Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hot-spot analysis of motorcyclist crashes involving fixed objects using multinomial logit and data mining tools

Abstract There has been a significant increase in the number of motorcyclists in the past years. According to crash statistics, motorcyclist crashes involving roadside fixed objects and safety systems have a higher probability of resulting in a fatality and serious injury. Therefore, as the number of motorcyclists on the road increases, there is an urgent need to consider motorcyclist safety as an important factor when designing roadside safety systems. In this paper, we are developing a hot-spot detection methodology to identify the design characteristics of locations associated with severe motorcyclist crashes for improving roadside safety systems. For this purpose, we are using the multinomial logistic regression and data mining tools such as random forests and decision trees. The results of both data mining and regression analysis show that roadside safety devices and fixed objects have a significant impact on RwD motorcyclist crash severity. Additionally, roadway characteristics (horizontal and vertical curvature, lane width, urban-rural classification) and operational factors (traffic volume and posted speed limit) are found to be associated with the RwD motorcyclist crash severity. Hence, to identify the high-risk locations (i.e., locations with potential for improvement), these roadway elements need to be accounted for.
Alignment and rotation of spheroids in unsteady vortex flow

Preferential orientations of inertialess nonspherical particles are examined through three qualitatively different stages of a time-evolving Taylor–Green vortex flow. Despite an unexpected decorrelation between the vorticity vector and the direction of Lagrangian stretching, experienced by material fluid elements over a substantial time interval, prolate spheroids aligned with the Lagrangian stretching direction, whereas oblate spheroids aligned with the Lagrangian compression direction. We, therefore, infer that spheroidal tracers orient themselves relative to the Lagrangian history of the velocity gradients, defined by the left Cauchy–Green deformation tensor, rather than with the fluid vorticity vector. This preferential alignment persists all throughout the statistically unsteady flow field and even in the inviscid and nonturbulent early stage of the time-dependent vortex flow. This explains the observed preferential spinning of rods and tumbling of disks, similar to that in homogeneous isotropic turbulence, even at the early stage when the flow is anisotropic and laminar. These preferred modes of particle rotation prevail all through the evolving flow despite a surprisingly long time interval, during which the fluid vorticity decorrelates from the direction of Lagrangian stretching.
Analysis of Computational Thinking in Children’s Literature for K-6 Students: Literature as a Non-Programming Unplugged Resource

As schools and districts across the United States adopt computer science standards and curriculum for K-12 computer science education, they look to integrate the foundational concepts of computational thinking (CT) into existing core subjects of elementary-age students. Research has shown the effectiveness of teaching CT elements (abstraction, generalization, decomposition, algorithmic thinking, debugging) using non-programming, unplugged approaches. These approaches address common barriers teachers face with lack of knowledge, familiarity, or technology tools. Picture books and graphic novels present an unexplored non-programming, unplugged resource for teachers to integrate computational thinking into their CT or CT-integrated lessons. This analysis examines 27 picture books and graphic novels published between 2015 and 2020 targeted to K-6 students for representation of computational thinking elements. Using the computational thinking curriculum framework for K-6, we identify the grade-level competencies of the CT elements featured in the books compared to the books’ target age groups. We compare grade-level competencies to interest level to identify each CT element representation as “foundational,” “on-target,” or “advanced. ” We conclude that literature offers teachers a non-programming unplugged resource to expose students to CT and enhance CT and CT-integrated lessons, while also personalizing learning based on CT readiness and interest level.
Nanoeugenol Prevents Apoptotic Damage in Selenite-induced Cataracts in Cultured Lenses From Wistar Rats and in Human Lenticular Epithelial Cell Lines: Molecular Validation

Senile cataract is the most common cause of severe visual impairment and blindness. Lenticular epithelial cells apoptosis induced by oxidative stress is a major factor in senile cataract pathogenesis, but there are still many blind nodes in this progress. The aim of the present experiment was to investigate the possibility that nanoeugenol prevents selenite-induced cataractogenesis by regulating the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, expressions of apoptotic genes and corresponding proteins. Nanoeugenol found to be inhibited oxidative stress-induced downregulation cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COX-1), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) genes and upregulation of early growth response protein- 1 (EGR-1), Bcl-2-associated X (Bax), caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9 genes in cultured lenses from Wistar rats. Nanoeugenol significantly reduced oxidative stress-induced cell apoptosis and generation of ROS in human lenticular epithelial cells (HLE-B3 cells). These findings suggested that, nanoeugenol can regulate cataract progression by influencing cell vitality and apoptosis, which could provide new ideas for the clinical treatment of senile cataract.
Interaction of 25 keV Electrons with the Nucleic Acid Bases, Adenine, Thymine, and Uracil. I. Outer Shell Excitation

The energy loss functions — Im(1/e) of thin films of the nucleic acid bases, adenine (C5N5H5), thymine (C5N2O2H6), and uracil (C4N2O2H4) have been determined in the range 2–50 eV from energy loss experiments with 25 keV electrons at room temperature. An analysis of the electronic structure of these materials in the region of outer shell excitation has been obtained in the form of determination of the dielectric constants e1 and e2 from a Kramers—Kronig analysis of the energy loss function. In the spectral region where ultraviolet absorption data exists (<10 eV), the calculated optical absorption coefficient μ is shown to be in good agreement with the optical measurements.
Pd-Based Membranes for Hydrogen Separation: Review of Alloying Elements and Their Influence on Membrane Properties

Dense palladium membranes have increasing interest for ultra-pure hydrogen production compared to established technologies such as pressure swing adsorption and cryogenic distillation, allowing the separation in one step with no associated energy consumption. Alloying elements are used in combination with palladium in these membranes to change the membrane properties. This article presents a review of palladium alloy membranes for hydrogen purification, including permeability data and other relevant characteristics of the alloys. Further developments in this research field are expected to focus on the use of ternary alloys with enhanced physical and chemical properties, and the use of computational methods to enable a faster screening of promising alloys.
Asymmetric shock deformation at the Spider impact structure, Western Australia

The distribution of shock deformation effects, as well as the structural expression of an impact structure, can be asymmetric, depending on target rock lithologies (e.g., layered versus homogenous), porosity of target rock, and angle of impact. Here, we present a detailed study of shock‐deformed quartz and zircon in silicified sandstones from the asymmetric Spider impact structure in Australia. We utilize optical microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) techniques in order to determine the spatial distribution of shock‐deformed zircon along a downrange transect across the central uplift of the structure, with the goal of constraining the physical distribution of shock effects created by an oblique impact. A total of 453 zircon grains from 12 samples of shatter cone‐bearing quartzite and breccia within the structure were surveyed for shock deformation by EBSD in situ within thin sections. Nineteen zircon grains contain {112} twins, including one grain with three twin orientations. Quartz grains from five samples along the transect were also surveyed using a universal stage in order to determine orientations of planar deformation features, planar fractures, and feather features, and to provide a baseline for comparison of data from zircon. The distribution of shocked zircon with {112} twins within the samples surveyed appears to be asymmetric relative to the center of the structure, in contrast to quartz, thus providing the first accessory mineral‐based evidence that supports an asymmetric distribution of shock deformation as a function of impact obliquity. Our results are an example where the highest intensity of observed shock deformation does not correspond to the geographic center of the structure, and may serve as a guide for field studies aimed at documenting the distribution of shock effects at other sites interpreted to result from oblique impacts.
Biodiversity researchers as a model for school students: An innovative approach to foster meaningful understanding?

Abstract The 2019 published report of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem (IPBES) reveals that the decline in species and habitats induced by human activities is continuing. School students still have difficulties to understand the meaning of biodiversity and the consequences of its loss. The underlying assumption of this study is that learners do not only need a scientific understanding of biodiversity in order to perceive it as personally meaningful. Rather, they should also have the opportunity to relate this complex topic to their individual nature experiences. This study pursues the idea that the biography of a biodiversity researcher can be used as a model for school students. A total of 18 German secondary school students at an average age of 15 years took part in this qualitative study. Data sampling included six group discussions with three participants each. We used an inductive as well as a deductive approach (category system) to analyze the data. Our results show that our study participants’ biographical nature experiences are appropriate to build bridges between biodiversity and themselves. Furthermore, we retraced meaningful understanding processes among the school students. These insights can inform biodiversity education.
Using drama-based pedagogy to support college students’ information literacy development: how do the students feel about it?

ABSTRACT This qualitative case study explored how college student writers perceive the utility of drama-based pedagogy in their development of information literacy (i.e. their skills in locating, evaluating, and ultimately transferring information). The qualitative analysis of the study data showed that the students were interested in the entertaining platform provided by drama-based pedagogy. The students also felt that drama-based pedagogy gradually stimulated their thinking and expanded their knowledge on the given writing topics. It enabled them to better search for information and to better evaluate and use it for their writing.
The Vicomtech-UPM Speech Transcription Systems for the Albayzín-RTVE 2022 Speech to Text Transcription Challenge

This paper describes the Vicomtech-UPM submission to the Albayz´ın-RTVE 2022 Speech to Text Transcription Challenge, which calls for automatic speech transcription systems to be evaluated in realistic TV shows. A total of 4 systems were built and presented to the evaluation challenge, considering the primary system alongside three contrastive systems. Each system was built on top of one different architecture, with the aim of testing several state-of-the-art modelling approaches focused on different learning techniques and typologies of neural networks. The primary system used the self-supervised Wav2vec2.0 model as the pre-trained model of the transcription engine. This model was fine-tuned with in-domain labelled data and the initial hypothesis re-scored with a pruned 4-gram based language model. The first contrastive system corresponds to a pruned RNN-Transducer model, composed of a Conformer encoder and a stateless prediction network using BPE word-pieces as output symbols. As the second contrastive system, we built a Multistream-CNN acoustic model based system with a non-pruned 3-gram model for decoding, and a RNN based language model for rescoring the initial lattices. Finally, results obtained with the publicly available Large model of the recently published Whisper engine were also presented within the third contrastive system, with the aim of serving as a reference benchmark for other engines. Along with the description of the systems, the results obtained on the Albayzin-RTVE 2020 and 2022 test sets by each engine are presented as well.
Deploying ambidexterity through better management practices: an investigation based on high-variety, low-volume manufacturing

PurposeWhilst capabilities in exploiting existing assets and simultaneously exploring new opportunities have proven essential in today's organisations, an understanding of how these so-called ambidextrous capabilities are deployed remains elusive. Thus, the authors aim to investigate the role of better management practices (BMP), as organisational routines, in deploying ambidextrous capabilities in practice.Design/methodology/approachHigh-variety, low-volume (HVLV) manufacturers are adopted as exemplar ambidextrous organisations. A conceptual model was developed where BMP, including human resource management (HRM) and production planning and control (PPC), are considered as mediators in the relationship between ambidextrous capabilities and organisational performance outcomes. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was adopted to analyse the results of a survey undertaken by Australian HVLV manufacturers.FindingsThe results suggest that merely holding ambidextrous capabilities is not enough – demonstrating a fully mediating role of BMP between ambidextrous capabilities and HVLV manufacturer performance outcomes. However, the individual effects of PPC and HRM prove varied in their unique impact on HVLV manufacturer performance.Practical implicationsThis study also provides a rare account of how HVLV manufacturers can leverage their inherently ambidextrous design towards greater organisational performance and highlights critical considerations in the selection of organisational capabilities.Originality/valueBy exemplifying the explanatory power of BMP in ambidextrous capability deployment, this study moves beyond the more prevalent stance on the links between BMP and ambidextrous capabilities as that of capability building through management practices, to one concerning the deployment of the capability itself.
Long‐term inorganic nitrogen application changes the ammonia‐oxidizing archaeal community composition in paddy soils

The abundance and taxonomic composition of ammonia‐oxidizing archaea (AOA) were assessed in paddy soils that had received more than 50 years of fertilization with and without inorganic N. The inorganic N fertilized treatments were: NPK and NPK + CO (nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and compost (CO)). The treatments without inorganic N were: CO, PK and control (unfertilized soils). Quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis of the archaeal amoA gene showed no significant changes in AOA abundance following the long‐term application of inorganic N fertilizers. However, subsequent analysis of amoA gene sequencing data showed that inorganic N application significantly changed the AOA community composition and alpha diversity indices. Edge principal components analysis (PCA) showed varying contributions of distinct AOA lineages in separating samples according to the fertilization treatment. Addition of inorganic N favoured an increase in the abundance of AOA lineages belonging to Nitrososphaera, and the treatments without inorganic N additions formed a separate cluster dominated by Nitrosotalea lineage. The distinct response of the two AOA lineages points towards different community organization of soil AOA and strongly supports the concept of habitat partitioning in paddy soil ecosystems.
Dosimetric comparison of organs at risk with three-dimensional conformal radiation, intensity-modulated radiation and volumetric-modulated arc therapy in cervical cancer: a cross sectional study

Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT), intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) are the three main radiotherapy treatment techniques for cervical cancer. Whether either technique significantly reduces the radiation exposure to organs at risk remains unclear. We dosimetrically compared the irradiated volumes of bone marrow, bladder and rectum in cervical cancer patients using 3DCRT, IMRT and VMAT techniques in those patients with FIGO stage IIIB cervical cancer, receiving chemo irradiation at our institute. A total of 10 patients were dosimetrically compared. Significant reduction in V10, V20, V30, V40, V50 Gy of bone marrow was observed with IMRT and VMAT when compared to 3DCRT. Similar results were seen with V20, V30, V40, V50 Gy of bladder, and V40, V50 Gy of rectum. While comparing IMRT and VMAT, statistically significant dose reduction was noted in V20 Gy of bone marrow and V20 and V30 Gy of bladder with VMAT. When compared with 3DCRT the use of IMRT and/or VMAT reduced the radiation exposure to bone marrow, bladder, and rectum volumes at various radiation dose levels. VMAT can further reduce the radiation exposure to bone marrow and bladder when compared with IMRT. Thus, we propose the use of VMAT in cervical cancer to reduce the OAR toxicities.
Experimental and modeling based dead-volume detection for externally stirred tanks

Abstract The role of homogenization in industrial systems is to provide proper feedstock and product properties to ensure the smooth operation of industrial systems. In this paper, an external recirculation mixing tank with unique construction for the homogenization of stratified liquids is investigated. The main focus of the work is to determine the relationship between tank geometry and dead volumes present in the unit. The unit’s geometry was altered by changing the volume of the tank during experimental work. Residence time based methods were applied for the investigation of the system. For a thorough investigation of the unit, computational fluid dynamics methods were employed in COMSOL Multiphysics to obtain data about the velocity field in the unit. Experimental and modeling data were compared and used to understand the impact of the tank geometry on the flow characteristics of the system, the dead volumes present and thus on the required homogenization time. Optimal tank geometry was chosen for the mixing process to minimize dead volume ratios and to allow more profitable operation. It was observed that the increase in the tank’s volume caused more significant amounts of dead volume to form with an increase in dead volume ratio from 20% to 27% for the smallest and largest geometries respectively. Thus, it was concluded that the geometry with the smallest volume is optimal for mixing since it encompasses the largest ratio of active mixing volumes. The methods provided can be used to analyze and optimize other mixing units in which stratified fluids are to be homogenized.
Novel synthetic routes to complex amines: The catalytic hydroamination of alkynes and hydroimination of allenes

iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . iv DEDICATION . v LIST OF FIGURES . vii LIST OF SCHEMES.viii CHAPTER 1: AN INTRODUCTION TO CATALYTIC HYDROAMINATION AND NICKEL-CATALYZED HYDROAMINATION OF ALKYNES WITH ARYL AMINES . 1 Abstract .
Population growth lags in introduced species

Abstract When introduced to new ecosystems, species' populations often grow immediately postrelease. Some introduced species, however, maintain a low population size for years or decades before sudden, rapid population growth is observed. Because exponential population growth always starts slowly, it can be difficult to distinguish species experiencing the early phases of slow exponential population growth (inherent lags) from those with actively delayed growth rates (prolonged lags). Introduced ungulates provide an excellent system in which to examine lags, because some introduced ungulate populations have demonstrated rapid population growth immediately postintroduction, while others have not. Using studies from the literature, we investigated which exotic ungulate species and populations (n = 36) showed prolonged population growth lags by comparing the doubling time of real ungulate populations to those predicted from exponential growth models for theoretical populations. Having identified the specific populations that displayed prolonged lags, we examined the impacts of several environmental and biological variables likely to influence the length of lag period. We found that seventeen populations (47%) showed significant prolonged population growth lags. We could not, however, determine the specific factors that contributed to the length of these lag phases, suggesting that these ungulate populations' growth is idiosyncratic and difficult to predict. Introduced species that exhibit delayed growth should be closely monitored by managers, who must be proactive in controlling their growth to minimize the impact such populations may have on their environment.
Heart Diseases Diagnose via Mobile Application

One of the oldest and most common methods of diagnosing heart abnormalities is auscultation. Even for experienced medical doctors, it is not an easy task to detect abnormal patterns in the heart sounds. Most digital stethoscopes are now capable of recording and transferring heart sounds. Moreover, it is proven that auscultation records can be classified as healthy or unhealthy via artificial intelligence techniques. In this work, an artificial intelligence-powered mobile application that works in a connectionless fashion is presented. According to the clinical experiments, the mobile application can detect heart abnormalities with approximately 92% accuracy, which is comparable to if not better than humans since only a small number of well-trained cardiologists can analyze auscultation records better than artificial intelligence. Using the diagnostic ability of artificial intelligence in a mobile application would change the classical way of auscultation for heart disease diagnosis.