Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Application of the S-transform to identify the localisation of fatigue features in a variable amplitude loading

This paper describes the use of the S-Transform to identify fatigue features in variable amplitude loadings. For this case, this type of loading exhibits nonstationary signal pattern, for which a normal frequency domain analysis cannot provide an accurate results for the analysis. In order to overcome this problem, the time-localisation approach provides a promising answer. A variable amplitude fatigue loading, which was measured from a lower suspension arm of a vehicle driven over a test track, was used for the analysis of this study. In order to identify fatigue damaging events, the data was processed using the orthogonal wavelet based algorithm, or known as Wavelet Bump Extraction (WBE). Since the S-transform if the simplification of the wavelet transform, it is a good idea to explore this transform to help the identification of these fatigue features. The results from the computational analysis results showed that the high amplitude events were detected in the variable amplitude loading based on the difference pattern of the time-frequency localisation. From the findings of this paper, it is suggested that further developments in the S-transform will find applications in a broad research area, particularly in the fatigue life assessment.
Method Development and Validation for Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA and EPA) in Fish Using Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID)

Gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) has often been used to quantify fatty acids in fish. This study validated the common method for determining omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) in the raw and cooked warm-water fish, selayang, using GC-FID for subsequent evaluation on EPA and DHA retention using the Weibull model. The EPA and DHA were separated using a high-polarity capillary GC HP-88 column (60 m length, 0.25 mm ID, 0.2 μm DF) with a total run time of 45.87 min. The method was validated in linearity, precision, accuracy, specificity and sensitivity based on ICH requirements. In addition, it was found that the method had a high recovery rate (>95%) and good precision (RSD ≤ 2%) with overall RSDs ranging below 0.001% for both omega-3 PUFA. In conclusion, this method identified and quantified fatty acids and omega-3 accurately and precisely and can be used effectively for routine FAME analysis in fish samples.
Analysis of the Piezoelectric Properties of Aligned Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Recent studies reveal that carbon nanostructures show anomalous piezoelectric properties when the central symmetry of their structure is violated. Particular focus is given to carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with initial significant curvature of the graphene sheet surface, which leads to an asymmetric redistribution of the electron density. This paper presents the results of studies on the piezoelectric properties of aligned multi-walled CNTs. An original technique for evaluating the effective piezoelectric coefficient of CNTs is presented. For the first time, in this study, we investigate the influence of the growth temperature and thickness of the catalytic Ni layer on the value of the piezoelectric coefficient of CNTs. We establish the relationship between the effective piezoelectric coefficient of CNTs and their defectiveness and diameter, which determines the curvature of the graphene sheet surface. The calculated values of the effective piezoelectric coefficient of CNTs are shown to be between 0.019 and 0.413 C/m2, depending on the degree of their defectiveness and diameter.
Digging through the Heart of Reunified Berlin: Unbundling the Decision-Making Process for the Tiergarten-Tunnel Mega-Project

The Berlin Tiergarten tunnel project (VZB) consisted of a joint planning approval procedure for one road and several rail tunnels (inter-city, metro rail and city subway). The tunnels lead through the heart of re-unified Berlin, starting at the site of the new Central Railway Station, cutting underneath the River Spree and the new Federal government quarter, as well the Tiergarten Park and the new entertainment complexes at Potsdamer Platz. This paper traces the decision-making processes for this crucial post-Berlin Wall mega-project, and raises important questions regarding optimistic forecasts, cost overruns, the role of prestige in large infrastructure projects, and the limits of public review procedures. It provides particular insights into a complex case where multiple urban transport mega-projects were bundled together for joint approval and implementation.
The Long March Towards Energy Efficient Buildings in China

This report is the physical result of a Master Thesis study on barriers for energy efficiency in buildings in China, conducted at the Department of Environmental, Social and Spatial Change, Roskilde University, in the period between September 2008 and June 2009. The study takes its point of origin in the present situation with building energy efficiency in China, characterized by low compliance with building codes in new constructions, leaving great potentials in energy reductions and mitigations of green house gasses, vastly unused. The report therefore seeks to identify barriers for energy efficiency in new buildings in China and subsequently propose methods of overcoming these barriers, conjuring a new paradigm for building energy efficiency in the Chinese construction industry. In the process of identifying barriers and presenting potential solutions the report examines the economic, political and social background for the present situation in the construction industry in China. On the basis of literature surveys, interviews with stakeholders, primarily in China, and a case study of a newly constructed apartment complex in Beijing, barriers are identified and analyzed. Before solutions are proposed the general modernisation tendencies in the Chinese society, with a strong emphasis on environmental policies, will be presented and analyzed. The tendencies of ecological modernisation in the Danish construction industry are also subject to examination and related to the tendencies of ecomodernisation in China. On the basis of the identified barriers and with respect to the tendencies of ecological modernisation in China, solutions for overcoming barriers are presented. These focus strongly on reforming policies and enhancing local institutional capacities in China. The report ends with the presentation of a proposed roadmap for improving the energy efficiency of new buildings in China, and perspectives for future research.
Protein Structure, Models of Sequence Evolution, and Data Type Effects in Phylogenetic Analyses of Mitochondrial Data: A Case Study in Birds

Phylogenomic analyses have revolutionized the study of biodiversity, but they have revealed that estimated tree topologies can depend, at least in part, on the subset of the genome that is analyzed. For example, estimates of trees for avian orders differ if protein coding or non-coding data are analyzed. The bird tree is a good study system because the historical signal for relationships among orders is very weak, which should permit subtle non-historical signals to be identified, while monophyly of orders is strongly corroborated, allowing identification of strong non-historical signals. Hydrophobic amino acids in mitochondrially-encoded proteins, which are expected to be found in transmembrane helices, have been hypothesized to be associated with non-historical signals. We tested this hypothesis by comparing the evolution of transmembrane helices and extramembrane segments of mitochondrial proteins from 420 bird species, sampled from most avian orders. We estimated amino acids exchangeabilities for both structural environments and assessed the performance of phylogenetic analysis using each data type. We compared those relative exchangeabilities with values calculated using a substitution dataset for transmembrane helices from a variety of sampled set of nuclear- and mitochondrially-encoded proteins, allowing us to compare the bird-specific mitochondrial models with a general model of transmembrane protein evolution. To complement our amino acid analyses, we examined the impact of protein structure on patterns of nucleotide evolution. Models of transmembrane and extramembrane sequence evolution for amino acids and nucleotides exhibited striking differences, but there was no evidence for strong topological data type effects. However, incorporating protein structure into analyses of mitochondrially-encoded proteins improved model fit. Thus, we believe that considering protein structure will improve analyses of mitogenomic data, both in birds and in other taxa.
Do Metabolically Healthy People with Obesity Have a Lower Health-Related Quality of Life? A Prospective Cohort Study in Taiwan

The association between metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has not been thoroughly evaluated. This study enrolled 906 adult participants aged 35–55 years between 2009 and 2010 in Northern Taiwan; 427 participants were followed up after eight years. Normal weight, overweight, and obesity were evaluated via body mass index. Metabolic health was defined as the absence of cardiometabolic diseases and having ≤1 metabolic risk factor. HRQOL was evaluated using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), Taiwan version. Generalized linear mixed-effects models were used to analyze the repeated, measured data with adjustment for important covariates. Compared with metabolically healthy normal weight individuals, participants with metabolically unhealthy normal weight and obesity had a significantly poorer physical component summary score (β (95% CI) = −2.17 (−3.38–−0.97) and −2.29 (−3.70–−0.87), respectively). There were no significant differences in physical and mental component summary scores among participants with metabolically healthy normal weight, overweight, and obesity. This study showed that metabolically healthy individuals with obesity and normal weight had similar HRQOL in physical and mental component summary scores. Maintaining metabolic health is an ongoing goal for people with obesity.
Association between Equol Production Status and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

Equol is a metabolite of daidzein, a major soybean isoflavone with estrogenic and antioxidant activities. As the production of equol depends on the presence of certain members of the intestinal microflora, not all individuals can produce equol. We examined the relationship between NASH histological features and equol production. In an animal model, obese OLETF rats were intraperitoneally injected with a porcine serum to augment liver fibrogenesis. Equol-rich soy product, SE5-OH was orally administered during the experimental period. Treatment with SE5-OH markedly attenuated the development of liver fibrosis and expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin. In clinical research, 38 NAFLD patients (13 men and 25 women) were included. The degree of fibrosis and ballooning in equol-nonproducers was significantly higher than in equol-producers in women. The percentage of nonproducers with NAFLD activity score (NAS) ≥ 5 was significantly higher than that of producers. None of the histological features were significantly different between nonproducers and producers in men. Decision tree analysis identified predictors for NAS ≥ 5 in women. The status of equol production was the strongest predictor, followed by fasting glucose. Since equol can be noninvasively detected in urine, it can be applied as a screening tool for the progression of NASH in women.
Molecular type and maximal metastasis diameter influence risk of axillary recurrence in breast cancer patients after positive sentinel lymph node biopsy

Background Breast cancer patients with positive sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) may be spared axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in favour of irradiation. The aim of the study was to estimate local control probability in the axilla (axLCP). Materials and methods We identified 1832 invasive breast cancer patients who had undergone SLNB at our centre. We measured maximal metastasis diameter (SLDmax) in the sentinel lymph nodes and lymph node metastasis volume (VALN) from ALND in 246 patients with one or two positive SLNs. We calculated axLCP after irradiation and systemic treatment for different molecular types. Results VALN values are higher for high grade tumours and larger metastases in SLNs (> 5 mm). It is smaller in luminal A tumours. axLCP is high, nearly 100%, in all molecular types in radiation sensitive tumours (SF2 Gy = 0.45), except luminal B. Expected axLCP is relatively low (67%) in luminal B radiation sensitive tumours with no chemotherapy and nearly 100% with chemotherapy. Conclusion VALN values differ among molecular tumour types. They depend on SLNDmax and tumour grade. New prognostic factors are needed for selected luminal B breast cancer patients (i.e. high grade tumours, large metastases in SLNs) after positive SLNB intended to be spared ALND and chemotherapy.
Bank credits and rent-price relation: an interpretation on the roles of credits in economy and time series analysis with structural break

PurposeThis study argues that interest rate and credit usage will affect rents negatively but prices positively. The study; aims to test, explain, interpret the effect of interest rates on these two variables and offer appropriate policy recommendations. MethodologyTheory tested on the US housing market with the structural break time series analysis between 2005Q1-2020Q1. Least squares (LS) and Newey-West estimators used, and the interpreted output was the Newey-West estimator. FindingsAccording to the results reached, the increase in mortgage interest rates for the 2005Q1-2009Q1 and 2011Q4-2020Q1 period decreases the housing rent / price ratio. For the 2009Q2-2011Q3 period, in which the effects of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis are observed in the model, this relationship is observed positively. ConclusionAs a result of the predicted model, the impact of credit usage on other economic factors evaluated. Credit usage and interest rates have different effects on prices and rents. This is explained by the substitution relationship between rental and purchase. The study states that interest rates should be evaluated as a tool to balance rents and prices. The study contributes to the literature by revealing the accuracy of this supervisory power attributed to interest rates and bank loans.
OHMIC CONTACTS FOR GALLIUM ARSENIDE DEVICES.

Abstract : A study was made of various metals and metal alloys (Ag, Ni, In, and Au-Zn) which would make ohmic contacts to p- or n-type GaAs to determine the value of contact resistivity as a function of substrate impurity concentration. Contact resistivity values for p-type material varied from 1.2 x 10 to the -4th power ohm-cm sq for 2.8 x 10 to the 17th power/cc to 7.3 x 10 to the -7th ohm-cm sq for 9 x 10 to the 19th power/cc , and for n-type material from 2.5 x 10 to the -4th power ohm-cm sq for 1 x 10 to the 17th power/cc to 1.5 x 10 to the -5th power ohm-cm sq for 3 x 10 to the 18th power/cc. The metals were applied by evaporation or plating and followed by microalloying. The improvement in contact resistivity, as substrate impurity concentration increases, indicates the desirability of incorporating a thin, heavily doped region at the surface of a device by means of diffusion or epitaxy. The improvement in power output for a typical laser diode and its modified versions resulting from the reduction in R sub s is compared. (Author)
An Initial Evaluation of a Vibrotactile Display in Complex Control Tasks

Abstract : The initial phases of an interplanetary space flight can be expected to place the human under a considerable amount of environmental stress. High G-forces resulting from rapid acceleration, for example, are known to disturb a number of physiological processes. To the extent that such stressful conditions reduce the capability of the human to perform normally the functions required of him in the vehicle, ways must be found to adapt the machine components to human limitations under these adverse conditions.
Electron mobility calculations in silicon, germanium, and III -V substrates with high-kappa gate dielectrics

ELECTRON MOBILITY CALCULATIONS IN SILICON, GERMANIUM, AND III-V SUBSTRATES WITH HIGH-κ GATE DIELECTRICS MAY 2008 TERRANCE P. O’REGAN B.Sc., UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST M.Sc., UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST Ph.D., UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST Directed by: Professor Massimo V. Fischetti With the continued scaling down of MOSFET dimensions has come the introduction of high-κ gate insulators, high mobility substrates, and new device geometries. The purpose of this work is to model the low-field electron mobility to evaluate the performance of the various options to continue Moore’s Law. We model the electron mobility in Si, Ge, and III-V inversion layers and quantum wells, including scattering with surface optical phonons associated with high-kappa gate insulators, bulk phonons, and surface roughness scattering. We compare the low-field mobility results with Monte Carlo simulations to understand the role of mobility in predicting device performance in short-channel devices. For the first time, the theory describing surface optical phonon scattering is extended to the symmetric double-gate structure with a Si body accounting for the coupling of the two interfaces and screening via the substrate plasmon. vi
Consumption of Health-Related Content on Social Media Among Adolescent Girls: Mixed-Methods Pilot Study (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Consumption of health- and fitness-related social media content is a predominant behavior among teenage girls, which puts them at risk for consuming unreliable health-related information. OBJECTIVE This mixed-methods study (qualitative and quantitative) assessed health behavior attitudes and practices as well as social media use among adolescent girls. Additionally, similar practices and behaviors of adults who regularly interact with this population were studied. METHODS Girls aged 12-18 years were recruited to complete a 28-item survey and participate in a 45- to 60-minute focus group. Adults who regularly interact with adolescent girls, including parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals, were recruited from the local community and given a link to provide online consent and complete a survey. RESULTS A total of 27 adolescent girls participated in one of nine focus groups. Participants included 18 high school (age: mean 16.1 years; SD 1.3 years) and 9 middle school (age: mean 12.4 years; SD 0.7 years) girls. Eleven adults completed the online survey. Adolescents used social media to communicate and connect with friends, rather than as a source of health information. Although adolescents may see health-related content, most do not follow health-related pages or share such pages themselves, and fewer are actively searching for this information. Adolescents tend to trust information from familiar sources, and the participants reported that they do not follow official news accounts. Adults considered modeling and discussing healthy behaviors important and reportedly expected adolescents to see some level of health-related, especially fitness-related, content on social media. CONCLUSIONS Education interventions are warranted for both adolescents and adults with whom adolescent girls regularly interact, in the areas of sedentary behavior to guide them to access reliable online health-related information and be judicious consumers of online health information.
Severe Hypoalbuminemia at Admission Is Strongly Associated with Worse Prognosis in Older Adults with SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Serum albumin levels have been associated with prognosis in several conditions among older adults. The aim of this study is to assess the prognostic value in mortality of serum albumin in older adults with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods. Cohort observational study with consecutive older-adults (≥65 years old), with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted to a university hospital between March–May 2020. A logistic regression model was fitted to assess the impact of albumin levels on in-hospital mortality adjusted by potential confounders. Results. Among a total of 840 patients admitted to the hospital, 405 (48%) were older adults with a total of 92 deaths (23%) among them. Those who died were older, had more comorbidities, higher inflammation status and lower levels of serum albumin at admission [3.10 g/dL (0.51) vs. 3.45 g/dL (0.45); p < 0.01. Serum albumin levels at admission were negatively correlated with inflammatory markers such as C-Reactive protein (Pearson Coeff −0.4634; p < 0.001) or IL-6 (Pearson’s Coeff −0.244; p = 0.006) at admission but also to other clinical outcomes such time to clinical stability (Pearson’s Coeff −0.259; p < 0.001). Severe hypoalbuminemia associated with increased risk of mortality was defined as ≤3 g/dL at admission according to the AUC/ROC analysis (0.72 95% CI 0.63–0.81) In a multivariate logistic regression model adjusting by age, inflammation, comorbidities and severity at admission severe hypoalbuminemia was a strong predictor of in-hospital mortality (OR 2.18 95% CI 1.03–4.62; p = 0.039). Conclusion. Severe hypoalbuminemia with ≤3 g/dL is an independent risk factor for mortality among older adults with SARS-CoV-2 infection. There is a consistent correlation between albumin levels and inflammatory biomarkers. Further studies are needed to determine whether the supplementation of albumin as coadjuvant treatment will have a positive impact on the prognosis of this infection.
THE EFFECT OF PRINCIPAL LEADERSHIP AND TEACHERS’ PERFORMANCE ON THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION AT JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL

The quality of education is the ultimate goal of a teaching and learning process. This study aimed to finding out a significant influence of principal leadership and teachers’ performance on the quality of education at Junior High School level and to identify dominant factors affecting the quality of education. This research was conducted in Junior High School in Konawe regency. This is a mix method research using a survey for quantitative data and observations as well as interview for qualitative data. The primary data was collected from 88 respondents, while the secondary data was from related documents. This study revealed that 1) there was a significant influence of principal leadership on the quality of education at Junior High School level. Based on significance test, it was obtained that t value counted for 5.486 compared with table t values with probability 0.05 of 1,991 where the value of t count ≥ t table then Ho1 rejected; 2) there was a significant influence of teachers’ performance on the quality of education. Based on its significance test, it was obtained that t value counted for 2.306 ≥ t table value of 1,991 where t count ≥ t table then Ha2 accepted; 3) there was a significant influence simultaneously between principal leadership and teachers’ performance on the quality of education. It was based on Anova Test results that F count was 18,955 with significance level 0,000 < probability value α 0.05 while F table according to the level of significance 0.05 (2;86) of 3.10 so that F counted > F table (18,955 > 3.10), therefore, Ho3 rejected. The contribution of the principal leadership variable and teacher’s performance on the quality of education was 30,8%. In order to achieve a quality of better education, principal and teachers should develop their professional skills.