Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Applicability of the Long Chain Diol Index (LDI) as a Sea Surface Temperature Proxy in the Arabian Sea

The long‐chain diol index (LDI) is a relatively new proxy for sea surface temperature (SST) which has been rarely applied in upwelling regions. Here, we evaluated its application by comparison with other SST records obtained by commonly used proxies, that is, the Mg/Ca ratio of the planktonic foraminifera species Globigerinoides ruber and the alkenone paleothermometer UK´37. We focused on the last glacial–interglacial transition of four different sedimentary archives from the western and northern Arabian Sea, which are currently under the influence of monsoon‐induced upwelling and the associated development of an oxygen minimum zone. The UK′37 ${{\mathrm{U}}^{\mathrm{K}\prime }}_{37}$ and Mg/CaG.ruber SST records revealed an increase of 0.6–3.4°C from the Last Glacial Maximum to the late Holocene with somewhat higher amplitude in the northern part of the Arabian Sea than compared to the western part. In contrast, the LDI SSTs did not reveal major changes during the last glacial–interglacial transition which was followed by a decreasing trend during the Holocene. The LGM versus the Holocene LDI SSTs ranged between −0.2 and −2.7°C. Particularly at one record, offshore Oman, the SST decrease during the Holocene was high in amplitude, suggesting a potential cold bias, possibly related to changes in upwelling intensity. This indicates that care has to be taken when applying the LDI for annual mean SST reconstruction in upwelling regions.
A Survey on Cross‐Virtuality Analytics

Cross‐virtuality analytics (XVA) is a novel field of research within immersive analytics and visual analytics. A broad range of heterogeneous devices across the reality–virtuality continuum, along with respective visual metaphors and analysis techniques, are currently becoming available. The goal of XVA is to enable visual analytics that use transitional and collaborative interfaces to seamlessly integrate different devices and support multiple users. In this work, we take a closer look at XVA and analyse the existing body of work for an overview of its current state. We classify the related literature regarding ways of establishing cross‐virtuality by interconnecting different stages in the reality–virtuality continuum, as well as techniques for transitioning and collaborating between the different stages. We provide insights into visualization and interaction techniques employed in current XVA systems. We report on ways of evaluating such systems, and analyse the domains where such systems are becoming available. Finally, we discuss open challenges in XVA, giving directions for future research.
Formulating measures for structured document retrieval search tasks using extended structural relevance

Structured document retrieval (SDR) systems minimize the effort users spend to locate relevant information by retrieving sub-documents (i.e., parts of, as opposed to entire, documents) to focus the user's attention on the relevant parts of a retrieved document. SDR search tasks are differentiated by the multiplicity of ways that users prefer to spend effort and gain relevant information in SDR. The sub-document retrieval paradigm has required researchers to undertake costly user studies to validate whether new IR measures, based on gain and effort, accurately capture IR performance. We propose the Extended Structural Relevance (ESR) framework as a way, akin to classical set-based measures, to formulate SDR measures that share the common basis of our proposed pillars of SDR evaluation: relevance, navigation and redundancy. Our experimental results show how ESR provides a flexible way to formulate measures, and addresses the challenge of testing measures across related search tasks by replacing costly user studies with low-cost simulation.
Warnings in manufacturing: Improving hazard‐mitigation messaging through audience analysis

Hazard mitigation, including warning development, validation, and dissemination, is an important aspect of product safety and workplace and consumer protection. Understanding our audiences—workers and consumers—is an especially important, often overlooked, aspect of risk and harm reduction efforts. In this article, particular attention is paid to audience analysis in hazard communication and warning messaging, with a focus on the potential role of latent class analysis (LCA). We provide an example of using LCA to analyze a hazardous behavior: prescription medicine sharing and borrowing. Four distinct groups of people—ranging from abstainers to at‐risk sharers—are identified and discussed. Building better warnings and risk communication techniques is essential to promoting occupational and consumer safety. Audience analysis is a vital component of these efforts. LCA appears to be a worthwhile addition to our analytical toolbox by allowing risk reduction and hazard‐mitigation efforts to tailor interventions to a diverse target audience. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the use of Sub‐sample Unit Root Tests to Detect Changes in Persistence

Abstract. We investigate the behaviour of rolling and recursive augmented Dickey–Fuller (ADF) tests against processes which display changes in persistence. We show that the power of the tests depend crucially on the window width and warm up parameter for the rolling and recursive procedures respectively, on whether forward or reverse recursive sequences of tests are computed, and on the persistence change process generating the data. To ameliorate these dependencies we extend the available critical values for these tests, and propose a number of new sub‐sample unit root tests for which finite sample and asymptotic critical values are also provided. An empirical illustration on OECD real output data is also provided.
THE STANDARD MILLING TIME OF FLAT SURFACES WITHOUT OUTLINE RESTRICTIONS

Knowing the standard operating times of technological operations is essential element in the business operations of every production enterprise. It is the basis for establishing the production capacity, planning the production schedule, or even calculating costs. The article presents a variety of methods used in the calculation of standard worktime of technological operations. An especially important distinction was made between calculating the total machining time and the actual cutting time. Through the examination of various machined flat surfaces, the results of worktime calculations from CATIA and the authored mathematical model are presented.
Particle swarm optimisation-based modified SHE method for cascaded H-bridge multilevel inverters

Low-frequency switching strategies are considered as an effective way of achieving efficient performance in multilevel inverters. Selective harmonic elimination (SHE) is a modulation technique of this category which gives a superior outcome suppressing low-order detrimental harmonics. Limited number of decision variables offered by SHE in the corresponding non-linear equations hinders obtaining high-quality waveforms. Current research is targeted on two distinct objectives for cascaded H-bridge inverters. First objective is to obtain a high-quality output signal. The second one is accomplishing a realistic solution with compromised voltage quality where a broad operating range becomes mathematically challenging. These aims are achievable by deploying additional degree of freedom in the equation set. In other words, the introduction of floating voltage levels contributes to effectively doubling the number of variables. The enhancement of output waveforms is presented through several illustrations and comparisons. Subsequent laboratory implementation validates the proposal and confirms its feasibility.
Design of a modern image generation engine for driving simulation

In 2007 Blue Newt Software began designing and building a new visual rendering system for visual simulation markets. The image generator, called PixelTransit, is built on top of our engine called Blue Sprocket. Our rendering technology has been instrumental in demonstrating to new customers how graphics hardware can be used not just to create better images, but to gain better insight into their simulated environments. Blue Sprocket was designed to address four core goals from a rendering perspective: improved performance, higher-quality, scalability, and improved lighting. The engine additionally was redesigned to use standards wherever possible, and to bring a degree of modularity and scalability not available in this domain. This paper will describe the design and implementation of this system and discuss current problems and future work to be done in this space.
Accurate Real-Time Measurements of the Smart Grid Phasor Measurement Unit Parameters

Abstract Accurate and real-time measurement of the power system signals’ phasor is an open challenge in future smart grids. This article analyzes the performance of three recently proposed phasor estimators and compares them with the proposed estimator algorithm. The article proposes an improved recursive wavelet transform for real-time estimation of phasor and frequency in smart power systems. The proposed algorithm performance is compared with the commonly used full-cycle discrete Fourier transform (DFT), the improved discrete Fourier transform, and the wavelet transform based methods. It is shown that improved recursive wavelet transform possesses an improvement over a wide range of decaying DC components, harmonic distortions, frequency deviations, and sampling frequency. These characteristics of the improved recursive wavelet transform make it a good candidate for real-time applications in any smart power system.
Tangential Curves and Fatou's Theorem on Trees

The paper shows that the distinction between tangential sequences and tangential curves, which is known to be relevant for the boundary behaviour of harmonic functions in Euclidean half spaces, is also meaningful and relevant in the discrete setting of the potential theory on a tree associated to a very regular, nearest neighbour random walk. In particular, the paper first defines the class of tangential curves on a tree, and then proves that, for any family of tangential curves which have the same order of tangency and are associated (and converging) to points in the boundary, there is a bounded harmonic function which, for (almost) every point in the boundary, has positive oscillation along the corresponding curve. This result does not hold if, in place of tangential curves, tangential sequences are admitted.
Columnar cacti as sources of energy and protein for frugivorous bats in a semi‐arid ecosystem

Columnar cacti constitute the dominant elements in the vegetation structure of arid and semi‐arid New World ecosystems representing a plethora of food resources for vertebrate consumers. Previous stable isotope analysis in Central Mexico showed that columnar cacti are of low importance to build tissue for frugivorous bats. We used carbon stable isotope analysis of whole blood and breath samples collected from four species of frugivorous bats (Sturnira parvidens, Sturnira ludovici, Artibeus jamaicensis, and Artibeus intermedius) to reconstruct the importance of cactus plants in their diet. Breath samples were collected within 10 min (B10) of bat capture and ~12 h after capture (B720), representing the oxidation of recently ingested food and of body reserves, respectively. We expected that bats relied primarily on non‐cactus food to construct tissues and fuel oxidative metabolism. Non‐cactus food strongly predominated for tissue building, whereas oxidative metabolism was supported by a moderate preponderance of non‐cactus food for B10 samples, and a moderate preponderance of cactus food or an equal contribution of both sources for B720 samples. Artibeus and Surnira species appear to cover a narrow part of the diet with cactus food, confirming that the incorporation of nutrients derived from these plants is not generalized among vertebrate consumers.
An Assessment of the Implementation of Open Performance Review and Appraisal System in Local Government Authorities: A Case of Morogoro Municipal Council

The study was done in Morogoro Municipal Council (MMC). The main objective was to assess the process of Open Performance Review and Appraisal System (OPRAS) implementation in local government authorities, in the light of administrative culture. The study employed a cross-sectional design, in particular a case study. The sample size was 389 respondents administered with questionnaires, from 3,505 populations. The sample also involved heads of department, units, the Municipal Director (MD) and leaders of TALGWU in interview. There were medical and teaching staff selected to participate in Focus Group Discussions (FGD). The results of study found that OPRAS is the only appraisal system which was used to appraise the staff in MMC. It was found that respondents‟ levels of education had influence on commitment to OPRAS implementation, followed by lack of resources which had a negative effect. The study also found that OPRAS implementation would do better if working facilities were available, and the teachers pointed out that increased log books, teachers‟ houses, school library services and stationeries would facilitate the process of OPRAS implementation. Other resources pointed out as necessary were enough human resources, copies of OPRAS forms, funds for transport allowance and workers‟ training; feedback on staff performance and good working environment. The influence of administrative culture was also said to have impact on OPRAS implementation. However, it was concluded that OPRAS still has positive results for improved performance. The study recommended for training, consistency in using OPRA forms, giving feedback and availability of facilities for implementation of activities entered into agreement between supervisors and subordinates.
Internal Control of Accounting Information System based on Network Environment

With the development and progress of modern computer networks, internal accounting information systems in a network environment with a corresponding change of control. Accounting Information System under the network environment is a more complex data processing system for the analysis and processing accounting data information. Internal accounting information system This paper will control the network environment for analysis and research.
Development and Applications of Multi-Objectives Signal Control Strategy during Oversaturated Conditions

Managing traffic during oversaturated conditions is a current challenge for practitioners due to the lack of adequate tools that can handle such situations. Unlike under-saturated conditions, operation of traffic signal systems during congestion requires careful consideration and analysis of the underlying causes of the congestion before developing mitigation strategies. The objectives of this research are to provide a practical guidance for practitioners to identify oversaturated scenarios and to develop a multi-objective methodology for selecting and evaluating mitigation strategy/ or combinations of strategies based on a guiding principles. The research focused on traffic control strategies that can be implemented by traffic signal systems. The research did not considered strategies that deals with demand reduction or seek to influence departure time choice, or route choice. The proposed timing methodology starts by detecting network’s critical routes as a necessary step to identify the traffic patterns and potential problematic scenarios. A wide array of control strategies are defined and categorized to address oversaturation problematic scenarios. A timing procedure was then developed using the principles of oversaturation timing in cycle selection, split allocation, offset design, demand overflow, and queue allocation in non-critical links. Three regimes of operation were defined and considered in oversaturation timing: (1) loading, (2) processing, and (3) recovery. The research also provides a closed-form formula for switching control plans during the oversaturation regimes. The selection of optimal control plan is formulated as linear integer programming problem. Microscopic simulation results of two arterial test cases revealed that traffic control strategies developed using the proposed framework led to tangible performance improvements when compared to signal control strategies designed for operations in under-saturated conditions. The generated control plans successfully manage to allocate queues in network links.
Detector Characterization, Optimization, and Operation for ACTPol

Measurements of the temperature anisotropies of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) have provided the foundation for much of our current knowledge of cosmology. Observations of the polarization of the CMB have already begun to build on this foundation and promise to illuminate open cosmological questions regarding the first moments of the universe and the properties of dark energy. The primary CMB polarization signal contains the signature of early universe physics including the possible imprint of inflationary gravitational waves, while a secondary signal arises due to late-time interactions of CMB photons which encode information about the formation and evolution of structure in the universe. The Atacama Cosmology Telescope Polarimeter (ACTPol), located at an elevation of 5200 meters in Chile and currently in its third season of observing, is designed to probe these signals with measurements of the CMB in both temperature and polarization from arcminute to degree scales. To measure the faint CMB polarization signal, ACTPol employs large, kilo-pixel detector arrays of transition edge sensor (TES) bolometers, which are cooled to a 100 mK operating temperature with a dilution refrigerator. Three such arrays are currently deployed, two with sensitivity to 150 GHz radiation and one dichroic array with 90 GHz and 150 GHz sensitivity. The operation of these large, monolithic detector arrays presents a number of challenges for both assembly and characterization. This thesis describes the design and assembly of the ACTPol polarimeter arrays and outlines techniques for their rapid characterization. These methods are employed to optimize the design and operating conditions of the detectors, select wafers for deployment, and evaluate the baseline array performance. The results of the application of these techniques to wafers from all three ACTPol arrays is described, including discussion of the measured thermal properties and time constants. Finally, aspects of the characterization and calibration of the deployed detectors during field operations are discussed.
Design and Control of a Tactile Stimulator for Real Texture Simulation: Application to Textile Fabrics

The friction modulation produced by ultrasonic vibrations is one of the methods which produces the tactile stimulation. The vibration amplitude is modulated depending on the finger position to give the illusion of touching a texture. This thesis aims at developing a tactile device able to simulate the sensation of touching complex textures such as textile fabrics. For this aim, we modelled first the vibration behaviour and proposed a new strategy to track the resonance frequency of the tactile device and to improve the robustness of the control. On the other hand, the relationship between the tribological aspects of interaction finger / stimulator and the perception of stimuli is assessed to define the most perceived tribological criteria. The tribological parameter named “friction contrast” is introduced. Following this tribological study, we developed a new tactile device called SmartTac integrating new force sensors to measure and control directly the coefficient of friction and to make it adaptive to the user’s finger. Last, a method for extracting the tribological properties of three various textile fabrics is applied to simulate them. Our method is validated by conducting a psychophysical experiment with a success rate of 78%, matching the simulated surfaces to real surfaces.
Damage identification on the Tilff bridge by vibration monitoring using optical fiber strain sensors

Vibration testing is a well-known practice for damage identification of civil engineering structures. The real modal parameters of a structure can be determined from the data obtained by tests using system identification methods. By comparing these measured modal parameters with the modal parameters of a numerical model of the same structure in undamaged condition, damage detection, localization, and quantification is possible. This paper presents a real-life application of this technique to assess the structural health of the 50-year old bridge of Tilff, a prestressed three-cell box-girder concrete bridge with variable height. A complete ambient vibration survey comprising both vertical accelerations and axial strains has been carried out. The in situ use of optical fiber strain sensors for the direct measurement of modal strains is an original contribution of this work. It is a big step forward in the exploration of modal curvatures for damage identification because the accuracy in calculating the modal curvatures is substantially improved by directly measuring modal strains rather than deriving the modal curvatures from acceleration measurements. From the ambient vibrations, natural frequencies, damping factors, modal displacements and modal curvatures are extracted by the stochastic subspace identification method. These modal param- eters are used for damage identification which is performed by the updating of a finite element model of the intact structure. The obtained results are then compared to the inspections performed on the bridge.
Dwelling with Design

Abstract Most studies of design focus on designers in their studios, in industry or in the commercial phase of design. In contrast, this paper looks at what happens to design after it leaves the shop. The paper reviews literature on art and design in everyday life, builds on Herbert Blumer’s interactionism, and reports the key results of a longitudinal study done between 2004 and 2007 in Helsinki, Finland. It describes how people define design, how they relate to it, and how their definition of their home creates the environment in which design is either foregrounded or backgrounded.
Modality shift in design process: Understanding the rationale behind modality shift and its effect on architectural design

Architectural design is a deliberate act of creativity without any definite starting point. Critical analysis of any design process reveals its basic stages. It is obvious that design stages are not necessarily linear but can be examined as such. In search of effective solution designers often tends to switch between modalities. The purpose of this study is to understandhow design students rationalize their modality selection and factors causing modality shifts as well as the impact of these shifts on design outcome.
Application of a genetic algorithm in an artificial neural network to calculate the resonant frequency of a tunable single‐shorting‐post rectangular‐patch antenna

In this article, an efficient application of a genetic algorithm (GA) in an artificial neural network (ANN) to calculate the resonant frequency of a coaxially‐fed tunable rectangular microstrip‐patch antenna is presented. For a normal feed‐forward back‐propagation algorithm, with a compromise between time and accuracy, it is difficult to train the network to achieve an acceptable error tolerance. The selection of suitable parameters of ANNs in a feed‐forward network leads to a high number of man‐hours necessary to train a network efficiently. However, in the present method, the GA is used to reduce the man‐hours while training a neural network using the feed forward‐back‐propagation algorithm. It is seen that the training time has also been reduced to a great extent while giving high accuracy. The results are in very good agreement with the experimental results. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE, 2005.