Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Life cycle assessment of carbon concrete composites: a circular economy path beyond climate mitigation?

Sustainable construction and materials play an ever-important role to stay within our planetary boundaries. In support, innovative carbon concrete composites (CCC) promise significant raw material savings by integral design. We aim to illustrate current environmental hotspots and a feasible recycling scenario of CCC that meets circularity requirements. We modelled a cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment for two potential building structural applications (sandwich wall, ceiling reinforcement) made of CCC. We based our recycling scenario on previously conducted large-scale experiments. Results show a relative larger energy intensity and abiotic depletion of fossil fuels for variants of CCC but lower global warming. Yet, recycling is, second to embodied emissions of basic materials, the driving force of total environmental impacts. The presented recycling path (demolition, pyrolysis for carbon fabric, reuse in fiber fleece) offers less "green credentials" than steel.
The CODA Model: A Review and Skeptical Extension of the Constructionist Model of Emotional Episodes Induced by Music

This paper discusses contemporary advancements in the affective sciences (described together as skeptical theories) that can inform the music-emotion literature. Key concepts in these theories are outlined, highlighting their points of agreement and disagreement. This summary shows the importance of appraisal within the emotion process, provides a greater emphasis upon goal-directed accounts of (emotion) behavior, and a need to move away from discrete emotion “folk” concepts and toward the study of an emotional episode and its components. Consequently, three contemporary music emotion theories (BRECVEMA, Multifactorial Process Approach, and a Constructionist Account) are examined through a skeptical lens. This critique highlights the over-reliance upon categorization and a lack of acknowledgment of appraisal processes, specifically goal-directed appraisal, in examining how individual experiences of music emerge in different contexts. Based on this critique of current music-emotion models, we present our skeptically informed CODA model - Constructivistly-Organised Dimensional-Appraisal model. This model addresses skeptical limitations of existing theories, reinstates the role of goal-directed appraisal as central to what makes music relevant and meaningful to an individual in different contexts and brings together different theoretical frameworks into a single model. From the development of the CODA model, several hypotheses are proposed and applied to musical contexts. These hypotheses address theoretical issues such as acknowledging individual and contextual differences in emotional intensity and valence, as well as differentiating between induced and perceived emotions, and utilitarian and aesthetic emotions. We conclude with a sections of recommendations for future research. Altogether, this theoretical critique and proposed model points toward a positive future direction for music-emotion science. One where researchers can take forward testable predictions about what makes music relevant and meaningful to an individual.
Analysis of flexochemical effect and its application in scanning probe microscopy

Electrochemical processes in solids are affected by the properties of various interfaces, where the flexoelectric effect manifests itself considerably due to the inevitable strong gradient fields. Thus, it is crucial to study the coupling between the electrochemical process and the flexoelectric effect. Based on the continuum theory, we conducted the finite element implementation for the flexochemical effect, being the coupling between flexoelectricity, Vegard effect and chemical reactions. Then, the developed method is employed to investigate the flexochemical effect arising in scanning probe microscopy (SPM), including evaluating the contributions from the flexoelectric effect and Vegard effect to the electromechanical response on material SrTiO3 (STO) in piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) as well as to mechanical redistribution of oxygen vacancy in STO. It is found that at room temperature the nanoscale electromechanical response of the undoped STO in PFM imaging is mainly induced by the converse flexoelectricity while the contribution of direct Vegard effect is negligible. Furthermore, the contact force exerted by SPM tip in manipulating the redistribution of oxygen vacancies is multifunctional, including diminishing vacancies underneath the contact area and enriching the regions around the tip-surface contact edge and inside the sample below the tip, resulting from the synergy of the converse Vegard effect and the direct flexoelectricity. These analyses explain some experimental observations well. This paper provides a continuum framework for the analysis of electrochemomechanical systems with the flexoelectric effect.
Context-related Visualization Modes of an AR-based Context-Aware Assembly Support System in Object Assembly( Mixed Reality)

This study proposes and eyaluates the effectiveness of yisualization modes for an AR based context-aware assembly support system in object assembly. Although many AR-based assembly support systems have been proposed, few keep track ef the assembly status in real-time and automatically recognize error and completien states at each step. Naturally, visualization modies and their effectiyeness for such context-aware systems remain unexplored. Our test-bed system automatically displays guidance information and error detection infbrmation corresponding to tiie recognized assembly status in the context of building block (LEGO) assembly. In our first eyaluation, we cornpared the performance of the test-bed system in different AR visualization modes with a traditional assembly instruction style-paper manual in assembly tasks. Experimenta1 results show that although subjects took longer to complete the assembly tasks with the test-bed system, accuracy was dramatically improved and subjects also felt hat the visualization modes proposed were easier to understand and more usefu1 than the traditional assembly style with a paper manual. Based on these results, vve conducted the second eyaluation to explore effectiyeness of new yisualization modes in situations where the best visualization mode proposed in the first eyaluation does not functien well. Wb explored two visualization modes; one haying guidance infbrmation rendered on a virtual medel adjacent to the reai model, and the other having guidance information and the topmost layer of the virtual model rendered directly everlaying on the real model. Our experimental results suggest that both these modes had the best performance in the contexts considered respectively.
Vergleich der Versagenswahrscheinlichkeit und der Versagenshäufigkeit von Brücken

In diesem Artikel werden Versagenshäufigkeiten von Brücken mit den Zielversagenswahrscheinlichkeiten moderner Normen verglichen. Die Bestimmung der Versagenshäufigkeiten basiert im Sinne einer Metaanalyse auf verschiedenen Veröffentlichungen, die sowohl verschiedene Bezugszeiten als auch verschiedene Regionen umfassen. Außerdem werden die Zielversagenswahrscheinlichkeiten für neue und bestehende Bauwerke kurz diskutiert. Der Vergleich der Werte zeigt eine relativ gute Übereinstimmung.
Africana Intellectual/Pedagogical Work: Teaching to Answer the Call to the African Renaissance in the African Diaspora Context

In this article we examine what selected online audiovisual and text resources teach about Africa using Africana/Black Studies scholarship to interrogate and assess opportunities such educational materials provide for African American students to identify with Africa and the African Renaissance concept. Popularized by Cheikh Anta Diop and promoted by Thabo Mbeki, the African Renaissance envisions the transformation of Africa’s future and how Africa’s histories, peoples, and contributions to the world are understood. Using the Afrocentric method of duo autoAfronography, we suggest ways educational resources can promote identify affirming African diaspora literacy consciousness and connectedness to Africa and the idea of the African Renaissance.
The Texas Spoofing Test Battery: Toward a Standard for Evaluating GPS Signal Authentication Techniques

A battery of recorded spoofing scenarios has been compiled for evaluating civil Global Positioning System (GPS) signal authentication techniques. The battery can be considered the data component of an evolving standard meant to define the notion of spoof resistance for commercial GPS receivers. The setup used to record the scenarios is described. A detailed description of each scenario reveals readily detectable anomalies that spoofing detectors could target to improve GPS security.
A test of frequency‐dependent selection in the evolution of a generalist phenotype

Abstract A solitary population of consumers frequently evolves to the middle of a resource gradient and an intermediate mean phenotype compared to a sympatric pair of competing species that diverge to either side via character displacement. The forces governing the distribution of phenotypes in these allopatric populations, however, are little investigated. Theory predicts that the intermediate mean phenotype of the generalist should be maintained by negative frequency‐dependent selection, whereby alternate extreme phenotypes are favored because they experience reduced competition for resources when rare. However, the theory makes assumptions that are not always met, and alternative explanations for an intermediate phenotype are possible. We provide a test of this prediction in a mesocosm experiment using threespine stickleback that are ecologically and phenotypically intermediate between the more specialized stickleback species that occur in pairs. We manipulated the frequency distribution of phenotypes in two treatments and then measured effects on a focal intermediate population. We found a slight frequency‐dependent effect on survival in the predicted direction but not on individual growth rates. This result suggests that frequency‐dependent selection might be a relatively weak force across the range of phenotypes within an intermediate population and we suggest several general reasons why this might be so. We propose that allopatric populations might often be maintained at an intermediate phenotype instead by stabilizing or fluctuating directional selection.
Who Cites Whom and How It Impacts the Knowledge Production Process across Disciplines?: A Methodological Insight

ABSTRACT This paper proposes two novel approaches to measure the similarity of co-cited authors for the task of document clustering, a) paragraph-level content-based author co-citation analysis (PCACA) and b) section-level content-based author co-citation analysis (SCACA), by mining the textual cited reference at the paragraph and the section level within a given scientific publication, respectively. Using over 2000 full-text publications, indexed in the field of Computer and Information Sciences, indexed in PLOS.org, we extract the useful information from a full-text publication such as citing sentences, location of citing sentences, cited first author name, and title of cited. We show that our proposed SCACA method of clustering outperforms existing clustering methods by exhibiting more optimal clusters with minimum graph density and an average degree in SCACA, i.e., 0.327 and 27.143, respectively. Finally, we show that SCACA produces the optimum number of clusters that comprehensively explains sub-disciplines of co-cited author pairs.
Juvenile Hake Merluccius gayi Spatiotemporal Expansion and Adult-Juvenile Relationships in Chile

The abundance of juvenile fish changes due to endogenous processes, and determining the functional relationships among conspecifics is essential for fisheries’ management. The hake (Merluccius gayi) is an overexploited demersal fish widely distributed in Chile, from 23°39′ S to 47°00′ S in shallow and deep water over the continental shelf and shelf break. We studied the spatiotemporal distribution of hake juveniles (from ages 0 and 1), emphasizing endogenous relationships among juveniles and adults. The abundance per age data were obtained from bottom trawl cruises carried out in the austral winter between 1997 and 2018. Generalized additive models showed a similar spatiotemporal pattern for ages between 0 and 1, and negative effects of adult hake aged seven and older on the abundance of the young generation. Regarding the changes in juvenile abundance, the residual deviance of selected models explained 75.9% (for the age 0) and 95.3% (for the age 1) of the null deviance, revealing a significant increase in juvenile abundance from 2002 to 2007 and subsequent abundance stability at higher levels. Furthermore, the expansion in the abundance of juveniles after 2002 was favored by the low abundance of older adult hake, most which are able to cannibalize young hake. Our results highlight the importance of endogenous factors in the spatial distribution of Chilean hake juveniles to identify nurseries or juvenile areas free of potential cannibal adults.
The Influence of Doing Shift Work on the Lifestyle Habits of Primary Care Nurses

Nurses’ lifestyle habits play a key role in promoting healthy lifestyles; although, they may not always be entirely healthy and can be influenced by working conditions. This paper aims to analyze the influence of doing shift work on nurses’ lifestyle habits. Participants (n = 219) were recruited from 27 primary health care centres in Spain. Data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics, working conditions and lifestyle behaviour, assessed by use of an adhoc questionnaire including validated measures. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression models were performed. A total of 95% of the nurses reported having an adequate diet; 45.2% did not engage in any type of physical activity; and 85.8% did not smoke, especially women. A total of 60.3% did shift work, especially the younger ones (80.8%; p < 0.001), these nurses being the ones with the worst food habits (81.8%). In contrast, nurses who did shift work, exercised more days a week (69.5%; p < 0.001). The dietary habits of the nurses were adequate. Low tobacco consumption and low adherence to physical activity were observed, especially among women. Shift work harmed eating habits and obesity rates, but was a protective factor in terms of adherence to physical exercise.
A Novel High Step-Up DC–DC Converter with Improved P&O MPPT for Photovoltaic Applications

Abstract In this research work, a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm is proposed that improves the tracking accuracy and efficiency of the conventional Perturb and Observe (P&O) algorithm. Due to steady-state oscillations and passive dynamics, the efficiency of conventional P&O algorithm is significantly affected in varying climatic conditions. Therefore, to improve its efficiency and tracking accuracy, a reference voltage is defined as a function of irradiance and temperature in the proposed Improved Perturb and Observe (IP&O) algorithm. Moreover, the solar irradiance and temperature of the PV panel are estimated that results in low steady-state oscillations and fast dynamic response. Furthermore, to step-up a low generated PV voltage to a high voltage level, a non-isolated DC–DC converter suitable for large voltage conversion ratios is also designed. The proposed converter uses only one switch that makes its circuitry and control simple and makes it very feasible for PV applications. This converter attains a high voltage gain with relatively low voltage stress on a switch compared with the conventional or other newly developed topologies that have the same or lesser components count. To validate the theoretical concepts of the DC–DC converter and the IP&O algorithm, simulations are carried out in MATLAB/Simulink environment at varying operating climatic conditions. The simulation results and the comparative examination with the conventional P&O algorithm validate the proposed algorithm's adequate performance.
EFFECTS OF ORGANIZATION SIZE ON ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLES MANAGEMENT IN THE HOTEL INDUSTRY IN KENYA

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to establish the effects of organization size on accounts receivables management in the hotel industry in KenyaMethodology: The target population of the study was 47 hotels and lodges in Kenya. A sample of 141 respondents was selected using stratified random sampling in each hotel and lodge to group respondents into three strata. The strata were that of top management, finance staff and credit control staff. This study used both primary and secondary data. Data collection methods used included: questionnaires and secondary data collection guide. Secondary data was collected for all variables for a period of three years (2007 to 2010). Data was analyzed quantitatively and presented descriptively and illustrated by use of tables and charts. Information was sorted, coded and input into the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) for production of graphs, tables, descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. In particular, means, standard deviations, and frequencies. Inferential statistics such as factor analysis and odd ratio regression were also used. Results: Based on the findings, the study concluded that size of the organization had a positive effect on accounts receivables management in the hotel industry in Kenya. It can be concluded that the larger the hotel the higher the accounts receivables to be managed hence the need to have a strong management structures and policies in place. The study concludes that size of the organization is statistically significant in explaining accounts receivables in the hotel industry in Kenya. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Based on the findings, the study recommends that hotel management should ensure that there are standardized and written manuals with the policies regarding trade credit and its management.
HUMAN PERCEPTION TOWARDS FIRE SAFETY AWARENESS IN MALAYSIA PUBLIC HOSPITAL

The focus of this research is on human perception toward fire safety awareness in public hospitals. The perception was evaluated by looking at two variables, awareness, and knowledge. With the existence of knowledge and awareness, the perception of fire safety in hospitals is high. Thus, the three objectives are; i) evaluate and identify the relation of consumer perception towards the fire safety awareness in hospitals. ii) evaluate and analyse consumer perception on fire safety awareness with the effective value of designs and exit routes prepared. iii) suggest improvement measures in ensuring the hospital’s occupants able to increase the awareness and understanding values in fire safety in hospitals. This study adapted quantitative methodology by using a random survey as an instrument which involved 285 respondents representing 6 selected hospitals in Malaysia. The findings found that there was no significant between the relation of awareness and knowledge with age, education, and occupation in identifying the level of awareness and knowledge in fire safety in hospitals. Yet, there was a significant value in gender which the men have higher awareness and knowledge as compared to women who were not significant in this study. Therefore, several improvement measures need to be done by the hospital administration to add awareness value among the hospital users.
The Virginia Demonstration Project: A Summative Assessment

GAIL B. HARDINGE Gail Hardinge is a Clinical Associate Professor of Education at the College of William and Mary. She is the director of the STEM Education Alliance, a project center designed to create connections between the educational, science and engineering communities. She is the project director for the Virginia Demonstration Project, a Department of Defense funded initiative that has received several Virginia science awards. She teaches educational consultation and assessment, and supervises advanced graduate students in field studies.
Length-Weight Relationships (LWRs) and Condition Factor of Seven Fish Species in River Nyangweta Tributary, Kenya

: Length-weight relationships (LWRs) and condition factors are important for effective management of riverine fisheries. This study investigated the LWRs and condition factors of the dominant fish species from Nyangweta tributary of River Kuja, in Lake Victoria Catchment, Kenya. A total of 615 fish of seven dominant species were analyzed: Enteromius altianalis, Enteromius neumeyeri, Clarias theodorae, Labeo victorianus, Labeobarbus altianialis, Chiloglanis species and Amphilias jacksonii. The fish were sampled from five locations from October 2020 to March 2021. The length and weight measurements were taken using a measuring board and an electronic balance respectively and used to determine Fulton's (KF) and allometric (Ka) condition factors. The largest species was E. altianalis (70.74 ± 8.72g), followed by L. altianialis and L. victorianus with mean body weights of 62.14 ± 3.48g and 56.43 ± 11.26g respectively. With exception of E. altianalis and C. theodorae, the Fulton’s condition factors (KF) of all the species were greater than (1) and not significantly different (p = 0.43) among the species. Majority (four) of the species exhibited positive allometry (Ka > 3), while only one species exhibited isometric (Ka = 3) growth, due to different body profiles which may not allow uniform growth of all individuals of the same species, a large percentage of females in adult fish populations and high nutrient influxes. The LWRs were significant and showed strong linear relationships between total and standard lengths and body weight (p < 0.05, R2 > 0.5). These findings suggest that conservation measures need to be taken to improve the fish health and physiological condition in upstream areas of the Nyangweta tributary.
ExVivoMicroTest: ExVivo Testing of Microservices

Microservice‐based applications consist of multiple services that can evolve independently. When a service must be updated, it is first tested with in‐house regression test suites. However, the test suites that are executed are usually designed without the exact knowledge about how the services will be accessed and used in the field; therefore, they may easily miss relevant test scenarios, failing to prevent the deployment of faulty services. To address this problem, we introduce ExVivoMicroTest, an approach that analyzes the execution of deployed services at run‐time in the field, in order to generate test cases for future versions of the same services. ExVivoMicroTest implements lightweight monitoring and tracing capabilities, to inexpensively record executions that can be later turned into regression test cases that capture how services are used in the field. To prevent accumulating an excessive number of test cases, ExVivoMicroTest uses a test coverage model that can discriminate the recorded executions between the ones that are worth to be turned into test cases and the ones that should be discarded. The resulting test cases use a mocked environment that fully isolates the service under test from the rest of the system to faithfully reply interactions. We assessed ExVivoMicroTest with the PiggyMetrics and Train Ticket open source microservice applications and studied how different configurations of the monitoring and tracing logic impact on the capability to generate test cases.