Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
LARG: A Lightweight Robotic Gripper With 3-D Topology Optimized Adaptive Fingers

Adaptive grasping is an important approach for robotic grippers to handle objects with irregular shapes. Compared to rigid-link-based adaptive grippers, the continuum-structure grippers benefit from their structural compliance and have thus a higher degree of adaptive grasping freedom. Based on this advantage, we have developed a continuum-structure-based double-finger gripper in this article to achieve the adaptive grasping. To improve the design efficiency, a 3-D-topology-optimization-based design method was adopted in this article, which realized the adaptive-grasping function of the robotic finger by introducing an additional spring into the design problem. The proposed robotic gripper was selective-laser-sintered with the material polyamide (PA2200) and was actuated by a linear motor. Experiments were also conducted to evaluate the grasping performance and load capacity of the developed gripper. Results have shown that the gripper could successfully grasp objects of different shapes and materials. In addition, with a total weight of only 180 g, the developed gripper can achieve a maximum grasping payload of 8.8 kg, which is about 49 times of its self-weight. From the methodological point of view, this work has successfully demonstrated the feasibility of optimization-based automatic design of robotic grippers.
The root flow of horizontal axis wind turbine blades: Experimental analysis and numerical validation

Despite a long research history in the field of wind turbine aerodynamics, horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT) blade's root flow aerodynamics is among the least understood topics. In this thesis work, a detailed investigation of the root flow is performed to gain a better insight into the features of this particular flow region and their influence on the overall air flow. Two- and three-dimensional flow analyses of a HAWT blade are performed for axial in flow conditions, with both experimental and numerical approaches. In the experiments, a stereoscopic particle image velocimetry (SPIV) setup is used to measure velocity in the near wake region at different azimuth angles and around the blade at different radial positions. This experimental setup allows measuring three velocity components on 2D planes which can be used to construct three-dimensional flow fields. With this approach, a detailed description of the flow-field in the root region is obtained and 3D visualizations are presented. Further analysis of the velocity fields allows illustrating and understanding the physics of the formation of the root flow structures for different blade geometries and their evolution in the blade's near wake for different blade tip speed ratios. The effect of the root vortex on the blade's root flow and in the near wake region is studied. In particular, the experimentally-observed spanwise flow in the blade's outer flow region (outside the boundary layer of the blade) questions the two-dimensional flow assumption of the classical momentum theory. The velocity fields are also used to deduce the loads on the blade through the calculation of the momentum change in the fluid. In addition to the analysis of the experimental results, also comparisons with numerical simulations from Blade Element Momentum (BEM) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) are made. The (Open Foam) CFD results are validated by comparing the computed velocity fields with the PIV results and a good agreement is obtained. The comparison of the load predictions from the numerical and the experimental methods also shows a very good agreement, which brings confidence about the capability of these numerical methods to estimate the forces along the blade. This thesis has contributed to narrowing the knowledge gap in the field of HAWT blade's root flow aerodynamics by: (i) providing a solid experimental database of root flow velocities and vortical structures; (ii) investigating the existence and hence the role of the root vortex; (iii) studying the spanwise flow over the blade's surface and hence identifying the three-dimensionality of the flow in the outer flow region; (iv) comparing the experimental and numerical results to study and explain the physics of the root flow; (v) demonstrating that with advanced numerical tools realistic and complicated root flow details can be simulated.
HOW VISITATION AFFECTS THE BEHAVIOR AND WELFARE OF DIFFERENT SPECIES OF CAPTIVE AMAZONIAN PRIMATES?

This study had the purpose of understanding the effects of visitation on behavioral patterns and on the well-being of primates in captivity. Five Amazonian primate species were observed using the focal animal method: Ateles chamek, Ateles belzebuth, Ateles paniscus, Lagothrix cana, and Sapajus apella. Two categories of visitor behavioral observations were adopted - active and passive. From the total number of records, the behavior of primates could be observed in 53.7% of the notes in the presence of visitors. The behavior of the visitors in front of the cages was considered passive in 91.2% of those records. The three species of Ateles reacted in different ways in the presence and absence of visitors. The type of visitor behavior had influence on the behavior of the primate (Chi-square=22.9, p0.001). Stress indicating behaviors (CIE) represented 3.3% of the behavioral repertoire of the species (n=253 records). The primates presented a varied number of CIE, which included indexes of reduced well-being levels. A. belzebuth was ranked first as the species most affected by visitation. These results show the importance of understanding the stress effects on the behavioral pattern of captive primates in relation to visitation and other factors, leading to alternative actions for the zoo in order to improve the level of their welfare.
Branding Places through Experiential Tourism: A Survey on the Features of the Experiential Product and Enterprises in Greek Regions

The focus of experiential tourism is for the consumer or visitor to experience the tourist destination and to actively interact with local people, cultures, and the place itself. In fact, it can be seen as a form of tourism that builds upon place identities, both tangible and intangible, by energetically introducing the visitor to the culture, history, nature, traditions, cuisine, and social life of a place. In doing so, the emotional, physical, or spiritual experience of the consumer becomes a dynamic source of place branding. The paper investigates the main features of experiential tourism in the Greek regions of Central Macedonia, and Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, and discusses their interactions with place identity. Our methodology consists of a qualitative survey based on semi-structured interviews with stakeholders and a thematic analysis to trace the main features of the experiential product and enterprises that develop such products. The paper concludes that experiential tourism in Greece bears many of the features highlighted in the literature. Furthermore, our findings underline some new aspects, especially the links between the experiential product, small and well-qualified enterprises, and a place’s tangible and intangible identities, which make experiential tourism an opportunity for locales and their branding.
Influence of Deep Earth Resistivity on Direct Current Distribution in AC Power Grid

Excessive deep earth resistivity may lead to a large amount of earth current from dc transmission distributed in ac power grid, which may cause dc bias of transformer. Thus, we measured deep earth resistivity to obtain structural parameters of earth horizontal multi-layer earth by the magnetotelluric method. Then we calculated potential and current density of the earth current in each layer by a complex image method, so as to evaluate the influence of deep earth resistivity on distribution of DC current in ac power grid. The results show that, when the distance exceeds three times the size of dc electrode, specific DC electrode can be replaced by point source to calculate the field distribution. To analyze the dc current distribution in ac power grid, it is necessary to consider the actual wide range of earth resistivity parameter. Finally, simulation results of dc current in Hubei power grid and measurement results of DC currents in transformer neutral are taken as examples to show the significant influences of the deep earth resistivity on DC current distribution in ac power grid.
Family Instability as a Predictor of Academic Performance Among Secondary School Students in Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria

The research investigated Family instability as a predictor of academic achievement of secondary school students. survey research design of expo- facto type was used for the study. A total of 200 participants were randomly sampled for the study. Data were collected with self-developed family instability questionnaire, while the students’ scores in mathematics and English were used as academic achievement data. The reliability of the instrument was measured through pilot testing and Cronbach’s alpha test was employed to check the consistency and accuracy of the measurement scale. A reliability coefficient of 0.73 was obtained, which indicates that the items in the instrument measured similar concept. Three hypotheses were raised and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The data were analyzed using Pearson product moment statistics method. The result of the analysis showed a significant relationship between family instability and academic achievement of secondary school students (junior, senior). On the basis of the findings it was recommended among others that that couples should avail themselves of the services of marriage counselors in the resolution of marital disputes.
Development of bread technology with high biological value and increased shelf life

As an additive to bread, it is proposed to use a powder made from derivatives of Sorbus aucuparia mountain ash processing. The powder production technology involves freezing fruits, preliminary dehydration by osmotic dehydration, drying in an infrared dryer and grinding. The technology of bread with an extended shelf life and increased biological value has been developed, and some of its physical and chemical properties have been studied. To determine the feasibility of using powders from Sorbus aucuparia processing derivatives, their amino acid spectrum was analyzed by the chromatographic method. 17 amino acids in the amount of 7.43 g/100 g were identified, 7 of which are essential (valine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine, methionine, threonine, phenylalanine) in the amount of 1.84 g/100 g. The highest concentration of the total number of amino acids is glutamic acid (1.57 g/100 g), which gives the powders the properties of natural preservatives, increases the storage capacity of bread. The experiment showed that adding 20 % powder from Sorbus aucuparia processing derivatives to wheat flour bread allows at least doubling its shelf life. However, such an amount of additive affects the porosity of the bread and its organoleptic properties. Therefore, a sample was made with the addition of 10 % powder, and no defects in taste, smell and shape of bread with the addition of mountain ash powder were found. When using the developed technology, the time for making bread is reduced by 30 minutes compared to the classic straight dough method and by 120–150 minutes compared to the sponge dough method. The shelf life of bread according to the proposed technology is 15 days
Assessment of stress level among women with spontaneous abortion

Fertility is highly valued in most cultures, and the desire to have a child is one of the most basic human desires. However, failed fertility and pregnancy efforts can be a traumatic emotional experience for the mother, jeopardizing her mental health. Pregnancy is linked to a high amount of mental stress, and spontaneous abortion is a physically and psychologically stressful occurrence that often results in Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms (PTSS). As a result, the aim of the study was to assess stress level among women with spontaneous abortion and find out the relationship between stress level and some women’s sociodemographic and reproductive characteristics. زA non-probability selection strategy was used to select a purposive sample of 150 aborted women for a descriptive correlational study. This study started on 1st October 2022, to 25th April, 2022. The reliability of the questionnaire was achieved through a pilot study and then presented to experts to prove its validity. The data was analyzed by the application of a descriptive and inferential statistical data analysis approach. The study results indicated that 40% of women are experiencing severe stress level while 38.7% are experiencing mild stress level (M±SD= 10.06±7.827).
Online Learning Activities During the Covid-19 Pandemic

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic affects psychological conditions and patterns of human behavior that have a broader nature over a longer time. This also has an impact on the education system in Indonesia. Teachers and students will get used to doing distance learning interactions. The Work from Home policy applies to lecturers/employees and learning from home for students. This study aims to analyze online learning activities during the Covid-19 pandemic in the Tarbiyah Department. This study uses a descriptive method with a qualitative approach with informants consisting of lecturers and students in the Department of Tarbiyah Education. Based on the results of the study, it can be seen that the learning carried out during the Covid-19 pandemic in the education department used an online model with applications in the form of V-class, Meet Unsil, Zoom, WhatsApp, Telegram, Google Classroom, Youtube, Facebook, and Messenger. The implementation of online learning runs smoothly, although it is felt less than ideal. Student learning outcomes vary, ranging from unsatisfactory, moderate to good. Constraints faced by students and lecturers in online learning including the availability of internet quota, unstable network, and supporting tools such as gadgets and laptops. Online learning is considered effective if it is applied during the COVID-19 pandemic, but a more varied model is needed to keep it interesting if used in the long term.
Persistence of investor sentiment and market mispricing

We investigate changes in US market sentiment using structural break analysis over a period of five decades. We show that investor sentiment was trending and nonstationary from 1965 to 2001, a period associated with numerous crashes. Since 2001, sentiment has been substantially moremeanreverting,implyingthediminishedeffectofnoise investors and their associated mispricing. We illustrate how thesechangesinsentimentpersistenceaffectequityanoma-lies and assess the predictive power of sentiment on short-run returns when regime changes are considered. Our findings suggest that the presence of sentiment-driven investors and their market impact is significantly time-variant.
Modeling the effect of crude oil production and other factors on Nigeria’s economy: an autoregressive distributed lag approach

The overdependence on crude oil has produced susceptivity to every part of the Nigerian Gross Domestic Growth (GDP) and there was the need to examine the effect of crude oil on the economy of Nigeria. This study, therefore, investigates the long-run effect between oil revenue, oil price volatility, and economic growth in Nigeria. The data on oil revenue, non-oil revenue, oil price volatility, and per-capita income from the year 2006 – to 2020 extracted from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical Bulletin was applied in this research work. The research applied Descriptive Statistics, Augmented Dickey-Fuller Unit Root test, Johansen cointegration, and Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) co-integration statistical method to examine the long-run effects of crude oil production on Nigeria’s economy. It was discovered from our result that; oil revenue plays a remarkable role in Nigeria‘s economy by its advancement of the country’s GDP. Furthermore, Nigeria has regulated oil revenue to accomplish economic growth in numerous ways. The study recommended that the Nigerian Government should diversify its export supply through downstream production and encouragement of more private sector participation.
Information needs of Smallholder Sesame Farmers in Bangladesh

Behind every decision lies a need for information. In this paper, the decisions of smallholder sesame farmers, related to their individual value chains, were identified. The specific information needs behind each decision were derived and analyzed, based on the level of awareness of the relevance of that information. Furthermore some information dissemination systems were studied to see what role they play or could play in the information networks of the farmers. It was found that from all the information needs, information on fertilizer use and post harvest activities were ranked the highest information needs. Furthermore, the gaps in information between the information available and the information used and accessed by the farmers differed per stage of the value chain. Regarding the sources, it was evident that the majority of the farmers used their own experience and knowledge to fulfil their information needs during the value chain. The other sources were utilized significantly less often. Finally, the studied information dissemination systems did not play a (large) role in the lives of the farmers. Some systems, such as the Trainer in the Pocket concepts and the AICC’s, show much potential to fulfil the role of information provider or disseminator.
Neuron segmentation in epifluorescence microscopy imaging with deep learning

Epifluorescence Microscopy Imaging is a technique used by neuroscientists for observation of hundreds of neurons at the same time, with single-cell resolution and low cost from living tissue. Recording, identifying and tracking neurons and their activity in those observations is a crucial step for researching. However, manual identification of neurons is a hardworking task as well as prone to errors. For this reason, automatized applications to process the recordings to identify functional neurons are required. Several proposals have emerged; they can be classified in four kinds of approaches: 1) matrix factorization, 2) clustering, 3) dictionary learning and 4) deep learning. Unfortunately, they have resulted inadequate to solve this problem. In fact, it remains as an open problem; two major reasons are: 1) lack of datasets duly labeled and 2) existing approaches do not consider the temporal dimension or just consider a tiny fraction of it, integrating all the frames in a single image is very common but inefficient because temporal dynamics are disregarded. We propose an application for automatic segmentation of neurons with a Deep Learning approach, considering temporal dimension through recurrent neural networks and using a dataset labeled by neuroscientists. Additional aspects considered in our proposal include motion correction and validation to ensure that segmentations correspond to truly functional neurons. Furthermore, we compare this application with a previous proposal which uses sophisticated digital image processing techniques on the same dataset.
In Search of Technology Interruption on the Acceptance and Financial Performance of Ar-rahnu Cooperative in Malaysia

Vol. 12, No. 5, 2022, Pg. 1206 1223 Abstract The advancement of technology served as a wake-up call to the world about the importance of technology adoption. Technology is gradually becoming the new norms that must be followed by everyone. Ar-rahnu is embracing digitalization as well. Ar-rahnu is an Islamic social financing instrument that can be used to fund the initiatives given by governments. Therefore, the intention of this study is to investigate the role of technology in the relationship between ar-rahnu acceptance and financial performance. 455 questionnaires were distributed comprising 332 operated by individual co-operatives (non-franchisees), 52 operated as Permodalan Kelantan Berhad (PKB) franchisees, and 72 operated as Rakyat Management Systems (RMS) franchisees. However, 308 completed copies of the questionnaires were returned and used for analyse. The data then analyse using IBM SPSS and partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) SmartPLS 3.2. This study found that, shari’ah compliance, locality, margin value and safekeeping fees has positive relationship towards financial performance. In fact, technology also moderate the relationship between acceptance and financial performance which indicate that the use of technology can improve the profitability of ar-rahnu operations. Therefore, it is imperative that every ar-rahnu co-operative continues to emphasise its acceptance factors, especially shariah-compliance as it is a pre-requisite for the sustainability of its business.
Behind the Wall—Compartment-Specific Neovascularisation during Post-Stroke Recovery in Mice

Ischemic stroke is a highly prevalent vascular disease leading to oxygen- and glucose deprivation in the brain. In response, ischemia-induced neovascularization occurs, which is supported by circulating CD34+ endothelial progenitor cells. Here, we used the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) mouse model to characterize the spatio-temporal alterations within the ischemic core from the acute to the chronic phase using multiple-epitope-ligand cartography (MELC) for sequential immunohistochemistry. We found that around 14 days post-stroke, significant angiogenesis occurs in the ischemic core, as determined by the presence of CD31+/CD34+ double-positive endothelial cells. This neovascularization was accompanied by the recruitment of CD4+ T-cells and dendritic cells as well as IBA1+ and IBA1− microglia. Neighborhood analysis identified, besides pericytes only for T-cells and dendritic cells, a statistically significant distribution as direct neighbors of CD31+/CD34+ endothelial cells, suggesting a role for these cells in aiding angiogenesis. This process was distinct from neovascularization of the peri-infarct area as it was separated by a broad astroglial scar. At day 28 post-stroke, the scar had emerged towards the cortical periphery, which seems to give rise to a neuronal regeneration within the peri-infarct area. Meanwhile, the ischemic core has condensed to a highly vascularized subpial region adjacent to the leptomeningeal compartment. In conclusion, in the course of chronic post-stroke regeneration, the astroglial scar serves as a seal between two immunologically active compartments—the peri-infarct area and the ischemic core—which exhibit distinct processes of neovascularization as a central feature of post-stroke tissue remodeling. Based on our findings, we propose that neovascularization of the ischemic core comprises arteriogenesis as well as angiogenesis originating from the leptomenigeal vasculature.