Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Automated evolutionary design of self-assembly and self-organising systems

Self-assembly and self-organisation are natural construction processes where the spontaneous formation of aggregates emerges throughout the progressive interplay of local interactions among its constituents. Made upon cooperative self-reliant components, self-assembly and self-organising systems are seen as distributed, not necessarily synchronous, autopoietic mechanisms for the bottom-up fabrication of supra-structures. The systematic understanding of how nature endows these autonomous components with sufficient ''intelligence'' to combine themselves to form useful aggregates brings challenging questions to science, answers to which have many potential applications in matters of life and technological advances. It is for this reason that the investigation to be presented along this thesis focuses on the automated design of self-assembly and self-organising systems by means of artificial evolution. Towards this goal, this dissertation embodies research on evolutionary algorithms applied to the parameters design of a computational model of self-organisation and the components design of a computational model of self-assembly. In addition, an analytical assessment combining correlation metrics and clustering, as well as the exploration of emergent patterns of cooperativity and the measurement of activity across evolution, is made. The results support the research hypothesis that an adaptive process such as artificial evolution is indeed a suitable strategy for the automated design of self-assembly and self-organising systems where local interactions, homogeneity and both stochastic and discrete models of execution play a crucial role in emergent complex structures.
A transcriptional and functional analysis of heat hardening in two invasive fruit fly species, Bactrocera dorsalis and Bactrocera correcta

Many insects have the capacity to increase their resistance to high temperatures by undergoing heat hardening at nonlethal temperatures. Although this response is well established, its molecular underpinnings have only been investigated in a few species where it seems to relate at least partly to the expression of heat shock protein (Hsp) genes. Here, we studied the mechanism of hardening and associated transcription responses in larvae of two invasive fruit fly species in China, Bactrocera dorsalis and Bactrocera correcta. Both species showed hardening which increased resistance to 45°C, although the more widespread B. dorsalis hardened better at higher temperatures compared to B. correcta which hardened better at lower temperatures. Transcriptional analyses highlighted expression changes in a number of genes representing different biochemical pathways, but these changes and pathways were inconsistent between the two species. Overall B. dorsalis showed expression changes in more genes than B. correcta. Hsp genes tended to be upregulated at a hardening temperature of 38°C in both species, while at 35°C many Hsp genes tended to be upregulated in B. correcta but not B. dorsalis. One candidate gene (the small heat shock protein gene, Hsp23) with a particularly high level of upregulation was investigated functionally using RNA interference (RNAi). We found that RNAi may be more efficient in B. dorsalis, in which suppression of the expression of this gene removed the hardening response, whereas in B. correcta RNAi did not decrease the hardening response. The different patterns of gene expression in these two species at the two hardening temperatures highlight the diverse mechanisms underlying hardening even in closely related species. These results may provide target genes for future control efforts against such pest species.
An evaluation of Stand up for Shakespeare : The Royal Shakespeare Company Learning & Performance Network 2006-2009

In January 2009, CEDAR was commissioned by the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) to undertake an evaluation of the impact of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s (RSC) Learning and Performance Network (LPN) on teachers and learners. This abridged version of the report submitted to the TDA provides the evidence and findings of this study that have particular relevance to the further development of the LPN.
Development of Simulated Directional Audio for Cockpit Applications

Abstract : The long-term objective of this work is to develop techniques for conveying accurate spatial information via audio signals delivered to the listener through headphones or earphones. This project included three major activities: (1) an extensive review and synthesis of the research literature on auditory localization, (2) the design, fabrication, and evaluation of an apparatus for demonstrating simulated auditory localization (SAL), and (3) experimental research to determine characteristics of the audio signal, in the time and frequency domains, which enhance localization performance with simulated cues. Previous research is reviewed which describes the cues involved in the perception of sound-source direction, both horizontally and vertically, when the head is stationary. Also reviewed is research on auditory distance perception, the roles of head movement and vision in auditory localization, the perception of auditory motion and volume, and the effects of noise on auditory localization. A feedback control model is presented, which integrates evidence derived from four different theoretical positions concerning the effects of head movement and vision on auditory localization. Possible applications of SAL technology in aircraft cockpits are outlined, and the potential benefits of such applications are discussed. Topic areas in auditory localization are identified where further basic research is needed to support the development of Sal into a valuable pilot aid.
Skills retention in a complex battlefield management system: A pilot study

This paper reports the findings of a pilot study which examined the long-term retention of digital skills in a UK Information Management System (IMS). Empirical evidence suggests that, long periods of non-use of a complex digital system may impact on the retention of the digital skills required to use the system effectively. However, no empirical data was available for a UK system. An experimental trial was conducted with military personnel to investigate skills retention for a UK IMS over a nine-week period.
The Attitudes of Al-Azraq Syrian Refugee Camp Students toward Using "Darsak" Platform in Learning English Language

The present study is aimed at investigating the trends of the female students in Al-Azraq Syrian refugee camp towards using "Darsak" platform in learning English language. To achieve the aim of the study, an attitude scale with three dimensions (affective component, perceived usefulness, and perceived control) was prepared and it consisted in its final form of 21 items. It was applied to 110 students of the eighth, ninth and tenth grades from schools in Al-Azraq camp for Syrian refugees in Zarqa Governorate in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan during the 1 st semester of 2020/2021. The data collected were analyzed using the SPSS statistical program. The mean scores and standard deviations for the attitudes of the students towards "Darsak" platform in learning English were extracted. Based on the analysis, the results revealed that the female students displayed moderate attitudes towards using "Darsak" platform in learning the English language on the questionnaire items as a whole; whereas the students’ attitudes on the items of the three dimensions of the questionnaire ranged from weak to moderate levels. The results were discussed and the study ended with recommendations to review and develop "Darsak" platform to achieve the desired educational objectives of using this platform as a digital educational tool.
Trajectorial market models: arbitrage and pricing intervals

The paper develops general, non-probabilistic market models based on trajectory sets and minmax price bounds leading to price intervals for Eu- ropean options. The approach provides the trajectory based analogue of a martingale process as well as a generalization that allows a limited notion of arbitrage in the market while still providing coherent option prices. An illus-trative example is described in detail. Several properties of the price bounds are obtained, in particular a connection with risk neutral pricing is established for trajectory markets associated to a continuous-time martingale model.
Emission spectroscopy for the study of electric propulsion plasmas

Typical electric propulsion devices rely on the acceleration of highly ionized plasmas to produce thrust at specific impulses unattainable with state-of-the-art chemical systems. This thesis examines the use of a miniaturized Helicon plasma source for an open-ended, electrode-less, cathode-less thruster through emission spectroscopy. The use of non-invasive diagnostics allows the measurement of important plasma parameters near the ionization region, where the plasma densities and temperatures are prohibitively high for typical electrostatic probes, while avoiding the inherent perturbations caused by invasive techniques. A spectral study of the Helicon antenna region, yielding axially resolved information on the electron temperature and degree of ionization, is discussed. A similar study in the near-field plume is presented, along with Doppler shift measurements, which clearly demonstrate continued acceleration upstream of the thruster exit. The Doppler shift measurements are validated by extending the study to a Hall effect thruster plasma, well characterized in the literature. Ion flux estimates from the downstream portion of the spectroscopic survey are compared with Faraday probe measurements. Possible mechanisms for thrust are presented along with their implications on Helicon thruster design. Thesis Supervisor: Oleg Batishchev Title: Principal Research Scientist
Siting Handbook for Small Wind Energy Conversion Systems

The primary purpose of this handbook is to provide siting guidelines for laymen who are considering the use of small wind energy conversion systems. With this purpose in mind, the handbook is being published in its current form to provide basic strategies to users as early as possible. The handbook will soon require updating due to rapidly changing technology and the evolving needs of users. Consequently, the authors also intend for this edition to serve as a review copy prior to wider distribution.
Studies on the effect of plant growth regulators and their application methods on growth, yield and quality attributes of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) variety Kufri Pukhraj under agro-climatic conditions of Chhattisgarh plains

The present investigation entitled “Studies on the effect of plant growth regulators and their application methods on growth, yield and quality attributes of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) variety Kufri Pukhraj under agro-climatic conditions of Chhattisgarh plains. ” was performed at Research Cum Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, IGKV, Raipur (C.G), during the Rabi season 2018-19 under ACRPT. The experiment was carried out with Factorial RBD with fourteen treatment combinations consisting of two methods of application S (Seed treatment) and F (Foliar Spray application) and seven levels of plant growth regulators viz., T1 (Plain water), T2 (GA3 -15 ppm), T3 (GA3-25 ppm), T4 (GA350 ppm), T5 (IBA-100 ppm), T6 (IBA-200 ppm) and T7 (IBA-250 ppm) were replicated three times. The method of PGRs application significantly influenced on all growth, yield and quality parameters. The method of PGRs application non-significantly differentiate plant height, number of shoot and dry weight of shoot per plant, harvesting index, specific gravity. The interaction effect of these two components recorded significant lesser days for plant emergence under ST3 (19 days), higher plant emergence percentage under ST3 (95.11%), maximum height of plant at 90 DAP under ST4 (61.78), maximum number of shoot under FT2 (13.13), maximum number of tuber per plant under FT7 (8.30), grade wise maximum tuber yield found that Grade B (50-75 g) tuber yield with FT5 of 9.17 kg/plot (10.19 t/ha). However, maximum total tuber yield was recorded with ST4that is (29.43 t/ha).
Spherical cavity-expansion forcing function in PRONTO 3D for application to penetration problems

In certain penetration events the primary mode of deformation of the target can be approximated by known analytical expressions. In the context of an analysis code, this approximation eliminates the need for modeling the target as well as the need for a contact algorithm. This technique substantially reduces execution time. In this spirit, a forcing function which is derived from a spherical-cavity expansion analysis has been implemented in PRONTO 3D. This implementation is capable of computing the structural and component responses of a projectile due to three dimensional penetration events. Sample problems demonstrate good agreement with experimental and analytical results.
Effects of WeChat-based Educational Intervention on Depression and Quality of Life in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Randomized Controlled Trail

Background: Ankylosing spondylitis(AS), as a common inflammatory rheumatic disease, often cause depression and impaired health-related quality of life(QoL). Although positive effects of patient education have been demonstrated, limited studies explored the benefits of education via mobile applications for AS patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the WeChat-based educational intervention on depression and health-related QoL in AS patients.Methods: We conducted a single-blind randomized controlled trial from March to December 2017. Potential patients were recruited and randomized into the intervention group who received a 12-week WeChat-based educational intervention (consisting of four individual online educational sessions, online health information) or the control group receiving standard care. Data was collected at baseline and 12 weeks after the intervention. Outcomes were measured by Beck Depression Inventory-Ⅱ, the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36-item Health Survey, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Patient Global Score, visual analogue scales. Results: A total of 118 patients with AS were included and analysed. Measures at baseline were comparable between groups. After the intervention, the intervention group reported significant higher scores of all dimensions of QoL except for physical function and validity, compared with the control group. Additionally, patients in the intervention group had lower depressive symptom than the control group. No significant difference in other outcomes was observed at 12 weeks. Conclusions: This study found that the 12-week educational intervention via WeChat had positive effects on reducing depressive symptom and improving health related QoL in Chinese patients with AS. We suggest that this intervention can be integrated into current routine care of AS patients. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trail Registry (registry number: ChiCTR-IPR-16009293). Registered September 29, 2016.
Group theory and jelly’s experiment of Rayleigh–Taylor instability and Rayleigh–Taylor interfacial mixing

Rayleigh–Taylor (RT) instability develops at the interface between two fluids of different densities accelerated against their density gradients. Intense interfacial fluid mixing ensues with time. RT mixing controls a broad range of processes in fluids, plasmas, materials, at astrophysical and at molecular scales. In this work we focus on the physics of RT mixing, which we have identified through our theoretical and experimental studies. The theory analyzes symmetries and invariants of RT dynamics and finds that RT mixing has strong correlations, weak fluctuations, and is sensitive to deterministic conditions. The experiment unambiguously observes heterogeneity, anisotropy and sensitivity to deterministic conditions of RT mixing in a broad range of setups. The theory and the experiment agree with one another, reveal that RT mixing may exhibit order and suggest new avenue for studies interfacial mixing in nature and technology.
Producing Bollywood: Inside the Contemporary Hindi Film Industry

Producing Bollywood offers an unprecedented look inside the social and professional worlds of the Mumbai-based Hindi film industry and explains how it became "Bollywood," the global film phenomenon and potent symbol of India as a rising economic powerhouse. In this rich and entertaining ethnography Tejaswini Ganti examines the changes in Hindi film production from the 1990s until 2010, locating them in Hindi filmmakers' efforts to accrue symbolic capital, social respectability, and professional distinction, and to manage the commercial uncertainties of filmmaking. These efforts have been enabled by the neoliberal restructuring of the Indian state and economy since 1991. This restructuring has dramatically altered the country's media landscape, which quickly expanded to include satellite television and multiplex theaters. Ganti contends that the Hindi film industry's metamorphosis into Bollywood would not have been possible without the rise of neoliberal economic ideals in India. By describing dramatic transformations in the Hindi film industry's production culture, daily practices, and filmmaking ideologies during a decade of tremendous social and economic change in India, Ganti offers valuable new insights into the effects of neoliberalism on cultural production in a postcolonial setting.
Pengaruh Program Pendidikan Dan Latihan Terhadap Kinerja Dan Kepuasan Kerja Karyawan

Education and training program (training) is one of the activities concerning humanresources which is very important to face company challenges, now also in future time.Before we implement education and training programs, firstly we need to analyze what thecompany needs. Analysis and assessment of education and training program needs areconducted in order to diagnose existing problems as well as future challenges that areexpected to be addressed through training and development. Research was conducted at PTTelkom Tbk Pekanbaru. Data collection techniques used were interviews, questionnaires, andobservation. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). In this study wefound that there were positive significant influence of education and training onperformance, positive significant influence of education and training program on jobsatisfaction, and positive significant influence of performance on job satisfaction. Keywords: Education and training program, performance, job satisfaction.
The Effects of Automated Speed Enforcement Systems on Traffic-Flow Characteristics and Accidents in Korea

The effects of Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) systems on traffic-flow characteristics and safety in Korea were analyzed. Data collected from road sections at each ASE station initially installed in 1987 showed significant decreases in total numbers of accidents and fatalities. The ASE system was effective in reducing average speed, speed variance and the proportion of short headways. Language: en
Microbiological profile of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnant women in Volta Region, Ghana

Asymptomatic bacteriuria can lead to urinary tract infections in as many as 20% of pregnant women. Asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy can also lead to preterm births and low birth weights. The objective of this study was to profile uro-pathogens and describe the population-based prevalence, the antimicrobial sensitivity pattern, and ascertain the risk factors for asymptomatic bacteriuria among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic of Ho Teaching Hospital, in Ghana. Urine samples were cultured, isolates identified and antibiotic sensitivity testing was done using the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) guidelines. 46 (13.7%) out of 335 pregnant women had asymptomatic bacteriuria. The most frequently isolated bacteria were Pseudomonas species (26.1%) followed by Escherichia coli (21.7%). All isolates (n=46; 100%) were resistant to Augmentin whereas 87% of the isolates (n=40) were susceptible to Gentamicin. However, most of the isolates were multi-resistant to antibiotic drugs. No education (p=0.019) and first trimester (p=0.046) of pregnancy were risk factors for asymptomatic bacteriuria. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequent organism isolated. All the uro-pathogens were resistant to Augmentin, while high rates of resistance to Tetracycline, Amikacin, Norfloxacin, and Levofloxacin were observed. The study reveals that asymptomatic bacteriuria was significantly associated with the first trimester of pregnancy and having no education.
Outer-Bank Shear Stress in River Bends: Numerical Modeling of Curved Flow

In the dimensional averaged numerical models, that are used for practicle purposes, there need to be accounted for three-dimensional processes. Amongst others a bank shear stress parameterization need to be incorperated. This master thesis focusses on the outer-bank shear stress in order to obtain a parameterization for the outer-bank shear stress for naturally curved flows. The outer-bank shear stress is obtained from three-dimensional numerical computations. The numerical modeling is based on the Large Eddy Simulator, available at the Fluid Mechanics Department of the Technical University of Delft. Despite the considerable progress achieved, the software is still under development and a thorough review of its code is therefore necessary. The aim of this master thesis is to assess the effect of the outer-bank roughness, the outer-bank angle and the transverse bed slope on the outer-bank shear stress and to test and improve the performance of the boundary method of the computational algorithm. The magnitude of the outer-bank shear stress and the outer-bank cell increase for increasing roughness of the outer-bank, leading to a less uniform distribution of the outer-bank shear stress. The magnitude of the outer-bank shear stress decreases for increasing inclination of the outer-bank. For a more inclined outer-bank, the magnitude of the outer-bank shear stress is more dependent on the outer-bank roughness. No significant dependency of the distribution of the outer-bank shear stress on the outer-bank inclination can be found from the results. Inclusion of the point bar related transverse bed slope does not lead to a significant change of the magnitude and distribution of the outer-bank shear stress. Clearly, the helical motion outscores the effect of topographic steering. The boundary method adds the frictional effects of solid boundaries to the computational algorithm. The implemented boundary method, the Immersed Boundary Method, allows for the implementation of complex boundaries on a structured grid. Although in some cases the boundary method has a good performance, it is not very robust and prone to errors. It is recognized that the near wall velocity profile using the Immersed Boundary Method does not often coincide with the actual momentum `loss' at the wall. This problem, not recognized in earlier studies, can be attributed to inaccuracy in the description of the turbulent viscosity. The latter is understood and partly solved. The accuracy can be further improved by coarsening the grid or reconsidering the implemented turbulence closure model, the Smagorinsky Model. Different improved Smagorinsky Models are available.