Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Relationship between the Fractal Dimension and Mechanical Properties of Asphalt Concrete

The importance of the shape of aggregate particles on their mechanical behavior is well recognized. In asphalt concrete, the shape of aggregate particles affects the durability, workability, shear resistance, tensile strength, stiffness, fatigue response, and optimum binder content of the mixture. Due to their irregularity, the shape of aggregates is not accurately described by Euclidian geometry. However, fractal theory uses the concept of fractal dimension, DR, as a way to describe the shape of aggregates. This paper describes a study of the influence of fractal dimension on mechanical properties of asphalt concrete. The flow of asphalt concrete decreases and Marshall Stability increases when the fractal dimension of aggregate increases.
The emotional Impact of the February 2011 Christchurch Earthquake on the junior doctor workforce

On the 22nd of February 2011, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck Christchurch, New Zealand. The events of February 2011, the preceding and the thousands of aftershocks have had a devastating effect on those living in the region including the junior doctor workforce. The purpose of this study was to document and describe new graduate doctors personal and professional experience of the Christchurch earthquakes. As phenomenological research, this paper seeks to describe the lived experience of the junior doctor workforce who experienced the event. This article focuses on the analysis of qualitative data generated as part of a larger mixed method study designed to capture the experience of this defined cohort of front line junior staff. A phenomenological approach was used to analyse qualitative data from survey and in-depth interviews to allow the experiences of participants to be described. Qualitative data from the survey and thematic analysis of the narratives suggest that few were emotionally prepared for the events of February. Seven themes were identified and from these we have prepared a composite narrative to demonstrate themes in the language of those interviewed. The individual experience of the earthquakes had a significant impact on individuals, their emotional well-being, living circumstances, work, and learning and for some, their career direction. This study provides an insight into the experiences and reminds us of the personal impact of disaster on a workforce. We hope it can contribute to and maybe generate interest within the health research community, in further exploring these kinds of experiences.
The herbal compound Songyou Yin (SYY) inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma growth and improves survival in models of chronic fibrosis via paracrine inhibition of activated hepatic stellate cells

Chronic fibrosis is a major risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The pathological progression of hepatic fibrosis has been linked to cellular processes that promote tumor growth and metastasis. Several recent studies have highlighted the cross-talk between tumor cells and activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) in HCC. The herbal compound Songyou Yin (SYY) is known to attenuate hepatoma cell invasion and metastasis via down-regulation of cytokine secretion by aHSCs. However the underlying mechanism of SYY treatment in reversal of hepatic fibrosis and metastasis of liver cancers is not known. In the current study, a nude mouse model with liver fibrosis bearing orthotopic xenograft was established and we found that SYY could reduce associated fibrosis, inhibit tumor growth and improve survival. In the subcutaneous tumor model with fibrosis, we found that SYY could inhibit liver cancer. In vitro, hepatoma cells incubated with conditioned media (CM) from SYY treated aHSCs showed reduced proliferation, decrease in colony formation and invasive potential. SYY treated group showed altered gene expression, with 1205 genes up-regulated and 1323 genes down-regulated. Gene cluster analysis indicated that phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) was one of the key genes altered in the expression profiles. PI3K related markers were all significantly down-regulated. ELISA also indicated decreased secretion of cytokines which were regulated by PI3K/AKT signaling after SYY treatment in the hepatic stellate cell line, LX2. These data clearly demonstrate that SYY therapy inhibits HCC invasive and metastatic potential and improves survival in nude mice models with chronic fibrosis background via inhibition of cytokine secretion by activated hepatic stellate cells.
Initialized decadal predictions of the rapid warming of the North Atlantic Ocean in the mid 1990s

In the mid 1990s the North Atlantic subpolar gyre (SPG) warmed rapidly, with sea surface temperatures (SST) increasing by 1°C in just a few years. By examining initialized hindcasts made with the UK Met Office Decadal Prediction System (DePreSys), it is shown that the warming could have been predicted. Conversely, hindcasts that only consider changes in radiative forcings are not able to capture the rapid warming. Heat budget analysis shows that the success of the DePreSys hindcasts is due to the initialization of anomalously strong northward ocean heat transport. Furthermore, it is found that initializing a strong Atlantic circulation, and in particular a strong Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, is key for successful predictions. Finally, we show that DePreSys is able to predict significant changes in SST and other surface climate variables related to the North Atlantic warming.
Dynamic nonlinear behavior of fixed offshore jacket piles

The response of pile supported fixed offshore jackets is very sensitive under earthquake loadings. These structures shall be able to undergo the seismic loadings without any failure. To reach this purposes the dynamic analysis should be considered because of some factors like soil nonlinearity, energy dissipation, nonlinear behavior of foundations, discontinuity condition at pile soil interfaces and etc. the noticeable part of dynamic response of fixed offshore jackets is nonlinear behavior of piles. In this paper, innovative and newest approaches in nonlinear analysis together with ABAQUS modeling to be used to extract the useful conclusions related to dynamic nonlinear response of fixed offshore jackets.
A sensitivity study of atmospheric reflectance to aerosol layer height based on multi-angular polarimetric measurements

The reflected Solar radiance at top of atmosphere (TOA) are, to some degree, sensitive to the vertical distribution of absorbing aerosols, especially at short wavelengths (i.e. blue and UV bands). If properly exploited, it may enable the extraction of basic information on aerosol vertical distribution. In recent years, rapid development of the advanced spectral multi-angle polarimetric satellite observation technology and aerosol inversion algorithm makes the extraction of more aerosol information possible. In this study, we perform a sensitivity analysis of the reflection function at TOA to the aerosol layer height, to explore the potential for aerosol height retrievals by using multi-angle total and polarized reflectance passive observations at short wavelength. Employing a vector doubling-adding method radiative transfer code RT3, a series of numerical experiments were conducted considering different aerosol model, optical depth (AOD), single-scattering albedo (SSA), and scale height (H), also the wavelength, solar-viewing geometry, etc. The sensitivity of both intensity and polarization signals to the aerosol layer height as well as the interacted impactions with SSA and AOD are analyzed. It’s found that the sensitivity of the atmospheric reflection function to aerosol scale height increase with aerosol loading (i.e. AOD) and aerosol absorption (i.e. SSA), and decrease with wavelength. The scalar reflectance is sensitive to aerosol absorption while the polarized reflectance is more influenced by the altitude. Then the aerosol H and SSA may be derived simultaneously assuming that the total and polarized radiances in UV bands deconvolve the relative influences of height and absorption. Aerosol layer height, Atmospheric reflection function, Sensitivity, Ultraviolet (UV) band.
Integrated Smart Feeder/ Shuttle Bus Service

This paper presents the design of an integrated smart feeder/shuttle system. The design of such a system was motivated by the need to provide easy access to main haul transit services. Park and ride lots in many train stations can no longer accommodate automobiles brought to the stations. Some train riders have switched their mode of transportation from public transit to solo driving. Shortage of parking spaces at rail stations encourages passengers to drive alone, hence more cars on freeways and worsening traffic congestion. The purpose of this study is to design an innovative feeder/shuttle system that will 1) meet the needs and desires of end users, 2) utilize intelligent transportation technologies, and 3) increase the operational efficiency. Ideally, this smart feeder/shuttle system should be attractive to consumers because the service should be reliable and routing/scheduling should be flexible enough to meet the needs of riders. Among the attributes are the provision of door-to-door services and smooth and synchronized transfers between main haul and collector transit systems. To design an innovative feeder/shuttle system, new integrated and routing concepts have been developed. Ten different routing strategies are examined, including combinations of fixed/flexible routes, fixed/flexible schedules, one or bi-directional approaches, and short-cut (shortest path) and/or short-turn (turn around) concepts. The evaluation of these strategies is performed using a simulation model which is developed and constructed for this project. This simulation tool allows for the examination of: (a) various operating strategies from the user and the operator perspectives, (b) different routing models and scenarios, and (c) different real-time communication possibilities between the user, operator and a control center. This simulation model is used in a case study of Castro Valley in Alameda County, California. In this case study the feeder/shuttle service is coordinated with the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) service and the ten routing strategies are compared while using four fleet sized scenarios.
Constraints on Initial AHS Deployment and the Concept Definition of a Shuttle Service for AHS Debut

The contents of this report reflect the views of the authors who are responsible for the facts and the accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the State of California. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The concept of automated highway system (AHS) was motivated primarily by its potential for large capacity and safety gains without requiring significant right-of-way acquisition. However, highway automation involves a multitude of design options as well as systems issues. Compounded by the crucial dimension of evolving the current highway system towards the mature AH& there exist a large number of possible evolutionary paths to AHS. Perhaps due to the immense complexity, little attention has been paid to the evolution dimension. Particularly important and difficult in defining a deployment sequence is the very first step, i.e. the first user service involving fully automated (hands-off and feet-off) freeway driving. However, this importance and difficulty imply that many factors may severely constrain the initial deployment target and there many not be many choices. It is this observation and the approaching congressional mandate (Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 or ISTEA for short) to demonstrate the viability of AHS through a prototype in 1997 that motivated the focus of this paper on initial AHS deployment. After discussing the paramount importance of the initial AHS deployment, this paper points out major categories of high-level issues and constraints involved in initial AHS deployment. The strategy for the initial deployment is crucial because it must be able to not only set the stage for further technological development but also ensure continued public interest and support for AHS. Any realistic deployment strategy must take into consideration of gradual technology maturation, introduction of new driver role and diminishing conventional driver role for automated driving, high cost of early-generation automated vehicles, gradual infrastructure modification, gradual commitment of automakers to manufacture and service automated vehicles, gradual commitment of insurance industry to carry liability, and gradual acceptance by the interest groups and the general public, particularly in terms of user service, safety, cost and environment impact. This paper then proposes a shuttle van service as the initial deployment AHS target. The freeway portion of the trip is fully automated and a professional driver is required for off-freeway driving. We then discuss its many advantages from the view point of deployment issues aforementioned. Some possible issues of this initial deployment …
UvA-DARE ( Digital Academic Repository ) A Psychophysiological Investigation of the Pelvic Floor . The Mechanism of Vaginism

5 Introduction 6 Embryology 6 Anatomy and morphology 10 Neuroanatomy and physiology; the central nervous system 11 Physiology 12 Symptomatology 15 Chapter 3 The diagnosis of vaginismus Are women with pelvic floor symptoms distinguishable from other women with the aid of an anamnestic questionnaire? Abstract 17 Introduction 18 Methods 19 Results 20 Discussion 2117 Introduction 18 Methods 19 Results 20 Discussion 21 Chapter 4 Reproducibility of vaginal surface electromyography of the pelvic floor; a comparison of women with and without vaginistic reactions Abstract 23 Introduction 24 Methods 25 Results 27 Discussion 3023 Introduction 24 Methods 25 Results 27 Discussion 30 Chapter 5 Voluntary control over pelvic floor muscles in women with and without vaginistic reactions Abstract 33 Introduction 34 Patients and Methods 34 Results 36 Discussion 4233 Introduction 34 Patients and Methods 34 Results 36 Discussion 42 Chapter 6 Vaginismus, a component of a general defensive reaction. An investigation of pelvic floor muscle activity during exposure to emotion inducing film excerpts in women with and without vaginismus Abstract 43 Introduction 44 Methods 44 Results 46 Discussion 4843 Introduction 44 Methods 44 Results 46 Discussion 48 Chapter 7 The relationship between involuntary pelvic floor muscle activity, muscle awareness and experienced threat in women with and without vaginismus Abstract 49 Introduction 50 Methods 51 Results 53 Discussion 6149 Introduction 50 Methods 51 Results 53 Discussion 61 Chapter 8 The mechanism of vaginismus; general discussion and concluding remarks Introduction 64 Esperanto for the pelvic floor; facilitating multidisciplinary discussion 64 A defense mechanism; what makes the pelvic floor react this way? 67 Pathways to the pelvic floor 68 In conclusion 69
The inventory, seasonality and stoichiometry of the major phosphorus pools in the Sargasso Sea

Between 1995 and 1997 samples were gathered on 31 cruises at the Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Site (BATS) for the measurement of soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) and particulate organic phosphorus (POP). The optimization of a Technicon Auto-Analyzer II increased the sensitivity of SRP measurements and established a method detection limit (MDL) of 11 nmol kg⁻¹. The mean SRP concentration in the upper 120 m for all cruises was approximately 16 nmol kg⁻¹. No seasonal trend was seen in the SRP pool or the DOP pool. The mean DOP concentration was 79 nmol kg⁻¹ at the surface and declined only slightly to 67 nmol kg⁻¹ at the 300 m depth. The POP pool was the smallest pool (less than 12 nmol kg⁻¹ during the two year period) but it was the only pool to have a seasonal cycle. However, each pool did have an inter-annual difference. When our data were combined with an earlier data set from Ammerman et al. (2001) the fall season had a significantly lower POP concentration (p<0.001) compared to the other seasons. Analysis of elemental ratios revealed the dissolved organic carbon (DOC):DOP, dissolved organic nitrogen (DON):DOP, particulate organic carbon (POC):POP and particulate organic nitrogen (PON):POP ratios were double the Redfield ratio during the two years, and that in the fall these ratios were three to four times the Redfield ratio. The apparent increase in the Redfield ratios was possibly due to loss of phosphorus (P) during the fall.
They’re My Life Advisory Board: Latinx/a/o Mid-Level Student Affairs Administrators’ Mentoring Experiences

This article explores the mentoring networks for 34 mid-level Latinx/a/o student affairs administrators who aspire to senior leadership roles. Findings indicate that (a) most participants have entrepreneurial developmental networks; (b) participants with mentors gained career and psychosocial functions, including forms of community cultural wealth; and (c) participants without mentors were uncomfortable seeking support. By focusing on Latinx/a/o mid-level administrators, senior-level leaders can create mentorship strategies to retain and empower Latinx/a/o leadership pathways in higher education.
The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Encompassing All Addictive Disorders

Background: Producers of supersized alcopops have ignored requests from a number of state attorneys general to reduce the alcohol concentration in these products. To the contrary, new flavor options have since been released that contain even greater alcohol content so that some alcopop products now contain 5.5 standard alcoholic drinks in a single-serving can. Though alcohol content of supersized alcopops has risen, little attention has been paid to the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level consumers can expect to achieve from drinking these products. Objectives: To estimate BAC levels expected from consuming one or two cans of supersized alcopop, relative to beer. Methods: Median weight data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used in Matthews and Miller’s (1979) BAC estimation formula. Results: Consuming a single supersized alcopop over the course of 2 hours can put youth and young adults well over the legal per se driving limit of 0.08 g/dL. Consuming two cans puts them at risk of alcohol poisoning. Conclusions: Estimates provided here show that supersized alcopop consumers obtain dangerously high BAC levels. Reductions in the alcohol content of supersized alcopops should be an urgent priority for public health policy and law. ARTICLE HISTORY Received 27 February 2017 Revised 11 April 2017 Accepted 15 May 2017
Confidence Interval Estimation for Continuous Outcomes in Cluster Randomization Trials

Cluster randomization trials are experiments where intact social units (e.g. hospitals, schools, communities, and families) are randomized to the arms of the trial rather than individuals. The popularity of this design among health researchers is partially due to reduced contamination of treatment effects and convenience. However, the advantages of cluster randomization trials come with a price. Due to the dependence of individuals within a cluster, cluster randomization trials suffer reduced statistical efficiency and often require a complex analysis of study outcomes. The primary purpose of this thesis is to propose new confidence intervals for effect measures commonly of interest for continuous outcomes arising from cluster randomization trials. Specifically, we construct new confidence intervals for the difference between two normal means, the difference between two lognormal means, and the exceedance probability. The proposed confidence intervals, which use the method of variance estimates recovery (MOVER), do not make certain assumptions that existing procedures make on the data. For instance, symmetry is not forced when the sampling distribution of the parameter estimate is skewed and the assumption of homoscedasticity is not made. Furthermore, the MOVER results in simple confidence interval procedures rather than complex simulation-based methods which currently exist. Simulation studies are used to investigate the small sample properties of the MOVER as compared with existing procedures. Unbalanced cluster sizes are simulated, with an average range of 50 to 200 individuals per cluster and 6 to 24 clusters per arm. The effects of various degrees of dependence between individuals within the same cluster are also investigated. When comparing the empirical coverage, tail errors, and median widths of confidence interval procedures, the MOVER has coverage close to the nominal, relatively balanced tail errors, and narrow widths as compared to existing procedure for the iii majority of the parameter combinations investigated. Existing data from cluster randomization trials are then used to illustrate each of the methods.
A Positivity Bias in Written and Spoken English and Its Moderation by Personality and Gender

The human tendency to use positive words (“adorable”) more often than negative words (“dreadful”) is called the linguistic positivity bias. We find evidence for this bias in two studies of word use, one based on written corpora and another based on naturalistic speech samples. In addition, we demonstrate that the positivity bias applies to nouns and verbs as well as adjectives. We also show that it is found to the same degree in written as well as spoken English. Moreover, personality traits and gender moderate the effect, such that persons high on extraversion and agreeableness and women display a larger positivity bias in naturalistic speech. Results are discussed in terms of how the linguistic positivity bias may serve as a mechanism for social facilitation. People, in general, and some people more than others, tend to talk about the brighter side of life.
The Emotional Origins of a Social Learning Bias : Does the Pride Expression Cue Copying ?

Humans learn, in large part, by copying knowledgeable others. However, because others can be deceitful or lack competence, indiscriminate copying would be maladaptive. How then do individuals determine which social group members have knowledge that should be copied? We argue that the pride nonverbal expression may signal expertise, and thus bias learning such that proud others are more likely to be copied. In two studies, financially motivated participants answered a difficult trivia question after viewing a photograph (Study 1A) or a video (Study 2) of an emotion-displaying confederate answering the same question. Pridedisplaying confederates were copied significantly more frequently than those displaying other expressions, suggesting that pride expressions bias social learning. Study 1B demonstrated that this effect was restricted to participants who were financially motivated to acquire knowledge. These findings indicate that pride displays are functional for observers and may play a critical role in social learning.