Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improving the K-12 Online Course Design Review Process: Experts Weigh in on iNACOL National Standards for Quality Online Courses

Within the K-12 online learning environment there are a variety of standards that designers can utilize when creating online courses. To date, the only research-based standards available are proprietary in manner. As such, many jurisdictions have begun adopting online course design standards from the leading advocacy organization, which that have yet to be validated from a research perspective. This article reports on the second phase of a three-stage study designed to examine the validity and reliability of the iNACOL National Standards for Quality Online Courses. Phase two utilizes two groups of expert reviewers to examine and provide feedback with goal of further refining these standards (after the standards had been scrutinized through the lens of the available K-12 online learning literature).
Universality in heat conduction theory: weakly nonlocal thermodynamics

A linear irreversible thermodynamic framework of heat conduction in rigid conductors is introduced. The deviation from local equilibrium is characterized by a single internal variable and a current multiplier. A general constitutive evolution equation of the current density of the internal energy is derived by introducing a linear relationship between the thermodynamic forces and fluxes. The well‐known Fourier, Maxwell–Cattaneo–Vernotte, Guyer–Krumhansl, Jeffreys‐type, and Green–Naghdi‐type equations of heat conduction are obtained as special cases. The universal character of the approach is demonstrated by two examples. Solutions illustrating the properties of the equation with jump boundary conditions are given.
Network allometry

We derive a new allometric scaling law for loopless networks, which we confirm with studies on rivers, exact network results and computer simulations. We provide evidence suggesting that ensemble averaging of the allometric property (where individual realizations are different networks) leads to results in excellent accord with the known limit scaling of efficient and compact networks with remarkably little scatter. Our results complement recent work suggesting that network‐related allometric scaling in living organisms is regulated by metabolic supply‐demand balance, because we show that scaling features are robust to geometrical fluctuations of network properties.
Recent progress and perspectives on atomic‐layer‐deposited semiconducting oxides for transistor applications

This paper reviews recent developments in the fabrication of high‐performance n‐channel metal‐oxide thin‐film transistors (TFTs) through atomic‐layer deposition (ALD), which are now attracting attention due to their potential for use in augmented and virtual reality, ultra‐high‐definition organic light‐emitting diodes, and flexible electronics. Recent trends in research on TFT backplanes for display applications are provided in the introduction. In the main section, ALD‐derived n‐type oxides serving as active layers are classified into binary, ternary, and quaternary systems, and recent developments and critical issues in n‐channel oxide TFTs are described. The performance of n‐channel oxide TFTs can be boosted through advanced architectures, including stacked heterojunction channels using two‐dimensional electron gases, and the introduction of high‐k dielectric such as ALD‐derived hafnium oxide, which is highlighted in this review. Finally, progress in p‐channel ALD‐derived oxide TFTs is briefly addressed with respect to complementary metal–oxide‐semiconductor applications.
Objective fronts

This paper addresses the long‐standing problem of plotting atmospheric fronts objectively. A thermodynamic definition of a front is proposed. Time‐independent diagnostic quantities are then devised according to this definition. These can be computed from any gridded dataset. Fronts are then plotted, without human intervention, by utilising standard graphics package facilities, such as contouring, to represent the diagnostics. The methodology includes applying threshold criteria to erase automatically fronts which are thermally weak. By tuning these criteria a good match with subjective fronts is obtained. In addition, the objective surface fronts very often coincide with troughs in surface pressure, implying that a thermodynamic definition is sufficient. The objective front‐plotting is further developed to recognise split fronts, and ana‐ and kata‐front characteristics. Many examples are presented; these illustrate how objective fronts are potentially a very powerful tool for both forecasting and research. At the Joint Centre for Mesoscale Meteorology plots and animations showing objective fronts have been produced on a daily basis for many months now. Copyright © 1998 Royal Meteorological Society
Hidden Parameter Recurrent State Space Models For Changing Dynamics Scenarios

Recurrent State-space models (RSSMs) are highly expressive models for learning patterns in time series data and system identification. However, these models assume that the dynamics are fixed and unchanging, which is rarely the case in real-world scenarios. Many control applications often exhibit tasks with similar but not identical dynamics which can be modeled as a latent variable. We introduce the Hidden Parameter Recurrent State Space Models (HiP-RSSMs), a framework that parametrizes a family of related dynamical systems with a low-dimensional set of latent factors. We present a simple and effective way of learning and performing inference over this Gaussian graphical model that avoids approximations like variational inference. We show that HiP-RSSMs outperforms RSSMs and competing multi-task models on several challenging robotic benchmarks both on real-world systems and simulations.
Biological Fixed Film

Literature published during the year 2010 on the topic of biological fixed film including biofilm and bioreactors for the purpose of water and wastewater treatment has been reviewed herein. Literature published regarding microbial fuel cells has also been included. The review has been organized into the following sections: biofilm formation, adhesion, quorum sensing, and consortia; techniques and analytic methods; biofilm reactors and modeling; and microbial fuel cells.
Radioactive Wastes

Papers reviewed herein present a general overview of radioactive waste activities around the world in 2000. Management solutions for the final disposal of low-, intermediate-, and high level wastes (LLW, ILW, HLW); interim storage of and final disposal options for spent fuel; and disposition of excess weapons plutonium are presented, with a focus on environmental impacts due to the mobility of radionuclides and interactions with water (e.g., associated with reprocessing plant discharges to seawater, repository waste interactions with ground water and stream water, and buried waste interactions with pore waters).
The Price Impact and Timing of Actual Share Repurchases in Norway

Little is known about the price impact and timing of actual share repurchases. Data unavailability has hindered research in most countries, including the United States. Using unique data on actual share repurchase transactions from Norway, we test for the price impact and timing of daily open market repurchases. We find evidence that share repurchases typically follow after a negative drift in the stock price, and the average three-day abnormal return around the announcement is 0.54%. Moreover, the initial market reaction is greater for repurchases that are pursued by small firms and for firms that experience a negative drift in the stock price prior to the transaction. The evidence presented is seemingly indicative of managers’ intent to signal undervaluation through repurchase transactions. However, we do not find any significant long-term abnormal returns for repurchasing firms. This result suggests that on average, managers do not time the market based on informational advantage.
Activated Sludge and Other Suspended Culture Processes

A review of the literature published in 2010 on topics related to activated sludge and other aerobic suspended growth processes is presented. The review encompasses modeling, nutrient removal, system design and operation, oxygen transfer and solids separation. Two topics that have seen an increase in activity compared to historical reviews are membrane bioreactors and fate and occurrence of hormones and pharmaceuticals, which are referred to asm icroconstituents following current WEF terminology. Microconstituents as they relate to suspended growth reactors are covered in this review, while membrane bioreactors are reviewed in another section in this journal. Other subsections from the Treatment Systems section that might also be related to this section include: Wastewater Collection Systems; Biological Fixed Film Systems; and Modeling, Instrumentation, Automation, and Optimization of Wastewater Treatment Facilities. Many of the subsections in the Industrial Wastes, Hazardous Wastes, and Fate and Effects of Pollutants sections could also have some overlap with this section.
Neural Network Approach for Availability Indicator Prediction

The principal aim of this research was to find out if artificial neuralnetworks could be employed to predict the availability factorfor water mains, distribution pipes and house connections.Modelling by means of artificial neural networks (ANNs) wascarried out using the Statistica 10.0 software package. Operatingdata from the years 1999–2005 were used to train the ANNswhile data from the next seven years of operation were usedto verify the model. The optimal model (characterized by thelowest mean-square error) contained 11 hidden neurons activatedby the exponential function. The linear function was usedto activate the 3 output neurons. 185 training epochs sufficed totrain the ANN, using the quasi-Newton method. The correlationbetween the availability indicator experimental values and themodelling results would remain high, amounting during modelverification to R2 = 0.740, R2 = 0.823, R2 = 0.992 for respectivelywater mains, distribution pipes and house connections. As theavailability indicator prediction example shows, the artificialneural networks are a promising tool enabling quick and easyanalysis of failure frequency. It is possible to train the ANN furtherand change the number of training epochs and hidden neuronsas well as the activation functions and training methods.
Economics

A review of literature during calendar year 2010 focused on environmental policies and sustainable development, and economic policies. This review is divided into these sections: sustainable development, irrigation, ecosystems and watershed management, climate change and disaster risk management, environmental policies management, economic growth, water supply policies, water consumption, water price regulation, and valuation.
Pengaruh Computer Self Efficacy dan Teknik Audit Berbantuan Komputer Terhadap Kinerja Auditor (Studi Kasus Pada Perwakilan BPKP Provinsi Sumatera Barat)

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh Computer Self Efficacy dan Teknik Audit Berbantuan Komputer terhadap kinerja auditor di Perwakilan BPKP Provinsi Sumatera Barat. Penelitian ini menggunakan Computer Self Efficacy dan Teknik Audit Berbantuan Komputer sebagai variabel bebas dan Kinerja Auditor sebagai variabel terikat. Variabel dalam penelitian ini diukur menggunakan kuesioner dengan 5 skala likert. Penelitian ini dilakukan di Kantor Perwakilan Badan Pengawasan Keuangan dan Pembangunan (BPKP) Provinsi Sumatera Barat. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan menyebarkan kuesioner kepada seluruh auditor sebagai responden (sensus). Teknik analisis menggunakan metode regresi linear berganda. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa Computer Self Efficacy dan Teknik Audit Berbantuan Komputer berpengaruh positif signifikan terhadap kinerja auditor. Kata Kunci : Computer Self Efficacy , Teknik Audit Berbantuan Komputer, Kinerja Auditor This research aims to determine the effect of Computer Self Efficacy and Computer Assisted Audit Techniques (CAATs) on the performance of auditors. This research uses Computer Self Efficacy and Computer Assisted Audit Techniques (CAATs) as independent variables and the performance of auditors as the dependent variable. The variable in this research was measured using a questionnaire with 5 Likert scale. This research was conducted in the Representative Office of Finance and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP) Western Sumatera Province. Data was collected by distributing questionnaires to all auditors as respondents (Census). Techniques of analysis using multiple linear regression analysis. These result indicate that Computer Self Efficacy and Computer Assisted Audit Techniques (CAATs) have significant positive effect on the performance of auditors. Keywords : Computer Self Efficacy, Computer Assisted Audit Techniques, Performance of Auditors.
Research progress in enhanced bioremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons contaminated soil

This paper is aimed to present a general review on the enhanced measures to the bioremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons contaminated soil.Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are well known as a group of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and more than 90% of PAHs present in the soil,which are toxic to the environment and pose as a hazard in food chain to human health. Bioremediation technology is the primary method to treat the PAHs contaminated soil and the enhanced measures of bioremediation treatment are essential to improve the degradation rate and adapt to the needs of field application.Referring to the reported literature at home and abroad in recent years,this paper comes out with a detail introduction and discussion on the principles and application of physicalchemical and biological based enhancement.The enhanced measures of physical-chemical included the application of surfactants,nutrient addition and co-metabolic substrate addition as well as the electron acceptors addition and utilization of chemical oxidants.The enhanced measures of bioremediation included the addition of highly efficient PAH-degrading bacteria and immobilization of bacteria,utilization of mycorrhizal fungi and application of bio-surfactants.The combined remediation of phytoremediation and microorganism on the PAHs contaminated soil is an important direction of development and field application technology.At the same time,safety evaluation in the process of enhanced bioremediation is necessary in order to avoid new pollution and other security risks to happen.
Flow direction effects on tidal stream turbines

This thesis investigated the non-dimensional performance characteristics of a tidal stream turbine and how they varied in response to changes in flow direction. The problem was considered from an industrial perspective and used the commercial software package ANSYS CFX and a 1:20th scale experimental turbine. Initial considerations analysed the performance of the turbine in an ‘upstream’ or ‘downstream’ configuration relative to the turbines support structure. The conclusions resulting from this were that up to a point by increasing separation between an upstream turbine and its support structure the greater average nondimensional performance characteristics became. Also, more significantly, it was identified that this orientation and clearance reduced the blade stanchion interaction considerably relative to the downstream orientation. The study made justification for the inclusion of a yaw mechanism to rotate the turbine to face the flow for flood and ebb phases of the tide. In an operational environment this would be expected to enhance the life of the turbine’s blades, thrust bearings, and gearbox - which are known to be prone to fatigue failure, due to highly dynamic loads. The thesis continued to expand into the potential uses of a yaw mechanism to address flow misalignment experienced throughout the tidal cycle. In order to justify this, the non-dimensional performance characteristics of the same turbine were compared for a series of flow misalignment cases. The CFD analysis showed that increased flow misalignment in either the positive and negative direction had the effect of reducing turbine torque and power performance characteristics, and also significantly increases the out-ofplane bending moments. A distinction between the positive yaw angles and negative yaw angles was identified in the turbine’s performance. The negative flow misalignment showed more favourable performance changes than the positive flow misalignment, this was due to the turbines rotational direction. The subsequent recommendations to industry were included making use of the turbines rotational direction and yaw mechanism, to experience lower performance reductions in the case of flow misalignment. Experimental results from tow tank testing at CNR-INSEAN using the 0.5 m diameter turbine validated the nondimensional performance characteristics of the CFD results. It was identified that steady state CFD results did not capture the performance characteristics of flow misalignment cases as well as the transient CFD results. The experimental turbine captured temporal features identified in the CFD analysis. Recommendations to industry include the careful consideration of steady state CFD analysis in non-idealised flow conditions.
Efficient hybrid method for forward kinematics analysis of parallel robots based on signal decomposition and reconstruction

This article combines a new method based on signal decomposition and reconstruction with a fifth-order numerical algorithm and proposes an efficient hybrid method for solving forward kinematics problem of parallel manipulators. In this hybrid method, new method can first generate an approximate solution of the forward kinematics problem, which will be taken as initial guess for the fifth-order numerical technique. The answer with desired level of accuracy is then obtained. The superposition principle is proposed stating that each rod’s displacement required to drive the mobile platform with 6-degree-of-freedom coupled motion is approximately a sum of the rod’s displacement required to drive it with each of six single basic motions including roll q 1 , pitch q 2 , yaw q 3 , surge q 4 , sway q 5 , and heave q 6 . By solving the equations established in accordance with the superposition principle, the approximate solution is also gained. Superposition principle is more applicable to the robots with small rotational workspace. The solution is directly solved under superposition principle. Even though the rotational workspace is expanded, the solution still meets the required accuracy of initial value of high-order iterative technique for obtaining its exact solution. The proposed method is then applied to a test bench for bogie parameters and a Stewart platform. Simulation results demonstrate that maximum absolute error of displacement along X-, Y-, and Z-axis is 0.174 mm and its relative error is about 3.4‰. Using this method will reduce about 34.1% of the required number of iterations to solve the forward kinematics problem compared with improved hybrid method and up to 49.8% compared with the Newton–Raphson method.
Transitions of Dissolution Patterns in Rough Fractures

Rock fractures are ubiquitous in geological systems and usually provide dominant pathways for fluid flow in fractured reservoirs. When the flowing fluid is reactive, fracture dissolution expands the aperture and forms various dissolution patterns that amplify the pathways. Previous works focused on the dissolution processes in Hele‐Shaw cells (parallel‐plate) and porous media, but the transitions of dissolution patterns in radial rough fractures are not well understood. Here we combine flow‐visualization experiments with theoretical analysis to elucidate the transitions of dissolution patterns under various flow‐rate and reaction‐rate conditions. We observe and quantify three distinct dissolution morphologies as compact, wormhole, and uniform patterns. We show that the critical Péclet numbers, corresponding to the transitions from compact to wormhole and to uniform patterns, increase with the reaction rate. Based on the growth of dissolution channels in the ﬂow and transverse directions, we establish a theoretical model that describes the transitions of these three distinct dissolution patterns. The phase diagram predicted by the model exhibits good agreement with our experimental results and also well captures the pattern transitions reported in the previous studies. This work improves the understanding on how fracture aperture expands in the dissolution processes that lead to various dissolution channels. Our work is also critical for controlling the fluid flow behavior in dissolving natural rock fractures in subsurface flow systems.
On simplicity of reduced C*‐algebras of groups

A countable group is C*‐simple if its reduced C*‐algebra is a simple algebra. Since Powers recognised in 1975 that non‐abelian free groups are C*‐simple, large classes of C*‐simple groups which appear naturally in geometry have been identified, including non‐elementary Gromov hyperbolic groups and lattices in semisimple groups. In this exposition, C*‐simplicity for countable groups is viewed as an extreme case of non‐amenability. The basic examples are described, and several open problems are formulated.
Identification of periodicity in the relationship between PDO, El Niño and peak monsoon rainfall in India using S‐transform analysis

Peak monsoon rainfall (PMR) data have been examined 135 years for five rainfall regions of the Indian subcontinent. S‐transform analysis was used to analyse the non‐stationarity in the periodicity of rainfall patterns over the study period. The results of the analyses revealed the presence of a 2–3 year cycle corresponding to the El Niño cycle, with periodic strengthening at the decadal scale across most of the regions as well as at the all India level. Further examination revealed that the 2–3 year cycle usually strengthened a few years before the beginning of the cold phase of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), and this cycle continued through most of the cold phase. This 2–3 year cycle, however, was almost negligible during the subsequent warm phase of PDO for all regions except the central northeast region. Such a periodic strengthening of the periodicity in PMR during the cool phase of PDO is possibly caused by the differences in temperatures in different parts of the Pacific Ocean. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society