Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How do I learn to inspire and support my primary education students’ creativity in design and technology?: Finding the courage to move from craft to creativity in primary design and technology

In this paper I give an account of an action enquiry I undertook from 2006–2008 as a higher education-based senior lecturer in primary design and technology. I work with students in Initial Teacher Education who are training to be teachers of children aged between 5 and 11 years. The purpose of my research was to find ways of developing new, more supportive pedagogies that would encourage students’ independent creativity, and enable them to move from a safe practice of reproducing products, for which I use the term ‘craft’, towards a more risky practice of creating original designs. This, I recognise, was a challenging venture for me as many of my Primary education students had little opportunity in their previous educational experience to develop their innovative, creative skills and frequently preferred to look to me as an ‘expert’ supplier of ready-made solutions rather than inventing their own. Yet I persisted in my efforts to live my values of independent and courageous enquiry in the interests of a more enlightened educational experience for all, which, I am pleased to report, was successful, as I go on to explain.
On Organizing a Shared Task for the Digital Humanities – Conclusions and Future Paths

Sharedtasksareaworkformatprevalentinthenaturallanguageprocessingandmachinelearningcommunity. Thisspecial issue continues the reporting on the shared task SANTA (Systematic Analysis of Narrative levels Through Annotation), which has the development of annotation guidelines for narrative levels as its goal. Narrative levels, also known as embedded narrations, are omnipresent in many kinds of narrations, and one of the core concepts of narratology. In this introduction, we summarize the current state, report on the second annotation round in SANTA, draw some conclusions and, finally, derive some recommendations for future shared tasks in the digital humanities.
Novel loop output buffer architecture and scheduling for efficient contention resolution in optical packet switching

A new loop output buffer architecture for optical packet switching is proposed. It is consisted of multiplex FDL loops, which are divided into k stages by k (M+1) x (M+1) switches. Using this architecture, a few FDL loops can provide large optical memories and get good packet-loss performance, and the delay performance can be improved by adding switches and buffer scheduling.
Coarse‐graining via EDP‐convergence for linear fast‐slow reaction‐diffusion systems

In [7] a fast‐reaction limit for a linear reaction‐diffusion system consisting of two diffusion equations coupled by a linear reaction is performed. The linear reaction‐diffusion system is understood as a gradient flow of the free energy in the space of probability measures equipped with a geometric structure, which contains the Wasserstein metric for the diffusion part and cosh‐type functions for the reaction part. The fast‐reaction limit is done on the level of the gradient system by proving EDP‐convergence with tilting. The limit gradient system induces a diffusion system with Lagrange multipliers on the linear slow‐manifold. Moreover, the limit gradient system can be equivalently described by a coarse‐grained gradient system, which induces a scalar diffusion equation with a mixed diffusion constant for the coarse‐grained slow variable.
Improved Efficiency Performance of a Gas Turbine with a Thermoelectric Generator

This research studied how to Improved Efficiency Performance of a Gas Turbine with a Thermoelectric Generator. The systems consist of the thermoelectric generator, its power conditioning unit and the interfaces to the gas turbine engine cooling and exhaust systems. The gas turbine whose operating condition was used for the design of the thermoelectric generator is based at Ughelli Thermal Power Station, Ughelli, Delta state, Nigeria. From the work carried out, the efficiency of the gas turbine increased from 0.342 to 0.44 with the introduction of a thermoelectric generator.
Occupancy Grid Generation With Dynamic Obstacle Segmentation in Stereo Images

The detection of dynamic and static obstacles is a key task for the navigation of autonomous ground vehicles. The article presents a new algorithm for generating an occupancy map of the surrounding space from noisy point clouds obtained from one or several stereo cameras. The camera images are segmented by the proposed deep neural network FCN-ResNet-M-OC, which combines the speed of the FCN-ResNet method and improves the quality of the model using the concept of object context representation. The paper investigates supervised approaches to network training on unbalanced samples with road scenes such as the weighted cross entropy and the Focal Loss. The occupancy map is built from point clouds with semantic labels, in which static environment and potentially dynamic obstacles are highlighted. Our solution is operational in real time and applicable on platforms with limited computing resources. The approach was tested on autonomous vehicle datasets: Semantic KITTI, KITTI-360, Mapillary Vistas and custom OpenTaganrog. The usage of semantically labeled point clouds increased the precision of obstacle detection by an average of 17%. The performance of the entire approach on various computing platforms with Jetson Xavier, RTX3070, GPUs NVidia Tesla V100 is respectively from 10 to 15 FPS for input image resolution $1920\times 1080$ pixels.
How does student-directed assessment affect learning? Using assessment as a learning process

Abstract This study originated in reaction to the 2008 introduction in Australia of a nation-wide assessment program in literacy and numeracy (NAPLAN) by the federal government. Assessment is widely regarded to play a key role in establishing and raising standards of learning but with the current political emphasis on using assessment for accountability and to monitor macro educational standards, its formative practice is less noted. Consequently, this mixed methods study was conducted at a primary school in the Northern Territory of Australia using student-directed assessment (SDA) as a learning process by drawing on formative assessment principles, constructivist learning approaches, and self-regulated learning. A simultaneous design was employed in which both qualitative and quantitative data were given equal priority. This study explored how students engage in learning when they are able to identify their own learning goals, determine their assessment criteria; and how they demonstrate their mastery of learning outcomes. This study indicated that when students in the participating year levels (years 2, 4, and 6) are involved in their own assessment and when assessment is central to learning, that deep and meaningful learning experiences occur. Through collaboration with teachers, students displayed behavioral, emotional, and cognitive engagement with their assessment tasks. In the case of the year-6 students, the SDA group who actively planned and took charge of their learning in the assessment process achieved significantly higher scores in their writing sample compared to their peers in the teacher directed assessment group.
An overview about monitors colors rendering

The goal of this paper is to study how different TV technologies work, and to compare them. We analyze three different situations: a CRT monitor, a LCD monitor and a LEDs monitor. Using the different monitors' spectral power distributions, we propose a six steps spectral image processing algorithm which converts the spectral image in to XYZ standard and then in to the RGB standard. Finally we colour balance the RGB image in order to eliminate the monitors unwanted render colours hues. On the monitors displays we expect to see the same colours text image. Also we present the monitor's colours properties like: colours saturation, brightness, contrast and sharp.
Single Stage Flyback Micro-Inverter for Solar Energy Systems

ABSTRACT Solar energy systems based on photovoltaic (PV) cells have attracted considerable interest in recent years due to their promise of clear and seemingly limitless generated energy. Solar energy systems based on micro-inverter architectures are gaining in popularity as they are less prone to shading and PV cell malfunction since each solar panel in a system has its own low power inverter. A number of micro-inverters are single stage flyback inverters that are based on the DC-DC flyback topologies. There have been numerous papers on the topic of how to improve the efficiency of dc-dc flyback converters but as far as improving the efficiency of dc-ac flyback micro-inverter is concerned, comparatively less investigation on efficiency improvement has been performed. A low cost technique for improving the efficiency of a basic dc-ac flyback micro-inverter is proposed in the paper. The proposed efficiency improving technique is based on a simple snubber, consisting of just a few passive elements. In the thesis, the flyback micro-inverter with the passive snubber is presented; the modes of operation of the converter are discussed as well as the design of the converter with the passive snubber. Experimental results obtained from a lab prototype are presented as well. A second novel technique for improving the efficiency of a single stage flyback micro-inverter is also proposed. The technique is based on combining the simple passive snubber with a variable frequency control zero-voltage switching (ZVS) technique. In the thesis, the operation of the micro-inverter with both the passive snubber and the ZVS technique is explained and the design of the converter is discussed. Experimental results obtained from a lab prototype are presented to confirm the effectiveness of the both the techniques.
Modular process modeling for OPC

Modular OPC modeling, describing mask, optics, resist and etch processes separately is an approach to keep efforts for OPC manageable. By exchanging single modules of a modular OPC model, a fast response to process changes during process development is possible. At the same time efforts can be reduced, since only single modular process steps have to be re-characterized as input for OPC modeling as the process is adjusted and optimized. Commercially available OPC tools for full chip processing typically make use of semi-empirical models. The goal of our work is to investigate to what extent these OPC tools can be applied for modeling of single process steps as separate modules. For an advanced gate level process we analyze the modeling accuracy over different process conditions (focus and dose) when combining models for each process step - optics, resist and etch - for differing single processes to a model describing the total process.
Tapered stripline embedded in inhomogeneous media as microwave matching line

A novel design method for a stripline microwave matching line is developed in this paper. Striplines considered have a tapered inner conductor embedded in an inhomogeneous dielectric material with continuous spatial variation of the relative permittivity. The employment of this kind of waveguide, as it is shown in this paper, ensures good matching properties in a wide frequency range. These matching properties can be controlled by means of two different factors: the taper of the stripline inner conductor and the relative permittivity spatial variation of the dielectric material filling the stripline. Starting from the nonuniform transmission-line theory, a novel closed analytical form for the input reflection coefficient of such lines is derived, and design formulas for the matching line are carried out. Finally, several applications that show the capability, flexibility, and fastness of the developed synthesis method are presented.
Reconfigurable reflector antenna producing pattern nulls

The paper reports how a reconfigurable mesh reflector antenna can be used to generate nulls in its radiation pattern while closely maintaining the original pattern in regions away from the null. The theory is developed and theoretical results are presented for a typical antenna of a size suitable for spacecraft applications. Experimental results, which are in close accord with theory, are given for an offset mesh reflector which is scaled to approximately 30 wavelengths in diameter and is fed by a corrugated horn. It is shown that deep nulls can be formed both within the mainbeam and within the side-lobe region. Applications of the offline mode of operation lie where there is a priori knowledge of the location of the interfering source, which could be the case in civil scenarios, including those of some deep-space missions requiring communication with an Earth-based transmitter.
The impact of stress and lifestyle factors on short-term sickness absence in a large Danish industrial company

Objectives: Work-related stress and certain lifestyles have been associated with sickness absence among employees. We analysed relations between stress and lifestyles (as risk factors) and short-term sickness absence among employees of a large Danish industrial company. Moreover, we analysed the impact of risk factors on short-term sickness absence. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 7753 employees (67% response rate). Relations between risk factors (dyssomnia, low physical activity, alcohol, smoking, unhealthy food habits, overweight and stress) and short-term sickness absence were analysed by calculating etiologic fractions and binary logistic regression. Relations between the number of risk factors and short-term sickness absence were also analysed. Finally, the cost of short-term sickness absence from risk factors was estimated to illustrate the potential savings in avoided loss of productivity that could be gained from intervention programmes. Results: Stress, overweight, smoking and dyssomnia are significantly related to short-term sickness absence. Etiologic fractions revealed that these factors were associated with between 29.8% and 37.8% of short-term sickness absence. The number of risk factors was also related to the risk and length of sickness absence. Conclusions: This study identified risk factors that could be addressed by intervention programmes to reduce short-term sickness absence. Based on the results, focus on the risk factors that account for most short-term sickness absence and reduction of the number of risk factors could potentially reduce short-term sickness absence. A 30% reduction is equivalent to an avoidance of a loss of productivity of 4.5%, corresponding to €9.4 million per year.
Nonparametric regression based short-term load forecasting

This paper presents a novel approach to short-time load forecasting by the application of nonparametric regression. The method is derived from a load model in the form of a probability density function of load and load affecting factors. A load forecast is a conditional expectation of load given the time, weather conditions and other explanatory variables. This forecast can be calculated directly from historical data as a local average of observed past loads with the size of the local neighborhood and the specific weights on the loads defined by a multivariate product kernel. The method accuracy relies on the adequate representation of possible future conditions by historical data, but a measure to detect any unreliable forecast can be easily constructed. The proposed procedure requires few parameters that can be easily calculated from historical data by applying the cross-validation technique.
Three-point Frequency Tracking Method

This paper presents and evaluates in detail a harmonics tracking method (HTM) for tracking the instantaneous frequency and amplitude of a vibration signal by processing only three most recent data points. Teager—Kaiser algorithm (TKA) is a popular four-point method for online frequency tracking, but its accuracy is easily destroyed by measurement noise due to the use of finite difference. Moreover, because a signal is assumed to be a pure harmonic in TKA, any moving average in the signal can destroy the accuracy of TKA. On the other hand, HTM uses a constant and a pair of harmonics to fit three recent data points and estimate the instantaneous frequency and amplitude, and it dramatically reduces the influence of any moving average. Moreover, noise filtering is an implicit capability of HTM even if only three points are processed, and this capability increases with the number of processed points. However, HTM depends on TKA to provide the first frequency estimation in order to start online tracking. To compare HTM and TKA and evaluate the accuracy of HTM, Hilbert— Huang transform (HHT) is used to extract accurate time-varying frequency and amplitude by processing the whole data set without assuming the signal to be harmonic. Frequency and amplitude tracking of different amplitude- and/or frequency-modulated signals and nonlinear nonstationary dynamic signals is studied. Results show that HTM is more accurate, robust, and versatile than TKA for online frequency tracking. Moreover, the frequencies and amplitudes tracked by HTM have about the same accuracy as those extracted by HHT, but without the edge effect that HHT suffers from.
Growing Pacific Linkage with the Interannual Variability of North Atlantic Explosive Cyclogenesis

Explosive cyclones (ECs), defined as developing extratropical cyclones that experience pressure drops of at least 24 hPa in 24 hours, are impactful weather events which occur along highly populated coastal regions in the eastern United States. These storms occur due to a combination of atmospheric and surface processes, such as jet stream intensification and latent heat release at the ocean surface. Even though previous literature has elucidated the role of these processes in EC formation, the sources of interannual variability that impact seasonal EC frequency are not well known. To analyze the sources of interannual variability, we track cases of ECs and dissect them into two spatial groups: those that formed near the east coast of North America (coastal) and those in the North Central Atlantic (high latitude). The frequency of high-latitude ECs is strongly correlated with the North Atlantic Oscillation, a well-known feature, whereas coastal EC frequency exhibits a growing relationship with an atmospheric wave-train emanating from the North Pacific in the last 30 years. This wave-train pattern of alternating high-and-low pressure resulted in resulted in heightened upper-level divergence and baroclinic instability along the east coast of North America. Using a coupled model experiment, we show that the tropical Pacific Ocean is the main driver of this atmospheric wave train and the subsequent enhancement seasonal baroclinic instability in the North Atlantic.
Estimate Permeability from Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Measurements Using Improved Artificial Neural Network Based on Genetic Algorithm

Knowledge of the permeability distribution is critical to a successful reservoir model. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) measurements can be used for permeability prediction because the T2 relaxation time is proportional to pore size. Due to the conventional estimators have difficult and complex problems in simulating the relationship between permeability and NMR measurements, an intelligent technique using artificial neural network and genetic algorithm to estimate permeability from NMR measurements is developed. Neural network is used as a nonlinear regression method to develop transformation between the permeability and NMR measurements. Genetic algorithm is used for selecting the best parameters and initial value for the neural network, which solved two major problems of the network: local minima and parameter selection depend on experience. Information gain principle is introduced to select the neural network's input parameters automatically from data. The technique is demonstrated with an application to the well data in Northeast China. The results show that the refined technique make more accurate and reliable reservoir permeability estimation compared with conventional methods. This intelligent technique can be utilized a powerful tool for estimate permeability from NMR logs in oil and gas industry.
Severity effects of dual-tandem and dual-tridem repeated heavier aircraft gear loading on pavement rutting performance

In this paper, the rutting behaviour of flexible test pavements subjected to multiple-wheel heavy aircraft gear loading at the National Airport Pavement Test Facility (NAPTF) are characterized. Two series of traffic tests were conducted. During the first series, a Boeing 777 (B777) aircraft gear and a Boeing 747 (B747) gear were trafficked on two low-strength subgrade and two medium-strength subgrade flexible test sections until the test sections were deemed failed. The second series of traffic tests involved repeated loading of six-wheel aircraft gear (the same as B777 gear) and four-wheel gear on low-strength subgrade test sections with variable granular subbase thicknesses. The results showed that the mean rut depths (RD) accumulated under B777 loading and B747 loading were similar. For a similar number of load repetitions, low-strength subgrade test sections with reduced subbase thicknesses yielded larger RD. The NAPTF failure criteria did not yield consistent RD.
NUMERICAL RESOLUTION OF A SHAPE OPTIMIZATION PROBLEM IN HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING

In this work, we take interest in hydraulic structures that enable fish to over- come stream obstructions (such as dams and weirs) to their spawning and other river migrations. Particularly, we study the design of a vertical slot fishway, that is, a rect- angular channel built on a side of the dam, with a sloping floor, that is divided into a number of pools by baffles with slots. We look for the location and length of the baffles separating the pools, in order to obtain a suitable water velocity: it has to be great enough to attract fish to the channel, but it cannot be so great as to wash fish back downstream or to exhaust them to the point where they cannot continue their journey upriver. First we pose the problem as a shape optimization problem, where the state system is given by the shallow water (Saint-Venant) equations, the design variables are the location and length of the baffles, and the objective function is related to obtaining a suitable water velocity. Next, by using the "domain derivative" we give a detailed expression for the gradient of the objective function via the adjoint system. Following, we propose a characteristc-Galerkin method for solving the state system, and two algorithms to solve the optimization problem: a derivative-free algorithm, and a gradient-type method computing the cost gradient by solving the adjoint system with the characteristc-Galerkin method. Finally, we show numerical results obtained for a standard ten pools fishway.
3.5.1 A Prototype Tool for Improving the Wording of Requirements

The majority of work on a project is in response to a set of need statements or requirements, consequently errors in requirements are a major cause of project cost and schedule overruns. This paper presents a simple concept based on the FBRET approach (Cook et al. 2001) that can minimise the production of poorly articulated requirements, and describes a prototype software tool that implements the concept.