Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
State of the art of wind farm optimization

In recent years the trend has been to collect wind generators into larger and larger wind farms. As the investments are substantial, the optimization of the wind farm layout plays a major role today. The scope of the present work is to define the state of the art in wind farm optimization. To do so the literature of the last two decades has been analyzed, and the structure of the problem has been defined. The most effective techniques and models used in the past are described. The common pitfalls are listed as well, with the aim to create a blueprint for future development of wind farm optimization tools/softwares. The main findings concern the high dependency of the resulting layout on the objective function chosen, which objective should be as detailed as possible; the energy yield alone has been proven not to be the best function for practical purposes. The need for all-encompassing functions requires the costs to be computed besides the production yield. New strategies have been developed to handle comprehensive objective functions and to reduce long computational times, namely the “two-steps” optimization, which consist of a combination of two algorithms, usually a meta-heuristic and a local search approach. The last point touched by this work highlights the areas where a better understanding is needed and more research should be addressed, like the models for degradation and the solving algorithms used.
Distribution, and Socioeconomic Analysis of Delphinus delphis and Tursiops truncatus in Relation to Vessel Presence in the Eastern Aegean Sea

Distribution, and Socioeconomic Analysis of Delphinus delphis and Tursiops truncatus in Relation to Vessel Presence in the Eastern Aegean Sea Objective: This study investigates population abundance and distribution of common (Delphinus delphis) and bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Eastern Aegean Sea, where there is limited knowledge of these species. Analyses were made in relation to vessel presence and socioeconomic implications. Methods: Data was collected during boat-based surveys, South of Samos Island and the Northern Dodecanese region, Greece, to determine dolphin population abundance and distribution. Interviews were conducted with native stakeholders to determine socioeconomic factors influencing populations. Results: Mark-recapture photo-identification determined 78 and 76 marked individuals for 2015 and 2017 respectively, for common dolphins, and 31 and zero marked individuals for 2015 and 2017 respectively, for bottlenose dolphins. Common dolphin abundance estimates were 147 in 2015 (95% CL= 109-212) and 180 in 2017 (95% CL= 106-323). For bottlenose dolphins, 2015 estimates were 71 (95% CL= 46-120), while 2017 were unable to be calculated. There was no pattern to either species distribution; however, most sightings occurred near Southern Samos. Considering vessel presence, bottlenose dolphins were sighted most in the presence of fishing vessels, while sightings for common dolphins varied. Bottlenose dolphins showed avoidance of areas where vessels were most present in 2017, compared to 2016, whereas common dolphins did not. Despite competition between artisanal fishermen and populations of these dolphins for the same declining resources, stakeholders had similar awareness for views regarding conservation. Conclusion: Future population fluctuations may occur if vessel traffic continually increases, fishing laws are not abided and enforced, and conservation efforts are not recognized. Additional studies, implementing larger survey areas, are necessary to better understand both species’ population structure and distribution and effects of vessel presence. Moreover, more investigation into socioeconomics, between dolphin conservation and the fishing industry are needed to identify how impactive the industry is to these populations and other cetaceans inhabiting the Eastern Aegean Sea.
Earthquake Input Motions and Seismic Site Response in a Centrifuge Test Examining SFSI Effects

This paper describes the ground motion selection process and reports observed seismic site response and SFSI effects during a dynamic centrifuge test (Test-1). The centrifuge test is the first in a series of tests examining the effects of SFSI in dense urban environments. The objective of Test-1 is to examine SFSI effects for two structures that are located a significant distance apart and essentially isolated. The model structures represent a three-story building founded on spread footings and a nine-story structure founded on a three-story basement. The structures are sited on a dry, dense bed of Nevada Sand. The centrifuge model is subjected to a series of shaking events that represent near-fault and “ordinary” ground motions at a site in Los Angeles. Results show that site periods degrade as ground motion intensity increases with more pronounced degradation observed for near-fault ground motions as compared with ordinary ground motions. Additionally, the results indicate the importance of kinematic effects of embedded structures when considering SFSI effects.
Monitoring and conservation of the Critically Endangered Alaotran gentle lemur Hapalemur alaotrensis

The Alaotran gentle lemur Hapalemur alaotrensis is a Critically Endangered lemur, which exclusively inhabits the marshes around Lac Alaotra in northeast Madagascar. In the past decades the population of H. alaotrensis has experienced a dramatic decline due to poaching, habitat destruction and degradation. Surveys have been carried out periodically to follow the status of the population. Here we present the results of a survey carried out between May and June 2008 in the southwestern part of the marshes around Alaotra and discuss the key findings derived from the analysis of the data collected. Our study indicates that the probability of detecting the species in an area where it is present is very low and depends on factors that vary in space and time. These results stress the need to account for imperfect detection when monitoring this species, an issue especially relevant when reporting population trends. Our analyses also show that habitat fragmentation is a key determinant of habitat suitability for H. alaotrensis, with fragmented areas of marsh showing low suitability. Finally, our observations and analysis suggest that the protection provided by the local community to H. alaotrensis in Andreba is contributing to the conservation of this Critically Endangered species. This highlights the need to continue working on engaging the local communities in the conservation of the marshes at Lac Alaotra as a critical element to secure the future of H. alaotrensis.
SSR markers distinguish traditional Italian bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) landraces from Lamon

Carucci F. , Garramone R. , Aversano R. , Carputo D. (2017): SSR markers distinguish traditional Italian bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) landraces from Lamon. Czech J. Genet. Plant Breed. , 53: 168−171. In this study, 12 microsatellite markers (SSR) were evaluated for their applicability to protect from frauds and misuse the Italian Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) product “Common bean from Lamon”. SSR analysis generated polymorphic alleles, with an average of 4 alleles per locus and all in the range of molecular weight between 181 and 284 bp. Twenty-nine variety-specific fragments were identified, which might be reasonably adopted for characterization and traceability purposes. Cluster analysis well outlined the relationships between the genotypes studied. Overall, our study underlines the use and usefulness of molecular markers to protect both farmers and consumers from frauds.
Optimization of GaAs MEMS structures for Microwave Power Sensor

This report discusses the design of Thermo-mechanical converter that creates heart of the RF power sensor microsystem. The idea of absorbed power measurement is based on thermal conversion, where absorbed RF power is transformed into thermal power, inside a thermally isolated system. Micromechanical Thermal Converter (MTC) spatial temperature dependences, thermal time constant and power to temperature characteristics are intended from the heat distribution. The temperature changes induced in the MTC by electrical power dissipated in the HEMT (High Electron Mobility Tranzistor) are sensed using the temperature sensor. The temperature distribution, over the sensing area, and mechanical stress was optimized by studying different MTC sizes, and layouts of the heater and temperature sensor.
Investigating Factors Affecting the Uptake of Automated Assessment Technology

Automated assessment is an emerging innovation in educational praxis, however its pedagogical potential is not fully utilised in Australia, particularly regarding automated essay grading. The rationale for this research is that the usage of automated assessment currently lags behind the capacity that the technology provides, thus restricting the pedagogical benefits for students, job satisfaction for staff, and quality assurance and financial benefits for universities. The exploration of the different perspectives of stakeholders regarding their needs and expectations of automated assessment shows the high-stake game of surviving and thriving. Inter alia, students value education as a means to gain employment, educators’ value education as their means of employment, and universities value education as their means of existence. The various facets of this interplay are described, including the value of knowledge and learning (pedagogical considerations); society’s system for measuring worth and exchanging value (economic considerations); sociotechnological evolution and emerging innovations in educational assessment, and the adoption and resistance thereof.
Detection of Placental Pathology Based on Umbilical Artery Wave Mechanics

Detection of Placental Pathology Based on Umbilical Artery Wave Mechanics Anum Rahman Master of Science Graduate Department of Medical Biophysics University of Toronto 2016 Abnormally pulsatile umbilical artery (UA) Doppler waveforms (characterized through the UA pulsatility index) are widely used as a screening tool to detect intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) due to placental disease. However, the sensitivity of UA Doppler in detecting IUGR is quite poor. One explanation for this is that the pulsatility in the UA consists of intermixed cardiac and placental signals. Here, we overcome this limitation with a new ultrasound approach in which the observed UA Doppler waveforms are decomposed into forward propagating waves (developed by the fetal heart) and reverse propagating waves reflected back from the placental circulation. A proof-of -principle experiment was conducted in mice. Results show that the patterns of reflected waves in the UA parallel the variations in the downstream fetoplacental morphology and are more sensitive to these variations than the UA pulsatility index. Thus, this methodology has the potential to improve the detection of placental-mediated IUGR.
COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE BEHAVIOUR OF TWO GOOSE GENOTYPES SELECTED FOR CRAMMING DURING THE PRECONDITIONING FOR LAYING

In the case of goose liver production the adoption of EU regulations means that new technologies should be developed instead of force feeding. One of the potential alternatives is the pinguefaction due to periodical feeding, which needs the modification of the feeding behaviour of the goose. The first step of the selection for this character is the examination of the behaviour differences between the adaptable genotypes. In this study the behaviour of two goose strains (white and grey) was compared during the preconditioning period. Based on our results, the behaviour of the two genotypes showed significant differences in the appearance frequency of feeding, drinking and preening. However resting and social behaviour also diverged but the differences were not statistically significant.
Evidence of species-specific habitat selectivity of Acropora corals based on identification of new recruits by two molecular markers

One of the most abundant genera of scleractinian corals, Acropora, shows considerable zonation along reef slopes. The zones are thought to be established by both selective larval settle- ment and post-settlement selection. The latter has been credited as more important, possibly due to the obvious relationship between colony shapes and habitat-specific environmental stress. However, there is no evidence that the former has less influence on the creation of the zones. To test the hypo- thesis that larvae settle selectively on species-specific suitable habitat, we identified recruits using mitochondrial and nuclear molecular markers. A 2-step molecular sorting process successfully iden- tified the 7 most dominant species in the area. Comparing the species composition of 3 different depths, the distribution of the settlement of the 3 dominant species A. digitifera, A. hyacinthus and A. tenuis was significantly related to adult zonation, suggesting that Acropora larvae selectively settle on the suitable habitat. This is the first in situ evidence showing selective settlement of coral larvae, and from it we can conclude that the initial stage of the life cycle plays an important role in establishing habitat segregation at the species level in Acropora.
Determinants of the long-run growth rate in the South-Asian countries

This study uses the extreme bounds analysis of Leamer (1983) to identify some robust determinants of the long-run growth rate in seven South-Asian countries. The relationships between the two are estimated using panel data. We also consider some methodological issues concerning the specification. It is argued that the frequently used specification of the growth equation by the cross-country studies is inappropriate for estimating the long-run or steady state growth effects of variables such as the investment ratio. We use an alternative specification. Since the steady state growth rate in theoretical growth models depends on total factor productivity (TFP), we estimate the long-run growth effects of variables by analysing the determinants of TFP. This approach is suggested by a few influential economists and has been used by Senhadji (2000).
Trust and participation in urban regeneration

Citizen participation is encouraged in a variety of areas of public policy, not least in urban regeneration projects. Resident involvement is seen as possessing the potential to improve the managerial efficiency of schemes, to increase their legitimacy, to offer developmental benefits to participants and the wider community, and to progress civil rights. Local people who appear uninterested in becoming involved in such initiatives pose a significant challenge to policymakers and practitioners in the field. It has been suggested that developing trust in relevant organisations, officials or other local residents may offer a potential solution to citizens' disengagement. Very little research has been conducted into trust and its relationship with participation in the field of urban regeneration.The thesis presents research which explores resident trust in regeneration officers and its relationship with participation. The research took place in Chandless and Dunston in Gateshead and in West Kensington, London. A sequential mixed methods approach was employed, consisting of three phases: 14 qualitative interviews with residents across all three areas; a self-completion resident questionnaire distributed to 1,566 households in the Dunston and West Kensington regeneration areas from which 144 questionnaires were returned; and a further 12 qualitative interviews with questionnaire respondents living in the West Kensington regeneration area.Drawing upon a constructionism-influenced model of trust, this thesis argues that the specific characteristics which contribute to perceived trustworthiness will vary dependent upon the specific party and scenario in question. Trust in regeneration officers was found to be more closely connected with perceived similarities, such as those of experience, perception, priorities and understanding, than the notions of technical competence associated with trust in some other fields. The findings also demonstrated that residents' interpersonal trust in regeneration officers may be unlikely either to encourage or dissuade participation in projects. Instead the thesis highlights the potential importance of "system trust" in regeneration, where residents' more generalised trust in the entire network of relevant parties to be receptive, based upon their past experience of participatory mechanisms, is the important element in generating their involvement. In addition, the research makes wider contributions to knowledge in relation to interpersonal trust, public participation and professionalism in regeneration.
The economics of exhaustible mineral resources - concepts and techniques in optimization revisited

Henry Lazenby (2014) for the Mining Weekly writes, ‘Bruised and battered, the global mining industry today is undergoing a sea change. Practices and policies that might have worked wonders in the past are not as relevant today, and new approaches to running profitable mining operations need to be found. ’ One significant practice the mining industry had during the last commodities supercycle (2003 to 2011) was chasing volume at any cost; absolute output was deliberately prioritized over productivity considerations (Goldsmith, 2013). Lazenby contends that in the face of falling and volatile commodity prices, many mining majors ‘across all commodity groups are currently grappling with sagging profits and low company valuations. This is often regarded as the result of the industry’s “sins” of the past, when companies were in pursuit of growing their output at all costs in a high commodity price environment. ’ Lee Hodgkinson, KPMG’s Canadian mining industry leader and quoted by Lazenby, says that ‘mining companies are now trying to find the right balance between optimizing current operations and preserving their agility to grasp future opportunities. The runaway costs of building and operating mines have almost squeezed out profit margins [whilst] lower grades of ore are inflating production costs. Mining companies need to look at the business with fresh eyes, and develop strategies to attract equity capital as it seems clear that some of the traditional approaches to the mining business are simply not working anymore. ’ It is the intention of this paper to challenge the practice of chasing production and to provide an alternative practice in support of miners ‘looking to optimizing current operations whilst preserving their agility to grasp future opportunities. ’ To address this issue the micro-economics of a mining business are revisited, integrating multifarious concepts to consider the optimal economics of exhaustible mineral resources. Minnitt (2007) states that the challenge of the past has been that while much has been written on the subject of classical economic concepts, adoption has been slow and limited. Minnitt concedes that in the past, academic literature on the subject did not provide much in the way of usable concepts and techniques, and consequently practitioners relegated these concepts to academia with no practical application in the real world. Moreover, in a related publication he suggests that the subject matter is often shrouded in ‘complex The economics of exhaustible mineral resources—concepts and techniques in optimization revisited
Assessment of Multiple Tolerance Indices for Salinity Stress in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Salinity is one of the major factors reducing plant growth and productivity worldwide and affects about 7% of world’s total land area. In India about 6.73 million hectare of land area is salt affected. Wheat is the second most important crop after rice in India and occupies approximately 28.5 million hectare area. Several tolerance indices comprising of mean productivity (MP), geometric mean productivity (GMP), stress tolerance index (STI), stress stability index (SSI), tolerance index (TOL), yield index (YI) and yield stability index (YSI) were calculated in this investigation for salinity and its ability to understand which one or more predictor among studied indices based on correlation, principal component analysis and cluster analysis. Ten wheat genotypes were evaluated in two successive growing seasons (2012-2014), with complete randomized design with three replications under both salinity stress and non-salinity to identify salt tolerant genotypes to the target environment. Multiple indices for salt tolerance were calculated based on the potential yield (Yp) under non-stress and yield (Ys) under stress conditions. The Ys and Yp showed highest significant and positive correlations with GMP, MP and STI among indices studied. Therefore, these indices were considered as a better predictor of Ys and Yp than TOL, SSI and YSI. Principal component analysis classified the genotypes into two groups. The first two PCs with eigen values >1 contributed 99.74% of the variability amongst genotypes. PC1 accounted for about 5.24% of the variation in salt tolerance indices and PC2 for 3.74%. The first PC was related to Ys, Yp, MP, GMP, STI and YI whereas the second PC related to Yp, TOL and SSI. The cluster analysis sequestrated ten genotypes into two clusters based on Ward’s method. According to results, salinity significantly reduced the yield of some genotypes while some were found tolerant to stress indicating sufficient genetic variability for salinity tolerance among the studied genotypes. It could be implicated in selection of salinity tolerant wheat genotypes for the development of bread wheat varieties.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE LEVELS OF INFESTATION OF Xylosandrus crassiusculus Motschulsky (COLEOPTERA: SCOLYTIDAE) AND GROWTH PARAMETERS OF GRAPE

The present field studies were carried out on untreated grape orchard cv.Bangalore Blue at Nagadasanahalli, Bangalore (North) (120 58’N; 770 35’E), Karnataka,India to know the relationship between the infestation level of scolytid, Xylosandrus crassiusculus Motschulsky and growth parameters of grape vine. Similar studies were also carried out on treated grape orchard at Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore. The number of scolytid damaged holes on the main trunk was significantly and negatively correlated with total number of bud sprouts. This implied that as the infestation levels of scolytids increased on the vine trunk, the number of sprouts produced by the vines after pruning reduced. Similarly, as the number of sprouts decreased with the severity of the shot hole borer infestation, the number of bunches per vine also decreased. However, within a bunch, the number of berries, which directly contributed to the weight of the bunch, was not affected. But overall productivity was affected. From the study carried out at the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research vineyard, where control measures were taken immediately after noticing the shot hole borer attack on the trunks by regular and close monitoring of pest attack, the growth and development of the vines and yield (number of bunches) were not affected.