Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Be migration studies at JET and their interpretation by an integrated model for plasma impurity transport and wall composition dynamics

The migration of beryllium was studied in JET firstly to provide insight into the underlying transport processes and secondly to establish a reference for comparison to the upcoming bulk Be wall experiments (ILW). The JET wall was prepared in a state far from equilibrium by means of Be evaporation followed by a series of identical plasma discharges in which the relaxation of the wall composition towards the steady state situation was studied by measurement of wall erosion sources using visual range spectroscopy. The Be erosion flux at the midplane main chamber wall initially increased by a factor of up to 20 whereas the corresponding C flux decreased initially only by 50% with respect to the value before Be evaporation. From this observation one can infer that even extended Be evaporation does not lead to a uniform and closed Be layer on top of the carbon wall elements. The subsequent erosion of the Be layer, uncovering of substrate C and mixing with redeposited C occurs on a timescale of 120s in experiments where standard limiter phase start-up scenarios were used. After this time the Be flux in the limiter phase has already decreased to about a factor 5 above the reference value, whereas the C erosion flux has increased moderately to about 60% of the reference value. The corresponding decay of the Be flux in L-mode plasmas with early X-point formation and correspondingly short limiter phase is slower with a characteristic time constant of 400s. To quantitatively interpret the spectroscopic data, which represent only material gross erosion rates and their change over time due to the evolution of respective material fractions at the wall surface, a new integrated model has been developed, which allows describing the evolution of plasma exposed wall surfaces by impurity transport processes in fusion devices with different first wall materials. The experimentally observed time scale of the Be source evolution can be well reproduced by the model. Parameter studies reveal that the timescale is closely linked to the fraction of local redeposition vs. long range migration of eroded material. The simulations show also that computational grids for transport modelling, which do not extend flush to the first wall, will introduce significant errors in the predicted migration pattern.
Factors Influencing Online Purchasing Intention: The Mediation Role of Consumer Attitude

The purpose of this study is to investigate the new Technology Acceptance Model that appropriate to predict users’ intention to purchase the electronic products through online. In this study it proposes the new model which is developed based on the original Technology Acceptance Model with incorporating the construct of Information Adaptation Model. The data were collected through convenience sampling and sample size was determined as 300 individuals. Data were analyzed and tested the hypotheses by using Structural Equation Modeling. The results of the analysis revealed that Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use and Source Credibility, are strong predictors of online purchase intention. Further it confirmed that consumer attitude mediates the relationship between independent variables and dependent variable of purchase intention. Also, fit indices obtained for the conceptual model refers to the high validity of the model in explaining the relations among variables. Hence the proposed model is more appropriate to predict and explain online purchasing intention. This will important for e-marketers for formulating their e-marketing strategies to cater existing and potential consumers to improve online shopping experience and satisfaction while understanding what drives Sri Lankan consumers to online purchasing behaviour. Keywords: Information Adaptation Model, Technology Acceptance Model, online purchasing, Source credibility
Damage mode maps and parametric study of thin UD hybrid composites

Hybridisation is one of the approaches to introduce pseudo-ductility to brittle composite materials. In this approach, two layers with different types of fibre are combined and a new stress-strain response which depends on the material properties of the components and thickness of the constituents is produced. In this paper, an analytical method of predicting the damage progress of UD hybrids is proposed which has an acceptable accuracy and is significantly faster than numerical methods such as FE. A new chart called a “damage mode map” is produced that relates the configuration of a UD hybrid to its predicted damage scenario straightaway. This map has been found to be a very useful tool to find the optimum configuration in designing new hybrid composites.
Biofabrication and extraction of nanoparticles from seeds of Syzygium cumini

The novel strategies are applied for synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) using biological methods, since AgNP has various applications including high anti-microbial activity. The biological method using plant extracts is relatively unexplored. Nanoparticles formed from plants are more stable and bio-compatible. For the project, Syzygium cumini seeds extract is used to fabricate extracellular AgNP. The ionic form of silver is reduced to its elemental form by the bioreduction reaction of silver nitrate by components present in seed extract like flavonoids, phytochemicals and alkaloids. The reduced elemental silver was further capped by the moieties present in extract into nanoparticle sizes and shapes. The sizes were further characterized for chemical, physical characteristics AgNP, using UV-Vis Spectroscope, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta potential, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The morphological properties of the nanoparticles formed were spherical in shape, polydisperse, and negatively charged. Size-selective purification of the nanoparticles was done by centrifugation, filtration and chromatographic methods. In chromatographic method, elution’s were collected and further characterized using UV-Vis spectroscope and Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform infrared spectroscope (ATR-FTIR).
Sound Propagation Analysis on Sonic Crystal ElasticStructures using the Method of Fundamental Solutions(MFS)

The study of periodic structures, namely sonic crystals, for sound attenuation purposes has been a topic of intense research in the last years. Some efficient methods are available in literature to solve the problem of sound propagation in the presence of this kind of structures such as those based in the Multiple Scattering Theory (MST) or the Finite Element Method (FEM). In this paper a solution based on the Method of Fundamental Solutions (MFS) which presents advantages, namely in computational discretization and calculation costs, is presented. The proposed formulation considers the presence of elastic ring shaped scatterers, correctly accounting for their interaction with the host fluid. The model accuracy is tested by comparing it to FEM in an exemplificative case. A set of numerical examples is then presented and the results compared with the ones given by a MFS approach where the structure is considered as rigid. The results showed that in the case of low-contrasting between solid/fluid properties, the elastic behavior of the structure could not be neglected.
Design of Counting-Step Algorithm for Smartphone-Based Indoor Localization

In recent years, the smartphones which are integrated with many high-accuracy sensors have become very popular. Utilizing the development of sensors, developers have done many useful researchers. Indoor positioning navigation is an interesting and hot field of them. Step detecting and counting are key technologies in indoor positioning. In this paper, we propose a novel method to count steps which is an improvement of the classical steps detection method, the peak detection method of the acceleration. Our proposed scheme consists of two parts: the scoring part and adaptive window length part. Two adaptive window length algorithms which can adapt to the varying velocity are also proposed in this paper. In our experiments, a smartphone - Nubia NX513J is handled, with screen facing upwards to record the accelerometer data. The scoring algorithm of acceleration in the process of step detection is tested in two kinds of path: a straight path and a U-shaped path in which it shows better results than conventional peak detection method.
for The Degree of Licentiate of Engineering Behavioral Modeling of Radio Frequency Transmitters

The dependence of modern wireless communication systems on the fidelity of the transmitter has increased the importance of modeling these components. Behavioral modeling is a commonly used technique to find the input-output relationship of a system, without the need for the knowledge of the specific components. There have been many models proposed in the literature, which has made it difficult to choose models suitable for the application at hand. By analyzing and categorizing these models depending on the type of distortions they can describe, it becomes possible to understand their distortion handling capabilities. Such an analysis led to the design of two new behavioral models, one customized for power amplifiers and the other for modulators. Once different models are analyzed, their usefulness is determined in an experimental setup. Different models have different modeling capabilities. While some may be able to model any nonlinear function with high accuracy, others may be capable of modeling at low computational cost. The accuracy/complexity tradeoff for some commonly-used behavioral models is analyzed in this thesis. In Paper [A], a new behavioral model is proposed for power amplifiers that combines two commonly used modeling techniques. The performance of this model is shown to be better than the two models it is based on, and issues in identification are also discussed. In Paper [B], a new dual-input model is constructed for modulators. This model has the ability to describe nonlinear imbalance in a modulator. Different variants of this model are also proposed, to reduce the computational complexity. In Paper [C], a detailed analysis on the accuracy/complexity tradeoff for some commonly-used power amplifier behavioral models is presented. After finding the computational complexity in floating point operations per sample, an experimental setup is used to show that among models studied, the generalized memory polynomial model has the best accuracy/complexity tradeoff.
Ambiguity function and accuracy of the hyperbolic chirp: comparison with the linear chirp

In this study, the authors derive the ambiguity function (AF) of a narrowband and a wideband hyperbolic chirp. They calculate the second derivatives of the squared amplitude of the narrowband complex AF and use them to calculate the Fisher information matrix (FIM) of the estimators of the target range and velocity. The FIM is then used to calculate the Cramer-Rao lower bounds (CRLBs) of the variance of the estimators and to carry out an analysis of estimation performance and a comparison with the case of a linear chirp with a rectangular and a Gaussian amplitude modulation. The analysis and the calculations of the CRLB are also extended to a train of hyperbolic chirps. Results corroborate that at narrowband the hyperbolic chirp is less Doppler tolerant than the linear chirp and show that the hyperbolic chirp provides a comparable measurement accuracy to the linear chirp. Results at wideband corroborate the superior Doppler tolerance of the hyperbolic chirp with respect to that of the linear chirp.
MEASURING BEE DIVERSITY IN DIFFERENT EUROPEAN HABITATS AND BIOGEOGRAPHICAL REGIONS

Bee pollinators are currently recorded with many different sampling methods. However, the relative performances of these methods have not been systematically evaluated and compared. In response to the strong need to record ongoing shifts in pollinator diversity and abundance, global and regional pollinator initiatives must adopt standardized sampling protocols when developing large-scale and long-term monitoring schemes. We systematically evaluated the performance of six sampling methods (observation plots, pan traps, standardized and variable transect walks, trap nests with reed internodes or paper tubes) that are commonly used across a wide range of geographical regions in Europe and in two habitat types (agricultural and seminatural). We focused on bees since they represent the most important pollinator group worldwide. Several characteristics of the methods were considered in order to evaluate their performance in assessing bee diversity: sample coverage, observed species richness, species richness estimators, collector biases (identified by subunit-based rarefaction curves), species composition of the samples, and the indication of overall bee species richness (estimated from combined total samples). The most efficient method in all geographical regions, in both the agricultural and seminatural habitats, was the pan trap method. It had the highest sample coverage, collected the highest number of species, showed negligible collector bias, detected similar species as the transect methods, and was the best indicator of overall bee species richness. The transect methods were also relatively efficient, but they had a significant collector bias. The observation plots showed poor performance. As trap nests are restricted to cavity-nesting bee species, they had a naturally low sample coverage. However, both trap nest types detected additional species that were not recorded by any of the other methods. For large-scale and long-term monitoring schemes with surveyors with different experience levels, we recommend pan traps as the most efficient, unbiased, and cost-effective method for sampling bee diversity. Trap nests with reed internodes could be used as a complementary sampling method to maximize the numbers of collected species. Transect walks are the principal method for detailed studies focusing on plant-pollinator associations. Moreover, they can be used in monitoring schemes after training the surveyors to standardize their collection skills.
] 1 S ep 2 01 6 A Riemannian approach to Randers geodesics

In certain circumstances tools of Riemannian geometry are sufficient to address questions arising in the more general Finslerian context. We show that one such instance presents itself in the characterisation of geodesics in Randers spaces of constant flag curvature. To achieve a simple, Riemannian derivation of this special family of curves, we exploit the connection between Randers spaces and the Zermelo problem of time-optimal navigation in the presence of background fields. The characterisation of geodesics is then proven by generalising an intuitive argument developed recently for the solution of the quantum Zermelo problem.
A 20 Residues Motif Delineates the Furin Cleavage Site and its Physical Properties May Influence Viral Fusion

Furin is a proprotein convertase that proteolytically cleaves protein precursors to yield functional proteins. Efficient cleavage depends on the presence of a specific sequence motif on the substrate. Currently, the cleavage site motif is described as a four amino acid pattern: R-X-[K/R]-R⇓. However, not all furin cleavage recognition sites can be described by this pattern and not all R-X-[K/R]-R⇓ sites are cleaved by furin. Since many furin substrates are involved in the pathogenesis of viral infection and human diseases, it is important to accurately characterize the furin cleavage site motif. In this study, the furin cleavage site motif was characterized using statistical analysis. The data were interpreted within the 3D crystal structure of the furin catalytic domain. The results indicate that the furin cleavage site motif is comprised of about 20 residues, P14-P6′. Specific physical properties such as volume, charge, and hydrophilicity are required at specific positions. The furin cleavage site motif is divided into two parts: 1) one core region (8 amino acids, positions P6-P2′) packed inside the furin binding pocket; 2) two polar regions (8 amino acids, positions P7–P14; and 4 amino acids, positions P3′-P6′) located outside the furin binding pocket. The physical properties of the core region contribute to the binding strength of the furin substrate, while the polar regions provide a solvent accessible environment and facilitate the accessibility of the core region to the furin binding pocket. This furin cleavage site motif also revealed a dynamic relationship linking the evolution of physical properties in region P1′-P6′ of viral fusion peptides, furin cleavage efficacy, and viral infectivity.
Updating information in colored QR code for knowledge sharing

Knowledge sharing is the process through which explicit or tacit knowledge is communicated to other individuals.Recently, the Quick Response (QR) Code which is a small size printed shape of black and white squares has been used in many domain as a storage medium.To date, it is a popular storage medium in the marketing domain. The code can easily be used to disseminate information about a product as it only requires a small printed area.The QR Code may contain various information such as URL, contact information, and application launching. However, the information stored in the QR Codes may require some modification or updating. Hence, this paper demonstrates a technique to update information stored in colored QR Code and regenerate the code using integrated techniques of compression, multiplexing and multilayered techniques (CoMM). The processes to regenerate an updated QR Code includes the decode and re-encode of the QR Code.
Stage-based tourism models and resident attitudes towards tourism in an emerging destination in the developing world

Many researchers have used stage-based and life cycle models to describe destination development and local residents’ changing reactions to tourism. Typically, they report that resident attitudes towards tourism, and its perceived outcomes for host populations, worsen with increasing experience and involvement in tourism. However, stage-based models traditionally focus on mature destinations in developed countries. In contrast, scholarship on ecotourism derives largely from developing countries and suggests that increased participation leads to more favourable outcomes and attitudes towards tourism. This paper breaks new ground by exploring attitudes to tourism in an emerging destination in a developing country and linking that exploration to a revised stage-based model. It uses ethnographic data to evaluate responses to recent tourism development in Nicaragua. While findings are complex and do not support a linear relationship between the level of experience in tourism and the attitudes of local residents, they do indicate a relationship between these two theoretical perspectives that can be used to inform one another. Notably, workers in tourism are more critical of the tourism industry than residents are. Important amendments to stage-based models are suggested that will assist tourism planners with the creation of more sustainable, community-centred development.
The Accuracy of Trade Classification Rules: Evidence from NASDAQ

Researchers are increasingly using data from the Nasdaq market to examine pricing behavior, market design, and other microstructure phenomena. The validity of any study that classifies trades as buys or sells depends on the accuracy of the classification method. Using a Nasdaq proprietary data set that identifies trade direction, we examine the validity of several trade classification algorithms. We find that the quote rule, the tick rule, and the Lee and Ready (1991) rule correctly classify 76.4%, 77.66%, and 81.05% of the trades, respectively. However, all classification rules have only a very limited success in classifying trades executed inside the quotes, introducing a bias in the accuracy of classifying large trades, trades during high volume periods, and ECN trades. We also find that extant algorithms do a mediocre job when used for calculating effective spreads. For Nasdaq trades, we propose a new and simple classification algorithm that improves over extant algorithms.
OL-DEC-MDP Model for Multiagent Online Scheduling with a Time-Dependent Probability of Success

Focusing on the on-line multiagent scheduling problem, this paper considers the time-dependent probability of success and processing duration and proposes an OL-DEC-MDP (opportunity loss-decentralized Markov Decision Processes) model to include opportunity loss into scheduling decision to improve overall performance. The success probability of job processing as well as the process duration is dependent on the time at which the processing is started. The probability of completing the assigned job by an agent would be higher when the process is started earlier, but the opportunity loss could also be high due to the longer engaging duration. As a result, OL-DEC-MDP model introduces a reward function considering the opportunity loss, which is estimated based on the prediction of the upcoming jobs by a sampling method on the job arrival. Heuristic strategies are introduced in computing the best starting time for an incoming job by each agent, and an incoming job will always be scheduled to the agent with the highest reward among all agents with their best starting policies. The simulation experiments show that the OL-DEC-MDP model will improve the overall scheduling performance compared with models not considering opportunity loss in heavy-loading environment.
Stress in air traffic controllers : comparison of two air route traffic control centers on different shift rotation patterns.

Abstract : Stress in 23 air traffic controllers (ATCS) at Atlanta Air Route Traffic Control Center (ATL) on the straight 5-day shift rotation schedule was compared with stress in 23 ATCS's on the 2-2-1 shift rotation schedule at Fort Worth Air Route Traffic Control Center (FTW). Stress in six other FTW ATCS's on the 5-day schedule was compared to stress in their 23 cohorts on the 2-2-1 schedule. Stress estimates were made from urinary levels of 17-ketogenic steroids (st), epinephrine (e), and norepinephrine (ne).
Multiple positive solutions for a p-Laplace critical problem (p >1), via Morse theory

We consider the quasilinear elliptic problem (Pλ) { −∆pu = λuq−1 + up ∗−1 in Ω u > 0 in Ω u = 0 on ∂Ω where Ω is bounded in RN, N ≥ p2, 1 < p ≤ q < p∗, p∗ = Np N−p , λ > 0 is a parameter. Denoting by P1(Ω) the Poincaré polynomial of Ω, we state that, for any p > 1, there exists λ∗ > 0 such that, for any λ ∈ (0, λ∗), either (Pλ) has at least P1(Ω) distinct solutions or, if not, (Pλ) can be approached by a sequence of problems (Pn)n∈N, each having at least P1(Ω) distinct solutions. These results have been proved in [12] only as regards the case p ≥ 2, while they will be completely proved in the forthcoming work [13] in the case p ∈ (1, 2). Note that, when p ∈ (1, 2), the Euler functional associated to (Pλ) is never C2, so the approach already used for p ≥ 2 fails. This problem will be faced exploiting recent results given in [7] and [8].