Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
European Union Support in the Improvement of Quality Management Systems in Administration Offices in Poland

In many countries of Europe and the world, in the past several years, management in the public sector has been radically changed. The experience of the administration of each country shows that organizations in this area have a significant impact on the economies, taking over increasingly more responsibilities in solving many complex socio-economic problems. In order for the task of public entities to be effectively executed and correspond to social expectations, it becomes necessary to implement structures of management tools, in particularly, quality standards. Implementation of practical solutions in the field of quality management results in the establishment of corporate standards, more efficient use of resources and greater citizen satisfaction with the work of public institutions. Quality management systems have become the standard in public administration offices in Poland. The most common tool in this area is ISO 9001. Some offices choose to improve the quality of services with the use of the CAF self-assessment. Many authorities improve their services by utilising project financing from the European Union funds. This paper analyzes the effectiveness, relevance and sustainability of the implementation of quality management tools in local government units in Poland.
Colonial Traces of Fractionalization: The Possibilities of Africa Moving Beyond the Walls to a Sustained Growth

While fractionalization had long been debated as one of the devastating economic factors on the African continent, there is much to believe that some important factors are responsible not only for its increasing growth and adverse effects, but also its perpetuation over the continent. This paper asserts that, colonial rule, among others, is to blame for the difficulties involved in dealing with the seemingly invincible effects of linguistic fractionalization and makes a recommendation that could help assuage the situation. The results are robust to alternative specifications including OLS, a simultaneous equation model and a spatial econometric model.
On the origin of continental precipitation

About 9 out of 10 liters of water evaporated from the oceans every year precipitates back onto oceans. However, the remaining 10% that get transported to continents play an irreplaceable role feeding the land branch of the hydrological cycle. Here we use an objective 3‐D Lagrangian model (FLEXPART) to detect major oceanic moisture source areas and the associated continental regions significantly influenced by each moisture source. Our results reveal a highly asymmetrical supply of oceanic moisture to the continents, with the Northern Atlantic subtropical ocean source impacting the continents considerably more than the large Southern Indian and North Pacific sources. Also, the small Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea basins are important moisture sources for relatively large land areas. The Indian subcontinent receives moisture from six different major oceanic source regions. Future changes in meteorological conditions over the oceanic moisture source regions may have an impact on water availability for many river basins.
Elevated serum CXCL13 level in patients with bronchial asthma relates to clinical presentations

Background: Asthma is an allergic airway inflammatory disease in which B cell activation plays a pivotal role. CXCL13 is a family member of CXC chemokines involved in B cell differentiation and activation. The purpose of this research is to explore the correlation between serum CXCL13 levels and the severity of the disease. Methods: A total of 31 patients with acute bronchial asthma, 29 patients with chronic persistent asthma, and 21 non-inflammatory disease healthy controls were enrolled. Quantification of serum CXCL13, IgE, peripheral blood Eosinophil (Eos) count, and pulmonary function were performed. Results: Both the acute bronchial asthma and the chronic persistent groups displayed higher levels of CXCL13, and serum CXCL13 levels in acute asthma patients were higher than those suffering chronic persistent disease. Serum CXCL13 levels in acute bronchial asthma patients were positively correlated with IgE levels and the frequency of Eos, and negatively correlated with FVC%, FEV1% and FEV1/ FVC. Conclusions: CXCL13 may be an important biomarker of acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma, which concentration might reflect the severity of the disease.
A Hybrid Prognostic Approach for Remaining Useful Life Prediction of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion battery is a core component of many systems such as satellite, spacecraft, and electric vehicles and its failure can lead to reduced capability, downtime, and even catastrophic breakdowns. Remaining useful life (RUL) prediction of lithium-ion batteries before the future failure event is extremely crucial for proactive maintenance/safety actions. This study proposes a hybrid prognostic approach that can predict the RUL of degraded lithium-ion batteries using physical laws and data-driven modeling simultaneously. In this hybrid prognostic approach, the relevant vectors obtained with the selective kernel ensemble-based relevance vector machine (RVM) learning algorithm are fitted to the physical degradation model, which is then extrapolated to failure threshold for estimating the RUL of the lithium-ion battery of interest. The experimental results indicated that the proposed hybrid prognostic approach can accurately predict the RUL of degraded lithium-ion batteries. Empirical comparisons show that the proposed hybrid prognostic approach using the selective kernel ensemble-based RVM learning algorithm performs better than the hybrid prognostic approaches using the popular learning algorithms of feedforward artificial neural networks (ANNs) like the conventional backpropagation (BP) algorithm and support vector machines (SVMs). In addition, an investigation is also conducted to identify the effects of RVM learning algorithm on the proposed hybrid prognostic approach.
Modelling of heat and moisture transfer in concrete at high temperature

Moisture diffusion and related fluid pressures play a key role in cracking and spalling of concrete subject to high temperatures. This paper describes recent developments of a mode for moisture and heat transfer in porous materials, to be combined with an existing and well tested meso-mechanical model for concrete. Liquid and gas flows are formulated separately, yet later they can be combined in terms of s single variable, Pv. The material pore distribution curve is taken as the basis for developing a new physically-based desorption isotherm alternative to the traditional Bazant & Thonguthai’s model. A simple academic example for temperatures between 27 and 800oC is presented to show the behaviour of the model.
Measuring ‘ Avoidable ’ Mortality

‘Avoidable’ mortality has been proposed as a measure of performance of the health system and as a measure of quality of health care service delivery. Several researchers have updated the concept, defining ‘avoidable’ mortality as deaths from causes that should not occur in the presence of timely and effective interventions. This offers a means of understanding the effectiveness of health systems in maintaining and improving population health. This indicator can be disaggregated into treatable and preventable mortality providing policy relevant information on the performance or quality of the health care system in detecting and treating selected conditions, and the success of broader health policy in preventing disease and promoting health.
Protective effect of curcumin in transgenic Drosophila melanogaster model of Parkinson’s disease

Studies on model organisms have been found to be invaluable in clarifying the cellular and molecular basis of normal cellular processes and disease pathogenesis. Drosophila mutants and transgenes have provided a platform to understand the mechanisms associated with degenerative disease. Studies on the role of polyphenols in protecting against neurodegenerative diseases are limited. In the present study, the effect of curcumin at various doses was studied on the climbing ability of the transgenic Drosophila melanogaster that expresses normal human α-synuclein in the neurons. A significant dose-dependent protection against loss of climbing ability was observed. The results suggest that curcumin can strongly improve the climbing ability of Parkinson’s disease model flies and also supports the utility of this model in studying the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Does the Choice of Well-Being Measure Matter Empirically? An Illustration with German Data

We discuss and compare five measures of individual well-being, namely income, an objective composite well-being index, a measure of subjective well-being, equivalent income, and a well-being measure based on the von Neumann-Morgenstern utilities of the individuals. After examining the information requirements of these measures, we illustrate their implementation using data from the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP) for 2010. We find sizeable differences in the characteristics of the individuals identified as worst off according to the different well-being measures. Less than 1% of the individuals belong to the bottom decile according to all five measures. Moreover, the measures lead to considerably different well-being rankings of the individuals. These findings highlight the importance of the choice of well-being measure for policy making.
Assessment of the Heavy Metal Pollution in the Surface Sediments along Upstream at Wadi Al-Arab, Jordan

Twenty stream sediment samples collected from Wadi Al-Arab study area. These samples extracted and analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) to determine their heavy metal for Cu, Zn, Cd, Mn, Fe and Pb concentrations. Calciometry method used to identify the CO 3 -2 content and loss on ignition (L.O.I) at 550 °C used to determine the total organic matter (TOM). The results of the analyses of Wadi Al Arab sediments showed that concentrations of Mn, Cu, Pb, and Fe are safe and these elements are practically unchanged by anthropogenic influences, while the concentration of Zn and Cd exceeded the average shale value. The elevated concentration of Cd and Zn can be due to anthropogenic sources, including fertilizers and pesticides used in agricultural activities, effluent of the treatment plant, and natural weathering of surrounding geological formations. The Pollution Load Index (PLI) analysis indicated that Wadi Al Arab is facing probable environmental pollution especially with dangerous heavy metals (Zn and Cd) which result from increased rate of non-treated wastewater, which discharged to Wadi Al Arab stream. The results of Enrichment Factor (EF) showed high concentrations of Zn and Cd in the study area; these high concentrations in the study area derived from anthropogenic sources including; fertilizers and pesticides used in agricultural activities and the effluent of the close treatment plant. In addition, natural weathering of the surrounding rock formations considered as an additional source of heavy metals to the sediments. Keywords: Heavy metal, Pollution, Assessment, Sediments, Wadi Al-Arab, Jordan
NEHARI PROJECTION AND SOS IMPLEMENTATION IN REAL-TIME STABLE IDENTIFICATION

An adaptive identification algo- rithm based on Second Order Section (SOS) model structures is presented. The procedure guarantees stable transfer functions whenever the actual physical plant is stable, due to an optimal Nehari approximation step performed analytically online. The procedure is suitable for real time applications. Some synthetic and experimental examples illustrate the proposed algorithm.
CMA Efficient and Robust Algorithm in Monte Carlo simulations at Signal Processing

The convergence behavior of the Least Squares Constant Modulus Algorithm in an adaptive beam forming application is examined. It is assumed that the desired signal and the interference are uncorrelated. The improvement in output SIR with each iteration of the algorithm is predicted for several different signal environments. Deterministic results are presented for an environment containing two complex sinusoids. Probabilistic results are presented for a constant modulus desired signal with a constant modulus interferer and with a Gaussian interferer. The asymptotic improvement in output SIR as the output SIR becomes high is also derived. The results of Monte Carlo simulations using sinusoidal, FM, and QPSK signals are included to support the derivations
Using Monetary Incentives to Support Female Entrepreneurship: An Experimental Test of Monetary Incentives in Abuja, Nigeria

Gender gaps in entrepreneurship are a major problem everywhere, but especially in developing countries like Nigeria. Women across the world face high levels of discrimination and abuse. The process of empowering women in a society has the potential to boost economic growth and development. Inspired by the success of the Family Independence Initiative (FII), we designed a field experiment to estimate the impact of using monetary incentives to motivate female entrepreneurs in achieving their goals in collaboration with the National Center for Women development (NCWD) in Abuja, Nigeria. Our results suggest that being in a peer support group, setting a goal and being issued cash reward does not increase a subject’s probability of achieving a selected business goal.
Highways and Spatial Development

This economic premise examines the link between highways and spatial development. The golden quadrilateral (GQ) highway project in India- 5,846 kilo meter (km) of highways linking four major urban hubs- improved the connectivity and market accessibility of districts close to the highway compared to those more removed. Non-nodal districts located within 0-10 km from the highway experienced substantial increases in entry of new enterprises. The highways facilitated a more natural sorting of industries that are land and building intensive, improved efficiency in the manufacturing industries, and encouraged decentralization of urban transformation by making intermediate cities more attractive. Understanding these patterns is important for policy makers, because well-targeted infrastructure projects can improve resource reallocation, accelerate spatial development, and also promote shared prosperity.
Incremental Static Analysis of 2D Flow by Inter-Colliding Point-Particles and Use of Incompressible Rhombic Element

A simple method is proposed, for incremental static analysis of a set of inter-colliding particles, simulating 2D flow. Within each step of proposed algorithm, the particles perform small displacements, proportional to the out-of-balance forces, acting on them. Numerical experiments show that if the liquid is confined within boundaries of a set of inter-communicating vessels, then the proposed method converges to a final equilibrium state. This incremental static analysis approximates dynamic behavior with strong damping and can provide information, as a first approximation to 2D movement of a liquid. In the initial arrangement of particles, a rhombic element is proposed, which assures satisfactory incompressibility of the fluid. Based on the proposed algorithm, a simple and short computer program (a “pocket” program) has been developed, with only about 120 Fortran instructions. This program is first applied to an amount of liquid, contained in a single vessel. A coarse and refined discretization is tried. In final equilibrium state of liquid, the distribution on hydro-static pressure on vessel boundaries, obtained by proposed computational model, is found in satisfactory approximation with corresponding theoretical data. Then, an opening is formed, at the bottom of a vertical boundary of initial vessel, and the liquid is allowed to flow gradually to an adjacent vessel. Almost whole amount of liquid is transferred, from first to second vessel, except of few drops-particles, which remain, in equilibrium, at the bottom of initial vessel. In the final equilibrium state of liquid, in the second vessel, the free surface level of the liquid confirms that the proposed rhombing element assures a satisfactory incompressibility of the fluid.
Local Authorities’ Views and Attitudes on Sustainable Energy Policy: The Case of Mayors of Rhodes, Island, Greece (2010-2014)

To create effective climate change mitigation energy policies that contribute to greenhouse gases reduction are required. To this direction, local authorities play a crucial role as they are responsible for the planning and implementation of energy policies in their territories. This study aims to investigate the local authorities’ knowledge and attitudes on energy production, energy management, energy consumption and renewable energy sources (RES), as well as their energy practices and their intentions. The study was carried out in the island of Rhodes, Greece where 12 elective representatives of local authorities (municipalities and prefecture) were asked to fill in a questionnaire on the above issues. Almost all of the participants recognized energy saving as an important dimension of energy policy. They indicated their intentions for energy saving applications in the future, but the measures they use to apply in their area of responsibility are extremely limited. Despite respondents’ positive attitudes towards the use of RES, they seem to hesitate to develop an energy model based mainly on RES, as they believe they cannot cover the energy needs of the island. They also, believe that they play a secondary role in the planning and development of energy policy at a local level, as they estimate that energy policy is mainly a matter of the central government. Findings show that there is a demand for a more specialized and focused energy policy. They further show the need for specialized environmental education programs addressed to local authorities aiming at increasing motivation as well as supporting their efforts for the implementation of sustainable energy policies.
The “Otherness” of White. Elements for a Better Understanding and Use of the Colour White in Architecture

This paper underlines the importance of a deep awareness of the use of the colour white in architecture. White is commonly used by architects as a non-colour, a neutral ground, a blank sheet of paper through which architecture achieves its conceptual rationale. However, since architecture is experienced by the senses and the intellect, white cannot be considered neutral, neither in aesthetic or perceptual terms nor in its ergonomic and psycho-physiological concerns for human comfort and well being. The irreplaceable chameleonic role of white in space and time perception, its aesthetic ability to otherness, as defined by Adrian Stokes [1], has to be balanced with its potentially disastrous results in our visual comfort due to its unique capability of light reflection, i.e. the highest luminous reflectance factor of all. White must be understood as an exceptional colour with its inherent property of transcending material perception and never used as a result of a lack of conviction or knowledge when choosing the appearance of architectural materiality.
A method of fault diagnosis for rolling element bearings based on non-parametric atom matching

Parametric atom decomposition provides the chance of adaptation for the non-stationary signals decomposition. However, the parametric atoms, whether Fourier atoms or wavelet atoms preset artificially, are regular. These atoms do not have enough match degree to the practical signals which are non-stationary and irregular. Therefore, the coefficients of the parametric atom decomposition may be dense and their physical interpretation is difficult to determine or ambiguous. Extraction of impact features is the key problem for the fault diagnosis of rolling element bearings. According to the cyclo-stationary nature of the fault signal, authors extract basic atoms from the analyzed signal instead of artificially giving the regular basis, hence the match degree is improved and the coefficients of the decomposition have more explicit physical meaning. Compared with wavelet packet atom decomposition, the non-parametric atom decomposition captures the integrity of the impact and represents the fault signal more sparsely and has more intelligible interpretability. While compared with the spectral correlation density function, the non-parametric atom decomposition better emphasizes the main information of the fault and the frequency resolution of the novel method is irrelevant to the length of the analyzed signal.
Lithospheric structure of the Aegean obtained from P and S receiver functions

Combined P and S receiver functions from seismograms of teleseismic events recorded at 65 temporary and permanent stations in the Aegean region are used to map the geometry of the subducted African and the overriding Aegean plates. We image the Moho of the subducting African plate at depths ranging from 40 km beneath southern Crete and the western Peloponnesus to 160 km beneath the volcanic arc and 220 km beneath northern Greece. However, the dip of the Moho of the subducting African plate is shallower beneath the Peloponnesus than beneath Crete and Rhodes and flattens out beneath the northern Aegean. Observed P-to-S conversions at stations located in the forearc indicate a reversed velocity contrast at the Moho boundary of the Aegean plate, whereas this boundary is observed as a normal velocity contrast by the S-to-P conversions. Our modeling suggests that the presence of a large amount of serpentinite (more than 30%) in the forearc mantle wedge, which generally occurs in the subduction zones, may be the reason for the reverse sign of the P-to-S conversion coefficient. Moho depths for the Aegean plate show that the southern part of the Aegean (crustal thickness of 20–22 km) has been strongly influenced by extension, while the northern Aegean Sea, which at present undergoes the highest crustal deformation, shows a relatively thicker crust (25–28 km). This may imply a recent initiation of the present kinematics in the Aegean. Western Greece (crustal thickness of 32–40 km) is unaffected by the recent extension but underwent crustal thickening during the Hellenides Mountains building event. The depths of the Aegean Moho beneath the margin of the Peloponnesus and Crete (25–28 and 25–33 km, respectively) show that these areas are also likely to be affected by the Aegean extension, even though the Cyclades (crustal thickness of 26–30 km) were not significantly involved in this episode. The Aegean lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) mapped with S receiver functions is about 150 km deep beneath mainland Greece, whereas the LAB of the subducted African plate dips from 100 km beneath Crete and the southern Aegean Sea to about 225 km under the volcanic arc. This implies a thickness of 60–65 km for the subducted African lithosphere, suggesting that the Aegean lithosphere was not significantly affected by the extensional process associated with the exhumation of metamorphic core complexes in the Cyclades.