Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Application of optical fibres in precision heterodyne laser interferometry

In the semi-conductor industry the photo-lithography, which is performed with a wafer scanner, is one of the critical production steps within the production of (computer)chips. Heterodyne laser interferometers are used in these wafer scanners as the primary displacement measurement system. The laser light source of the interferometer however is also a heat source influencing the achievable displacement measurement accuracy by the thermo-mechanical interaction with the machine. In addition much (expensive) optics is needed to deliver the laser beam, through the machine, to the wafer stage and reticle stage. The use of an optical fibre would make it possible to position the laser light source outside the machine, as well as reducing the number of optical components needed for beam delivery. In this research the achievable accuracies with a fibre fed heterodyne laser interferometer are investigated. Therefore several different types and lengths of polarisation maintaining fibres have been investigated and a Jones-model has been constructed which describes the characteristic behaviour of these birefringent fibres. For the measurement of multiple interferometer axes it is important that the beam intensity of the light emerging from the fibre is as high as possible. Because no fibre coupler was available to manipulate the laser light beam in 6 degrees of freedom in respect with the fibre, a high precision fibre coupler was developed. Based on the measured resolutions of the coupler, a calculated efficiency of 47% should be possible. Improvements of the coupling efficiencies are mainly achievable with special optics so that the numerical aperture of the beam better match that of the fibre. Experimentally coupling efficiencies of 35 − 66% were achieved when using two different lenses. A stable polarisation state is required for accurate displacementmeasurements. This is achieved by using polarisation maintaining fibres. By applying these PM fibres however also phase changes between the two polarisations occurs. These phase changes are measured as a ’virtual’ displacement. By using an external reference measurement, this main error source is mainly eliminated. By the development of a specific alignment procedure with the use of only one parameter (the extinction ratio), the quality of the fibre can be determined. The extinction ratio is the ratio of the unwanted andwanted polarisation state. This parameter can directly be obtained from measurement and/or fitting of these measurements to the analytical model. By applying the analytical model also
Periodic technical inspections of vehicles and road traffic safety with the number of road accidents involving fatalities

The article is an attempt to find relationship between the implemented system of periodic technical inspections of vehicles and the number of road accidents, reliability of vehicles and road safety. The study utilises results of comparative tests, where the relationships and parameters could be directly observed for the cases with the system implemented and some without periodic technical inspections at all (for example: between the states of the USA, Australia and the research work conducted in Norway in the 90’s). The analysis of results leads to unexpected conclusion that system of periodic technical inspections of vehicles does not have statistically significant effect on the number of accidents, including the number of road accidents involving fatalities.
Comparison and Evaluation of Routing Mechanisms for Wi-Fi Mesh Networks

Wireless mesh networks are communication networks possessing radio nodes with mesh organization structure. They are expected to be widely employed by personal, local, campus and metropolitan area applications. Most of the needed components for the deployment of WMNs; such as ad-hoc network routing protocols, wireless security protocols, IEEE 802.11 MAC protocol are already available, while there are problems sourced from various protocol layers. These problems restrict WMNs from serving their potential. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the WMN routing mechanisms with respect to several performance indicators and to determine the routing protocols, which maintain scalable, robust and efficient operation. The performance of B.A.T.M.A.N (Better Approach to Mobile Ad-hoc Networking) protocol is compared to conventional AODV and OLSR protocols in addition to an experimental wireless MPLS routing mechanism (LWMPLS). The OMNeT++ simulation environment helps to determine the performance of routing mechanisms throughout our tests. The simulation results point out that B.A.T.M.A.N protocol performs stable routing in networks with varying link qualities or failing nodes. It has low packet loss rate even when it is employed in environments with extremely high thermal noise, therefore B.A.T.M.A.N is foreseen to become one of the most popular routing mechanisms of WMNs.
Personalized Prediction of Response to Smartphone-Delivered Meditation Training: Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Meditation apps have surged in popularity in recent years, with an increasing number of individuals turning to these apps to cope with stress, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meditation apps are the most commonly used mental health apps for depression and anxiety. However, little is known about who is well suited to these apps. Objective This study aimed to develop and test a data-driven algorithm to predict which individuals are most likely to benefit from app-based meditation training. Methods Using randomized controlled trial data comparing a 4-week meditation app (Healthy Minds Program [HMP]) with an assessment-only control condition in school system employees (n=662), we developed an algorithm to predict who is most likely to benefit from HMP. Baseline clinical and demographic characteristics were submitted to a machine learning model to develop a “Personalized Advantage Index” (PAI) reflecting an individual’s expected reduction in distress (primary outcome) from HMP versus control. Results A significant group × PAI interaction emerged (t658=3.30; P=.001), indicating that PAI scores moderated group differences in outcomes. A regression model that included repetitive negative thinking as the sole baseline predictor performed comparably well. Finally, we demonstrate the translation of a predictive model into personalized recommendations of expected benefit. Conclusions Overall, the results revealed the potential of a data-driven algorithm to inform which individuals are most likely to benefit from a meditation app. Such an algorithm could be used to objectively communicate expected benefits to individuals, allowing them to make more informed decisions about whether a meditation app is appropriate for them. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04426318; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04426318
Is It Possible for Young Students to Learn the AI-STEAM Application with Experiential Learning?

This study attempted to evaluate the learning effectiveness of using the MIT App Inventor platform and its Personal Image Classifier (PIC) tool in the interdisciplinary application. The instructional design was focused on applying PIC in the integration of STEAM (i.e., Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) interdisciplinary learning, so as to provide sustainable and suitable teaching content based on the experiential learning theory for 7th grader students. Accordingly, the sustainable AI-STEAM course with the experiential learning framework has been implemented and verified, so as to confirm that the AI-STEAM course is not too difficult for young students. Many basic concepts involved in the AI-STEAM course, regarding programming logic, electromechanical concepts, interface design, and the application of image recognition, were measured in this study. The results showed that the students not only made significant progress in learning effectiveness, but also in particular made significant improvements in two parts: electromechanical concepts and image recognition knowledge. In the end, this study further provides some advice on the sustainable AI-STEAM course based on the survey of some important factors including active learning, and self-efficacy after confirming that it is not a barrier for the young students to learn the sustainable AI-STEAM course developed in this study.
Closure of "Dynamic Behavior of Deck Slabs of Concrete Road Bridges"

This paper treats the dynamic effect of traffic actions on the deck slabs of concrete road bridges using the finite-element method. All the important parameters that influence bridge-vehicle interaction are studied with a systematic approach. An advanced numerical model is described and the results of a parametric study are presented. The results suggest that vehicle speed is less important than vehicle mass and that road roughness is the most important parameter affecting the dynamic behavior of deck slabs. The type of bridge cross section was not found to have a significant influence on deck slab behavior. The dynamic amplification factor varied between 1.0 and 1.55 for the bridges and vehicles studied. These results should be validated by further work.
Bank-firm equity-based relationships and firm’s performance: evidence from Islamic and conventional banks of OIC countries

Abstract We examine the relationship between bank’s equity ownership and corporate financial performance based on cross-sectional data through 2SLS estimation model. Our evidence is based on listed 3203 non-financial firms of 16 Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) member states with dual-banking system (Islamic and Conventional). Consistent with notion of previous empirical studies, we document a positive impact of both Islamic and Conventional bank-firm equity-based relationships on firm’s performance. The study suggests that the presence of bank equity ownership mitigates agency cost and information asymmetry problems, which in turn increase the firm’s performance. Hence, the market participants such as portfolio managers may consider the role of financial intermediaries during the construction of risk minimization strategies.
Vibration Control of Autoparametric System Using MR Dampers in the Pendula Joints

In this paper a three-degree of freedom autoparametric system with a double pendulum including the magnetorheological (MR) dampers in the pendula joints is investigated numerically. The system consists of the two coupled pendula hangs down from the oscillator. Near the resonance regions except multiperiodic and quasiperiodic vibration, also chaotic motion may appear. For characterising a chaotic response the bifurcation diagrams, Poincare maps and maximal exponent of Lyapunov for different magnetorheological damping parameters are constructed. The influence of damping moment in the pendula joins (described by Bingham’s model) on the phenomenon of energy transfer can be modified by magnetic field. Results show that MR dampers can be used to change the dynamic behavior of the autoparametric system giving semiactive control possibilities.
Reflection on Integrative Project-based learning in Business and Information Technology Programs

Recently there has been an increase in demand for interdisciplinary programs that enable graduates to demonstrate a blend of technical and ‘soft skills’. As a result, many higher education organizations are developing programs that integrate areas such as management and information technology or entrepreneurship and engineering. The wide range of topics covered in these programs and the need for graduate to be able to integrate and apply of core concepts. Since 2010 we have used integrative project-based learning as a core element of our game development and entrepreneurship program. In this model, students work in project teams to create a “complete” video game following a set of specific feature requirements drawn from the students’ courses. This project requires students to integrate concepts across all courses taken (including those from business, game design, programming, and game art) and develop a commercially viable game. More recently, we have developed project-based learning elements for our networking and information technology security program. In this paper, we reflect on the success and challenges of implementing integrative project-based learning throughout a university program. Elements considered include scalability, management of student groups, faculty engagement, program scheduling, and effectiveness of content integration. Results have demonstrated that students are better able to understand how fundamental concepts from the various curriculum areas interact while gaining additional opportunities to practice ‘soft skills’ such as project management, communications, problem solving, and leadership. The paper will provide recommendations on the necessary learning environment and supports for successful implementation of integrative project-based learning.
Alloy design for a fusion power plant

Fusion power is generated when hot deuterium and tritium nuclei react, producing alpha particles and 14 MeV neutrons. These neutrons escape the reaction plasma and are absorbed by the surrounding material structure of the plant, transferring the heat of the reaction to an external cooling circuit. In such high-energy neutron irradiation environments, extensive atomic displacement damage and transmutation production of helium affect the mechanical properties of materials. Among these effects are irradiation hardening, embrittlement, and macroscopic swelling due to the formation of voids within the material. To aid understanding of these effects, Bayesian neural networks were used to model irradiation hardening and embrittlement of a set of candidate alloys, reduced-activation ferritic-martensitic steels. The models have been compared to other methods, and it is demonstrated that a neural network approach to modelling the properties of irradiated steels provides a useful tool in the future engineering of fusion materials, and for the first time, predictions are made on irradiated property changes based on the full range of available experimental parameters rather than a simplified model. In addition, the models are used to calculate optimised compositions for potential fusion alloys. Recommendations on the most fruitful ways of designing future experiments have also been made. In addition, a classical nucleation theory approach was taken to modelling the incubation and nucleation of irradiation-induced voids in these steels, with a view to minimising this undesirable phenomenon in candidate materials.
Genetic diversity and structural characterization of spike glycoprotein of newly emerged SARS-CoV-2

A new beta Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection was first identified in the Wuhan City, China in December 2019 and after that it had spread rapidly throughout the globe and subsequently WHO have announced it as a pandemic. So, SARS-CoV-2 has now become a global threat to human civilization. Recent studies showed that the proteomic data of SARS-CoV-2 is closely related with other beta Coronavirus. The phylogenetic tree revealed the closeness of recently reported SAR-CoV2 with SARS-CoV by using MEGA 7 along with the suitable protocol of Neighbor joining algorithm. The spike glycoprotein plays the most important role during the onset of infection. Several mutations have been reported across the globe in the S Proteins. In this research, molecular docking between the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein and ACE2 protein was carried out in PatchDock web servers. WEBnm@ calculated the molecular simulation using Normal Mode Analysis (NMA) along with lowest deformation energy value which signifies the domain motions. Also during multiple sequence analysis, variations were observed within the Spike protein reported globally. 3- Dimensional structure of protein molecules were designed using homology modeling and the structure were validated through Q mean score and Ramachandran plot. All of the designed sequences were having around 91% of the amino acid in the favored region of Ramachandran plot. In order to check the binding affinity difference between the mutated and non-mutated strains, the generated models were docked with human ACE2 molecules. The non mutated strains have given the similar ACE value. However, there were variations in ACE value of the mutated strains. This observation provides evidence of Phylogenetic diversity and evolution.
Application of foam-filled conical tubes in enhancing the crashworthiness performance of vehicle protective structures

This paper treats the feasibility of including a supplementary energy-absorbing device in the form of foam-filled conical tubes onto vehicular protective structures to enhance their energy absorbing capacity and hence to enhance safety for the occupants during accidental impacts. The effect of the supplementary energy absorber device was investigated for varying values of the wall thickness of the tube and the foam density of the filler. Research findings have shown the inclusion of this supplementary energy-absorbing device to be a cost-effective and beneficial solution, which promoted an enhanced level of occupant safety by enhancing the energy absorption, reducing the amount of plastic deformation sustained by the protective structure as well as reducing the severity of the peak decelerations transferred to the occupant compartment during such an event.
Concerning variation in encoding spatial motion: Evidence from Finnish

Abstract This article describes variation in the use of frames of reference (FoRs; object-centred, viewpoint-centred, and geocentric, as in Holistic Spatial Semantics) in Finnish descriptions of motion and connects questions of variation to a typological framework. Recent research has described the choice of FoRs as a process with multiple factors. This complexity and controlling for the main variables posited in the literature create the starting point for the current study that explores factors affecting the choice of FoRs in motion situations and within speakers of the same language. The data were elicited from 50 native speakers of Finnish by using video stimuli. The informants were (mostly) formally educated young adults living in urban surroundings. The analysis reveals considerable variation in individual coding strategies, especially in the inclusion of the speaker’s viewpoint. It also considers variation with respect to different types of trajectories and cross-linguistic differences in the resources of spatial reference.
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A NEW PROGRAM OF LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT WITH FEMALE VARSITY ATHLETES: A PILOT STUDY

The purpose of the current study was to develop, implement, and examine a new program of leadership development with varsity athletes. The sample comprised 27 varsity athletes (Mage = 20.30, SD = 2.07) who were assigned to a rookie (n = 7), emerging (n = 11), or veteran (n = 9) leader group based on their year of tenure. Each group participated in four workshops over the course of a season focused on developing both leader (human capital) and leadership (social capital) capabilities. In terms of leader development, results indicated significant increases in ratings of the use of eight of 10 targeted leader behaviors from pre-intervention to post-intervention. In terms of leadership development, results indicated significant increases in ratings of task-involving climate, team integration, personal development, and team performance as well as a desired significant decrease in ratings of ego-involving climate.
Wind Loading of Structures

Preface 1. The Nature of Windstorms and Wind-Induced Damage 2. Prediction of Design Wind Speeds and Structural Safety 3. Strong Wind Characteristics and Turbulence 4. Basic Bluff-Body Aerodynamics 5. Dynamic Response and Effective Static Load Distributions 6. Internal Pressures 7. Laboratory Simulation of Strong Winds and Wind Loads 8. Low-Rise Buildings 9. Tall Buildings 10. Large Roofs and Sports Stadiums 11. Towers, Chimneys and Masts 12. Bridges 13. Transmission Lines 14. Other Structures 15. Wind Loading Codes and Standards. Appendix A: Terminology. Appendix B: List of Symbols. Appendix C. Probability Distributions Relevant to Wind Loading. Appendix D: Extreme Wind Climates - A World Survey. Appendix E. Some Approximate Formulas for Natural Frequencies. Appendix F: Application of the Effective Static Load Method to a Simple Structure
In-depth case study of Australian seating service experience: stakeholders' perspectives

The in-depth case study explores the Australian seating service experience from four stakeholders’ perspectives. To capture essential case study data, a qualitative approach collected the seating service experiences of eleven consumers, five care providers, 28 prescribing clinicians and 16 vendors. Sixty participants shared their experiences via an in-depth interview process of procuring specialised wheelchair-seating technology within the Australian seating service sector. The in-depth interviews were recorded, transcribed, and member-checked. The interview data builds on scant evidence of the seating service as experienced in Australia.
TIME OF DAY MODELS OF MOTOR CARRIER ACCIDENT RISK

A time-dependent logistic regression model has been formulated to assess the safety of motor carrier operations. The model estimates the probability of having an accident at time interval t, subject to surviving (i.e., not having an accident) until that time. Three logistic regression models are estimated, which include time main effects (the driving time), time-independent effects (experience), time-dependent effects (time of day), and a series of time-related interactions. Driving time has the strongest direct effect on accident risk. The first 4 hr consistently have the lowest accident risk and are indistinguishable from each other. Accident risk increases significantly after the 4th hr, by approximately 50% or more, until the 7th hour. The 8th and 9th hr show a further increase, approximately 80% and 130% higher than the first 4 hr. Drivers with more than 10 years of driving experience retain a consistently low accident risk; all other categories of driving experience have a significantly higher risk. Daytime driving, particularly at the noon time (10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon), results in a significantly lower risk of an accident. Drivers at one time of day (4:00 to 6:00 p.m.) have an accident risk about 60% higher than those driving during the baseline; drivers during the other three significant times of day also experience accident risks about 40% higher than drivers during the baseline. All three times of day involve night or dawn driving; two are associated with circadian rhythms. Rest breaks, particularly those taken before the 6th or 7th hr of driving, appear to lower accident risk significantly for many times of day.