Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differential Privacy Over Riemannian Manifolds

In this work we consider the problem of releasing a differentially private statistical summary that resides on a Riemannian manifold. We present an extension of the Laplace or K-norm mechanism that utilizes intrinsic distances and volumes on the manifold. We also consider in detail the specific case where the summary is the Fr\'echet mean of data residing on a manifold. We demonstrate that our mechanism is rate optimal and depends only on the dimension of the manifold, not on the dimension of any ambient space, while also showing how ignoring the manifold structure can decrease the utility of the sanitized summary. We illustrate our framework in two examples of particular interest in statistics: the space of symmetric positive definite matrices, which is used for covariance matrices, and the sphere, which can be used as a space for modeling discrete distributions.
Decisionmetrices : dynamic structural estimation of shipping investment decisions

This dissertation develops structural models for analyzing shipping investment decisions, namely ordering, scrapping and lay-up decisions in the tanker industry. We develop models, based on a microeconomic specification, that allow us to understand the dynamics of shipping investment decisions under uncertainty and test interrelated economic assertions with aggregate data. The main framework is a three-party model with a structural specification of the time charter rate process, based on market clearing conditions. Structural estimation of shipping investment decisions is performed by using advanced econometric methods consistent with the Real Options and Market Microstructure literature. Several statistical tests are employed, in order to evaluate alternative specifications. Once the aggregate models have been identified and estimated, some of the early hypotheses in maritime economics are addressed and re-evaluated. Finally we integrate the three different investment modules and reconstruct the structural transportation supply function that deternines the equilibrium time charter rate. System identification techniques and advanced econometric methods are employed separately and then combined, resulting in an exceptional "within-sample", as well as "out-of-sample" performance of the integrated model. Supervisor: Henry S. Marcus, D.B.A. Title: Professor of Marine Systems Department of Ocean Engineering
Spurious Mode Suppression in Coupled Resonator Filters

The Coupled Resonator Filter (CRF) is a new type of Bulk-Acoustic-Wave (BAW) device in which two piezoresonators are stacked on top of each other in a way that a certain degree of acoustic interaction occurs. For a proper frequency response, a method for suppression of spurious resonances is of utmost importance. This will be discussed theoretically and the measured results in resonator and filter response will be shown. Moreover, internmetric measurements of the surface displacement of a 1.8 GHz CRF device are investigated with respect to dispersion relation and its effects on spurious mode suppression.
Performance assessment of a Horizontal Axis Tidal Turbine in a high velocity shear environment

The main focus of this thesis was to assess the performance of a full scale Horizontal Axis Tidal Turbine (HATT), using the CFD package, FluentrM, and measured high shear tidal profiles. Two sites are considered: the Anglesey Skerries and a site in the Severn Estuary, both off the Welsh coast. In order to achieve this aim a number of key steps were performed including the use of an existing laboratory scale prototype HATT to establishing the optimum blade pitch angle and provide an experimental data set. Once established the HATT CFD model was used to scale up from the laboratory scale to 30 m diameter. By the use of non-dimensionalised characteristics of power, thrust and torque coefficients, it was shown that the HATT was scaleable and independent of Reynolds number. Using these findings a suitable turbine diameter was determined for site specific analysis. Velocity profiles from the two sites were obtained via vessel mounted Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) surveys. These data were used to define a high velocity shear environment. When non-dimensionalised these data were found to also collapse onto the scaling curves provided a true average for the velocity, across the swept area, is used. In addition, when the HATT was 'positioned' at varying depths down the water column the power extraction was shown to reduce considerably with depth. When positioned close to the seabed, the cyclic torque, power and axial thrust loads were studied with and without a stanchion positioned downstream of the turbine. The presence of a stanchion was also shown to significantly increase the amplitude of the cyclic torque, power and axial thrust during rotation. The findings of this thesis suggest that the complexity of the dynamic torque, power and axial thrust, along with the wake profile, are influenced by the HATT's interaction with the ocean seabed. These complexities are therefore of prime importance when considering a deep water application which encompasses all or part of a high velocity shear regime. The work presented in the thesis shows that it is possible to predict a turbine's performance (for a given geometry) for any scale and velocity profile, from a single diameter. When positioned lower in the water column, the downstream wake also showed a high level of asymmetry which was also shown to influence the upstream flow field.
Statistical modelling of vignette data in psychology

Abstract Vignette methods are widely used in psychology and the social sciences to obtain responses to multi‐dimensional scenarios or situations. Where quantitative data are collected this presents challenges to the selection of an appropriate statistical model. This depends on subtle details of the design and allocation of vignettes to participants. A key distinction is between factorial survey experiments where each participant receives a different allocation of vignettes from the full universe of possible vignettes and experimental vignette studies where this restriction is relaxed. The former leads to nested designs with a single random factor and the latter to designs with two crossed random factors. In addition, the allocation of vignettes to participants may lead to fractional or unbalanced designs and a consequent loss of efficiency or aliasing of the effects of interest. Many vignette studies (including some factorial survey experiments) include unmodeled heterogeneity between vignettes leading to potentially serious problems if traditional regression approaches are adopted. These issues are reviewed and recommendations are made for the efficient design of vignette studies including the allocation of vignettes to participants. Multilevel models are proposed as a general approach to handling nested and crossed designs including unbalanced and fractional designs. This is illustrated with a small vignette data set looking at judgements of online and offline bullying and harassment.
Issues and Challenges of the Implementation of HOTS in Religious Teaching in Malaysia

The application of High Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) in the teaching and learning system of Dini Integrated Curriculum (DIC) and Tahfiz Integrated Curriculum (TIC) is in line with its main goal which is to produce balanced and excellent students based on 'aqli and naqli to prepare future scholars and religious muthaqqaf. This is because the ability to relate 'aqli and naqli requires dynamic reasoning ability. However, DIC and TIC are new curricula that have been appointed as the national curriculum in Malaysia. Therefore, this study aims to explore the issues experienced by teachers in conducting HOTS-based teaching in the DIC and TIC curriculum. This study is a qualitative case study conducted on a group of eight experts who are directly involved in the DIC and TIC system. Data were collected using in-depth interviews and analyzed thematically. The findings of the study showed that there are five main issues faced by teachers; namely related to Arabic language proficiency, understanding for the application of HOTs, knowledge of pedagogy, content mastery and student readiness factors. This study is expected to provide recommendations to the Islamic Education Division (BPI) and the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) from the aspect of strengthening the effectiveness of teaching HOTs in religious teaching in Malaysia.
Vietnamese consumers’ preferences for traceable food and safety attributes: The case of water spinach

The government struggles to fight escalating food safety issues in Vietnam. However, government measures yielded little evidence of improvement to domestic food safety. For that reason, consumers lower their trust in the government. The current market context, and low trust towards the government left consumers to count on their own judgement for the sake of their own food safety. This study applied choice experiment method based on Lancastrian consumer theory and random utility theory to elicit consumers’ preferences on traceable safe foods and the perception regarding food safety. The impact of food safety related attributes was identified in the order of decreasing magnitude: Freshness, label, traceability, certification, and price. Results suggested that Vietnamese consumers adhered food quality to food appearance (i.e. freshness) and made judgement with such perception. This paper also highlighted a noticeable reverse impact of the level of food certification on consumer preferences toward safe choices, which contributed to the current food safety situation in Vietnam. The reason was expected to be trust issues in the government, the impact of food safety context, and consumers’ false perception of food safety. To enhance trust, food traceability appears to be an indispensable and potential instrument. Besides, traceability information should be addressed via food label precisely to augment visual inspection as well as to increase its effectiveness. Additionally, consumers are willing to pay a price premium for traceable products, thus inducing suppliers to participate in food traceability. Nevertheless, the government must play a more proactive role in market supervision and education to facilitate the development of food traceability.
Educational eveluation, assessment, and monitoring : a systemic approach

PART 1 Basic Concepts 1 CHAPTER 1 Monitoring and Evaluation (M & E) in Education: Concepts, Functions and Context CHAPTER 2 Basics of Educational Evaluation CHAPTER 3 Schematic Description of 15 Types of Educational Evaluation PART 2 Theoretical Foundations of Systemic M & E CHAPTER 4 The Political and Organizational Context of Educational Evaluation CHAPTER 5 Evaluation as a Tool for Planning and Management at School Level PART 3 Assessment of Student Achievement CHAPTER 6 Basic Elements of Educational Measurement CHAPTER 7 Measurement Models in Assessment and Evaluation CHAPTER 8 Applications of Measurement Models PART 4 Monitoring the Effectiveness of Educational Systems Introduction to Part 4 CHAPTER 9 Conceptualization of Education Indicators at System and at School Level CHAPTER 10 Perspectives on School Effectiveness CHAPTER 11 A Review of the Research Evidence on School Effectiveness, From Developed and Developing Countries CHAPTER 12 The Meaning of the Factors That are Considered to Work in Education CHAPTER 13 Educational Indicators of Value Added PART 5 Inspection and School Self-Evaluation CHAPTER 14 Monitoring on the Basis of School Inspections CHAPTER 15 School Evaluation: Basic Concepts CHAPTER 16 Issues and Dilemmas in School Self-Evaluation CHAPTER 17 A Practical Example of Developing and Using Value Added Indicators: The Lancashire LEA Value Added Project
Oryantiring Eğitiminin Dikkat ve Bellek Üzerine Etkisinin İncelenmesi

Calismada oryantiring egitiminin dikkat ve bellek seviyesi uzerine etkisi incelenmistir. Calismanin orneklem grubu yas ortalamasi 12,47±1,36 yil olan 20 cocuktan olusturulmustur. Denek grubu yas ortalamasi 12,31±1,74 yil (n=5 kiz, n=5 erkek), kontrol grubu ise yas ortalamasi 12,97±0,79 yil (n=7 erkek, n=3 kiz) olan ogrencilerdir. Denek grubuna haftada 3 gun 2’ser saat olmak uzere toplam 8 hafta oryantiring egitimi verilmistir. Tum cocuklara on, ara ve son testlerde d2 dikkat testi ile bellek kapasitesini belirlemek icin sayi dizisi ogrenme testi (SDOT) uygulanmistir. Verilerin homojenlik dagilimina Shapiro Wilk analiz testi ile bakilmistir. Normal dagilima uyan parametrelerde grup ici test karsilastirmalarinda Independent samples t Testi, grup ici karsilastirmalarda Paired samples t Testi kullanilmistir. Normal dagilima uymayan parametrelerde grup ici test karsilastirmalari Wilcoxon testi kullanilmistir. Gruplar arasi karsilastirmalarda ise Mann-Whitney U yapilmistir. Grup ici ikiden fazla tekrarlayan olcumlerde parametrik test kosullarini saglayan parametrelerde ANOVA (Repeated Measures) testi, parametrik test kosullarini saglamayan parametrelerde gruplarinin zamana bagli degisimleri Friedman analiz yontemi ile belirlenmistir. Anlamlilik seviyesi olarak p 0,05). Sonuc olarak oryantiring egitiminin cocuklarin dikkat ve bellek seviyesi uzerine olumlu etkisinin oldugu soylenebilir
SURVEYING FOURTH YEAR ENGINEERING STUDENT PERCEPTIONS OF GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE COMPETENCIES

As the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Manitoba begins to emphasize outcome based teaching and assessment along with the traditional input-based teaching and assessment, data are being collected in a variety of forms. Some of the indirect data being gathered comes from students in the form of the Student Exit Survey. This survey was developed to measure students’ perception of how well their program prepared them with regards to the CEAB twelve graduate attributes. The survey asked students to consider a large number of indicators for each of the graduate attributes.The indicator list was originally constructed with the intention of sufficiently defining each attribute for the five engineering programs in the faculty while providing variety and choice. Therefore, the list was fairly extensive, and at times iterative and unwieldy. When revisiting the original Student Exit Survey, two factors ascended in importance: student feedback on their personal attribute competencies as developed within their program, and how to define attribute competency levels.To establish competency levels and make indicators more manageable for faculty and students, the indicators for each attribute were revised to reflect the six levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy of Educational Objectives in the Cognitive Domain: knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation. This new attribute/indicator format was then developed into theStudent Exit Survey and given to fourth year Mechanical engineering students in Fall 2012. This paper describes that effort and analyzes the initial data from this first pass. This data will be used to inform the continued revision of the Student Exit Survey until it is a reliable and valid instrument for providing feedback at instructor, program and faculty levels as the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Engineering forges ahead with its continual cycle of improvement.
Addressing information flow in lean production management and control in construction

Traditionally, production control on construction sites has been a challenging area, where the ad-hoc production control methods foster uncertainty - one of the biggest enemies of efficiency and smooth production flow. Lean construction methods such as the Last Planner System have partially tackled this problem by addressing the flow aspect through means such as constraints analysis and commitment planning. However, such systems have relatively long planning cycles to respond to the dynamic production requirements of construction, where almost daily if not hourly control is needed. New solutions have been designed by researchers to improve this aspect such as VisiLean, but again these types of software systems require the proximity and availability of computer devices to workers. Given this observation, there is a need for a communication system between the field and site office that is highly interoperable and provides real-time task status information. A High-level communication framework (using VisiLean) is presented in this paper, which aims to overcome the problems of system integration and improve the flow of information within the production system. The framework provides, among other things, generic and standardized interfaces to simplify the “push” and “pull” of the right (production) information, whenever needed, wherever needed, by whoever needs it. Overall, it is anticipated that the reliability of the production control will be improved
Task and work performance on Skylab missions 2, 3, and 4: Time and motion study: Experiment M151

Human task performance was evaluated under weightlessness conditions during long duration space flight in order to study the characteristics of the adaptation function. Results show that despite pronounced variability in training schedules and in initial reaction to the Skylab environment, in-flight task performance was relatively equivalent among Skylab crews, and behavioral performance continued to improve from beginning to end of all missions.
Correlation of Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adult (HHIA) Total Score and Number of Hemodialysis in Chronic Kidney Disease who Undergo Hemodialysis in Haji General Hospital Surabay

Background: Sensorineural hearing loss can occur in chronic kidney patients (CKD) who undergo hemodialysis. Haemodialysis sessions influence sensorineural hearing loss significantly. Hearing loss in CKD and hemodialysis patients need an assessment tool for early detection. HHIA questionnaire seems has potential to be used as an early detection of hearing loss in CKD patients with hemodialysis. The correlations of HHIA total scores and number of hemodialysis in this population remain unknown. Objective: To analyze the correlation between HHIA (Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adult) total scores and number of hemodialysis in stage 5 chronic kidney disease patients in Haji general hospital Surabaya. Method: This study is an analytical, observational, and cross-sectional study. There were 43 patients included in this study. HHIA scores and number of hemodialysis were obtained by interview the patients based on HHIA questionnaire and patient’s status form. Patients Age, sex, history of hypertension and diabetes, and audiogram was conducted from medical record. All of the data were analyzed by using SPSS Statistic 22 software. Results: 43 patients have responded to HHIA questionnaire. 42(95,3%) patients had no handicap and only 2(4,7%) patients had mild handicap. The correlation between HHIA total scores and number hemodialysis found not significant (r = 0,156, p = 0,319). Only 16 patients have PTA audiometry result, 10 patients (68,75%) had mild hearing loss, 1 patient (6,25%) had moderate hearing loss, and 4 patients (25%) were normal. Conclusions: The questioner assessment to assess the hearing loss in CKD patients with hemodialysis may applied practically and tolerable to the patients. There was no correlation between HHIA and number of hemodialysis.
NOx Control for Utility Boiler OTR Compliance

Under sponsorship of the Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), the Babcock and Wilcox Company (B and W), and Fuel Tech teamed together to investigate an integrated solution for NO{sub x} control. The system is comprised of B and W's DRB-4Z{trademark} ultra low-NO{sub x} pulverized coal (PC) burner technology and Fuel Tech's NOxOUT{reg_sign}, a urea-based selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) technology. Development of the low-NO{sub x} burner technology has been a focus in B and W's combustion program. The DRB-4Z{trademark} burner is B and W's newest low-NO{sub x} burner capable of achieving very low NO{sub x}. The burner is designed to reduce NO{sub x} by controlled mixing of the fuel and air. Based on data from several 500 to 600 MWe boilers firing PRB coal, NOx emissions levels of 0.15 to 0.20 lb/ 106 Btu have been achieved from the DRB-4Z{trademark} burners in combination with overfire air ports. Although NOx emissions from the DRB-4Z{trademark} burner are nearing the Ozone Transport Rule (OTR) level of 0.15 lb NO{sub x}/106 Btu, the utility boiler owners can still benefit from the addition of an SNCR and/or SCR system in order to comply with the stringent NO{sub x} emission levels facing them. Large-scale testing is planned in B and W's 100-million Btu/hr Clean Environment Development Facility (CEDF) that simulates the conditions of large coal-fired utility boilers. The objective of the project is to achieve a NO{sub x} level below 0.15 lb/106 Btu (with ammonia slip of less than 5 ppm) in the CEDF using PRB coal and B and W's DRB-4Z{trademark} low-NO{sub x} pulverized coal (PC) burner in combination with dual zone overfire air ports and Fuel Tech's NO{sub x}OUT{reg_sign}. During this period B and W prepared and submitted the project management plan and hazardous substance plan to DOE. The negotiation of a subcontract for Fuel Tech has been started.
Soil-water retention of highly expansive clay stabilized with a bio-polymer

The unpredictable expansiveness of clayey soils due to the change of water content can be responsible for significant pathologies on civil infrastructure. This behaviour depends mainly on the physical and chemical characteristics of the clayey soil and the stress-suction state of the soil. Extensive research has been carried out to control the swelling potential of clayey soils with traditional inorganic additives such as lime and cement. However, the use of these stabilizers presents adverse implications in terms of cost and environmental impact. Bio-products and waste by-products are an environmentally friendly alternative for geotechnical soil stabilization. In this article, we assess the effect of lignin on the hydro-mechanical behaviour of highly expansive clay. The research focuses on the behaviour upon wetting and the soil-water retention properties of clay and lignin-treated clay with different percentages. Suction measurements were made by using the filter paper technique. Particular emphasis on the mercury intrusion porosimetry analysis of the untreated and treated CR-Clay is done. Results of CR-Clay with lignin-based stabilizer show significant reduction of swelling upon wetting for the higher percentage of addition. Increase of the aggregation is observed with the growth of lignin percentage. An analysis of the soil-water retention properties with the van-Genutchen model is presented.