Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Blind Date: The Effects of Passenger Conservation and Gender on Looked-but-Failed-to-See (LBFTS) Errors

This study examined situations where drivers looked but failed to see hazards (LBFTS), and whether passenger conversation and gender affected hazard detection rates. To reliably produce LBFTS errors, 40 young drivers (M = 20.3) encountered motorcycles and pedestrians while making left turns in the University of Calgary Driving Simulator (UCDS). Prior to turn initiation the UCDS screens flickered using an extension of change blindness methods. In addition, drivers either drove alone or conversed with an attractive confederate passenger. Measures of LBFTS errors, hazard detection and social factors were analyzed. Higher rates of LBFTS errors and hazard detection occurred while conversing than while driving alone. A discriminant function analysis (DFA) using conversation and gender as predictors accurately classified LBFTS errors. Higher passenger attraction and higher extroversion were related to missing more critical events. The basis of LBFTS errors in divided and selective attention and classification implications are discussed.
Ferulic Acid and Salicylic Acid Foliar Treatments Reduce Short-Term Salt Stress in Chinese Cabbage by Increasing Phenolic Compounds Accumulation and Photosynthetic Performance

Salinity stress is one of the most damaging abiotic stresses to plants, causing disturbances in physiological, biochemical, and metabolic processes. The exogenous application of natural metabolites is a useful strategy to reduce the adverse effects of stress on crops. We investigated the effect of foliar application of salicylic acid (SA) and ferulic acid (FA) (10–100 μM) on short-term salt-stressed (150 mM NaCl, 72 h) Chinese cabbage plants. Subsequently, proline level, photosynthetic performance, phenolic metabolites with special focus on selected phenolic acids (sinapic acid (SiA), FA, SA), flavonoids (quercetin (QUE), kaempferol (KAE)), and antioxidant activity were investigated in salt-stressed and phenolic acid-treated plants compared with the corresponding controls. Salt stress caused a significant increase in SA and proline contents, a decrease in phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and photosynthetic performance, especially due to the impairment of PSI function. SA and FA treatments, with a concentration of 10 μM, had attenuated effects on salt-stressed plants, causing a decrease in proline and SA level, and indicating that the plants suffered less metabolic disturbance. Polyphenolic compounds, especially FA, SiA, KAE, and QUE, were increased in FA and SA treatments in salt-stressed plants. Consequently, antioxidant activities were increased, and photosynthetic performances were improved. FA resulted in a better ameliorative effect on salt stress compared to SA.
Alternative tile intake design for intensively managed agro-ecosystems

The overarching objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness and performance of ATIs. In doing so, this research provides a fundamental understanding of the flow and sediment propagation through a different combination of porous media (pea gravel and woodchips). The research hypothesizes that the theory of advection and diffusion describes the migration of flow and identifies a myriad of depositional networks of sediment. A key hypothesis of the study is that global and local pressure differentiation affects the flow pathways and distribution with intimate effects of sediment trapping efficiency and distribution within the permeameter. A significant goal of this study is to decompose the key mechanisms that affect this migration of sediment under a fixed value for the head and incoming concentration. The nature of the study is experimental and is supported by limited numerical and field analysis. Although the experimental setup is site specific to the conditions encountered in the study location, it offers a generic way of examining flow and sediment intrusion within a permeable bed. The study in that sense hypothesizes that the intrusion by Einstein is valid and it shows the change in the hydraulic gradient that occurs during an event and during a sequence of events. A secondary goal of this research is to understand the cyclicity in the migration of sediment in a sequence of different events, where the initial conditions of each run constitutes the outcome of the final result of the previous runs. The nature of those experiments is to mimic the occurrence of sequential events in nature, although the continuous examined in the laboratory as reflective of conditions representing extreme runs. This research also treats the hydraulic conductivity as a dynamic entity to reflect the effect of localized clogging on the propagation of flow. The experimental design of this research considers a series of experimental runs to address the aforementioned objectives of this research and test the posed hypothesis.
Genomic Signatures of Domestication Selection in the Australasian Snapper (Chrysophrys auratus)

Domestication of teleost fish is a recent development, and in most cases started less than 50 years ago. Shedding light on the genomic changes in key economic traits during the domestication process can provide crucial insights into the evolutionary processes involved and help inform selective breeding programmes. Here we report on the recent domestication of a native marine teleost species in New Zealand, the Australasian snapper (Chrysophrys auratus). Specifically, we use genome-wide data from a three-generation pedigree of this species to uncover genetic signatures of domestication selection for growth. Genotyping-By-Sequencing (GBS) was used to generate genome-wide SNP data from a three-generation pedigree to calculate generation-wide averages of FST between every generation pair. The level of differentiation between generations was further investigated using ADMIXTURE analysis and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). After that, genome scans using Bayescan, LFMM and XP-EHH were applied to identify SNP variants under putative selection following selection for growth. Finally, genes near candidate SNP variants were annotated to gain functional insights. Analysis showed that between generations FST values slightly increased as generational time increased. The extent of these changes was small, and both ADMIXTURE analysis and PCA were unable to form clear clusters. Genome scans revealed a number of SNP outliers, indicative of selection, of which a small number overlapped across analyses methods and populations. Genes of interest within proximity of putative selective SNPs were related to biological functions, and revealed an association with growth, immunity, neural development and behaviour, and tumour repression. Even though few genes overlapped between outlier SNP methods, gene functionalities showed greater overlap between methods. While the genetic changes observed were small in most cases, a number of outlier SNPs could be identified, of which some were found by more than one method. Multiple outlier SNPs appeared to be predominately linked to gene functionalities that modulate growth and survival. Ultimately, the results help to shed light on the genomic changes occurring during the early stages of domestication selection in teleost fish species such as snapper, and will provide useful candidates for the ongoing selective breeding in the future of this and related species.
Differences in antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella spp. isolated from humans, animals and food products in Kazakhstan

The aims of this study were twofold: 1. to isolate Salmonella spp. from different sources in Kazakhstan, to determine their serovars and resistance profiles and 2. to evaluate similarities in antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella spp. isolated from humans, animals and food products. From the10 212 samples tested Salmonella spp. Were isolated in 47 cases. The predominant serovar isolated from humans and food products was S. Enteritidis. Although different animal species were tested the Salmonella spp. were isolated mainly from chickens and ducks. S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium were the most prevalent serovars in raw poultry meat. The most frequent resistances were those to nalidixic acid, ampicillin and tetracycline. Human isolates demonstrated lower resistance compared to animal and food isolates. The genes encoding antimicrobial resistance in human isolates in most cases were absent except for some isolates which harboured tet, sul, stre and bla TEM genes encoding resistance to the oldest antimicrobial classes. The situation in animals and food products was less beneficial as besides different genes, integrons associated with the horizontal gene transfer were detected. The findings suggest that antimicrobials in animal sector should be used more strictly, paying attention to critically important antimicrobials for humans and possible horizontal transfer of pathogens and their genetic determinants.
A novel nanoparticle system targeting damaged mitochondria for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Mitochondrial damage is one of the primary causes of neuronal cell death in Parkinson's disease (PD). In PD patients, the mitochondrial damage can be repaired or irreversible. Therefore, mitochondrial damage repair becomes a promising strategy for PD treatment. In this research, hyaluronic acid nanoparticles (HA-NPs) of different molecular weights are used to protect the mitochondria and salvage the mild and limited damage in mitochondria. The HA-NPs with 2190 k Dalton (kDa) HA can improve the mitochondrial function of SH-SY5Y cells and PTEN induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) knockout mouse embryo fibroblast (MEF) cells. In cases of irreversible damage, NPs with ubiquitin specific peptidase 30 (USP30) siRNA are used to promote mitophagy. Meanwhile, by adding PINK1 antibodies, the NPs can selectively target the irreversibly damaged mitochondria, preventing the excessive clearance of healthy mitochondria.
Poly-ε-Caprolactone/Halloysite Nanotube Composites for Resorbable Scaffolds: Effect of Processing Technology on Homogeneity and Electrospinning

Polycaprolactone (PCL)/halloysite composites were prepared to compare the effect of homogenization technology on the structure and properties of the composites. Halloysite content changed from 0 to 10 vol% in six steps and homogeneity was characterized by various direct and indirect methods. The results showed that the extent of aggregation depends on technology and on halloysite content; the size and number of aggregates increase with increasing halloysite content. Melt mixing results in more homogeneous composites than the simple compression of the component powders or homogenization in solution and film casting. Homogeneity and the extent of aggregation determines all properties, including functionality. The mechanical properties of the polymer deteriorate with increasing aggregation; even stiffness depends on homogeneity. Strength and deformability decreases drastically as the number and size of aggregates increase. Not only dispersed structure, but also the physical state and crystalline structure of the polymer influence homogeneity and properties. The presence of the filler affects the preparation of electrospun fiber scaffolds as well. A part of the filler is excluded from the fibers while another part forms aggregates that complicates fiber spinning and deteriorates properties. The results indicate that spinning is easier and the quality of the fibers is better if a material homogenized previously by melt mixing is used for the production of the fibers.
Centrifugal Compressor Load Sharing with the use of MPC

The work presented in this thesis examines the possibilities of having compressors running in an optimal manner which can result in energy savings. This research looks at how a compressor operates and the problems which can occur when connecting several machines, both in series and parallel. It is mainly focused on using Model Predictive Control (MPC), as a setup for controlling each compressor to a fixed operating point on the characteristic with relation to mass flow and pressure. Constraints are set on the controller outputs to help minimize the area of operation. Several types of efficiency are investigated in detail and this has helped to create a continuous efficiency island definition. These continuous curves are assumed to be equal to the characteristic plotted from tests and measurements in the lab. The continuous efficiency definition enables the possibility of calculating an operating point for each compressor. This is done using a Quadric Programming setup, which is calculated explicitly beforehand. Together with this and the implementation of MPC, the result is a load sharing scheme used here on two compressors connected in parallel. The control inputs to the plant being the impeller rotational speeds and the outflow from the throttle valve, while the measurements are in the form of plenum pressure and mass flow from each machine.
Prototype Development of Low-Cost, Augmented Reality Trainer for Crew Service Weapons

Abstract : A significant emerging threat to coalition forces in littoral regions is from small craft such as jet skis, fast patrol boats, and speedboats. These craft, when armed, are categorized as Fast Inshore Attack Craft (FIAC), and their arsenal can contain an array of weapons to include suicide bombs, crew-served weapons, anti-tank or ship missiles, and torpedoes. While these craft often have crude weapon technologies, they use an asymmetric tactic of large numbers of small, cheap, poorly armed and armored units to overwhelm coalition defenses. Training on crew-served weapons on coalition ships has not advanced to meet this new threat. The current training methods do not satisfactorily train the following skills: Rules of engagement (ROE), marksmanship against highly maneuverable targets, threat prioritization, target designation, field of fire coordination, coordinated arms effects, or watch station to CIC communications. The creation of a prototype Augmented Reality Virtual At Sea Trainer (AR-VAST) shows that emerging augmented reality technologies can overcome limitations of traditional training methods. A fully developed AR-VAST system would be a deployable technology solution that uses in-place weapon systems as trainers in real-world environments with simulated enemy targets. While the AR-VAST architecture can be expanded to allow for training and coordination with multiple weapon operators, phone talkers, and bridge teams for maximum training effectiveness, the current prototype addresses the primary issue of identification and marksmanship.
Concentration-Dependent Multi-Potentiality of L-Arginine: Antimicrobial Effect, Hydroxyapatite Stability, and MMPs Inhibition

This study’s objective was to examine L-arginine (L-arg) supplementation’s effect on mono-species biofilm (Streptococcus mutans/Streptococcus sanguinis) growth and underlying enamel substrates. The experimental groups were 1%, 2%, and 4% arg, and 0.9% NaCl was used as the vehicle control. Sterilised enamel blocks were subjected to 7-day treatment with test solutions and S. mutans/S. sanguinis inoculum in BHI. Post-treatment, the treated biofilms stained for live/dead bacterial cells were analysed using confocal microscopy. The enamel specimens were analysed using X-ray diffraction crystallography (XRD), Raman spectroscopy (RS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The molecular interactions between arg and MMP-2/MMP-9 were determined by computational molecular docking and MMP assays. With increasing arg concentrations, bacterial survival significantly decreased (p < 0.05). The XRD peak intensity with 1%/2% arg was significantly higher than with 4% arg and the control (p < 0.05). The bands associated with the mineral phase by RS were significantly accentuated in the 1%/2% arg specimens compared to in other groups (p < 0.05). The TEM analysis revealed that 4% arg exhibited an ill-defined shape of enamel crystals. Docking of arg molecules to MMPs appears feasible, with arg inhibiting MMP-2/MMP-9 (p < 0.05). L-arginine supplementation has an antimicrobial effect on mono-species biofilm. L-arginine treatment at lower (1%/2%) concentrations exhibits enamel hydroxyapatite stability, while the molecule has the potential to inhibit MMP-2/MMP-9.
Performance Limitations and Self-Sensing Magnetic Bearings

Magnetic bearings levitate a rotating object (typically, a rotor) with a magnetic field, and are unstable in open-loop operation. Position feedback control is required to maintain the rotor in a centered position. Typically, a separate position sensor is used to directly measure the rotor’s position for use in this feedback loop. Self-sensing magnetic bearings use the bearing’s electrical signals to estimate rotor position. There are two primary classes of self-sensing methods: state estimation and ripple-based. State estimation approaches model the bearing as a linear, time-invariant system and treat the rotor position as a state to be estimated as part of linear, time-invariant feedback control. Ripple-based approaches rely on effects of the driving switching amplifier to estimate position. The self-sensing method presented here is a ripple-based approach, in that it generates estimates of position from switching voltage and current signals. The primary impediment to many schemes is achieving acceptable robustness to plant parameter variations. System theory for linear, time invariant plants provides explicit measures of achievable robustness, but there are no such analyses for ripple-based approaches. While many researchers discuss such problems, none has provided quantified measures of such robustness. Many researchers of ripple-based approaches claim that their techniques achieve higher stability robustness than the state estimation approaches, but none has provided theoretical or experimental measures that attempt to quantify such robustness improvement. Furthermore, for ripple-based approaches, there is no design and analysis method to replace the current ad-hoc methods of ripple-based design and implementation. Simulation and experimental data demonstrate that the self-sensing method presented here can make a viable active magnetic bearing system. Gain margin comparisons demonstrate that our ripple-based approach appears to have higher robustness than what would be expected from a corresponding ripple-less self-sensing scheme. Furthermore, robustness measures calculated for a linear, periodic model of the bearing suggest that the ripple is the mechanism which provides added robustness to self-sensing systems.
Two essays on convergence of recycling rates in England and the valuation of landfill disamenities in Birmingham

This thesis is divided into two studies which investigate two separate topics relating to waste management. The objective of the first study is to test the presence of convergence in recycling rates across local authorities in England over the last decade, 1998-2008. Understanding the distribution of recycling performance across municipalities and its dynamic nature is important for current policy evaluation and future policy decisions. Using various concepts of convergence, a comprehensive analysis of the distribution of recycling rates is provided. Spatial effects are taken into account in the process of convergence since the mechanisms for convergence, such as spillovers of technology or policy ideas, have a geographical dimension. The results indicate the presence of convergence over the whole period in a sense that poor-performing local authorities have the potential to increase recycling activities at a faster rate than initially better-performing authorities. However, with the more aggressive economic instruments in use after 2005, there seem to be two separate convergence clubs which implies convergence within groups but divergence between groups. The objective of the second study is to investigate public concern over landfill externalities by examining how real and perceived damage from landfill disposal affects the residential property market. Using data on the property sales and landfill sites in the City of Birmingham in 1997, the analysis highlights the presence of long-term impacts of landfill which endure even after site closure by examining external effects from inactive landfill sites as well as active sites. Furthermore, this study deals with a case where properties are simultaneously located near to multiple landfill sites. This issue should not be neglected in the study of a densely populated area like Birmingham. The results of hedonic price regressions reveal strong evidence of landfill impacts reducing property prices. The approach taken here also provides comprehensive estimates of disamenity effects of living near to landfill sites whilst exploring issues like wind direction, nonlinearity of landfill impacts over distance and differential impacts across landfills accepting different types of waste or possessing different age profiles. The results suggest distinctively different features of disamenity from active and historical landfill sites, particularly in their geographical limits.
MODIFIED NATURAL FIBER ON SOIL STABILIZATION WITH LIME AND ALKALINE ACTIVATION TREATED MARINE CLAY

Geotechnical structures and foundations that are constructed on clay soils normally experience serviceability and structural quandaries due to wetting. Traditional and mechanical binder have been widely used for soil stabilization recently in order to improve clay soil. In this study, a comparison was made between lime and alkaline activation treated tropical marine soil reinforced with modified natural fiber. Treatment of soil with lime and alkaline activation show an excessively brittle behavior that influences the stability of the structure. For this purpose, the inclusion of natural biodegradable material which is coir fiber is needed as it enhanced the tensile strength of the soil matrix. The mechanical properties of unconfined compression test were carried out on tropical marine soil stabilized with lime (5%) and alkali activation with class F fly ash as a precursor (60%) with and without fiber inclusions at different curing times. Based on the test results, the inclusion of modified natural fiber in lime and alkaline activation treated tropical marine clay increased the strength of the soil matrix.
A New Paradigm for H.R. Management - Job DSTs as Ideal Enablers

The primary objective of this article is to establish the role of Job DSTs in the development of human resource systems that could enable organizations to move towards an ideal business performance environment. The Job DST set consists of an exclusive and exhaustive Job Description that convey to the employee details of all activities to be performed, Job Specifications that incorporate the professional and personal attributes required for the assignment, and Targets that cover the period – specific, quantitative and qualitative aspects of the job. We show how all three components can, and should be integrated to optimally impact the sequential H.R. sub processes of recruitment and selection, training and development and employee retention in a powerful way and ensure consistency in performance as well as enable congruence between employee aspirations and organizational goals. The submission that the primary responsibility for planning and delivery of training should lie with line supervisors and managers is a key feature of the article. It is important for progressive minded organizations to develop and maintain this clear, concise Job DST system that is exclusive to each job role as well as exhaustive in details, as it holds the key to organizational development which in turn will contribute to effective functioning in a competitive business environment.