Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Designing Developmental Experiences for Graduate Teaching Assistants Using a Holistic Model for Motivationand Identity

The first step to strategically improve developmental programs for Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) is to understandGTAs’ motivations for teaching and their identities as teachers. The objective of our work was to propose and evaluate theLongitudinal Model of Motivation and Identity (LMMI) for examining the teaching motivation and teacher identity ofGTAs, specifically in engineering. The proposed model is based on Self-Determination Theory and Possible Selves Theory;both theories are used to holistically understand a GTA’s teaching experience. The LMMI was evaluated through a set ofonline journal entry surveys administered to 65 GTAs teaching in first-year engineering programs. Thirty GTAs providedsurvey responses, and the results of our research provide a baseline understanding of GTAs with regard to motivation andidentity, confirming that the LMMI is appropriate for this context. Specifically, we describe potential implications forGTA development with regard to knowledge of content, sense of responsibility, connectedness to other GTAs, and futurefaculty identity. We conclude that these four items related to motivation and identity are essential in creating appropriatedevelopmental programs for GTAs to ultimately improve teaching within engineering.
Pulsed Power Modulator With Active Pull-Down Using Diode Reverse Recovery Time

This paper presents a pulsed power modulator with a new structure that utilizes the reverse recovery characteristics of diodes to achieve an effective pull-down circuit configuration. The proposed configuration for active pull-down applicable to negative pulsed power applications with a high-voltage direct switching method is implemented by adding a diode to the pulse discharging path of the modulator, instead of using a pull-down resistor. The diode is forward-biased while an output pulse voltage is applied to the load. When the pulse voltage applied to the load is removed, the residual energy in the load is quickly discharged through the reverse recovery path of the diode so that the pull-down function of the pulsed power supply system is efficiently performed. The operating principle of the proposed system is described, and each operating mode is analyzed in detail. In addition, the feasibility of the proposed system configuration is examined through various simulation results. Finally, it is proven that the proposed system can be used effectively in pulsed power application fields through a practical experiment in plasma source ion implantation applications.
The Impact of Occupational Tasks on Firefighter Hydration During a Live Structural Fire

Structural firefighting is a highly stressful occupation with firefighters performing intense bouts of physical activity in environmental extremes while wearing impermeable, heavy and restrictive personal protective equipment. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of performing occupational tasks during an active structural fire on firefighters’ hydration status. Nine fully qualified firefighters (mean ± SD age = 39.22 ± 7.89 years) completed a 15 min ‘live’ fire scenario while performing occupational tasks. Urine Specific Gravity (USG), body weight and tympanic membrane temperature were measured pre-scenario and at 0 and 20 min post-scenario. There was a significant decrease in body weight (0 min and 20 min p < 0.0005) and increase in tympanic membrane temperature (0 min and 20 min p < 0.0005) following the fire scenario. There was no significant change in USG post-scenario. Short duration firefighting operations can cause significant fluid loss, as measured by change in body weight but not necessarily USG.
Developing Microscopic Toll Plaza Model Using Paramics

Simulation modeling is the most cost-effective way of studying real life transportation problems, either existing or anticipated, without disturbing the balance of the transportation system. There is a vast suite of simulation models available in market, ready to choose from macroscopic, mesoscopic, or microscopic in nature, to study different transportation system elements like freeways, highways, signalized and un-signalized intersections. However, most of these network simulation models, like PARAMICS, VISSIM, CORSIM . etc, do not come readily available with built in toll plaza models. On the other hand, many researchers have independently developed toll plaza models, which can only model an isolated toll plaza without the road network. These toll plaza models, which are based on queuing theory (and some are macroscopic in nature), do not take into account headway, gap acceptance, or inter-vehicle interaction to follow a lead car or to perform lane changing maneuvers. Vehicles just upstream of the toll plaza are assigned to one of the toll lanes, solely based on the payment method (manual, automatic coin machine, or electronic toll collection) and queue lengths at the toll lanes. For instance, if a vehicle is traveling in the leftmost lane and the rightmost toll lane has the shortest queue length, then the queuing model will assign this vehicle to the rightmost lane, and the vehicle will do unrealistic maneuvering to reach to the assigned toll lane instantly. Microscopic network simulation models simulate the vehicular movements based on lanechanging and car-following rules. If such a model could be customized to serve the purpose of the toll plaza simulation, it will simulate the vehicular movements just upstream and downstream of the toll plaza more realistically. Being a network simulation model, it can also model the road
Recovering 3-D shape of a non-rigid object by a single mobile camera

This paper describes a technique for recovering 3-D shape of a non rigid object employing a single camera. 3-D modeling of a non-rigid object has been studied employing multiple cameras. However it can be realized even by a single camera on condition that the object concerned is composed of a set of rigid objects. Experimental results show effectiveness of the proposed technique.
Preparation and Characterization of Biopolymer Chitosan Nanofiber from Coconut Crab Shell

The use of coconut crab shell waste as a chitosan product has the potential to be developed as a multifunctional product, especially in the form of the nanofiber. This study aims to prepare and characterization of biopolymer chitosan nanofiber from coconut crab shell. The method used in this study is an ionic gelation method using chitosan coconut crabs (chitosan CC) as the main medium, and the dispersion media is namely tripolyphosphate (TPP) with different concentrations to produce chitosan CC/TPP nanofibers. The chitosan is dissolved using glacial acetic acid 1% (v/v) low pH. Then the solution is dropped into a TPP solution with a concentration of 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, 0.07 % (w/v), using a magnetic stirrer at 600 rpm for 30 minutes. The precipitate obtained is then homogenized using 30 minutes of ultrasonic at λ 60 kHz. The characterization of nanofiber is made with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with a magnification of 10.0kV. The morphological shape of the nanofiber size average value of 73 nm - 610 nm at the concentration of chitosan CC/TPP 0.25% (w/v) and 0.03% (w/v). Particle size analysis (PSA) of chitosan CC/TPP nanofibers (D 50 ) at 536 - 625 nm with an average polydispersity index (PI) of 1.3 - 1.7. FT-IR analysis showed that the presence of functional groups NH, OH, C-C, CH varied in the concentration of 0.03% chitosan CC/TPP with the adsorption peak at wave 3257 cm -1 . X-Ray Diffraction shows that chitosan crystallinity obtained from various concentrations of chitosan CC/TPP shows amorphous properties because there are diffraction patterns with peaks between 18.06° - 19.04°. The conclusion is that the best-recommended selection is a concentration of 0.25% chitosan and 0.03% TPP to form nanofibers. The nanofiber biopolymers with the natural suspension of chitosan CC/TPP polymer produce the best pore size and can be considered as a filler in the manufacture of edible films.
Empirical Design Method for Distribution Transformer Utilization Optimization

The increasing penetration of electric vehicles and distributed generation into distribution networks are giving rise to higher, more volatile, and bi-directional energy flows through distribution transformers (DTs). To minimize future capital expenditure, improved DT design approaches are required. Therefore, a novel DT design approach based on a new paradigm of “designing for maximum utilization” is proposed. It incorporates manufacturer and customer-sourced empirical data to achieve a desired DT retirement age and utilization rate, and allows for transient operation beyond DT nameplate rating through accurately accounting for thermal inertia. The novelty of the proposed approach derives from not only a new notion of designing for maximum utilization, but also allowing for the fact that winding insulation may not be the most critical factor affecting a DT's lifetime. Using the proposed approach, DT capital expenditure and utilization constraints can be optimized at a planning stage. The algorithm is applied and validated.
Agronomic Performance and Nitrogen Fixation of Heirloom and Conventional Dry Bean Varieties Under Low-Nitrogen Field Conditions

Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) form a relationship with nitrogen-fixing rhizobia and through a process termed symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) which provides them with a source of nitrogen. However, beans are considered poor nitrogen fixers, and modern production practices involve routine use of N fertilizer, which leads to the down-regulation of SNF. High-yielding, conventionally bred bean varieties are developed using conventional production practices and selection criteria, typically not including SNF efficiency, and may have lost this trait over decades of modern breeding. In contrast, heirloom bean genotypes were developed before the advent of modern production practices and may represent an underutilized pool of genetics which could be used to improve SNF. This study compared the SNF capacity under low-N field conditions, of collections of heirloom varieties with and conventionally bred dry bean varieties. The heirloom-conventional panel (HCP) consisted of 42 genotypes from various online seed retailers or from the University of Guelph Bean Breeding program seedbank. The HCP was genotyped using a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array to investigate genetic relatedness within the panel. Field trials were conducted at three locations in ON, Canada from 2014 to 2015 and various agronomic and seed composition traits were measured, including capacity for nitrogen fixation (using the natural abundance method to measure seed N isotope ratios). Significant variation for SNF was found in the panel. However, on average, heirloom genotypes did not fix significantly more nitrogen than conventionally bred varieties. However, five heirloom genotypes fixed >60% of their nitrogen from the atmosphere. Yield (kg ha-1) was not significantly different between heirloom and conventional genotypes, suggesting that incorporating heirloom genotypes into a modern breeding program would not negatively impact yield. Nitrogen fixation was significantly higher among Middle American genotypes than among Andean genotypes, confirming previous findings. The best nitrogen fixing line was Coco Sophie, a European heirloom white bean whose genetic makeup is admixed between the Andean and Middle American genepools. Heirloom genotypes represent a useful source of genetics to improve SNF in modern bean breeding.
The Simple Virtual Environment Library: Verson 2.0 Users Guide

TheSimple Virtual Environments (SVE) C library provides a framework for the development of virtual environment (VE) applications. The library provides the default components of simple VE applications (such as fly-throughs), allowing these applications to be quickly implemented, and allows applications to selectively alter, enhance, or replace components such as user interactions, animations, rendering, and input device polling. The library also allows the hardware and software configuration (devices used and placement in the workspace, location of remote servers, directories, etc.) to be given at run-time using an initialization file. Therefore, SVE provides support for rapid prototyping as well as complete implementation of simple and complex VE applications. Differences between version 2.0 and 1.5 Although some differences exist between version 1.5 and 2.0 (see “Converting from v1.5” on page 1), most of the changes are enhancements to the library that allow it to more completely fulfill the task of supporting VE applications. New configurations flags have been added to separate lighting from gouraud shading, and allow for an application with no display, or with no audio. Level of detail switching is supported at the object level, where an object may contain a list of geometric descriptions which are used for a particular range of distances from the user. Many new texture types are supported, including images with 1, 2, 3, or 4 components per pixel, and two methods of blending the texture with the geometry it is mapped onto. These features support transparent textures, among other things. In addition, a series of textures can be given to be mapped onto a geometry, with the actual texture used for a particular frame chosen automatically or by the application. The initialization file can now contain commands to move, rotate, and scale objects, to alter their initial position. New functions are provided to move, rotate, and scale objects in the coordinate system of objects other than the parent object. New functions allow the application to alter, extend, or override object culling from the rendered scene (usually done using the viewing volume of the user). Finally, a new function, SVE_pickObject() , allows for precise ray-object intersections. See the files ENHANCEMENTS.FROM. V1.5 and CONVERTING.FROM. V1.5. Acknowledgments The following people have contributed to this library: Doug Bowman, Elizabeth Bright, Eric Brittain, Jim Durbin, Kevin Hamilton, Drew Kessler, David Koller, Rob Kooper, E. J. Lee, Peter Lindstrom, Tom Meyer, Greg Newton, Jouke Verlinden, Zach Wartell, and Ben Watson. The Simple Virtual Environment Library User’s Guide 3 4/15/97 Table of
Physical Exercise and Mitochondrial Disease: Insights From a Mouse Model

Purpose: Mitochondrial diseases (MD) are among the most prevalent neuromuscular disorders. Unfortunately, no curative treatment is yet available. This study analyzed the effects of exercise training in an animal model of respiratory chain complex I deficiency, the Harlequin (Hq) mouse, which replicates the clinical features of this condition. Methods: Male heterozygous Harlequin (Hq/Y) mice were assigned to an “exercise” (n = 10) or a “sedentary” control group (n = 11), with the former being submitted to an 8 week combined exercise training intervention (aerobic + resistance training performed five times/week). Aerobic fitness, grip strength, and balance were assessed at the beginning and at the end of the intervention period in all the Hq mice. Muscle biochemical analyses (with results expressed as percentage of reference data from age/sex-matched sedentary wild-type mice [n = 12]) were performed at the end of the aforementioned period for the assessment of major molecular signaling pathways involved in muscle anabolism (mTOR activation) and mitochondrial biogenesis (proliferator activated receptor gamma co-activator 1α [PGC-1α] levels), and enzyme activity and levels of respiratory chain complexes, and antioxidant enzyme levels. Results: Exercise training resulted in significant improvements in aerobic fitness (−33 ± 13 m and 83 ± 43 m for the difference post- vs. pre-intervention in total distance covered in the treadmill tests in control and exercise group, respectively, p = 0.014) and muscle strength (2 ± 4 g vs. 17 ± 6 g for the difference post vs. pre-intervention, p = 0.037) compared to the control group. Higher levels of ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta-1 phosphorylated at threonine 389 (156 ± 30% vs. 249 ± 30%, p = 0.028) and PGC-1α (82 ± 7% vs. 126 ± 19% p = 0.032) were observed in the exercise-trained mice compared with the control group. A higher activity of respiratory chain complexes I (75 ± 4% vs. 95 ± 6%, p = 0.019), III (79 ± 5% vs. 97 ± 4%, p = 0.031), and V (77 ± 9% vs. 105 ± 9%, p = 0.024) was also found with exercise training. Exercised mice presented with lower catalase levels (204 ± 22% vs. 141 ± 23%, p = 0.036). Conclusion: In a mouse model of MD, a training intervention combining aerobic and resistance exercise increased aerobic fitness and muscle strength, and mild improvements were found for activated signaling pathways involved in muscle mitochondrial biogenesis and anabolism, OXPHOS complex activity, and redox status in muscle tissue.
The Application Of K-Means Algorithm For LQ45 Index on Indonesia Stock Exchange

The objective of this study is to apply cluster analysis or also known as clustering on stocks data listed in LQ45 index at Indonesia Stock Exchange. The problem is that traders need a tool to speed up decision-making process in buying, selling and holding their stocks.The method used in this cluster analysis is k-means algorithm. The data used in this study were taken from Indonesia Stock Exchange. Cluster analysis in this study took data’s characteristics such as stocks volume and value. Results of cluster analysis were presented in the form of grouping of clusters’ members visually. Therefore, this cluster analysis in this study could be used to identify more quickly and efficiently about the members of each cluster of LQ45 index. The results of such identification can be used by beginner-level investors who have started interest in stock investment to help make decision on stocks trading.
Resonant Near-Field Power Transfer: Revisiting the frequency-splitting phenomenon using the spherical mode theory antenna model

In this article, the resonant coupling phenomenon is revisited using the antenna theory. The methods for extracting the maximum power by the load (i.e., the frequency tracking, conjugate matching, and critical coupling adjustment) are addressed. To obtain the best performances in terms of the highest power and the greatest transmission range, the system's tuning needs to be very sharp regardless of the method applied. Conjugate matching is shown to be the best method for reaching the highest possible antenna separations and the maximum efficiency, but the critical coupling adjustment turns out to be more practical in the sense of the bandwidth when the antenna separations are not too large.
Routing in circuit-switched networks: optimization, shadow prices and decentralization

How should calls be routed or capacity allocated in a circuit-switched communication network so as to optimize the performance of the network? This paper considers the question, using a simplified analytical model of a circuit-switched network. We show that there exist implicit shadow prices associated with each route and with each link of the network, and that the equations defining these prices have a local or decentralized character. We illustrate how these results can be used as the basis for a decentralized adaptive routing scheme, responsive to changes in the demands placed on the network.
Exact approach for charging of PEVs with V2G capability to improve micro‐grid reliability

Nowadays, the major proportion of fossil fuels is consumed in the transportation systems. Plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) can play a significant role in reducing the petrol consumption. A large amount of additional electrical power demand needed for the charging of PEVs may adversely affect the electric grid reliability. Using the charging station in the micro-grids (MGs) to minimise the total system operation cost in the presence of PEVs with vehicle to grid (V2G) capability is becoming vitally important. In this work, a practical model for charging strategy of PEVs based on typical charge and discharge profiles given by the battery producers is considered. The problem is constrained by the loss of load probability index of reliability. The proposed strategy makes it possible to handle the generation shortage due to the outage of conventional units and intermittency of wind turbine units. Mixed Integer Non-linear programming is used for the optimal planning of MG in the presence of PEVs. Results show that an appropriate charge and discharge strategy may lead to a significant improvement in the reliability of the considered MG as well as a reduction in the operational cost of the total system.
Human–robot interaction in industrial collaborative robotics: a literature review of the decade 2008–2017

ABSTRACT Currently, a large number of industrial robots have been deployed to replace or assist humans to perform various repetitive and dangerous manufacturing tasks. However, based on current technological capabilities, such robotics field is rapidly evolving so that humans are not only sharing the same workspace with robots, but also are using robots as useful assistants. Consequently, due to this new type of emerging robotic systems, industrial collaborative robots or cobots, human and robot co-workers have been able to work side-by-side as collaborators to accomplish tasks in industrial environments. Therefore, new human–robot interaction systems have been developed for such systems to be able to utilize the capabilities of both humans and robots. Accordingly, this article presents a literature review of major recent works on human–robot interactions in industrial collaborative robots, conducted during the last decade (between 2008 and 2017). Additionally, the article proposes a tentative classification of the content of these works into several categories and sub-categories. Finally, this paper addresses some challenges of industrial collaborative robotics and explores future research issues. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
A clusterwise regression approach for the estimation of crash frequencies

Abstract In the current literature, data is aggregated for the estimation of functions to explain or predict crash patterns using either clustering analysis, regression analysis, or stage-wise models. Typically, analysis sites are grouped into site subtypes based on predefined characteristics. The assumption is that sites within each subtype experience similar crash patterns as a function of prespecified explanatory characteristics. To develop functions to estimate crashes, all data points are clustered only as a function of associated site characteristics. As a consequence, estimated parameters may be based on different crash patterns that represents various trends that could be better captured by using multiple functions. To address this limitation, this study proposes a mathematical program utilizing clusterwise regression to assign sites to clusters and simultaneously seek sets of parameter values for the corresponding estimation functions, so as to maximize the probability of observing the available data. A simulated annealing, coupled with maximum likelihood estimation, was used to solve the mathematical program. Results were analyzed for two site subtypes with fatal and all injury crashes: (1) roadway segments for urban multilane divided segments and (2) urban four-leg signalized intersections. Clusterwise regression improved the predicted number of crashes with multiple estimation functions within the same site subtype.