Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of mean annual temperature and mean annual precipitation on the performance of flexible pavement using ME design

The purposes of this study were to establish the difference between empirical and mechanistic–empirical approaches in the flexible pavement design and to quantify the effects of mean annual precipitation and temperature on the flexible pavement distresses using the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) software. Seventy-six specific locations from 13 states throughout the USA were selected based on different climate conditions using virtual climate stations based on the interpolation from the nearest weather stations prior to meeting the objectives. Subsequently, analysis was conducted based on the predicted distresses, including longitudinal cracking, transverse cracking, alligator cracking, asphalt concrete rutting and total pavement permanent deformation. Generally, the pavement structure and materials have been set as constant to control the effects of material on the results. On the basis of the MEPDG analysis, the longitudinal cracking of flexible pavement is significantly affected by both factors (temperature and precipitation), particularly in wet climatic regions. The mean annual temperature has a great influence on the alligator cracking, transverse cracking and permanent deformation of flexible pavement. However, neither factors demonstrated a significant impact on the predicted International Roughness Index of flexible pavement surfaces.
Accessible Flipped Classroom Model for Pronunciation Instruction: Its Effectiveness and Students’ Perception

The accessible Flipped classroom is a two-learning phase model that includes pre-class and in-class learning phases accessible using standard information technology. The objectives of this study are to explore the effectiveness and investigate the students’ perceptions towards this model to see how the perceptions correlated with the success of the model. This study involved 59 sophomores (98.3% female and 1.7% male) between the ages of 20 to 21 from 2 English presentation classes at Walailak University. A pre-test / post-test were conducted to see the effectiveness, while a survey questionnaire of 22 closed-ended questions and 1 open-ended question was given to them at the end of the term of 12 weeks. The questions were classified into four aspects of perceptions: pre-class learning phase, in-class learning phase, word stress pronunciation, and the overall model. The results confirmed the effectiveness of this model as the average students’ post-test score (M: 8.38) was notably higher than their pre-test score (M: 7.47). Students’ perceptions of each of four aspects were also positively high. However, as bivariate correlations were performed to examine the relationships between the students’ perceptions and post-test results, no significant correlation was found. The study implied that even though the students improved by using the model, they might have needed more time to adapt to a more independent learning culture.
Transitions to virtual early childhood home visitation during COVID‐19

Abstract COVID‐19 has disrupted many of the preventive service sectors designed to promote infant mental health. The purpose of this study is to examine provider and supervisor transition strategies as well as maternal‐child outcomes during the transition from in‐person to virtual early childhood home visitation services in Los Angeles County. Los Angeles County is one of the largest home visitation sectors in the U.S. and disproportionately impacted by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Transitioning from in‐person to virtual home visitation was an important step in ensuring the continuity of infant mental health services. Home visitors reported relative ease in transitioning to virtual services themselves but noted that families encountered greater difficulty. The most helpful strategies to support this transition included training, ongoing reflective supervision, and provision of technology. Family level analysis revealed that positive screening rates for anxiety and depression decreased during the pandemic as did referrals for most support services. These findings likely highlight challenges in delivering virtual home visitation. Understanding how transitions in a key infant serving sector were managed serves an important role in forecasting for the future and preparing for future public heath emergencies.
Thermographic Imaging of Subsurface Deterioration in Concrete Bridges

The deterioration of concrete bridge components due to corrosion presents a significant challenge for bridge owners worldwide. Deterioration commonly develops at the level of embedded reinforcing steel because of the expansion of corrosion products and resulting stresses in the concrete. As a result, deterioration cannot be detected with visual inspection until it has progressed sufficiently to be manifest in spalling or advanced deterioration of the concrete. This paper presents the results of a study to develop thermal imaging (infrared imaging) for detection of subsurface deterioration. This nondestructive evaluation technique detects delamination on the basis of resulting perturbations in the heat transfer characteristics of the concrete, which are manifest as variations in surface temperature. The technique has the advantage of being applied from a distance and thus reduces access and traffic control requirements. However, it depends on certain environmental conditions to achieve thermal gradients in the concrete needed to detect subsurface deterioration. This study explored the effects of environmental parameters on the detectability of delamination in concrete. Specifically, the effects of diurnal temperature changes on the detection of damage in the soffit area of bridges are reported. Experimental studies and field testing were conducted. This paper focuses on guideline requirements developed through the research for the effective application of the technology in the field and describes experience with application of the technology for the detection of deterioration in a typical highway bridge.
A study on investigating the impact of website features on online impulse buying behaviour

E-commerce has led to many deliveries in business relationships specially used for online shopping. Given the growth of e-commerce to increase e-shopping, researchers can be investigated in this area in recent years. This paper aims to investigate the effect of website features on online impulse buying behaviour (OIBB). A questionnaire survey was conducted on the users of the Digi Kala website. They have made an impulsive online purchase at least once from the DigiKala website in Arak city, Iran. A relative stratified sampling technique was utilized for data collection. The data were analyzed statistically. The results show that: All research hypotheses have been confirmed. Among the research variables for the research's statistical sample, service quality and visual attraction affect online impulsive shopping behaviour.
Fast and accurate temperature control of a PCR microsystem with a disposable reactor

The paper presents a micro polymerase chain reaction (PCR) device consisting of a miniature thermal cycler incorporating Pt thin layers used as heater and temperature sensors, screen-printed on a ceramic plate and a disposable PDMS part with a 1 µl chamber. Using a heating power of only 0.3 W at 95 °C and 1.5 W during heating transitions, the device can provide a 7.7 °C s−1 heating rate. For temperature control, a two-degree-of-freedom proportional–integral–derivative controller in conjunction with an anti-windup algorithm was designed and implemented. The obtained performances (such as the use of the maximum/minimum power level during almost all of the transition time, overshoots and undershoots below 0.1 °C, very short settling time with no oscillation, steady error less than ±0.05 °C and excellent robustness against the process changes) exceed those published so far. In addition, the proposed controller is much simpler to implement and tune in comparison to other previously described controllers. A dynamical correction of the difference between the sensor and chamber temperatures is introduced and several profiles for set-point shaping are proposed and compared. The delayed preshaped profile, based on the inverse of the corresponding transfer function, was found to give the best results. Forced convection cooling is handled as a heat switch providing a cooling rate of 6.6 °C s−1 while preserving the low power requirement for heating. With the device described cycle times of 12 s (if the dwell times are not considered) are possible. PCR amplification with 32 cycles was successfully carried out in less than 25 min.
Review of Ethnopharmacology, Morpho-Anatomy, Biological Evaluation and Chemical Composition of Syzygium polyanthum (Wight) Walp.

Syzygium polyanthum (Wight) Walp, a Myrtaceae member, is widely distributed in Southeast Asian countries. The Malays and Indonesians consume the leaves regularly as Ulam (food). It has also been used in traditional medicine to treat several ailments, including gastritis, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diarrhea, skin diseases, diabetes and endometriosis. So far, many publications on the biological activity and chemical profile of the plant have been published. There is a need to thoroughly examine the articles and combine the major findings highlighting the potential utility of the species. Thus, the present study aimed to review the ethnopharmacology, morpho-anatomy, biological evaluation and chemical composition of S. polyanthum. In vivo, in vitro antibacterial, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antioxidants, essential oil and chemical composition of S. polyanthum were searched in Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed. The investigations revealed that S. polyanthum is a medicinal plant with proven antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic and anti inflammatory activities. The plant had a substantial impact on human health. Chemical ingredients extracted and characterised are monoterpene, sesquiterpene, oxygenated monoterpenes, oxygenated sesquiterpenes, phenolic and flavonoid compounds. The review found that the in vitro and in vivo biological evaluation of S. polyanthum was well documented. In order to have conclusive results on the plant leaves efficacy, a well-designed clinical trial is required. Efforts should also be taken for long-term conservation and management.
Investigating intra-individual variability of face scanning in autistic children

We investigated the intra-individual variability of face scanning in autistic children to represent a new avenue for understanding abnormal face scanning in autism spectrum condition. Across four studies, we used eye-tracking techniques to systematically examine the variability of face scanning patterns in autistic children when performing different tasks and scanning different types of faces. Autistic and non-autistic children were asked to complete a face judgment task (Study 1, age range: 4.9–7.2 years), a face recognition task (Study 2, age range: 4.7–7.6 years), a facial expression recognition task (Study 3, age range: 4.3–7.4 years), and a dynamic facial expression free viewing task (Study 4, age range: 2.5–5.6 years). In addition, we conducted Study 5 using houses as stimuli to test the specificity of the results to faces (age range: 4.9–7.2 years). We found that scan pattern similarity between different face presentations was lower in autistic children than non-autistic children, which was robust to variations in experimental methods. Furthermore, the decreased scan pattern similarity in autism spectrum condition was evident in both viewing faces and houses. These results suggest that the scanning patterns of autistic children are noisier and variable. It might represent a new avenue for the understanding of core symptoms in autism spectrum condition. Lay abstract Atypical face scanning is suggested to be related to social interactions and communicative deficits in autistic children. We systematically examined whether autistic and non-autistic children used consistent scanning patterns when performing different tasks and scanning different types of faces. We found that autistic children scanned faces more variably than non-autistic children: While non-autistic children used more consistent scanning patterns, autistic children’s scanning patterns changed frequently when watching different faces. Autistic children’s variable face scanning patterns might delay and impair face processing, resulting in a social interaction deficit. What’s more, variable scanning patterns may create an unstable and unpredictable perception of the environment for autistic children. Developing in such an unstable environment might motivate autistic children to retract from the environment, avoid social interaction, and focus instead on the performance of repetitive behavior. Therefore, studying face scanning variability might represent a new avenue for understanding core symptoms in autistic people.
MULTI-OBJECTIVE OPTIMIZATION FOR CRASH SAFETY DESIGN OF VEHICLES USING STEPWISE REGRESSION MODEL

In the automotive industry,structural optimization related to erashworthiness and energy absorption capability is of great importance,which involves highly nonlinear computational analysis and design with many material and structural parameters.Unfortunately,conventional design, analysis techniques and the experiments can only improve the structural crashworthiness to a limited extent,and in most engineering design problems there are several conflicting objectives that have to be considered for optimization.In order to improve crashworthiness design,a method using a multi-objective optimization technique based on stepwise regression model is presented through the applications of design of experiments and response surface models and finite element simulation technique.The method is applied for the multi- objective optimization design of the reinforced members of a vehicle,where the mass,toe board intrusion,and the integrated value of collision acceleration are chosen as the objective functions.The results show the new computational design method is a practical tool for the crash safety design of vehicles.
Engaging the public with online discussion and spatial annotations: The generation and transformation of public knowledge

Online discussion with spatial annotations has been proposed as a method of facilitating public participation in spatial planning. It has been assumed that it will widen the knowledge base behind decisions by bringing local, first-hand knowledge into planning. However, what type of knowledge will be generated by such a geographically referenced public discussion in the planning process? This article addresses this question by tracing how an online discussion that allowed spatial annotations was implemented in a real-life land-use planning process in Tampere, Finland. The analysis focuses on two distinct phases of knowledge production. First, discussion focuses on how establishing this particular technology as a public forum impacts on the type of knowledge that is provided by the participants. The second part of the study addresses how planners assimilate information from geo-referenced public discussion. The article suggests that the interplay between (1) the site of knowledge production that was at the same time the arena of public discussion, (2) the issues that were deemed necessary to be cared for publicly, and (3) the people who were willing and able to enter the public arena and address issues in the way that the public arena afforded was crucial in shaping the type of knowledge that was generated. Furthermore, the results suggest that the constraints set by the local planning procedures and practical work of planners effectively guide the transformation of this knowledge into the domain of planning. The article starts to unravel contingencies of knowledge production related to public participation methods which use online discussion and spatial annotations.
Juror perceptions of excited utterance hearsay testimony in an adult sexual assault case

ABSTRACT This study utilized a 4 (testimony condition) × 2 (participant gender) between-participants design to investigate how mock jurors react to hearsay testimony in an adult sexual assault case. Participants included 211 community members (106 female, 105 male). Mock jurors read a trial summary involving an adult sexual assault case that varied only in the Prosecution’s primary witness featuring either victim testimony, brief-hearsay testimony (simply reporting that the crime occurred), elaborate-hearsay testimony (describing the crime at a similar length as the victim), or a control condition. Consistent with expectations, hearsay and victim testimony yielded guilty verdict rates comparable to each other and higher than that of the control condition. Additionally, victim credibility mediated the relationship, such that participants were more likely to render a guilty verdict if they perceived the victim as more credible. The results of this experiment will be discussed in terms of how rape cases are prosecuted.
Fractal Analysis of Surface Microtopography and its Application in Understanding Hydrologic Processes

Fractal analysis provides a useful way to characterize the spatial complexity of surface microtopography. In this study, six random roughness soil surfaces and two field plot surfaces were created. Anisotropic properties of these surfaces were examined by using the directional semivariogram method and a modified anisotropy index (a). Multifractal analysis was performed to identify the dissimilar changing patterns of fractal dimension (D) and crossover length (l) for these surfaces at different scales. It has been found that D and l at smaller scales describe topographic surfaces in more detail, while the overall topographic features of the surfaces can be captured by D and l at larger scales. Surface slope removal has a considerable effect on the fractal calculation using the semivariogram method. This study also demonstrates that fractal parameters D and l have clear and meaningful relationships with some hydrotopographic parameters, such as random roughness (RR), maximum depression storage (MDS), and number of connected areas (NCA). More importantly, fractal and anisotropic analyses enable better understanding of the overland flow generation process. A surface with a small D value has the potential to retain more water in its depressions, which in turn redistributes surface runoff water, enhances infiltration in depressions, and delays surface runoff initiation. The dominant roughness exists along the directions of smaller D values. Along those directions, surface runoff is prone to be hindered or blocked by ridges, while better hydrologic connections occur along other directions.
A Critical Look at the Use of Computing Technologies in Planning Education

Using John Forester’s elaboration of Habermas’s theory of communicative action, technological biases that result in the distortion of ordinary communication are explored. Planning instruction related to computing technologies should include critical appraisal of their potential for distortion of communication. The findings from an assessment reveal that students’ naive use of spreadsheet technologies increases the likelihood that analytic reports will be marred by distortions of communication. Planning students should be taught to anticipate systematic communication distortions that may arise as inevitable consequences of technological dimensions of everyday decisions. Further investigation is needed into the roles of computing technology in planning classrooms.
Analysis of power electronic circuits with feedback control : a general approach

An algorithm that is suitable for the development of general purpose simulation software for power electronic circuits is presented. The circuits can be arbitrarily configured and can incorporate feedback controls. The method of analysis uses an efficient nodal approach that allows the device switchings to be easily monitored. The basic nodal formulation, including the method used to monitor device switching, is discussed. The method used to efficiently formulate the nodal equations for the power and control circuits is described. Several examples that illustrate the main features of the method are presented.
Hydrodynamic analysis of puller and pusher of azimuthing podded drive at various yaw angles

The research explained in this article was carried out to investigate the hydrodynamic characteristics of the puller and pusher azimuthing podded drive propulsion at various yaw angles and different operating conditions. The method is finite volume–based Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes. The renormalization group k-ε model is employed using the differential viscosity model and swirl-dominated flow to simulate turbulence. For the purposes of this research, two different propellers (B-series and David Taylor Model Basin (DTMB)) are analysed in pusher and puller of azimuthing podded drive configurations. The performance curves of the propellers obtained by numerical methods are compared and verified by the experimental results. Characteristic parameters including torque and thrust of propeller and axial force and side force of the unit are presented as functions of advance coefficients and yaw angles.
Near-Infrared Spectrometer for a Head-Feeding Combine for Measuring Rice Protein Content

We have developed a near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer mountable on a head-feeding combine for measuring rice protein in real time while harvesting. The developed sensor employs reflectance optics instead of the more usual transmittance optics because (1) it operates under severe vibration and dust conditions; (2) it performs measurements in high moisture contents, low fluidity of rough rice; and (3) because of low light transmittance due to absorption by husks. The light source was a tungsten halogen lamp, with a diffusion cylinder installed so that uniform light would illuminate the sample. An Si-CCD measured the spectrum from 740 nm to 1140 nm with a post-dispersive grating. We made a calibration curve of brown rice protein from a spectrum of rough rice examined in a laboratory. The calibration curve accuracy was r= 0.87 and SECV (Standard Error of Cross-Validation) =0.47%. In the adopted measurement method, the sensor loaded the rough rice into a wide sample chamber by gravity and analyzed the loaded grain at the bottom using a reflected signal. The developed sensor was able to measure the protein content of brown rice from spectra of rough rice taken under severe conditions, e.g., a high-vibration, high-dust harvesting environment. In addition to the protein content, the rice weight and moisture content could be displayed on the monitoring terminal in real time. The accuracy of the protein content measurements in these field examinations was r=0.65 and SEP (Standard Error of Prediction) =0.22%. The SEP was far better than the SECV of the calibration, but the protein content fell in a narrow range in the field examination. Thus, we concluded that the actual accuracy was the same as the calibration.