Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
TRANSITION YEAR AND EDUCATIONAL DISADVANTAGE

The 1994 restructuring of the Senior Cycle was intended to “provide maximum flexibility in catering for the different needs, aptitudes and abilities of pupils” (Department of Education 1993a). For the first time, all second-level schools in Ireland were presented with the possibility of offering a Transition Year programme (TYP). In the school year 2000-2001, 67% of second-level schools included a TYP in their provision. This paper investigates the relationship between the Transition Year and educational disadvantage. Data relating to patterns of uptake of the programme are analysed. The potential of the TY programme to respond to the needs of educationally disadvantaged young people is also examined. The author began teaching on the TY programme in 1986 and from 1995 to 2000 was seconded to the support service for Transition Year. The data presented here was gathered in his role as National Co-ordinator of the Transition Year Curriculum Support Service.
Supporting Software Architecture Evolution

Today it is more a rule than an exception that software systems have a lifecycle of more than several years. Hence, software evolution is inevitable. During the life span of a software system the domain in which the system is working evolves and changes. This causes changes to the software system, and the software system may also be evolved to satisfy new markets. The ability to evolve gracefully, and thus the long-term success of a software system, is to a large extent governed by its software architecture and the ability of the software architecture to fulfil requirements on quality attributes and to adapt to evolving requirements. In this thesis we study evolution of software architectures and what can be done to support this evolution. We focus on three particular aspects of evolution support: how to ensure that the correct blend of quality attributes is met (architecture selection), the technical means available for supporting changes in the software system (variability), and what types of changes that are likely to occur during evolution (categories of evolution). We introduce a method for architecture evaluation and selection that focus on ensuring that the selected software architecture is the architecture candidate with the most potential for fulfilling a particular blend of quality attributes. The method is based on quantification of expert opinions and focused discussions where these expert opinions differ. The architecture evaluation and selection method is studied in both an academic and in an industry setting. We also introduce a taxonomy of techniques for realising variability in a software system and study how the techniques in this taxonomy are applied in different evolution situations. The taxonomy is based on several industry case studies. Two industry cases are studied in further detail and the evolution of these systems are followed over a number of releases and generations. During this evolution it is shown how variability mechanisms are used to also support evolution, and that there are typical cases of evolution that a software system can be prepared to cope with. The contribution of this thesis is that it increases the understanding of how evolution occurs in a software system, how to create software that is flexible enough to support evolution and how to evaluate and select a software architecture that meets a particular blend of quality attributes. Together this ensures that a software system is based on a software architecture that fits the current quality requirements and that is flexible in the right places so that it is able to evolve gracefully.
RECENT ADVANCES IN THE REGULATION OF CLIMACTERIC FRUIT RIPENING: HORMONE, TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR AND EPIGENETIC MODIFICATIONS

ABSTRACT Fruit ripening is a complex developmental process made up of genetically programmed physiological and biochemical activities. It culminates in desirable changes in the structural and textural properties and is governed by a complex regulatory network. Much is known about ethylene, one of the most important metabolites promoting the ripening of climacteric fruits. However, the dynamic interplay between phytohormones also plays an important part. Additional regulatory factors such as transcription factors (TFs) and epigenetic modi ﬁ cations also play vital role in the regulation of climacteric fruit ripening. Here, we review and evaluate the complex regulatory network comprising interactions between hormones and the action of TFs and epigenetic modi ﬁ cations during climacteric fruit ripening.
Reliability of the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition

The manual of the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, recently released in its third edition, provides limited reliability information obtained from a sample composed primarily of typically developing individuals. The goal of this study was to evaluate the reliability of the Vineland-3 with the Vineland-II in a sample more similar in ability level to those in which the Vineland is commonly used. Both editions of the Vineland Comprehensive Parent Interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of 106 parents/caregivers of individuals with neurodevelopmental disability, participating at two neurodevelopmental disorder research clinics. The concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and mean differences were calculated for domain standard scores and subdomain v-scale scores. While the CCC values were in the acceptable range, Vineland-3 produced systematically lower scores than the Vineland-II, and these clinically significant differences tended to be larger for individuals with lower levels of ability. Thus, care must be taken in interpreting scores from the Vineland-3 relative to those obtained from the previous edition.
The effectiveness of preventive maintenance

The usual criterion of choice between preventive and contingency maintenance, availability, is restrictive in the sense that improvement is, even in ideal circumstances, at most of the order of 10%. Economic criteria are shown to obtain optima at values that do not maximize availability but show better percentage increases in net revenue rate or percentage decreases in maintenance cost. A decision model, valid for all types of life to failure distribution is given and demonstrated by a graph for the Weibull distribution. Finally, if life to failure has the Weibull distribution an easily calculated approximate optimal maintenance schedule is derived and shown to be within predictable limits of the true optima.
On the Frequency and Causes of Academic Dishonesty Among Engineering Students

According to studies of self-reported academic dishonesty conducted over time, cheating among college students has been on the increase since at least the 1940’s. This is especially true for engineering students who are now among the most likely to cheat compared to other disciplines. This paper will present a synopsis of the literature on academic dishonesty. In addition, the results of a pilot study on cheating among engineering students conducted at a small mid-western private engineering school are described. Engineering students in an introductory engineering materials course were asked to complete a survey on their perceptions of cheating; therefore, all results are selfreported. The goal of the pilot study is to establish student attitudes about what does and what does not constitute cheating and the frequency of student cheating. In addition, the pilot study was intended to help the researchers identify best practices for conducting a more complete research project. The overall objective of the research is to establish useable approaches for faculty to curtail the pressure to cheat which engineering students may feel.
Study some physiological characters, yield and yield component for five new rice varieties under different sowing dates.

Field research was conducted for 2 year 2009 and 2010 to evaluation in between rice varieties (Oryza sativa L.) under different sowing dates. at Rice research and training center (RRTC) – Sakha, Kafr- El sheikh, governorate, Egypt. To study five new rice varieties, Sakha 106, Sakha 105, G.Z 7576, G.Z. 9057 and G.Z. 9362 under five sowing dates April 1st , April 10th April 20th , may 1st and may 10th . Seedling age at transplanting was 26 days from sowing and planting spacing 20X20 cm in between hills. All agricultural practices were applied as recommended for each cultivar. As split plot design and four replication were used, five sowing dates allocated in the main plots, and five rice varieties were allocated in sup-plots. Main results induced that sowing date at April 1st gave the highest value on number of days from sowing up to maximum tillering , panicle initiation and flowering dates. And also Rote length(cm), leaf area index , No. of tillers/hill at PI, Chlorophyll content at H.D, Number of tillers/M2 t maturity stage , Panicle length (cm), Number of grains/panicle ,1000- grains weight(g). and Grains yield /ha except light penetration it was the lowest value. While may 10th gave the lowest value for all Preview attributes. As Sakha surpassed other varieties under study to all previous attributes whoever G.Z. 9362 gave the lowest value.
Spectral Analysis and Mitigation of GPS Multipath Error Using Digital Filtering for Static Applications

Abstract Multipath is one of the prominent error sources in Global Positioning System (GPS), which adversely affects the accuracy of the user’s position. This paper describes the estimation of frequency components of multipath error signal using spectral analysis and its effective mitigation using time-varying digital Alters. Four types of 2nd order Alters, namely, Butterworth, Type I and II Chebyshev and Elliptic filters, are examined for mitigation of multipath and their performance is compared. It is observed that by applying digital filters of different cut-off frequencies over the spectrum of the multipath, one can significantly reduce the multipath errors. The designed filters are applied to GPS data acquired from a typical urban environment site and found that Butterworth filter reduced the error most effectively. To extract the magnitude of error contribution in low and medium multipath frequency ranges, its mitigation is carried out with Butterworth filter. The performance of the filter is validated by the spectral analysis for multipath signals before and after filtering process. However, this spectral analysis followed by digital filtering is different from the approaches reported elsewhere in the open literature. This new approach is very useful in identifying least-affecting multipath sites for GPS applications.
Performance measures and quality tools in Portuguese small and medium enterprises: survey results

Abstract This paper describes a survey that was undertaken at the initial stage of a research project looking at performance measures and quality tools. Its objective was to determine the level of knowledge of performance measures and their degree of implementation in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Portugal. It also addressed the level of use of quality tools in the same companies, since they provide some degree of integration between the external requirements of a business and its internal activities and performance (Gregory, 1993). Most research to date has concentrated on large companies and so an important part of this work is to assess whether or not SMEs can adopt similar approaches with respect to quality, or in general, to management methodologies. For example, are ISO standards, TQM, balanced scorecard, or other excellence models beneficial to all companies and how are they implemented? The paper starts with a brief literature review and then presents the methodology used for the survey, the questionnaire construction and the pilot study. The full survey is described together with a comprehensive analysis of the results, including respondent bias and questionnaire reliability and validity. The general opinions of Portuguese SMEs with regard to performance measurement, the most important measures to use and the biggest obstacles to their adopting new ones are discussed. The paper culminates with an analysis of quality tools and the conclusions drawn from the study.
Impact damage detection in filament wound tubes using embedded optical fibre sensors

Filament wound tubes are currently being used extensively in service because of their superior specific properties and the relatively simple manufacturing technique involved in their production. However, filament wound tubes can suffer from low-velocity impact damage () during service. Such damage can result in poor post-impact properties which in certain applications can reduce the burst strength below safe working levels. This paper discusses the use of embedded optical fibre sensors for impact damage detection in filament wound tubes. The primary aim was to detect threshold levels of impact damage which would render the tube unsafe to use. Two types of sensor were used, namely (i) a simple crack detection system where the fracture of the optical fibres was correlated to the level of impact damage and (ii) a novel intensity-based optical fibre sensor which was used to measure the stiffness change in the filament wound tube as a function of impact damage. The first sensor was designed to be used on-line, i.e., during service, whereas the second sensor was designed for off-line analysis to provide more detailed information about the extent of impact damage. This study has demonstrated that it is relatively straightforward to embed the optical fibres into the filament wound tube during its manufacture. The majority of the optical fibres survived the filament winding and subsequent processing operation. The feasibility of using the simple crack detection system was successfully demonstrated. A novel intensity based optical fibre sensor was used to measure the stiffness change in the composite as a function of impact damage.
'Green' Trends in Sydney

‘Green’ fashion promotes ethical, environmentally-friendly practices, and in this paper it is used as a proxy for mainstream acceptability of sustainable practices and as a representation of self. This paper presents the findings from research that explores second-hand and recycled fashion shopping in inner Sydney as it relates to the ‘green’ movement. Using surveys, interviews and geo-spatial observations, this paper seeks to characterise trends in second-hand and recycled clothing channels while establishing the dominant motivations behind participation in this form of retail. These trends are evaluated within the context of ethical and environmental awareness of the participants.
Evaluation of Artificial Heads in Listening Tests

The localization performance was studied when subjects listened 1) to a real sound field and 2) to artificial-head recordings of the same sound field. The experiments took place in a standard listening room where each stimulus (female speech) was emitted from one of 19 loudspeakers, and the subjects were to indicate the perceived sound source. The artificial-head recordings were made a) by the artificial heads' built-in microphones and b) by blocked ear canal microphones. The reproduction was carried out by carefully equalized headphones. Eight artificial heads were included in the investigation, and 20 subjects participated, except for the experiment with recordings from built-in microphones, which was performed for eight subjects. When compared to real life, the localization performance with the artificial heads resulted in an increased number of errors independent of the recording technique. In general, the directions in the median plane were frequently confused, not only with nearby directions, but also with directions further away. For some artificial heads there was also an increase in confusions of directions outside the median plane. A much better performance is obtainable with binaural recordings made in the ears of humans. This encourages the design and production of improved artificial heads.
Impact of communication and information on a complex heterogeneous closed water catchment environment

This paper uses an experimental design that combines the use of an environmental levy with community involvement in the formation of group agreements and strategies to explore the impact of information and communication on water use in a complex heterogeneous environment. Participants in the experiments acted as farmers faced with monthly water demands, uncertain rainfall, possible crop loss, and the possibility of trading in water entitlements. The treatments included (1) no information on environmental consequences of extraction, (2) the provision of monthly aggregate environmental information, (3) the provision of monthly aggregate extraction information and a forum for discussion, and (4) the public provision of individual extraction information and a forum for discussion giving rise to potential verbal peer sanctions. To account for the impact of trade, the treatments were blocked into three market types: (1) no trade, (2) open call auctions, and (3) closed call auctions. The cost to the community of altering the natural flow regime to meet extractive demand was socialized through the imposition of an environmental levy equally imposed on all players.
The Development of Cloud Energy Management

The energy management service (EMS) has been utilized for saving energy since 1982 by managing the energy usage of site or facilities through the microprocessor, computer, Ethernet, internet, and wireless sensor network. The development and represented function groups of EMS are illustrated in the supplementary file of this paper. Along with this tendency, a cloud EMS, named the intelligent energy management network (iEN), was launched by Chunghwa Telecom in 2011 and tested during a pilot run from 2012 to 2013. The cloud EMS integrated three service modes together, including infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and software as a service (SaaS). This cloud EMS could reduce the facility cost and enable a continuously improved service for energy conservation. From the literature review, 32 selected EMS cases of whole site and single facility were chosen for calculating the energy savings and payback rate. According to the literature, the average energy savings by applying EMS are 11.6% and 21.4% for the whole site and single facility, respectively. The iEN was applied on 55 demo sites with the similar scale, the same kind of machines and approaching conditions. The testing sites include a factory, a complex building, and a residual building, 12 lighting systems and 8 air conditioning systems. According to the testing results, the average energy savings by applying iEN are 10% and 23.5% for the whole site and single facility, respectively. Comparing with the reported EMS cases, it was found that the energy savings by adopting the cloud EMS were only 70%–80% compared with those using the traditional EMS. Although the cloud EMS presented less energy savings, it revolutionized the traditional EMS by its innovative business model. Compared with the averaged 1.7 years payback period of the traditional EMS, more than 70% of the cloud EMS cases could pay back immediately for the service fees and without the equipment investment.
Computational study of a NACA4415 airfoil using synthetic jet control

Synthetic jet actuators for flow control applications have been an active topic of experimental research since the 90’s. Numerical simulations have become an important complement of that experimental work, providing detailed information of the dynamics of the controlled flow. This study is part of the AVOCET (Adaptive VOrticity Control Enabled flighT) project and is intended to provide computational support for the design and evaluation of closed-loop flow control with synthetic jet actuators for small scale Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The main objective is to analyze active flow control of a NACA4415 airfoil with tangential synthetic jets via computational modeling. A hybrid Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes/Large Eddy Simulation (RANS/LES) turbulent model (called Delayed Detached-Eddy Simulation-DDES) was implemented in CDP, a kinetic energy conserving Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) code. CDP is a parallel unstructured grid incompressible flow solver, developed at the Center for Integrated Turbulence Simulations (CITS) at Stanford University. Two models of synthetic jet actuators have been developed and validated. The first is a detailed model in which the flow in and out of the actuator cavity is modeled. A second less costly model (RSSJ) was also developed in which the Reynolds stress produced by the actuator is modeled, based on information from the detailed model. Several static validation test cases at different angle of attack with modified NACA 4415 and Dragon Eye airfoils were performed. Numerical results show the effects of the actuators on the vortical structure of the flow, as well as on the aerodynamic properties. The main effect of the actuation on the time averaged vorticity field is a bending of the separation shear layer from the actuator toward the airfoil surface, resulting in changes in the aerodynamic properties. Full actuation of the suction side actuator reduces the pitching moment and increases the lift force, while the pressure side actuator increases the pitching moment and reduces the lift force. These observations are in agreement with experimental results. The effectiveness of the actuator is measured by the change in the aerodynamic properties of the airfoil in particular the lift ([Delta]C[subscript t]) and moment ([Delta]C[subscript m]) coefficients. Computational results for the actuator effectiveness show very good agreement with the experimental values (over the range of −2° to 10°). While the actuation modifies the global pressure distribution, the most pronounced effects are near the trailing edge in which a spike in the pressure coefficient (C[subscript p]) is observed. The local reduction of C[subscript p], for both the suction side and pressure side actuators, at x/c = 0.96 (the position of the actuators) is about 0.9 with respect to the unactuated case. This local reduction of the pressure is associated with the trapped vorticity and flow acceleration close to the trailing edge. The RSSJ model is designed to capture the synthetic jet time averaged behavior so that…
Important Factors in the Starting Process of a Two-Dimensional Nozzle

This paper describes an experimental and numerical simulation study of the unsteady flow of the starting process of a two-dimensional nozzle. The analysis focuses on changes in the flow-separation point, in addition to the overall flow structure. The position of the separation point in the nozzle-starting process is simulated using a turbulent model and an appropriate arrangement of the computational grid. It was found that the flow structure near the nozzle throat wall is important in the nozzle-starting process. The boundary layer including the vortical structure in this area characterizes the flow structure of the downstream side. Moreover, the aspect ratio of the computational grid should be 1:1 near the nozzle throat wall in order to reproduce the results of the nozzle-starting experiment. Furthermore, a simplified RANS turbulence model cannot reproduce the separation point in the nozzle-starting process.
H2A Biomethane Model Documentation and a Case Study for Biogas From Dairy Farms

The new H2A Biomethane model was developed to estimate the levelized cost of biomethane by using the framework of the vetted original H2A models for hydrogen production and delivery. For biomethane production, biogas from sources such as dairy farms and landfills is upgraded by a cleanup process. The model also estimates the cost to compress and transport the product gas via the pipeline to export it to the natural gas grid or any other potential end-use site. Inputs include feed biogas composition and cost, required biomethane quality, cleanup equipment capital and operations and maintenance costs, process electricity usage and costs, and pipeline delivery specifications.