Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Resolution of Construction Disputes: A Review of Current Methodologies

Construction projects are increasingly complex, resulting in complex contract documents. Complex construction can likewise often result in complex disputes, which predominantly arise from the intricacy and magnitude of the work, multiple prime contracting parties, poorly prepared and/or executed contract documents, inadequate planning, financial issues, and communication problems. Any one of these factors can derail a project and lead to complicated litigation or arbitration, increased costs, and a breakdown in the parties’ communication and relationship. This paper reviews the current methodologies for preventing and/or resolving construction conflicts. It is not meant to be an exhaustive review of each and every process, but rather to give the reader an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of each process when determining which one is right for a particular situation.
Research on Mechanical Automation with Analysis of Modeling Train Collision Accident Based on Stochastic Petri Net

In this paper, we study the mechanical automation with analysis of modeling train collision accident based on stochastic Petri net and propose a model of train collision accident based on the theory of stochastic Petri net (SPN), and verified the validity of the model by testing its soundness. By isomorphic to Markov chain, we also can carry out quantitative analysis of the train collision accident. According to the data extracted froma large number of historical data of the accident statistics, we have carried out a case analysis and discussion, and the results presented in this paper may be useful to the railway safety management.
All it Takes is One: The Effect of Weakest-Link and Summation Aggregation on Public Good Provision Under Threshold Uncertainty

We report experimental evidence on the voluntary provision of public goods under threshold uncertainty. By explicitly comparing two prominent technologies, summation and weakest link, we show that uncertainty is particularly detrimental to threshold attainment under weakest link, where low contributions by one subject cannot be compensated by others. In contrast, threshold uncertainty does not affect contributions under summation. We demonstrate non-binding pledges as one mechanism to improve chances of threshold attainment under both technologies, yet in particular under weakest link.
Reciprocal processes of sensory perception and social bonding: an integrated social‐sensory framework of social behavior

Organisms filter the complexity of natural stimuli through their individual sensory and perceptual systems. Such perceptual filtering is particularly important for social stimuli. A shared “social umwelt” allows individuals to respond appropriately to the expected diversity of cues and signals during social interactions. In this way, the behavioral and neurobiological mechanisms of sociality and social bonding cannot be disentangled from perceptual mechanisms and sensory processing. While a degree of embeddedness between social and sensory processes is clear, our dominant theoretical frameworks favor treating the social and sensory processes as distinct. An integrated social‐sensory framework has the potential to greatly expand our understanding of the mechanisms underlying individual variation in social bonding and sociality more broadly. Here we leverage what is known about sensory processing and pair bonding in two common study systems with significant species differences in their umwelt (rodent chemosensation and avian acoustic communication). We primarily highlight that (1) communication is essential for pair bond formation and maintenance, (2) the neural circuits underlying perception, communication and social bonding are integrated, and (3) candidate neuromodulatory mechanisms that regulate pair bonding also impact communication and perception. Finally, we propose approaches and frameworks that more fully integrate sensory processing, communication, and social bonding across levels of analysis: behavioral, neurobiological, and genomic. This perspective raises two key questions: (1) how is social bonding shaped by differences in sensory processing? , and (2) to what extent is sensory processing and the saliency of signals shaped by social interactions and emerging relationships?
Temporary Rise in Blood Thrombogenicity in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

Objective: Although blood thrombogenicity seems to be one of the determinant factors for the development of acute myocardial infarction (MI), it has not been dealt with in-depth. This study aimed to investigate blood thrombogenicity and its change in acute MI patients. Methods and Results: We designed a prospective, observational study that included 51 acute MI patients and 83 stable coronary artery disease (CAD) patients who underwent cardiac catheterization, comparing thrombogenicity of whole blood between: (1) acute MI patients and stable CAD patients; and (2) acute and chronic phase in MI patients. Blood thrombogenicity was evaluated by the Total Thrombus-Formation Analysis System (T-TAS) using the area under the flow pressure curve (AUC30) for the AR-chip. Acute MI patients had significantly higher AUC30 than stable CAD patients (median [interquartile range], 1771 [1585 - 1884] vs. 1677 [1527 - 1756], p = 0.010). Multivariate regression analysis identified acute MI with initial TIMI flow grade 0/1 as an independent determinant of high AUC30 (β = 0.211, p = 0.013). In acute MI patients, AUC30 decreased significantly from acute to chronic phase (1859 [1550 - 2008] to 1521 [1328 - 1745], p=0.001). Conclusion: Blood thrombogenicity was significantly higher in acute MI patients than in stable CAD patients. Acute MI with initial TIMI flow grade 0/1 was significantly associated with high blood thrombogenicity by multivariate analysis. In acute MI patients, blood thrombogenicity was temporarily higher in acute phase than in chronic phase.
An evolutionary shape optimization procedure for contact problems in mechanical designs

Abstract The finite element method (FEM) has been extensively applied to explore contact stress distributions in multi-body mechanical systems. Uneven contact stresses are often one of the main concerns of mechanical design engineers. By adopting the evolutionary structural optimization (ESO) concepts, this paper presents a non-gradient procedure for gradual shape redesign of prescribed contact interfaces. In this method, interfacial gaps are considered as design variables and contact stress deviations over design interfaces are set as the objective function. To deal with multiple contact region problems, two different design objectives, namely an individual criteria and a unified criteria, are formulated respectively. Several practical examples show that this method is effective for design problems consisting of single- or multiple-contact regions in mechanical systems, in which a uniform contact stress pattern is the desired optimality criterion.
EARLY CONSUMPTION OF HIBISCUS SABDARIFA ATTENUATES THE SEVERITY OF TYPE 2 DIABETES IN A WISTAR RAT MODEL

Diabetes constitute a serious challenge for many health system and families due to the cost of its care. Alternatively, traditional plants offer a huge potential for health care. Thus, many plants have been used in form beverage including the use of Hibiscus sabdarifa (HS) as tea. Recent data suggested the beneficial effect of HS cardiometabolic diseases models. In this study, we evaluated the preventive and curative effects of crude extract of HS in a type 2 diabetes rat model. Through in vitro complexion and/ or precipitation reactions, we qualitatively assessed the phytochemical composition of the crude extract of HS for different groups of secondary metabolites. The antiradical scavenging activity was assessed through hydroxyl radical test. Type 2 diabetes was induced by high fat diet (HFD) and single dose streptozotocine (STZ) injection. Body weight change and blood biochemical analysis were carried out. Data were statistically analyzed. HS contains different phytochemical polyphenolic compounds such as tanins and flavonoids and presented an interesting antiradical scavenging activity. Early intake from experimental day (ED1) of crude extract of HS significantly prevented gain in body weight (P < 0.05), reduced T2D induced elevated glucose (P < 0.01) and lipids (P < 0.01) and has better outcome as compared to late intake (from ED14). These findings confirm and supports the use of HS as tea and may offer protective effect to consumers by regulating blood sugar and lipid profile.
Global positioning system anti-jamming algorithm based on period repetitive CLEAN

A two-stage blind adaptive anti-jamming algorithm for global positioning systems (GPS) is proposed in this study. The new algorithm cancels interferences by projecting the array received signals on the orthogonal complement space of interferences. Then the algorithm utilises the CLEAN method to estimate direction of arrivals of GPS signals according to the period repetitive feature of GPS coarse/acquisition (C/A) code and form the multi-beam, where each beam can point one GPS signal. Test data and simulation results show the effectiveness of the new algorithm.
Trend Application of Machine Learning in Test Case Prioritization: A Review on Techniques

Software quality can be assured by passing the process of software testing. However, software testing process involve many phases which lead to more resources and time consumption. To reduce these downsides, one of the approaches is to adopt test case prioritization (TCP) where numerous works has indicated that TCP do improve the overall software testing performance. TCP does have several kinds of techniques which have their own strengths and weaknesses. As for this review paper, the main objective of this paper is to examine deeper on machine learning (ML) techniques based on research questions created. The research method for this paper was designed in parallel with the research questions. Consequently, 110 primary studies were selected where, 58 were journal articles, 50 were conference papers and 2 considered as others articles. For overall result, it can be said that ML techniques in TCP has trending in recent years yet some improvements are certainly welcomed. There are multiple ML techniques available, in which each technique has specified potential values, advantages, and limitation. It is notable that ML techniques has been considerably discussed in TCP approach for software testing.
Convolutional neural network and its pretrained models for image classification and object detection: A survey

At present, in the age of computers and automation of services, deep learning (DL) technology, mainly the subset of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI), is expressively used in innumerable domains of computer vision such as data analysis, image recognition, classification, natural language processing, and many more. It has become the foremost choice of researchers as of its effectiveness in producing decent results. This paper presents detailed and analytical literature starting from the very elementary level to the recent trends of this trending technology while focusing on the most used DL model, that is, convolutional neural network and its pretrained models for image classification and object detection. It also reviews diverse existing current literature based on this. Further, a brief introduction of AI, ML, and DL has also been presented, making the foundation for the readers. As pretrained models continuously give an upper edge to DL over ML and other technologies, 23 most popular pretrained models with their architectural diagrams have also been presented. This paper aims to summarize and analyze all the concepts used to formulate DL and its models. Also, we have emphasized more on the GoogleNet models and the entire Inception modules in detail. Finally, the fascinating applications and discussion on integral components of DL have been presented. This paper will definitely draw the attention of the students and researchers working in the area of DL and its models.
Verteporfin-Loaded Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles’ Topical Applications Inhibit Mouse Melanoma Lymphangiogenesis and Micrometastasis In Vivo

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been pointed out as a candidate for improving melanoma treatment. Nanotechnology application in PDT has increased its efficacy by reducing side effects. Herein, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) conjugated with verteporfin (Ver-MSNs), in use with PDT, were administered in mice to evaluate their efficacy on lymphoangiogenesis and micrometastasis in melanoma. Melanoma was induced in mice by the subcutaneous injection of B16-F10 cells. The mice were transcutaneously treated with MSNs, Ver-MSNs, or glycerol and exposed to red light. The treatment was carried out four times until day 20. Lymphangiogenesis and micrometastasis were identified by the immunohistochemical method. Lymphoangiogenesis was halved by MSN treatment compared with the control animals, whereas the Ver-MSN treatment almost abolished it. A similar reduction was also observed in lung micrometastasis. PDT with topically administrated Ver-MSNs reduced melanoma lymphoangiogenesis and lung micrometastasis, as well as tumor mass and angiogenesis, and therefore their use could be an innovative and useful tool in melanoma clinical therapy.
Social media and online safety practices of young parents

Studies of parents’ online safety concerns typically centre on information privacy and on worries over unknown third parties preying on children, whereas investigations into youth perspectives on online safety have found young people to focus on threats to safety or reputation by known individuals. The case of youth who are themselves parents raises questions regarding how these differing perspectives are negotiated by individuals who are in dual roles as youth and parents. Using interview and ethnographic observation data from the longitudinal Young Parent Study in British Columbia, Canada, this analysis investigates social media and online safety practices of 113 young parents. Online safety concerns of young parents in this study focused on personal safety, their children’s online privacy and image management. These concerns reflect their dual roles, integrating youth image and information management concerns with parental concerns over the safety and information privacy of their own children.
Development of an ionic polymer–metal composite stepper motor using a novel actuator model

A novel ionic polymer–metal composite (IPMC) actuated stepper motor was developed in order to demonstrate an innovative design process for complete IPMC systems. The motor was developed by utilizing a novel model for IPMC actuators integrated with the complete mechanical model of the motor. The dynamic, nonlinear IPMC model can accurately predict the displacement and force actuation in air for a large range of input voltages as well as accounting for interactions with mechanical systems and external loads. By integrating this geometrically scalable IPMC model with a mechanical model of the motor mechanism an appropriate size IPMC strip has been chosen to achieve the required motor specifications. The entire integrated system has been simulated and its performance verified. The system has been built and the experimental results validated to show that the motor works as simulated and can indeed achieve continuous 360° rotation, similar to conventional motors. This has proven that the model is an indispensable design tool for integrated IPMC actuators into real systems. This newly developed system has demonstrated the complete design process for smart material actuator systems, representing a large step forward and aiding in the progression of IPMCs towards wide acceptance as replacements for traditional actuators.
An analysis of space-charge-region recombination in HBT's

The importance of including recombination in the base side of the emitter-base space-charge-region (SCR) in the computation of the current gain in AlGaAs/GaAs HBT's is investigated. Recombination due to Shockley-Read-Hall, Auger and radiative processes is considered. The interaction of the base-side SCR recombination currents with the neutral-base current and the collector current, which occurs via their dependence on the quasi-Fermi level splitting (/spl Delta/E/sub fn/) at the base-emitter junction, is not found to be a significant factor in the computation of /spl Delta/E/sub fn/. However, it is confirmed that the quasi-Fermi level splitting, as calculated from a balancing of the thermionic/tunnel current with the neutral base and collector currents, must subsequently be included in the computation of the base-side SCR currents if the current gain is not to be severely underestimated. A discussion of why the ideality factor is /spl ap/1 for the base-side SCR currents is given. Finally, simple analytical expressions for /spl Delta/E/sub fn/ and the SCR recombination currents are presented and should prove useful for HBT device- and circuit-simulation purposes. >
Inverter design with positive feedback field-effect transistors

As the physical size of semiconductor devices continues to be aggressively scaled down, feedback field-effect transistors (FBFET) with a positive feedback mechanism among a few promising steep switching devices have received attention as next-generation switching devices. Conventional FBFETs have been studied to explore their device performance. However, this has been restricted to the case of single FBFET; basic circuit designs with FBFETs have not been investigated extensively. In this work, we propose an inverter circuit design with silicon-on-insulator (SOI) FBFETs; we verified this inverter design with mixed-mode technology computer-aided design simulation. The basic principles and mechanisms for designing FBFET inverter circuits are explained because their configuration is different from conventional inverters. In addition, the device parameters necessary to optimize circuit construction are introduced for logic device applications.
Evolution of employee opinion in a crowdsourcing logistics company: a catastrophe-embedded RA model

Crowdsourcing logistics is a business model for the modern logistics industry. However, the employee behavior of crowdsourcing logistics remains unstable due to the dynamic nature of crowdsourcing logistics. With a small change in environmental factors, e.g., the delivery price, employee opinion may show frequent polarization or reversal that can lead to employee turnover. To explore the mechanism of sudden change in employee opinion and turnover, a cusp catastrophe model is embedded into the relative agreement (RA) model of opinion dynamics to form a catastrophe-embedded RA model. Text data about employee opinion of the crowdsourcing logistics company DaDa are collected for modeling and validation of the catastrophe-embedded RA model. Simulation experiments explore the impact of network structure and delivery price on employee opinion evolution and employee turnover. The catastrophe theory–embedded RA model extends the application of the RA model in the field of opinion dynamics with frequent polarization or reversal.
Chitinase 3-like 1 secreted from cancer-associated fibroblasts promotes tumor angiogenesis via interleukin-8 secretion in colorectal cancer

The cancer-stromal interaction has been demonstrated to promote tumor progression, and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which are the main components of stromal cells, have attracted attention as novel treatment targets. Chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1) is a chitinase-like protein, which affects cell proliferation and angiogenesis. However, the mechanisms through which cells secrete CHI3L1 and through which CHI3L1 mediates tumor progression in the cancer microenvironment are still unclear. Accordingly, the present study assessed the secretion of CHI3L1 in the microenvironment of colorectal cancer and evaluated how CHI3L1 affects tumor angiogenesis. CAFs and normal fibroblasts (NFs) established from colorectal cancer tissue, and human colon cancer cell lines were evaluated using immunostaining, cytokine antibody array, RNA interference, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), ELISA, western blotting and angiogenesis assays. The expression and secretion of CHI3L1 in CAFs were stronger than those in NFs and colorectal cancer cell lines. In addition, interleukin-13 receptor α2 (IL-13Rα2), a receptor for CHI3L1, was not expressed in colorectal cancer cell lines, but was expressed in fibroblasts, particularly CAFs. Furthermore, the expression and secretion of IL-8 in CAFs was stronger than that in NFs and cancer cell lines, and recombinant CHI3L1 addition increased IL-8 expression in CAFs, whereas knockdown of CHI3L1 suppressed IL-8 expression. Furthermore, IL-13Rα2 knockdown suppressed the enhancement of IL-8 expression induced by CHI3L1 treatment in CAFs. For vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGFA), similar results to IL-8 were observed in an ELISA for comparison of secretion between CAFs and NFs and for changes in secretion after CHI3L1 treatment in CAFs; however, no significant differences were observed for changes in expression after CHI3L1 treatment or IL-13Rα2 knockdown in CAFs assessed using RT-qPCR assays. Angiogenesis assays revealed that tube formation in vascular endothelial cells was suppressed by conditioned medium from CAFs with the addition of human CHI3L1 neutralizing antibodies compared with control IgG, and also suppressed by conditioned medium from CAFs transfected with CHI3L1, IL-8 or VEGFA small interfering RNA compared with negative control small interfering RNA. Overall, the present findings indicated that CHI3L1 secreted from CAFs acted on CAFs to increase the secretion of IL-8, thereby affecting tumor angiogenesis in colorectal cancer.
Sociological and behavioural impediments to earthquake hazard mitigation

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the behavioural and sociological impediments to successful implementation of earthquake hazard mitigation and to recommend possible intervention strategies.Design/methodology/approach – Data were gathered through a case study methodology and interviews adopted as the research strategy. A semi‐structured questionnaire was chosen as a data‐collection instrument, with 33 interviews conducted for various stakeholders involved in seismic retrofit decision‐making process.Findings – The research main findings include the role of risk perception in diminishing earthquake hazard mitigation, difficulties in assessing benefits and values of seismic retrofit implementation and the hazard mitigation approach adopted by governmental organisations. The findings suggested that stakeholders involved in retrofit decision‐making should have a good understanding of the risks faced as well as the implications of their decisions.Originality/value – The paper investigates earthq.