Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Implications of CAP-X: Operational Limitations of Alternative Intersections

Capacity Analysis for the Planning of Junctions (CAP-X) is a planning-level tool for the comparative analysis of intersection designs developed by the Federal Highway Administration. This software is freely available to practitioners, but the practical impact of this tool remains smaller than its potential since it has not been officially documented in the literature, nor has it been embraced by any of the standards organizations such as the Highway Capacity and Quality of Service committee. The research included in this paper seeks to document the formulation of equations for the critical sum method employed by the tool, and to demonstrate the operational limitations of a variety of intersection designs as predicted by this software tool. The authors find that the tool, while requiring validation, provides a highly functional planning-level analysis. In terms of highest capacity reached before failure conditions are experienced, the roundabout was found to be the least robust of the designs, with the restricted crossing u-turn performing slightly better, followed by comparable performance between the conventional signalized intersection, median u-turn, and Jughandle designs, with the displaced left-turn design consistently performing the best. Future research is recommended to validate the comparative analysis of intersections against the results of a higher-fidelity analysis methodology.
MAAWf: A Multifunctional and Visual Tool for Microbiomic Data Analyses

Background: Microbiomic research has grown in popularity in recent decades. The widespread use of next-generation sequencing technologies, including 16S rRNA gene-based and metagenomic shotgun-based methods, has produced a wealth of microbiome data. At present, most software and analysis workflows for analysis and processing of microbiomic data are command line-based, which requires considerable computing time and makes interaction difficult. Results: To provide a command-line free, multifunctional, user interface friendly and online/local deployable microbiome analysis tool, we developed Microbiome Automated Analysis Workflows (MAAWf). MAAWf is composed of a whole metagenomic shotgun workflow (WMS) and a 16S Sequencing Workflow. The WMS analysis workflow assesses taxonomy, protein-coding genes, metabolic pathways, carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZy) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). The 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) analysis workflow counts and clusters operational taxonomic units (OTUs), estimates alpha- and beta-diversity and inter-group differences, and performs functional analysis. We also compared MAAWf with other commonly avaiable analysis tools using two public datasets. The MAAWf pipeline was established using the Ubuntu 16.04. 6 LTS kernel with primary sequence files such as FASTQ format and taxonomic format such as OTU or BIOM formats. Following analysis of public 16S and WMS datasets, MAAWf obtained similar results to DIAMOND-MEGAN6, MG-RAST, DADA2 and QIIME2, but the running time was much shorter. Conclusions: MAAWf is a visual, integrated, rapid analysis tool that enables remote and local computing of microbiome data.
Modeling Strategic Networking Using Ant Colony Optimization Techniques

This paper presents research in progress to model the networking of small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) as they search for and attain resources from external sources, such as government programs. The model is developed using Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) techniques which are based on observed ant behavior. Discussed is an Ant System (AS) model which illustrates a single colony of artificial ants, representing the SME, in search of and establishing a network of sources in optimal time. The returns from each source contribute to the net worth of the colony. Future research will develop this AS by implementing competition through parallel processing techniques. In addition, introduced into the AS will be the concept of obstacles and pointers which businesses use to redirect resource efforts. The ACO methodology can be used in the development of mechanisms for the allocation, distribution, and placement of resources available for organizational use.
Competitive Influence Maximization on Online Social Networks under Cost Constraint

In online competitive social networks, each user can be influenced by different competing influencers and consequently chooses different products. But their interest may change over time and may have swings between different products. The existing influence spreading models seldom take into account the time-related shifts. This paper proposes a minimum cost influence maximization algorithm based on the competitive transition probability. In the model, we set a one-dimensional vector for each node to record the probability that the node chooses each different competing influencer. In the process of propagation, the influence maximization on Competitive Linear Threshold (IMCLT) spreading model is proposed. This model does not determine by which competing influencer the node is activated, but sets different weights for all competing influencers. In the process of spreading, we select the seed nodes according to the cost function of each node, and evaluate the final influence based on the competitive transition probability. Experiments on different datasets show that the proposed minimum cost competitive influence maximization algorithm based on IMCLT spreading model has excellent performance compared with other methods, and the computational performance of the method is also reasonable.
Teacher Autonomy, Motivation, and Job Satisfaction: Perceptions of Elementary School Teachers According to Self-Determination Theory

Research has long established a connection between teacher autonomy and motivation and job satisfaction. Teacher autonomy in the context of motivation and job satisfaction includes making independent choices, having control, and being part of shared decision-making processes. Self-Determination Theory posits that autonomy does not exist by itself, but rather, is inextricably connected with competence and relatedness. Similarly, research on self-efficacy suggests a relationship between the control and capability a person feels to their goals and motivation. These constructs make sense, however, in the context of the United States public-school system, they belie the encouragement of teacher autonomy considering its historically hierarchical, top-down model. Conversely, countries, namely Finland, have instituted models that encourage and support teacher autonomy. Teachers in Finland are encouraged to be creative and autonomous, behaviors that have yielded both a high retention rate among its teachers and high achievement scores among its students. This paper examines teacher autonomy and suggests that its significance may impact school policy, teacher motivation, job satisfaction, and self-efficacy. In a study of 165 elementary teachers, the author administered The Basic Need Satisfaction at Work instrument to assess for teacher autonomy (Self-Determiniation Theory, 2000). Results supported the notion that autonomy is linked to competence and relatedness and job satisfaction. The study also suggests that teacher autonomy may be influenced by the leadership within the school and recommends greater exploration of teacher autonomy within the U.S. public-school system.
Cache designs for reliable hybrid high and ultra-low voltage operation

Increasing demand for implementing highly-miniaturized battery-powered ultra-low-cost systems (e.g., below 1 USD) in emerging applications such as body, urban life and environment monitoring, etc., has introduced many challenges in the chip design. Such applications require high performance occasionally, but very little energy consumption during most of the time in order to extend battery lifetime. In addition, they require real-time guarantees. The most suitable technological solution for those devices consists of using hybrid processors able to operate at: (i) high voltage to provide high performance and (ii) near-/sub-threshold (NST) voltage to provide ultra-low energy consumption. However, the most efficient SRAM memories for each voltage level differ and it is mandatory trading off different SRAM designs, especially in cache memories, which occupy most of the processor¿s area. In this Thesis, we analyze the performance/power tradeoffs involved in the design of SRAM L1 caches for reliable hybrid high and NST Vcc operation from a microarchitectural perspective. We develop new, simple, single-Vcc domain hybrid cache architectures and data management mechanisms that satisfy all stringent needs of our target market. Proposed solutions are shown to have high energy efficiency with negligible impact on average performance while maintaining strong performance guarantees as required for our target market.
User interface software and emulation of microscope for a real-time telepathology system using an x-window environment

Many separate applications axe being developed, tested, and used in the field of medical imaging. A Telepathology System (TPS) is one such application, allowing pathologist access to microscopy and patient files at remote workstations, through a communications network coupled with a pathologist viewing workstation. This thesis outlines the development of a user interface pathology workstation. It models mi­ croscope emulation in place of actual remote site microscopy by utilizing previously recorded specimen slide images. In addition, it models a communication network, and a remote site WS. User scenarios and performance characteristics for all three subsystems are outlined. The thesis confirms TPS can benefit telepathology by pro­ viding two way communications between remote sites, access to patient demographic files and prior specimen images for comperative study, and the benefit of long distance consultation. Finally, a discussion of an actual implementation is presented.
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION REDUCTION IN SÃO PAULO CITY AND THE SOCIAL 1 ISOLATION EFFECT 2

: 7 Since January 2020, some studies have been reporting a reduction in air pollution in several countries due to social 8 isolation measures, which have been adopted in order to contain the coronavirus outbreak progress (Covid-19). This 9 study aims to evaluate the change in the atmospheric pollution levels by NO and NO 2 in São Paulo city in the social 10 isolation period. The NO and NO 2 hourly concentrations were obtained through air quality monitoring stations from 11 CETESB, from January 14 to April 12, 2020. Mann-Kendall and the Pettitt tests were performed in the air pollutants 12 time series. We observed an overall negative trend in all stations, indicating a decreasing temporal pattern in 13 concentrations. Regarding NO, the highest decrease rates were observed in Congonhas (-6.39 µg.m -3 month -1 ) and 14 Marginal Tietê (-6.19 µg.m -3 month -1 ) stations; Regarding NO 2 , the highest rates were observed in Marginal Tietê (- 15 4.45 µg.m -3 month -1 ) and Cerqueira César (-4.34 µg.m -3 month -1 ) stations. In addition, we identified a turning point in 16 the NO and NO 2 series trends that occurred close to the start date of the social isolation period (March 20, 2020). 17 Moreover, from statistical analysis, it was found that NO 2 is a suitable surrogate for monitoring economic activities 18 during social isolation period. Thus, we concluded that social isolation measures implemented in March 20, 2020 19 caused significant changes in the air pollutants concentrations in São Paulo city (as high as -200% in NO 2 levels).
BRIDGE RESEARCH: LEADING THE WAY TO THE FUTURE

The United States spends $5 billion per year for highway bridge design, construction, replacement, and rehabilitation. This article questions the role and value of bridge research as a part of the nation's investment in highway bridges. The authors review the status of the nation's bridges, reporting a 35 percent deficiency rate, down slightly from 37 percent in 1991. Assigning a value to bridge-related research is difficult as the benefits are hard to quantify. Historically, though, innovative bridge technology has led to economic development, and therein lies the key to ensuring a prosperous future.
Integrating Pedagogical Model for Simulation-Based Learning in Hospitality TVET Students: Attitudes and Satisfaction

Various teaching pedagogies have been used in hospitality programs. In this study, a new innovative teaching method has been implemented for TVET students in Sungai Petani Community College. This study aims to examine the attitudes and satisfaction of hospitality TVET students towards the use of the Front Office Tasks Simulator (FOTS) as an innovative teaching tool. This study is a descriptive study using a quantitative approach and data were collected through questionnaires answered by respondents. Purposive sampling techniques was used to select all hospitality education students in their 3rd semester year of college. In total, 22 students of the Hospitality Operations Program semester 3 participated in this study. The results found that students' attitude toward using FOTS as a whole was at a high level (M = 4.83, SD = .14) and students' satisfaction using FOTS as a whole was also at a high level (M = 4.66, SD = .52). Pearson Correlation Test found that there was a significant relationship between students' attitudes and satisfaction in using FOTS as an innovative teaching tool for Front Office subjects (r = .835, p <.01). In conclusion, the use of innovative teaching tools Front Office Tasks Simulator (FOTS) can increase students' understanding and satisfaction of learning the procedures of Doorman, Bellmen, and Concierge, reservation, check-in, checkout, payment of guest bills. For further research, researchers could evaluate the effectiveness of the simulation tool for community college graduates who work in a hotel or related hospitality industry after this simulation experience.
Environmental Life Cycle Costing

A Dialog, over Coffee, about Life Cycle Costing Executive Summary Three Categories of Life Cycle Costing System Boundaries in Environmental Life Cycle Costing Example Calculations in Environmental Life Cycle Costing History of Life Cycle Costing, Its Categorization, and Its Basic Framework, K. Lichtenvort, G. Rebitzer, G. Huppes, A. Ciroth, S. Seuring, W.P. Schmidt, E. Gunther, H. Hoppe, T. Swarr, and D. Hunkeler History and Development of Conventional LCC Types of LCC Two Key Limitations of LCC to Be Tackled by Environmental LCC The Requirement and General Framework for Environmental Life Cycle Costing Modelling for Life Cycle Costing, G. Huppes, A. Ciroth, K. Lichtenvort, G. Rebitzer, W. -P. Schmidt, and S. Seuring Introduction Cost Models Cost Categories Cost Bearers Uncertainties and Inconsistencies in Cost Data Cost Aggregation Environmental LCC, G. Rebitzer and S. Nakamura Objectives of Environmental LCC System Boundaries and Scope Calculating Life Cycle Costs based on the Process LCI of LCA Environmental LCC in Relationto Conventional and Societal LCC Calculating Life Cycle Costs Based on Hybrid LCA Integrating External Effects into LCC, B. Steen, H. Hoppe, D. Hunkeler, K. Lichtenvort, W. -P. Schmidt, and E. Spindler Introduction Definition, Identification, and Categorization of Externalities Monetization Internalizing Externalities LCC in Life Cycle Management, T. Swarr and D. Hunkeler Corporate Perspective Integrating LCC into Management Continuous Product Improvement A Survey of Current LCC Studies, A. Ciroth, K. Verghese, and C. Trescher Intention Relation of This Chapter to the Other Chapters Parameters and Settings of LCC Studies in Practice Sampling Procedure of Studies for the Survey Summary of Results Outlook: Toward an LCC Case Study Library Analysis of the Survey's Results Conclusions and Questions Life Cycle Costing Case Studies, A. Ciroth, C. -O. Gensch, E. Gunther, H. Hoppe, D. Hunkeler, G. Huppes, K. Lichtenvort, K. Ludvig, B. Notarnicola, A. Pelzeter, M.Prox, G. Rebitzer, I. Rudenauer, and K. Verghese Introduction Organic versus Conventional Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Waste Water Treatment Light Bulb: Comparison of Energy-Saving and Incandescent Lamps Double-Deck Carriage Floor (BAHNKREIS Project) Washing Machine Hypothetical Case: A High-Capacity Glass Cable Network for Data Transmission Passenger Car Life Cycle Costs of Real Estate Conclusions Three Types of Life Cycle Costing Temporal Aspects and Discounting of LCC Results Learnings from Applied LCC Carried Out to Date State of the Art and Rules of Thumb in Carrying Out Life Cycle Costing Role of Environmental Life Cycle Costing in Sustainability Assessment, W. Klopffer Sustainability Discussion Appendices Appendix to Case Study Boxes Appendix to Chapter 4: Social Impacts Appendix to Chapter 6: Survey Form Glossary References Index
Two-Dimensional Compact-Finite-Difference Schemes for Solving the bi-Laplacian Operator with Homogeneous Wall-Normal Derivatives

In fluid mechanics, the bi-Laplacian operator with Neumann homogeneous boundary conditions emerges when transforming the Navier–Stokes equations to the vorticity–velocity formulation. In the case of problems with a periodic direction, the problem can be transformed into multiple, independent, two-dimensional fourth-order elliptic problems. An efficient method to solve these two-dimensional bi-Laplacian operators with Neumann homogeneus boundary conditions was designed and validated using 2D compact finite difference schemes. The solution is formulated as a linear combination of auxiliary solutions, as many as the number of points on the boundary, a method that was prohibitive some years ago due to the large memory requirements to store all these auxiliary functions. The validation has been made for different field configurations, grid sizes, and stencils of the numerical scheme, showing its potential to tackle high gradient fields as those that can be found in turbulent flows.
Nanotechnology: Health and Environmental Risks

Introduction: Assessing Nanotechnology Health and Environmental Risks Jo Anne Shatkin Defining Risk Assessment and How It Is Used for Environmental Protection, and Its Potential Role for Managing Nanotechnology Risks Jo Anne Shatkin Sustainable Nanotechnology Development Using Risk Assessment and Applying Life Cycle Thinking Jo Anne Shatkin The State of the Science: Human Health, Toxicology, and Nanotechnology Risks Richard C. Pleus The State of the Science: Environmental Risks Jo Anne Shatkin Nano LCRA: An Adaptive Screening-Level Life Cycle Risk Assessment Framework for Nanotechnology Jo Anne Shatkin Comprehensive Environmental Assessment and Other Life Cycle-Based Approaches for Assessing Nanotechnology J. Michael Davis Managing Risks in Occupational Environments Thomas M. Peters Nanotechnology Risk Communication Ann Bostrom and Ragnar Lofstedt Ongoing International Efforts to Address Risk Issues for Nanotechnology Jo Anne Shatkin Index
Economics of Dairy Cow Feed Risk Management Strategies and Policy Analysis

Background : Oman traditional dairy sector recorded cow population of 382k cows required about 872k tons of Dry Mater feed per year. The raw milk production of traditional sector is low due to un-availability of formal marketing channels facilities and limited sources of local feedstuffs. The poor animal nutrition in study area caused by multiple factors associated with lack of adequate quantity and quality of feed available. The pastureland in Dhofar Region are severely degraded due to over-grazing and lack of appropriate grazing and feed management. This situation not only cause financial losses but have social, environmental and animal welfare consequences.Result : The stochastic budgeting models examined three dairy cow feed strategies and found existing livestock farming system and feeding cows with Rhodes Grass hay and concentrate with low yield of 10 Liter, 8 liters and 6 Liters milk production per day obtain the lowest net return with high probability of negative Net Returns (NRs) of 28.86%, 44.29% and 54.11% respectively. The risk premium price of RO 0.223 per liter is required to be paid to convince farmers to switch from low milk production of 6 Liters/day to a higher milk production of 10 Liters/day and reduce negative NRs risk within current feed management strategy. The Government support program are needed to facilitate formal market channels and risk premium of RO 0.297 per liter is calculated as amount of money to be paid to farmer to compensate facing risk of un availability of market access promotion facilities and compensate farmers to switch from 6 liters to 12 liters milk production level per day and feed cow with risk efficient feed strategy with Maize silage, Rhodes grass and concentrate. Conclusion : The economics, risk efficient feed management are examined and result shows feeding cow with Alfalfa forage is good strategy for high milk production cows and reduce feeding cost at low milk production level. Feeding Maize Silage and Rhodes Grass hay and concentrate is risk efficient and mitigate and manage risk at downside level if forage quality and reasonable price are maintained to livestock farmers. The formal marketing access support and improve feed risk management strategies will enhance farmers’ income, rural development and achieve environmental and economic sustainability.
A Comparative Study of Speech Acts Between Malaysia and Singapore on the First MCO Announcements of Covid-19

The purpose of the study was to analyse the use of speech acts on the first announcements of Covid-19 Movement Control Order (MCO) by the Prime Ministers of Malaysia and Singapore. It was also to discover if there were differences in the forms of these announcements which affected the nation in their respective countries. This study employed a qualitative method of analysis. The MCO announcements were taken from the available open sources. The data was analysed based on Searle’s framework of speech Acts. It was found that the Prime Minister of Malaysia used directive speech acts predominantly (n=26; 52%) as compared to the Prime Minister of Singapore (n=20; 48.8%) when they implored the nation to comply with the tighter restrictions. The findings further revealed that both Prime Ministers were not familiar with declaration speech acts as shown in their announcements due to their democratic approach in administrating their countries, they were pleading to the nation in a firmly dignified manner. There were hardly any differences between the prime ministers in using speech acts in their announcements. Nevertheless, the announcements conveyed their messages to the nation regarding the severity of the Covid-19 pandemic. This study analyses the different types of speech acts used by the Prime Ministers as they update their country while maintaining a calm situation.