Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
HERMES: a high-speed radar imaging system for inspection of bridge decks

Corrosion of rebar in concrete bridges causes subsurface cracks and is a major cause of structural degradation that necessitates repair or replacement. Early detection of corrosion effects can limit the location and extent of necessary repairs, while providing long-term information about the infrastructure status. Most current detection methods, however, are destructive of the road surface and require closing or restricting traffic while the tests are performed. A ground-penetrating radar imaging system has been designed and developed that will perform the nondestructive evaluation of road-bed cracking at traffic speeds, i.e., without the need to restrict traffic flow. The first-generation system consists of an offset-linear array of 64 impulse radar transceivers and associated electronics housed in a trailer. Computers in the trailer and in the towing vehicle control the data acquisition, processing, and display. Cross-road resolution is three centimeters at up to 30 cm in depth, while down-road resolution depends on speed; 3 cm below 20 mph up to 8 cm at 50 mph. A two-meter-wide path is inspected on each pass over the roadway. In this paper, we describe the design of this system, show preliminary results, and lay out its deployment schedule.
Design, control, and experimental verification of a soft knee exoskeleton for rehabilitation during walking

Since the rigid constructions of the traditional exoskeletons are liable to increase inertia of the joint and limit wearer flexibility, the soft-type exoskeletons have been developed in recent years, which can reduce system inertia, increase interaction compliance, and ensure operation safety. In this article, we present the detailed design and preliminary control of a soft body-worn and tendon-sheath-driven exoskeleton that can apply appropriate torques to the biological knee joints during rehabilitation training. This article focuses on the design of compliance tendon-sheath actuation system based on Hill muscle model, which utilizes multi-wrap pulleys and Hill-based series elastic actuator to transmit effective forces. Besides, the overall control system and strategy architectures of knee soft exoskeleton are also proposed. A fuzzy proportional–integral–derivative controller is developed for the passive rehabilitation training. On this basis, a back-propagation-neural-network-based adaptive impedance control scheme is presented to provide adaptive force based on the disease condition of the patient. Finally, preliminary experiments are conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed exoskeleton and control strategies.
Statistical Programs In The Teaching Of Physical Education Classes

The scientific work is devoted to the analysis and application of applied statistical programs in teaching the discipline "Sports metrology". The state conducts a comparative analysis of statistical software packages and their capabilities, shows the role of sports metrology and methods of mathematical statistics, as well as mathematical analysis, which are a powerful help in the scientific approach to the development of sports, where physical education and sports training of female students are a kind of production process, a product which is the physical, technical, tactical, psychological and theoretical readiness of the trainees (and in general for the athletes - their sports readiness). The use of the methods of mathematical statistics makes it possible to conduct an objective analysis of the results of pedagogical, medical, psychological examinations and obtain substantiated recommendations for improving sports training. A comparison of various statistical programs is given, where it should be borne in mind that almost all of them have a set of standard procedures.
Systematic Literature Review on Importance of Limited Resource Model in Health-oriented Behaviours

This article aims to review research on the relationship between self-control and health-oriented behaviours (healthy eating, physical exercise, smoking and alcohol abstinence) using the strength or limited resource model. The present work also aims to discuss alternative explanations for why initial acts of self-control impair subsequent adherence to health-oriented behaviours. The authors adopted the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines to conduct a systematic review. Database searches were performed to identify 25 articles, published in English from 2000 to 2020, that empirically tested the theory in the health domain. The available evidence supported the relationship between self-control and health-oriented behaviours, and the performance of health-oriented behaviours was found to reduce self-control resources. Mixed findings exist regarding the impact of a number of mediators and moderators in strengthening the relationship, and few studies have attempted to explain the mechanisms behind the controversial concept of ego depletion or the factors that can facilitate the performance of health behaviours under depletion conditions. Gaps in the reviewed studies were identified and the review highlighted the role of mediators and moderators. A decision-making framework is proposed (which can be tested in the future) to explain the role of dispositional self-control in health behaviours and how health behaviours can be facilitated, even in a state of low self-control.
The level and growth effects of human capital in India

In the extended Solow growth model of Mankiw et al. (1992), human capital has only permanent level and no growth effects. In the endogenous growth models human capital is a growth-improving variable. Human capital may have both a permanent level and a permanent growth effect, we show how both can be estimated with an extension to the Solow model.
Desempenho de Alagados Construídos Cultivado com Tifton 85 (Cynodon Dactylon Pers.)

O presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar um sistema de alagados construidos (SACs) de fluxo vertical utilizando como meio suporte brita e areia, cultivados com Cynodon dactylon Pers. , para o tratamento de aguas residuarias de suinocultura. O experimento foi conduzido nos meses de agosto a novembro de 2017, na area experimental do Instituto de Ciencias Agrarias da UFMG. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado com tres repeticoes em cada tratamento. Os dados foram submetidos a teste de ANOVA e o teste de comparacao de medias com 5% de significância. Observou-se que para a remocao de DQO, os tratamentos foram diferentes estatisticamente, podendo destacar a elevada eficiencia do tratamento com brita + planta chegando a 96 %. Na eficiencia de remocao de turbidez, solidos totais, fixos e volateis entre os tratamentos nao houve diferenca significativa, mas e possivel observar uma reducao consideravel dos parâmetros avaliados. Para pH a maior media ficou com o tratamento brita + planta e, para a condutividade eletrica a maior media foi do tratamento areia. O tifton 85 cultivado apresentou boa adaptacao ao meio tendo assim um bom crescimento e producao. Com isso, concluiu-se que o sistema de alagados construidos para o tratamento de aguas residuarias de suinocultura e eficiente, sendo recomendado o uso de cultivares como o tifton 85 por apresentar potencial nutritivo para a alimentacao animal.
How does communication influence the perceived performance of maintenance services in multi-storey public housing?

Currently, debates on the performance of maintenance services in multi-storey public housing have been matters of great concern. Previous studies have proven that a close relationship between the residents and the management team is vital to enhance the performance of maintenance services, but limited studies have been geared towards the influence of communication on the performance of maintenance services. This study aims to examine the influence of communication between the residents and the management team on the performance of the maintenance services. A survey was conducted with the residents of multi-storey public housing in Penang, Malaysia, who were selected using stratified random sampling. A descriptive analysis, Pearson product-moment correlation, and multiple regression analysis were used to analyse the data. The results show that there is a significant and positive relationship between effective communication and the residents' perceived performance of maintenance services. Two communication attributes, "satisfaction with the feedback" and "accuracy of information", are the determinants for the performance of maintenance services.
An Improved Switching Median Filter Based on Local Outlier Factor

In this paper an improved switching median filter based on local outlier factor for the restoration of gray scale and color images that are highly corrupted by impulse noise is proposed. In first stage the proposed algorithm detects noisy pixels by local outlier factor incorporating with Boundary Discriminative Noise Detection (LOFBDND). Since this detection stage using LOF detects edge as noise and miss detect some noisy pixels which will result in high miss detection and false alarm rate so before going into filtering stage, next step will take out edge information. Then the directional weighted median filter is applied to remove the detected noise by replacing each noisy with the weighted mean of its neighbors in the filtering window of 5×5, while taking four different directions in that window. The proposed algorithm shows better results than Switching Median Filter Based on Local Outlier Factor and also directed towards edge preservation. Experimental results show improvements both individually and quantitatively (in terms of peak signal to noise ratio, mean absolute error, miss detection rate and false alarm rate).
Altman’s Bankruptcy Prediction Model: Test on a Wide Out of Business Private Companies Sample

This study tests the accuracy of the Altman bankruptcy prediction model for a wide private companies’ sample that went bankrupt in the years 1985 to 2013. Financial ratios used in the model calculations, Z’-Score (Altman’s Z for private companies) also provide useful information on the solvency and probability of bankruptcy for privately held companies from the sample. The findings do not support the assertion that the Z’-Score can be generalized to countries and sectors different from industrial sector. The general number of bankruptcies may be an antecedent variable to certain economic and/or financial crises, but the results indicate a correct identification of bankruptcy risk only to two thirds of the sample of companies.
Comment on “Synergetic use of IASI and TROPOMI space borne sensors for generating a tropospheric methane profile product”

Abstract. A great interest is growing about methods that combine measurements from two or more instruments that observe the same species either in different spectral regions or with different geometries. Recently, a method based on the Kalman filter has been proposed to combine IASI and TROPOMI methane products. We show that this method is equivalent to the Complete Data Fusion method. Therefore, the choice between these two methods is driven only by the advantages of the different implementations. From the comparison of the two methods a generalization of the Complete Data Fusion formula, which is valid also in the case that the noise error covariance matrices of the fused products are singular, is derived.
Anomaly Detection Algorithms and the Generalized Likelihood Ratio Test

cal sensor that collect a spectrum from each point in a scene. They differ from multispectral sensors in that the number of bands is much higher (20 or more) and the spectral bands are contiguous. For remote sensing applications, they are typically deployed on either aircraft or satellites. The data product from a hyperspectral sensor is a three-dimensional array or “cube” of data with the width and length of the array corresponding to spatial dimensions and the spectrum of each point as the third dimension. While this data cube is a convenient way to view the product, at most two of the dimensions can be acquired simultaneously. In the most common configuration, the spectral and one spatial dimension are acquired simultaneously to give a high quality spectral signature for each point in the scene. AVIRIS [1] and many other sensors directed toward terrain classification are flying spot sensors that acquire an image by raster scanning the scene in width while the platform moves to build up the second spatial dimension. More recently, the spatial resolution of hyperspectral sensors has been improved by using a two-dimensional focal plane array that simultaneously acquires a spectrum along a line of points in the scene. The second dimension is then built up by motion of the platform. The sensors TRWIS-III [2], DARKHORSE [3], SEBASS [4], and AHI [5] use this approach. Hyperspectral sensors have a wide range of remote sensing applications including: terrain classification, environmental monitoring, agricultural monitoring, geological exploration, and surveillance. With the introduction of sensors capable of high spatial and spectral resolution, there has been an increasing interest in using spectral imagery to detect small objects or features of interest. However, detection algorithms that presume a target signature are subject to signal mismatch losses because of the complications of converting sensor data into material spectra. The sensor collects spectral radiance, i.e., radiant flux per unit area per unit solid angle per unit wavelength [6]. Spectral signatures in the visible
Credit Spread Modeling: Macro-financial versus HOC Approach

The aim of this paper is to throw light on the relationship between credit spread changes and past changes of U.S. macro-financial variables when invariants do not have Gaussian distribution. The first part presents the empirical analysis which is based on 10-year AAA corporate bond yields and 10-year Treasury bond yields. Explanatory variables include lagged U.S. leading index, Russell 2000 returns, BBB bond price changes interest rate swaps, exchange rates EUR/ USD, Repo rates, S& P 500 returns and SP credit spread volatility and Treasury bills volatility. The proposed dynamical model explains 73% of the U.S. credit spread variance for the period 1999:07-2013:07. The second part of the article introduces the parameter estimation method based on higher order cumulants. It is demonstrated empirically that much of the information about variability of Credit Spread can be extracted from higher order cumulant function (85%).
Sentencing explanations provided via judicial remarks made within the English magistrates’ youth court: Towards a better global understanding

This article qualitatively explores the English judicial approach towards sentencing explanations via remarks made within the magistrates’ youth court. First, the extent of their correlation with the three known purposes behind sentencing explanations is considered within a wider introductory discussion. Second, judicial interviews provide new insights regarding the extent of their alignment with the introductory discussion by indicating degrees of correlation. Third, the English judicial approach towards sentencing explanations and the degrees of correlation are concluded upon. Finally, recommendations are made to assist in a better understanding of sentencing explanations globally, particularly in jurisdictions where their publication has increased.
Numerical analysis of conservative unstructured discretisations for low Mach flows

Unstructured meshes allow easily representing complex geometries and to refine in regions of interest without adding control volumes in unnecessary regions. However, numerical schemes used on unstructured grids have to be properly defined in order to minimise numerical errors. An assessment of a low Mach algorithm for laminar and turbulent flows on unstructured meshes using collocated and staggered formulations is presented. For staggered formulations using cell‐centred velocity reconstructions, the standard first‐order method is shown to be inaccurate in low Mach flows on unstructured grids. A recently proposed least squares procedure for incompressible flows is extended to the low Mach regime and shown to significantly improve the behaviour of the algorithm. Regarding collocated discretisations, the odd–even pressure decoupling is handled through a kinetic energy conserving flux interpolation scheme. This approach is shown to efficiently handle variable‐density flows. Besides, different face interpolations schemes for unstructured meshes are analysed. A kinetic energy‐preserving scheme is applied to the momentum equations, namely, the symmetry‐preserving scheme. Furthermore, a new approach to define the far‐neighbouring nodes of the quadratic upstream interpolation for convective kinematics scheme is presented and analysed. The method is suitable for both structured and unstructured grids, either uniform or not. The proposed algorithm and the spatial schemes are assessed against a function reconstruction, a differentially heated cavity and a turbulent self‐igniting diffusion flame. It is shown that the proposed algorithm accurately represents unsteady variable‐density flows. Furthermore, the quadratic upstream interpolation for convective kinematics scheme shows close to second‐order behaviour on unstructured meshes, and the symmetry‐preserving is reliably used in all computations. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF STARCH MALONATE: DEVELOPMENT OF FAST DISSOLVING TABLETS OF ACECLOFENAC BY 23 FACTORIAL DESIGNS

Objective: The aim of the research work is to develop a new superdisintegrant (starch malonate) which can help in enhancing the solubility and drug dissolution of poorly soluble drugs. Hence, starch malonate (new superdisintegrant) was prepared and has been evaluated for its superdisintegrant property by incorporating it into fast dissolving tablets of Aceclofenac. Methods: Superdisintegrant was developed by using esterification reaction. Prepared starch malonate was then subjected for different characterization tests (solubility, pH, melting point, swelling index, FTIR, DSC studies. 23 factorial design method was used to formulate fast dissolving tablets of aceclofenac employing starch malonate. Two known superdisintegrants croscarmellose sodium and crospovidone have been used along with starch malonate in combinations to develop fast dissolving tablets. Prepared tablets were then subjected to different tests for tablets like hardness, friability, disintegration time, dissolution studies. A stability study was performed to determine the stability of the formulation. Design expert study was conducted to know the interaction between different superdisintegrants and to select best optimized formulation in among all formulations. Results: Starch malonate prepared was found to be fine, free flowing slightly crystalline powder, insoluble in aqueous and organic solvents. Tablets of all formulations were of excellent quality concerning drug content (100±5%), hardness (3.8-4.2 kg/cm2), and friability (less than 0.15%). In all formulations, formulation F2 found to be optimized formulation with least disintegration time 38 S, less wetting time 17±0.08 s and enhanced percent dissolved rate in 5 min i.e., 99.84% as compared to other formulations. Conclusion: From this it was concluded that starch malonate can be used as a novel superdisintegrant to enhance the drug dissolution of poorly soluble drugs. Optimized formulation F2 showed enhanced drug dissolution at 5% concentration as compared to other formulation and showed least disintegration time and enhanced drug dissolution as compared to other formulations and pure drug.
Exploitation of olive mill wastewater in sorghum irrigation

Purpose In Morocco, the olive industry has made remarkable progress thanks to the "Green Morocco Plan" adopted by the Ministry of Agriculture. In 2018, the total production was around 2,000,000 tons of olives, with a growth of 11.93% compared to the previous years. However, each year this activity generates millions of tons of liquid and solid pollutants "olive mill wastewater (OMW)" and "pomace", discharged directly into water streams without prior treatment, which creates serious ecological problems. Method This study focuses on the use of raw and diluted OMW for the fertilization of sorghum. The OMW were characterized, diluted (½ and ¼), and applied at a rate of 5 L /week /m2. Sorghum growth was monitored by studying physiological performance (transpiration, stomatal conductance, the intensity of photosynthesis, and the performance of photosystem II). Results The raw OMW is acidic, salty, highly loaded with organic (COD / BOD5 = 7.1> 3), and inorganic matter and polyphenol content of 9 g/L. All the parameters for monitoring the growth of sorghum are lower for plants irrigated by raw OMW, which are symptoms of water stress. Using the T-test, the plants irrigated by half-diluted OMW have yielded the same results as those of the control. Conclusion Despite the fact that the half dilution of OMW has proved promising results, we suggest that it should be pretreated before its use in sorghum irrigation to reduce its organic loads and acidity.
Resource orchestration in innovation ecosystems: a comparative study between innovation ecosystems at different stages of development

Objective of the study: The present study aimed to answer the following question: How are resources orchestrated to generate innovation in innovation ecosystems? Methodology/Approach: An exploratory qualitative research was conducted through documentary analysis, non-participant observation, and in-depth interviews with actors from two Brazilian ecosystems in different stages of development: 4th District (emerging) and Porto Digital (growth). Originality/Relevance: Innovation ecosystems can be understood as a set of resources that foster innovation. Current research suggests that even more important than resources is the articulation among them and the way they are orchestrated. Main Results: It was found that resource pooling characterizes the transition moment from the emergency stage to the growth stage. Theoretical/ Methodological Contribution: A direct relationship between resource orchestration and the stage of ecosystem development was identified. Social/Management Contribution: The importance of the orchestration role, as well as the presence of an orchestrating actor, was emphasized, and a framework of analysis on the orchestration of resources in innovation ecosystems was proposed.
How to combine influence tactics : using the elaboration likelihood model to guide sequencing of tactics

This scenario study used a 3 (influence tactic) x 2 (strength of rational persuasion) experimental design to investigate what combination of proactive influence tactics was most effective in gaining commitment. It was only the second study after Barry and Shapiro (1992) to examine experimentally combinations of proactive influence tactics. It used the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) to derive hypotheses. It tested 103 individuals (46 men and 57 women) who were on average 20.8 years old. Participants read a hypothetical e-mail by a co-manager. They rated the extent to which they would commit to the co-manager's request. They also listed their positive and negative thoughts about the issue. The results showed that: (1) Rational persuasion gained the same amount of commitment whether it was combined with ingratiation or apprising; (2) ingratiation and apprising did not affect how deeply participants scrutinized the issue (i.e., elaboration); (3) commitment was not related to participants' level of elaboration; and (4) the number of influence tactics used did not change the level of commitment. One hypothesis was supported: that stronger rational persuasion gains more commitment than weaker forms of rational persuasion. These results are consistent with some of the literature, which states that not all tactics can be effectively combined. These conclusions are explored in light of the study's limitations. Future lines of research using ELM are also discussed. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]