance of some of the networks; which is summarized at the end. Key words—Artificial intelligence, dissolved gas in oil analysis (DGA), fault diagnosis, RBF, SOM, supervised and unsupervised networks.
Case Study on Simulation Analysis of a Multiple Product Manufacturing System

Abstract The paper presents a case study on simulation modelling and analysis of a real production line operating in an electronics company. Simulation technique is applied to analyse the existing manufacturing system and detect factors with significant impact on its capacity. The analysis aims to improve the allocation of available production resources to maximize the average capacity of the system. A full factorial design has been applied as a simulation analysis tool. Then, a new system design is proposed to enhance the overall performance and is verified using a simulation model. The simulation system WITNESS has been used to complete this study.
26.2: Distinguished Paper: Brightness Preservation for LCD Backlight Reduction

Backlight dimming is the predominant method for power reduction in LDC displays and image processing can compensate for such dimming. We propose a low complexity approach which replaces hard clipping with smooth roll‐off. A high quality approach preserves highlight detail. Image quality is improved and power savings can be increases by more aggressive BL dimming capable with these methods.
Creating a Team Archive During Fast-Paced Anomaly Response Activities in Space Missions

This paper describes a Web-based system to support the temporary Anomaly Response Team formed from distributed subteams in Space Shuttle and International Space Station missions. The system was designed for easy and flexible creation of small collections of files and links associated with work on a particular anomaly. The system supports privacy and levels of formality for the subteams. First we describe the supported groups and an anomaly response scenario. Then we describe the support system prototype, the Anomaly Response Tracking and Integration System (ARTIS). Finally, we describe our evaluation approach and the results of the evaluation.
Effect of quercetin or butylated hydroxytoluene on cooled or frozen-thawed ram sperm quality

Cooling and freezing processes cause physical and chemical damage to sperm by cold shock and oxidative stress. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of two antioxidants on sperm parameters of cooled and frozen-thawed ram semen diluted in an egg yolk-based extender. Semen was collected from 30 rams and processed in two consecutive experiments to test the inclusion of different concentrations of quercetin and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) in an egg yolk-based semen extender. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was added as a solvent to the semen extender in a ratio of 1 mL DMSO for 90 mg of quercetin and 1 mL DMSO for 880 mg of BHT. After collection, semen was diluted at 200 × 106 motile sperm/mL (control) and split into different groups in each experiment. In experiment 1, semen was diluted with the extender containing quercetin (Q5, 5 μg/mL; Q10, 10 μg/mL; Q15, 15 μg/mL) or DMSO alone (DMSO1, 0.055 μL DMSO per mL; DMSO2, 0.165 μL DMSO per mL). In experiment 2, semen was diluted with the extender with BHT (BHT1, 0.5 μg/mL; BHT2, 1 μg/mL; BHT3, 1.5 μg/mL) or DMSO alone (DMSO3, 0.375 μL DMSO per mL; DMSO4, 1.125 μL DMSO per mL). After dilution, the semen was divided into two aliquots. Treated ram sperm samples were also subjected to different storage methods. The first set of samples was cooled at 5 °C for 24 h, whereas the second set of samples was frozen-thawed. Sperm motility parameters and plasma membrane integrity (PMI) were evaluated immediately after dilution (0h) and 24 h after cooling and in the frozen-thawed samples via computer-assisted sperm analysis and epifluorescence microscopy, respectively. The inclusion of quercetin or BHT did not affect sperm motility parameters or PMI of fresh, cooled, or frozen-thawed sperm in this study (P < 0.05). However, further studies are needed to test the effects of these antioxidants on the fertility of cryopreserved ram semen.