Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Subgrade Resilient Modulus for Virginia Soils and Its Correlation with the Results of Other Soil Tests

In 2004, the Guide for the Mechanistic-Empirical Design of New & Rehabilitated Pavement Structures (MEPDG) was developed under NCHRP Project 1-37A to replace the currently used 1993 Guide for Design of Pavement Structures by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, which has an empirical approach. Implementation of the MEPDG requires the mechanistic characterization of pavement materials and the calibration of performance prediction models by the user agencies. The purpose of this study was (1) to determine the resilient modulus values for Virginia’s subgrade soils for input into MEPDG design/analysis efforts, and (2) to investigate the possible correlation of the resilient modulus with other soil properties. Although the MEPDG provides default values and correlations for resilient modulus, they are based on a limited number of tests and may not be applicable for Virginia soils and aggregates. The possible correlation of the resilient modulus with other soil properties was investigated because such correlations could be used for smaller projects where costly and complex resilient modulus testing is not justified. More than 100 soil samples from all over Virginia representing every physiographic region were collected for resilient modulus, soil index properties, standard Proctor, and California Bearing Ratio testing. Resilient modulus values and regression coefficients (k-values) of constitutive models for resilient modulus for typical Virginia soils were successfully computed. There were no statistically significant correlations between the resilient modulus and all other test results, with the exception of those for the quick shear test, for which the correlation was very strong (R = 0.98). The study recommends that the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Materials Division (1) implement resilient modulus testing for characterizing subgrade soils in MEPDG Level 1 pavement design/analysis, and (2) use the quick shear test to predict the resilient modulus values of fine soils using the relationships developed in this study for MEPDG Level 2 design/analysis.
Dynamic pricing in the presence of competition with reference price effect

This paper presents a reference price model for competition in a duopoly market for a single product. We derive Markov-Perfect equilibrium pricing policies. We provide a closed-form heuristic and demonstrate that it is very close to the equilibrium. We also derive closed-form solutions for pricing policies of a retailer who is an optimizer when its competitor follows one of three dierent suboptimal policies, and prove monotone convergence of these solutions. Finally, we use our results to analyze the impact of competition by comparing the revenue from the equilibrium policy with the one from a non-competition policy. Mathematics Subject Classication: 90C39, 90C46, 91B24, 90B99
Evaluation of water use and yield responses of drip-irrigated sugar beet with different irrigation techniques

Effective water use should be investigated in terms of sustainable production strategy in arid and semi-arid regions. A 2 yr field study was conducted in order to investigate the effects of full root-zone wetting (FI) and partial root-zone drying (PRD) irrigation techniques with 4 and 8-d (I2) irrigation intervals and three different irrigation levels (W1, W2, W3) adjusted according to Class A pan evaporation on root, leaf, and sugar yields and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) Three different plant-pan coefficients (0.70, 0.60, and 0.50) were used for adjusting the three different irrigation levels. The irrigation techniques and levels affected yields significantly. Seasonal meanly irrigation quantities were 280.4 mm in FI treatments and 162.4 mm in PRD treatments. While mean root yield of 33.80 t ha-1 is obtained in FI treatments, it was 26.43 t ha-1 in PRD treatments. Similarly, mean white sugar yield (WSY) for FI treatments (5 t ha-1) was higher than PRD treatments (3.81 t ha-1). There were significant polynomial relationships between irrigation quantities and root yield or WSY in both FI and PRD treatment. PRD technique increased by 34.9% IWUE compared to FI. Although the highest root yield was determined in FI-I1W1 sub treatment as 37.57 t ha-1, the highest IWUE was determined in PRD-I1W3 sub treatment as 173.9 kg ha-1 mm-1 since it has the lowest irrigation water amount as 140.6 mm. However, among PRD treatments for more root yield and for more white sugar yield, I1W1 and I1W2 sub treatments were the best.
Statistical analysis of 2D trace-line maps of fracture networks in carbonate rocks of the Jandeíra Formation in Brazil

The fracture network of the Jandeira Formation in the northeastern part of Brazil is controlled by two main (paleo-) stress fields. The first stress field, characterized by a NS-oriented compression, occurred from the Campanian to the Miocene. The second occurred from the Miocene to the Quaternary as an EW-oriented compression. In the western and central part of the Potiguar Basin it shifts to a NW-SE-oriented compression and a NE-SW-oriented extension. Both stress fields resulted in a heterogeneous fracture network throughout the whole basin. This system has been analyzed with imagery from around 50 meters above the ground with a resolution of 1.5 cm/pixel. Three main fracture sets are found in the studied outcrop, though in the outcrop itself the sets are highly heterogeneous spread; which supports the conventional outcrop studies. The length distribution of EW fractures are strongly influenced by abutment i.e. earlier fractures have restricted the propagation of succeeding fractures. This study shows that fracture length distributions and spatial distribution are exponentially distributed. Although this study is limited by its resolution, it gives a good first impression of fracture behavior in the Jandeira Formation, but composite analysis of different scale ranges would improve the value of this study considerably.
Influence of availability of perches on the behavioral well‐being of captive, group‐living mangabeys

Environmental enrichment is expected to increase the well‐being of animals. Changes in well‐being can be measured by variations in behavioral patterns. This study reports on behavioral changes induced, in arboreal monkeys, by progressively increasing the number of perches, from none to five, in an “experimental cage. ” A cage equipped with five perches was used as the control cage. The behaviors of a group of seven gray‐cheeked mangabeys in the control cage and in the “experimental” cage were compared. A total deprivation of perches yielded an increase in aggressive behaviors and locomotion, and a decrease in cohesiveness. Placing perches progressively in the experimental cage restored the level of all the variables to levels found in the control cage. This restoration to control levels actually occurred only when the number of perches in the experimental cage was close or equal to that in the control cage. Therefore perches constitute a necessary feature of an adequate environment for mangabeys. We suggest that this restoration is a consequence of providing appropriate structure of the utilizable space for the monkeys. This structure might increase the control and the predictability that monkeys should have over social events. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of Monitoring and Evaluation by Principals on Effective Teaching and Learning in Public Secondary Schools in Githunguri District

The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of monitoring and evaluation on effective teaching and learning in secondary schools in Githunguri district. This study was guided by the following objectives; To establish the effect of lesson preparation, teaching and learning process, monitoring of school attendance for teachers and students impact on teaching and learning process, effect of evaluation process used in schools on effectiveness of teaching and learning and to establish the effect of learning and teaching environment on the effectiveness of teaching and learning. The study adopted survey research design. The study targeted 30 principals, 750 teachers, 150 HODs and 120 class prefects 1 class prefect per stream in the 30 public secondary schools in Githunguri district. The researcher used simple random sampling techniques to sample the 187 respondents. The study had a sample size of 15 principals, 113 teachers, 23 HODs and 36 class prefects; a total sample of 187 respondents. The sampling technique was random. Questionnaires were used for the data collection from the HODs, teachers and class prefects. Interview schedule was used for the principal. Validity of the research instruments was ensured by undertaking a pre-test in 2 schools which were not included in the study. The researcher also discussed the instruments with the supervisor to ascertain there validity. Reliability was ensured through calculating the Cronbach coefficient. The research utilized descriptive analysis of each of the questions asked in the questionnaires presenting them in tables and graphs. There should be improvement on lesson preparation process, the schools should improve on the monitoring of school attendance for teachers and students as it has an impact on teaching and learning process. The finding of the study will provide invaluable insight into the role of monitoring and evaluation by principals on effective teaching and learning in secondary schools. This will help policy makers in formulating policies to guide the monitoring and evaluation process in secondary schools.
X-Ray Emission from Early-Type Stars in the Orion Nebula Cluster

The X-ray properties of twenty ~1 Myr old O, B, and A stars of the Orion Trapezium are examined with data from the Chandra Orion Ultradeep Project (COUP). On the basis of simple theories for X-ray emission, we define two classes separated at spectral type B4: hotter stars have strong winds that may give rise to X-ray emission in small- or large-scale wind shocks, and cooler stars that should be X-ray dark due to their weaker winds and absence of outer convection zones where dynamos can generate magnetic fields. Emission by late-type magnetically active companions may be present in either class. Sixteen of the 20 stars are detected with a wide range of X-ray luminosities, log LX ~ 29-33, and X-ray efficiencies, log(LX/Lbol) ~ -4 to -8. Only two stars, θ1 Ori D (B0.5) and NU Ori (B1), show exclusively the constant soft-spectrum emission at log(LX/Lbol) ~ -7 expected from the standard model involving many small shocks in an unmagnetized radiatively accelerated wind. Most of the other massive O7-B3 stars exhibit some combination of soft-spectrum wind emission, hard-spectrum flaring, and/or rotational modulation indicating large-scale inhomogeneity. Magnetic confinement of winds with large-scale shocks can be invoked to explain these phenomena. This is supported in some cases by nonthermal radio emission and/or chemical peculiarities, or direct detection of the magnetic field (θ1 Ori C). Most of the stars in the weak-wind class exhibit X-ray flares and log LX < 31 ergs s-1, consistent with magnetic activity from known or unseen low-mass companions. In most cases, the X-ray spectra can be interpreted in terms of a two-temperature plasma model with a soft component of 3-10 MK and a hard component up to 40 MK. All nondetections belong to the weak-wind class. A group of stars exhibit hybrid properties—flarelike behavior superimposed on a constant component with log LX ~ 32 ergs s-1—which suggest both magnetic activity and wind emission.
Estimation of critical streamflow discharge level using nonparametric quantile regression model

Various parametric models have been designed to analyze volatility in river flow time series data. For maximum likelihood estimation these parametric methods assumes a known conditional distribution. This paper considers the problem of nonparametric estimation of critical streamflow discharge levels of a river regime based on quantile regression methodology of Koenker and Basset (1978). In particular, the paper demonstrates the use of kernel estimators for conditional quantiles resulting from a kernel estimation of conditional distribution function. It is finally proved that the estimate of the nonparametric quantile function is consistent and asymptotically normally distributed and under suitable conditions, the estimator converges uniformly with an appropriate rate.
brane-world spacetimes

In this paper we present a general asymmetric brane model involving arbitrary energy transport to and from an embedded 4-D FRW universe. We derive a locally defined mass function for the 5D spacetime and describe its time evolution on the brane. We then specialise our model to the two cases of graviton production in the early universe and radiating black holes in the bulk. D.Jennings@damtp.cam. ac.uk I.R. Vernon@dur.ac.uk A.C. Davis@damtp.cam. ac.uk C.vandeBruck@sheffield.ac.uk
Spirit of Inquiry of Out-of-School Youth in Rural Southern Tanzania: How Formal Schooling Shapes Receptivity of New Information to Improve Their Livelihoods

Objective: Most youth in Sub-Saharan Africa are not enrolled in school. Although more youth are enrolling inschool, they are increasingly less likely to complete their primary and secondary schooling. Similarly to many otherAfrican nations, Tanzania has an estimated out-of-school population of 49% of youth despite massivepost-millennium investments which have significantly raised enrollment rates. Due to a high unemployment rate,rural youth commonly opt to pursue employment in cities or carry out agricultural work at home. However, theirability to procure formal employment is hindered by competition due to a high youth population density. This studysought to understand how youth with different levels of formal educational attainment (no schooling, primaryschooling, secondary schooling) learn information in their community and formal schooling to improve theirlivelihoods and develop sustainable practices for generating income.Methods: Through semi-structured qualitative interviews and focus group discussions, the study examinesdifferences between the groups in what they seek to understand and the different pathways they use to learn.Results: Although there were positive effects of schooling among the participants in this study in terms of boostingtheir self-confidence and self-esteem, youth dropouts with schooling experience overwhelmingly reported that theydid not learn approaches and information in their schools that were beneficial for improving their livelihoods.Conclusions: Since the majority of Tanzanian students, and particularly those from rural areas, will be unable tostudy in higher education institutions, educational programs for youth in school and for school dropouts are moreeffective which center on methods for learning new information that are applicable to their intended occupationwithin their community and which also prepare them for participating in the workforce.
The Brand Image of a Small Island Destination: The Case of Mauritius

Brand image is a prominent marketing tool for destination marketers. A strong brand image implies having an upper-hand over competitors and thus preventing tourists from shifting their purchase intentions to other destinations. This paper examines the brand image attributes of a small island developing state. It also determines the gap between tourists’ expected and perceived brand image attributes. The study uses a focus group to guide the design of the questionnaire. Using factor analysis, the results indicate that the attributes performances exceed expectations, reinforcing the positive brand image of Mauritius. It is also found that the destination’s attractiveness, up-market products, tourist attractions and the tropical setting were among the key factors in determining the brand image of the destination. The study also suggests that over-promising promotional campaigns may affect the brand image of small island developing destinations.
Impact of blanching and drying on antioxidant contents and antioxidant activity of Indian mustard leaves (Brassica juncea)

Leafy vegetables contain significant amount of bio-active health promoting compounds which act as antioxidants that can impart health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Blanching and dehydration by drying are processes commonly used in preservation of leafy vegetables. The present investigation was planned to study the effect of blanching and drying on antioxidant contents (total phenols, flavonoids, Vitamin C and  carotene) and antioxidant activity of mustard leaves. In the present investigation the fresh mustard leaves were collected in a lot, washed thoroughly and divided into three portions, i.e. raw, blanched and dried to know the impact of processing (i.e. blanching and drying) on the antioxidant contents and antioxidant activity. Raw blanched and dried samples were analyzed for antioxidant contents and antioxidant activity through standard methods. Results of the study revealed that fresh mustard leaves contained total phenol 48.37 ± 0.45mg/100g GAE , flavonoids 9.17 ± 0.30 mg/100g QE, vitamin C 12.65 ± 6.01 mg/100g and  carotene 6.30±0.20 mg/100g and antioxidant activity was 46.50 ± 2.90 mg/100g AAE. The antioxidant contents and antioxidant activity of mustard leaves were found influenced by processing treatments (blanching and drying), Blanching caused loss while drying increased the concentration of antioxidant contents.
Teacher satisfaction: some pratical implications for teacher professional development models

Ever since the 1930s, Organizational Psychology has been devoting a great deal of attention to the study of job satisfaction. This has happened for three main reasons: historical and/or cultural (from both a historical and a cultural viewpoint, increasing value has been attached to the quality of life at work, which is regarded more and more as a space of personal development); functional (not only for its intrinsic value as psychological variable directly affecting behaviour, but also because job satisfaction is a construct with implications and consequences on other attitudes, at individual as well as at organizational level); and practical (it is a variable which can be easily measured and used).
The Early Effects of Preferential Trade Agreements on Intra-Regional Trade Within ASEAN+6 Members

This study analyses the early effects of recent bilateral and regional Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) involving the ten-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) grouping, as well as Australia, New Zealand, China, India, Japan and Korea. We utilize an augmented gravity model with this ASEAN+6 group of countries to examine the impact of membership in a bilateral versus a plurilateral PTA for the period of 1994 to 2006. The traditional gravity model is augmented by separately estimating the effects of bilateral memberships against plurilateral PTA memberships. Disaggregated country-by-country results indicate that plurilateral PTAs have had a more significant impact, relative to bilateral PTAs, in stimulating trade among the ASEAN+6 countries, in this initial period of new regionalism in Asia.
Fatty acid composition in muscles from lambs fed diets containing agroindustrial co-products

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementing diet of lambs with agroindustrial co-products on the nutritional quality of meat fat and study the variation of fat quality parameters based on the type of muscle. Twenty lambs were distributed into four experimental groups and fed a control diet or diets containing cottonseed, sunflower meal, and castor cake. After 106 experimental days, the animals were slaughtered. Samples of Biceps femoris, Longissimus dorsi, Semimembranosus, and Triceps brachii [. ]
Annual Patterns of Atmospheric Pollutions and Episodes over Cairo Egypt

The Nile Delta major cities, particularly Cairo, experienced stagnant air pollution episodes, known as Black Cloud, every year over the past decade during autumn. Low-elevated thermal inversion layers play a crucial role in intensifying pollution impacts. Carbon monoxide, ozone, atmospheric temperature, water vapor, and methane measurements from the tropospheric emission spectrometer (TES) on board the Aura have been used to assess the dominant component below the inversion layer. In this study, time series analysis, autocorrelations, and cross correlations are performed to gain a better understanding of the connections between those parameters and their local effect. Satellite-based data were obtained for the years 2005–2010. The parameters mentioned were investigated throughout the whole year in order to study the possible episodes that take place in addition to their change from year to year. Ozone and carbon monoxide were the two major indicators to the most basic episodes that occur over Cairo and the Delta region.
Laboratory simulations of suprauroral mechanisms leading to perpendicular ion heating and conic formation

Laboratory experiments are presented simulating aspects of perpendicular ion heating and conic formation that are observed or hypothesized to occur in the terrestrial ionosphere and magnetosphere. Previous laboratory observations of ion conics in the presence of the current-driven electrostatic ion cyclotron wave are reviewed. Field-aligned ion beams, accompanied by beam-generated electrostatic ion cyclotron modes, resulted in perpendicular energization of beam ions and also the heating of background plasma ions. Antenna-launched broadband and narrow-band lower hybrid waves produced considerable perpendicular ion heating and non-Maxwellian “tail” formation. Laboratory results are discussed in light of in situ measurements by the S3-3 satellite and the MARIE sounding rocket.
Non-Linear Volatility Modeling of Economic and Financial Time Series Using High Frequency Data

The current work undertakes an overview of the forecasting volatility with high frequency data topic, attempting to answer to the fundamental latency problem of return volatility. It surveys the most relevant aspects of the volatility topic, suggesting advantages and disadvantages of each alternative in modeling. It reviews the concept of realized volatility and explains why forecasting of volatility is more effective when the model contains a measure of intraday data. A discrete and a continuous time model are defined. Sampling methods at different frequencies are reviewed, and the impact of microstructure noise is considered. Details on procedures employed in the literature with respect to modeling and forecasting using realized models are discussed, while an empirical exercise will prove the advantages of using measures of high frequency data.