Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fundamentals Of Fluid Film Journal Bearing Operation And Modeling.

Widely used in turbomachinery, the fluid film journal bearing is critical to a machine’s overall reliability level. Their design complexity and application severity continue to increase making it challenging for the plant machinery engineer to evaluate their reliability. This tutorial provides practical knowledge on their basic operation and what physical effects should be included in modeling a bearing to help ensure its reliable operation in the field. All the important theoretical aspects of journal bearing modeling, such as film pressure, film and pad temperatures, thermal and mechanical deformations, and turbulent flow are reviewed. Through some examples, the tutorial explores how different effects influence key performance characteristics like minimum film thickness, Babbitt temperature as well as stiffness and damping coefficients. Due to their increasing popularity, the operation and analysis of advanced designs using directed lubrication principles, such as inlet grooves and starvation, are also examined with several examples including comparisons to manufacturers’ test data. 155 FUNDAMENTALS OF FLUID FILM JOURNAL BEARING OPERATION AND MODELING
Mechanical Cheat: Spamming Schemes and Adversarial Techniques on Crowdsourcing Platforms

Crowdsourcing is becoming a valuable method for companies and researchers to complete scores of micro-tasks by means of open calls on dedicated online platforms. Crowdsourcing results remains unreliable, however, as those platforms neither convey much information about the workers' identity nor do they ensure the quality of the work done. Instead, it is the responsibility of the requester to filter out bad workers, poorly accomplished tasks, and to aggregate worker results in order to obtain a final outcome. In this paper, we first review techniques currently used to detect spammers and malicious workers, whether they are bots or humans randomly or semi-randomly completing tasks; then, we describe the limitations of existing techniques by proposing approaches that individuals, or groups of individuals, could use to attack a task on existing crowdsourcing platforms. We focus on crowdsourcing relevance judgements for search results as a concrete application of our techniques. Copyright
Phylogenetics and reticulate evolution in PISTACIA ( Anacardiaceae ) 1

Zohary (1952) recognized 11 species in the genus Pistacia L. (Anacardiaceae). Pistacia contains the economically important species, P. vera , the source of pistachio nuts and is an important fl oristic element in the vegetation of its distributional region. One of these species (P. saportae) was later suggested to be an interspecifi c hybrid (Zohary, 1972). Pistacia aethiopica J. O. Kokwaro was published as a new species in 1980 (Kokwaro and Gillett, 1980); however, its status has not been evaluated. Pistacia integerrima was proposed as a recently diverged sub-species of P. chinensis (Zohary, 1952). On the basis of results from plastid restriction site analyses and its fl owering phenol-ogy, however, Parfi tt and Badenes (1997) argued for the species status of P. integerrima. Pistacia sensu Parfi tt and Badenes (1997) thus comprises 11 species disjunctly distributed in the northern hemisphere (Fig. 1), with seven species distributed from the Mediterranean basin to central Asia two species in eastern Asia (P. chinensis and P. weinmannifolia), and two species from the southwestern United States to Central America (P. mexicana and P. texana). Pistacia chinensis extends into tropical Asia as far as Myanmar and the Philippines (Zohary, 1952). Pistacia is characterized by its dioecious reproductive system and homeochlamydic perianth (or naked fl owers) (Mabberley, 1997). Pistacia , distinguished from other Anacardiaceae members by its reduced fl ower structure, plumose styles, and unusual pollen morphology (Pell, 2004), was described as a separate family, Pistaciaceae Adans. (Adanson, 1763). The synapomor-phies of a single apotropous ovule per locule place Pistacia within the Anacardiaceae. recognized the affi nity of Pistacia with genera in the tribe Rhoeae, although Pistacia was treated as a distinct tribe or a Pistacia resembles other Rhoeae members by having three syncarpous carpels, unilocu-lar fruits, and a thin exocarp. Engler (1876) placed Pistacia in the tribe Rhoideae (= Rhoeae). This treatment was followed by Engler (1883 , 1892) and Mitchell and Mori (1987). Wannan and Quin (1991) divided the Anacardiaceae into two groups, A and B, based on fruit and wood anatomy, fl ower morphology, and fl avonoid chemistry. Wannan and Quin ' s groups A and B are similar to subfamilies Spondioideae and Anacardioideae within molecular studies of Terrazas (1994) and Pell (2004). Pistacia was included in subfamily Anacardioideae in both studies. The systematic position and intrageneric relationships of the economically important Pistacia species (Anacardiaceae) are controversial. The phylogeny of Pistacia was assessed using …
Mind the gap: tools for a parcel-based storm water management approach

Abstract In the Great Lakes Basin, a legacy of industrial use and localised depopulation has created a unique set of needs around storm water management and neighbourhood stabilisation. Vast quantities of vacant land present an opportunity for projects that can address either or both problems. Urban vacant land has its challenges: decision-making related to selecting project sites is complicated, and the structure and distribution of vacant land favour small projects that can work in aggregate. Here, we describe decision-making for two storm water management projects that utilise small, distributed vacant parcels in Great Lakes cities. The first showcases the collection of novel data that were standardised among sites and users. The second utilises a hierarchical approach to data analysis that exploits available data-sets and could be applied at increasingly finer spatial scales. Both projects prioritise components of site selection processes that could have broader applicability basin-wide.
Income Inequality and the Real Exchange Rate

In this paper I explore the effect of income inequality on the real exchange rate. I consider a version of the Salter-Swan model, where income inequality affects the real exchange rate through two general equilibrium channels: (i) the aggregation of individual demands derived from non-homothetic preferences; (ii) the workings of Samuelson-Balassa through the effect of inequality on the aggregation of human capital. If demand for non traded goods has an expenditure elasticity greater than one, and if tradables production is relatively intensive in human capital, then inequality has a non-monotonic effect on the level of the real exchange rate. Empirically, I find a strong relationship in levels between inequality and the bilateral real exchange rate. This partial correlation is large, significant, and positive in the case of within estimation and negative in the case of between estimation. I relate this finding to the expected short and long run effects of inequality on the real exchange rate, and the role factor endowments play in real exchange rate determination. I discuss the relationship of this fact with other strands of the literature, like the determinants of inequality, the effect of inequality on growth and the relevance of Samuelson-Balassa.
Beneficial effects of right ventricular non-apical vs. apical pacing: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials.

AIMS Previous studies have suggested that right ventricular apical (RVA) pacing may have deleterious effects on left ventricular function. Whether right ventricular non-apical (RVNA) pacing offers a better alternative to RVA pacing is unclear. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) in order to compare the mid- and long-term effects of RVA and RVNA pacing. METHODS AND RESULTS We systematically searched the Cochrane library, EMBASE, and MEDLINE databases for RCTs comparing RVA with RVNA pacing over >2 months follow-up. Data were pooled using random-effects models. Fourteen RCTs met our inclusion criteria involving 754 patients. Compared with subjects randomized to RVA pacing, those randomized to RVNA pacing had greater left ventricular ejection fractions (LVEF) at the end of follow-up [13 RCTs: weighted mean difference (WMD) 4.27%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15%, 7.40%]. RVNA had a better LVEF at the end of follow-up in RCTs with follow-up ≥12 months (WMD 7.53%, 95% CI 2.79%, 12.27%), those with <12 months of follow-up (WMD 1.95%, 95% CI 0.17%, 3.72%), and those conducted in patients with baseline LVEF ≤40-45% (WMD 3.71%, 95% CI 0.72%, 6.70%); no significant difference was observed in RCTs of patients whose baseline LVEF was preserved. Randomized-controlled trials provided inconclusive results with respect to exercise capacity, functional class, quality of life, and survival. CONCLUSIONS While RCTs suggest that LVEF is higher with RVNA than with RVA pacing, there remains a need for large RCTs to compare the safety and efficacy of RVNA and RVA pacing.
LSB matching revisited

This letter proposes a modification to the least-significant-bit (LSB) matching, a steganographic method for embedding message bits into a still image. In the LSB matching, the choice of whether to add or subtract one from the cover image pixel is random. The new method uses the choice to set a binary function of two cover pixels to the desired value. The embedding is performed using a pair of pixels as a unit, where the LSB of the first pixel carries one bit of information, and a function of the two pixel values carries another bit of information. Therefore, the modified method allows embedding the same payload as LSB matching but with fewer changes to the cover image. The experimental results of the proposed method show better performance than traditional LSB matching in terms of distortion and resistance against existing steganalysis.
The circumburst environment of a FRED GRB: Study of the prompt emission and X-ray/optical afterglow of GRB 051111

Aims. We report a multi-wavelength analysis of the prompt emission and early afterglow of GRB 051111 and discuss its properties in the context of current fireball models. Methods. The detection of GRB 051111 by the Burst Alert Telescope on-board Swift triggered early BVRi’ observations with the 2-m robotic Faulkes Telescope North in Hawaii, as well as X-ray observations with the Swift X-Ray Telescope. Results. The promptγ-ray emission shows a classical FRED profile. The optical aft erglow light curves are fitted with a broken power law, withα1 = 0.35 toα2 = 1.35 and a break time around 12 minutes after the GRB. Although contemporaneous X-ray observations were not taken, a power law connection between theγ-ray tail of the FRED temporal profile and the late XRT flux deca y is feasible. Alternatively, if the X-ray afterglow tracks the optical de cay, this would represent one of the first GRBs for which the ca nonical steep-shallow-normal decay typical of early X-ray afterglows has been monitored optically. We present a detailed analysis of the intrinsic extinction, elemental abundances and spectral e nergy distribution. From the absorption measured in the low X-ray band we find possible evidence for an overabundance of some α elements such as oxygen, [O/Zn]=0.7± 0.3, or, alternatively, for a significant presence of molecular gas. The IR-to-X-ray Spectral Energy Distribution measured at 80 minutes after the burst is consistent with the cooling break lying between the optical and X-ray bands. Extensive modelling of the intrinsic extinction suggests dust with big grains or grey extinction profiles. The early optical break is due ei ther to an energy injection episode or, less probably, to a st ratified wind environment for the circumburst medium.
Provably Secure Threshold Proxy Signature Scheme Based on Factoring

 Abstract—A proxy signature scheme is a method which allows an original signer to delegate his signing authority to a designated person, called a proxy signer. Moreover, the signing authority can be designated to a few proxy signers to scatter the signing rights. A threshold proxy signature scheme allows t out of n proxy signers to sign messages on behalf of the original signer. In this paper, we propose a new threshold proxy signature scheme based on the factoring problem in which the original signer delegates his signing authority to n authorized proxy signers in such a way that any t out of n proxy signers can generate a proxy signature collectively, while t-1 or less proxy signers cannot. Finally, we provide a proof on its security.
Teachers' Perceptions on Professional Learning: A Mixed Method Program Evaluation in a Middle School Setting

iv PREFACE . v ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . ix LIST OF TABLES . xii SECTION ONE: INTRODUCTION . 1 Purpose . 1 Rationale. 3 Goals. 4 Research Questions . 5 SECTION TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW . 6 Introduction . 6 Professional Learning in the 21st Century . 7 Modes of Learning Framework . 12 Hierarchical-Distributed Continuum . 13 Individual-Collective Continuum . 19 Professional Learning and Teacher Self-Efficacy . 23 SECTION THREE: METHODOLOGY. 26 Research Design Overview . 26 Participants . 26 Data Gathering Techniques . 30 Modes of Teacher Professional Learning Assessment . 30 Focus Groups . 31 Data Analysis Techniques . 32 Modes of Teacher Professional Learning Assessment . 32 Focus Groups . 33 SECTION FOUR: FINDINGS AND INTERPRETATION. 34 Introduction . 34 Teachers’ Perceptions on the Hierarchical Nature of Professional Learning . 35 Responsibility for Decisions . 35 Conditions for Effective Hierarchical Professional Learning . 38 Conditions for Ineffective Hierarchical Professional Learning . 43 Teachers’ Perceptions on Distributed Responsibility in Professional Learning . 44 Teachers’ Perceptions on Collective Learning Experiences . 45
CDTDS: Predicting Paraphrases in Twitter via Support Vector Regression

In this paper we describe a system that recognizes paraphrases in Twitter for tweets that refer to the same topic. The system participated in Task1 of SEMEVAL-2015 and uses a support vector regression machine to predict the degree of similarity. The similarity is then thresholded to create a binary prediction. The model and experimental results are discussed along with future work that could improve the method.
Overcoming financing constraints to corporate expansion: Evidence from a company in an emerging Islamic market

The sourcing of low-cost finance to facilitate corporate expansion on competitive terms is a major challenge to firms from emerging markets. There are additional constraints in Islamic markets as financial instruments must adhere to shari’ya law. This paper examines the approach taken by the Sudan Telecommunications Company (Sudatel) to obtain cost effective equity financing using secondary listings on multiple Middle East and North Africa (MENA) stock exchanges. We compare the costs of equity for Sudatel stock on the Sudan and Abu Dhabi Exchanges, and compare these figures with those for Sudatel’s two main regional competitors. Furthermore, we highlight the risk-return trade-off faced by investors in Sudatel stock on both Exchanges, and provide evidence of the potential benefits to investors from the overseas listing
A framework for the generation and management of self-adaptive enterprise applications

Demand for self-adaptive enterprise applications has been on the rise over the last years. Such applications are expected to satisfy context-dependent quality requirements in varying execution conditions. Their dynamic nature constitutes challenges with respect to their architectural design and development, and the guarantee of the agreed quality scenarios at runtime. In this paper we present the constituting elements of Shift, a framework that integrates (i) facilities and mechanisms for managing self-adaptive enterprise applications, (ii) automated derivation of self-adaptive enterprise applications and their respective monitoring infrastructure, and (iii) decision support for the assisted recomposition of self-adaptive applications.
Indirect adaptive fuzzy decoupling control with a lower limb exoskeleton

A novel design approach is proposed for indirect adaptive fuzzy decoupling control which is used in the lower limb exoskeleton. In the study, the fuzzy system is used to approximate the unknown system. Furthermore, in the lower limb exoskeleton, the coupling parameters are unknown as the disturbance values from the different subsystems. The paper proposes an reduced adaptive function to approximate these coupling parameters. In the simulation results, it is evident that our proposed method can effectively reduce the fuzzy rules to improve the learning process and the results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
The concept of 'boundary' within the field of counselling

The concept of ‘boundary’ is ingrained within the counselling literature and ethical frameworks and is often reported by counsellors as part of their experience of counselling. Yet the academic research base in the United Kingdom (UK) upon which the concept is based is limited, with much being derived from the American psychiatric and psychotherapy literature. There is an even greater absence of UK research which considers the concept of boundary from the counsellors’ perspective. This thesis seeks to begin to address that gap in knowledge. It presents qualitative research which explores in depth how counsellors understand and experience the concept of boundary in their practice. Using a phenomenological approach, interviews were completed with seven qualified and practicing counsellors in the UK. These interviews are analysed using multiple qualitative methods. These methods produced their own methodological insights. Six major findings are identified in the interviews: the participants had an idiosyncratic understanding of ‘boundary’ which means no single definition can be stated. Participants find it difficult to define boundaries but are easily able to articulate how they responded to ‘boundary issues’. Participants have their own ‘boundary attitude’ that is their own unique general approach to boundaries which is mainly influenced by their own values and beliefs. This approach does not necessarily correlate with their modality’s traditional view of boundaries. Participants’ feelings of shame (or their apprehension of feeling shame) is a highly influential factor in how they respond to boundary issues. Participants respond to boundary issues with defensive practice when they experience feelings of shame or are fearful of experiencing shame. Participants use a thickening of boundaries to protect themselves from the threat of experiencing shame. This thesis proposes two models based on the participants’ understandings and experience of ‘boundary’. The Boundary Process Map charts out the overall process of how participants experience boundary issues in their practice. The Boundary Response Model (BRM) identifies more specifically how participants respond to boundary issues. These models have influenced the creation of two sets of questions; Boundary Attitude Questions and Boundary Issue Questions which can be used by counsellors, supervisors and trainers to support counsellors in exploring their general attitude and understanding towards boundaries whilst also exploring their response to specific boundary issues. This thesis is the first study to explore boundaries from the perspective of the counsellor. Therefore, this research offers valuable new insights into the concept whilst also identifying potential new areas of study. Furthermore, this research proposes new insights for training and practice of counsellors when working with boundary issues including terminological recommendations.
Generating grade baseline marks for forcasting students' performance in Lower Secondary Assessment (PMR)

The present grading system used in schools does not provide a realistic projection of the students' performance during public examinations such as the Lower Secondary Assessment (PMR). This is because the actual PMR grades obtained by the candidates are usually significantly better than the school trial examination grades using the guidelines provided by the Ministry of Education. A set of minimum marks for all grades, known as baseline data is used to forecast the student's grade for the forthcoming public examination based on the student's trial examination marks. To date, such method to determine the baseline data is done manually and is subjective as it depends on a teacher's personal viewpoint. This paper presents an automated system that generates subject baseline data using empirical data comprising actual trial examination marks with their corresponding PMR grades for a cohort of candidates. We present our findings using data obtained at PMR level.
Surface Acoustic Waves: A New Paradigm for Driving Ultrafast Biomicrofluidics

Surface acoustic waves (SAWs), which are 10 MHz order surface waves roughly 10 nm in amplitude propagating on the surface of a piezoelectric substrate, can offer a powerful method for driving fast microfluidic actuation and microparticle or biomolecule manipulation. We demonstrate that sessile drops can be linearly translated on planar substrates or fluid can be pumped through microchannels at typically one to two orders of magnitude faster than that achievable through current microfluidic technologies. Micromixing can be induced in the same microchannel in which fluid is pumped using the SAW simply by changing the SAW frequency to superimpose a chaotic oscillatory flow onto the uniform through flow. Strong inertial microcentrifugation for micromixing and particle concentration or separation can also be induced via symmetry-breaking. At low SAW amplitudes below that at which flow commences, the transverse standing wave that arises across the microchannel afford particle aggregation and hence sorting on nodal lines. Other microfluidic manipulationsare also possible with the SAW. For example, capillary waves excited on a sessile drop by the SAW can be exploited for microparticle or nanoparticle collection and sorting. At higher amplitudes, the large substrate accelerations drives rapid destabilization of the drop interface giving rise to inertial liquid jets or atomization to produce 1‐10 µm monodispersed aerosol droplets. These have significant im
Exploiting Background Knowledge for Knowledge-Intensive Subgroup Discovery

In general, knowledge-intensive data mining methods exploit background knowledge to improve the quality of their results. Then, in knowledge-rich domains often the interestingness of the mined patterns can be increased significantly. In this paper we categorize several classes of background knowledge for subgroup discovery, and present how the necessary knowledge elements can be modelled. Furthermore, we show how subgroup discovery methods benefit from the utilization of background knowledge, and discuss its application in an incremental process-model. The context of our work is to identify interesting diagnostic patterns to supplement a medical documentation and consultation system. We provide a case study in the medical domain, using a case base from a realworld application.