Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SOFTWARE TESTING OPTIMIZATION MODELS

Software errors can be a serious problem, because of possible damages (and related costs) and the burden of the needed corrections. Software testing, whose aim is to discover the errors in software products, requires a lot of resources and from it derives the overall quality (i.e. reliability) of the software product. Testing is a decisive factor in attempting to discover as soon as possible, and so reduce, the presence of errors; it involves a lot of resources against an error discovery expectation, and is thus susceptible of optimization: i.e., the best equilibrium between the number of tests to make and the global expected value of discovered errors has actually to be achieved. In fact, it is not economically feasible to proceed with testing over a given limit as well as to execute too few tests, running in the risk of having too heavy expenses because of too residual errors. In the present work we propose some models of software testing optimization, making use of an integer linear programming approach solved with a “branch & bound” algorithm.
Energy and recycling implications of transitions towards light-weight passenger cars

The overall approach to this thesis would be to start off by making a simple system (with the system boundaries) for steel and aluminium in an average car. The purpose of this would be to find out how one material can be used to substitute the other. The next step would involve looking into the historical stocks of steel and aluminium in cars and predict how they will be in the future. This will be done using dynamic MFA. It will be a global study of cars with a high focus on aluminium. The study will also look into the energy consumption and emissions (focusing on the climate change potential from cars). Historical and future emission scenarios will be made. Different scenarios for climate change mitigation will be tested, including light-weighting, a shift to electrical cars (Blue Map Scenario) and many other steel and aluminium related scenarios. The scenarios would be discussed and compared to results from LCA to show how the results are varying.
Advanced vehicle technology: Mapping mental model accuracy and system exposure to driver behavior

Advanced driver assistance systems have potential to increase safety and comfort for drivers; however, drivers need to understand the capabilities and limitations of these systems to use them appropriately. This study sought to explore how the quality (accuracy) of drivers’ mental models of adaptive cruise control (ACC) impacted their behavior and interactions while using the system. Seventy-eight participants drove in a high-fidelity driving simulator while operating an ACC system, in normal conditions and while interacting with the system interface. Participants with stronger (more accurate) mental models glanced to the road ahead more often during normal conditions early on compared to drivers were less accurate mental models; however, these differences diminished with increased system exposure. Glance behavior while interacting with the system and time to complete the interactions were less effected by the strength of the participant’s mental model. Results are discussed in the context of driver education and training.
Structural-Dynamics and Binding Analysis of RBD from SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern (VOCs) and GRP78 Receptor Revealed Basis for Higher Infectivity

Glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) might be a receptor for SARS-CoV-2 to bind and enter the host cell. Recently reported mutations in the spike glycoprotein unique to the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of different variants might increase the binding and pathogenesis. However, it is still not known how these mutations affect the binding of RBD to GRP78. The current study provides a structural basis for the binding of GRP78 to the different variants, i.e., B.1. 1.7, B.1. 351, B.1. 617, and P.1 (spike RBD), of SARS-CoV-2 using a biomolecular simulation approach. Docking results showed that the new variants bound stronger than the wild-type, which was further confirmed through the free energy calculation results. All-atom simulation confirmed structural stability, which was consistent with previous results by following the global stability trend. We concluded that the increased binding affinity of the B.1. 1.7, B.1. 351, and P.1 variants was due to a variation in the bonding network that helped the virus induce a higher infectivity and disease severity. Consequently, we reported that the aforementioned new variants use GRP78 as an alternate receptor to enhance their seriousness.
A Review of Reservoir Modelling Methodologies

Abstract The task of prospect generation has traditionally been the classic role of geologists and geophysicists working with available tools to convey their conceptual models to management, partners and the open E & P market. The evolution of these available tools, from colored-pencil sketches on paper to handcontoured maps on sepia, and from 2D mapping packages to 3D reservoir modelling systems, has directly improved, enhanced and influenced the success rates of drilling programs worldwide. State-of-the-art 3D reservoir modelling not only enhances the visual and aesthetic quality of prospect generation; it demands intensive data quality control, data integration and personal interdisciplinary teamwork across the geosciences (asset teams). Implementation of "best practice" standard workflows in 3D modelling softwares enables asset teams to perform a vast range of data and time critical quality control (QC) tasks in conjunction with immediate 3D visualization and model editing, including detailed interactive well planning and completion design. 3D immersion techniques now provide interactive data analysis, structural and fault modelling, stochastic facies and petrophysical modelling, flow simulation grid building, upscaling, and real-time connectivity analysis to responsible asset and management teams for efficie nt quality control, risk analysis and critical decision-making in all aspects of the E & P cycle. Historical milestones highlight the development of reservoir modeling techniques, moving from basic mapping of surface geology by hand to visionarium displays integrating seismic, subsurface, and engineering data in three or more dimensions. Examples demonstrate the advantages of working within 3D modelling environments for enhanced productivity, risk analysis and robust field development planning.
Remixing physical objects through tangible tools

In this document we present new tools for remixing physical objects. These tools allow users to copy, edit and manipulate the properties of one or more objects to create a new physical object. We already have these capabilities using digital media: we can easily mash up videos, music and text. However, it remains difficult to remix physical objects and we cannot access the advantages of digital media, which are nondestructive, scalable and scriptable. We can bridge this gap by both integrating 2D and 3D scanning technology into design tools and employing affordable rapid prototyping technology to materialize these remixed objects. In so doing, we hope to promote copying as a tool for creation. This document presents two tools, CopyCAD and KidCAD, the first designed for makers and crafters, the second for children. CopyCAD is an augmented Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) milling machine which allows users to copy arbitrary real world object geometry into 2D CAD designs at scale through the use of a camera-projector system. CopyCAD gathers properties from physical objects, sketches and touch interactions directly on a milling machine, allowing novice users to copy parts of real world objects, modify them and create a new physical part. KidCAD is a sculpting interface built on top of a gel-based realtime 2.5D scanner. It allows children to stamp objects into the block of gel, which are scanned in realtime, as if they were stamped into clay. Children can use everyday objects, their hands and tangible tools to design new toys or objects that will be 3D printed. This work enables novice users to easily approach designing physical objects by copying from other objects and sketching new designs. With increased access to such tools we hope that a wide range of people will be empowered to create their own objects, toys, tools and parts. Thesis Supervisor: Hiroshi Ishii Title: Jerome B. Wiesner Professor of Media Arts and Sciences, Program in Media Arts and Sciences
The Role of Regulation and Emotional Eating Behaviour in the Early Development of Obesity

The purpose of our research was to explore the role of both parents’ use of behavioural regulation with food and children’s emotional self-regulation in young children with and without overweight/obesity. For this purpose, 123 participants (n = 62 boys and n = 61 girls) were recruited and classified into two groups by their Body Mass Index (BMI, non-overweight vs. overweight/obese) and into two age groups (four years and seven years). The children’s parents/primary caregivers completed two scales of the Childhood Obesogenic Behaviours’ Questionnaire (COBQ). The participants were measured and weighed to calculate their BMI to identify overweight, obesity, and non-overweight. The results showed that the means for children who were obese/overweight were significantly higher than those of children who were non-overweight for both the parents’ behavioural regulation scale (non-overweight: M = 1.80, SD = 0.69; overweight/obesity: M = 2.94, SD = 0.85) and the child’s emotional overeating scale (non-overweight: M = 1.47, SD = 0.56; overweight/obesity: M = 2.65, SD = 0.87). No statistically significant differences were found related to age (4 and 7 years), indicating that the potential impact of obesogenic behaviours starts early in development. Similarly, no differences by gender were found. Due to the implications of obesity for physical and mental health, and the high probability of maintaining this overweight status in the long term, family-based interventions to prevent obesity are highly advisable from birth.
Intercropping and Nitrogen Fertilization Altered the Patterns of Leaf Senescence in Sorghum

Leaf senescence regulates grain yield. However, the modulation of leaf senescence in sorghum under legume-based intercrop systems and nitrogen (N) fertilization is not known. The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of intercropping two sorghum (Gadam and Serena) and cowpea (K80, M66) varieties and sole cropping systems and different fertilizer N rates (0, 40, and 80 kg·N·ha−1) on the time course of postflowering sorghum leaf senescence and understand how senescence modulates grain yield. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with a split-plot arrangement with three replications. Leaf senescence was assessed from flowering to maturity at (a) whole-plant level by the visual scoring of green leaves and (b) flag leaf scale by measuring leaf greenness with a SPAD 502 chlorophyll meter. A logistic function in SigmaPlot was fitted to estimate four traits of leaf senescence, including minimum and maximum SPAD (SPADmin, SPADmax), time to loss of 50% SPADmax (EC50), and the rate of senescence. Irrespective of the cowpea variety, intercropping reduced sorghum grain yield by 50%. The addition of N increased yield by 27% but no effect was detected between 40 and 80 kg·N ha−1. Intercropping delayed leaf senescence at the whole plant by 0.2 leaves plant−1 day−1 but reduced SPADmax of the flag by 8 SPAD units and rate of senescence by 4 SPAD units day−1 compared with sole crop system. Fertilizer N delayed leaf senescence ( P ≤ 0.05 ) at whole-plant and flag leaf scales. Cropping System × nitrogen modulated senescence at whole-plant and flag leaf scales and sorghum grain yield but marginally influenced other traits. While EC50 did not correlate with grain yield, faster rates of senescence and leaf greenness were associated with high yield under the sole crop system. Overall, N was the main factor in driving sorghum leaf senescence while the intercropping effect on senescence was nonfunctional. Effects of competition in sorghum-legume intercropping and source-sink relationships on the patterns of leaf senescence deserve further investigation.
Evaluation of Expedient Methods for Mitigating Dust on Helipads

Abstract : The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) was tasked by the Marine Corps Systems Command to develop two dust control systems, one for expeditionary use on Forward Area Refueling Points (FARPs) and one for sustainment use on roads and other large area applications. The project consisted of the evaluation of various dust palliatives and application equipment under controlled laboratory conditions and during field tests. The products of this effort include equipment recommendations, palliative recommendations and complete application guidance. This report addresses testing performed to evaluate commercial palliatives and palliative distribution systems for expeditionary use in constructing and maintaining FARP sites. Eighteen helipads were constructed at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma using both experimental and commercial palliatives for dust abatement. The application methods were principally topical (spray-on) and expeditionary in nature. Each helipad was subjected to CH-46 rotary-wing aircraft traffic and selected helipads were subjected to CH-53 traffic. The helipads were evaluated based upon effectiveness in controlling dust durability foreign object damage (FOD) potential, and overall surface condition. Pertinent conclusions from the testing conducted are noted and recommendations for selecting dust abatement methods and materials are provided.
Relationship between training database size and structural connectivity in artificial neural networks: Do specific local connections improve prediction accuracy?

Training of artificial neural networks is very expensive, as a large-size database is necessary. Moreover, it is usually difficult to find such large-size training databases. Hence, it will be interesting to design artificial neural networks that can be used for training with a small-size database, while maintaining a similar accuracy for prediction compared to fully connected neural networks. We studied neural networks with partial disconnections, additional bypass connections, and negative activation nodes, which are found in the neuronal systems of the human brain. By combining the fully connected neural network and the above three brain-like elements, we found that the modified neural network showed improved prediction accuracy of 13% compared to the fully connected one despite the small size of the training database. To analyze the improved neural network, the contribution of each node in the hidden layers affecting the total prediction accuracy of the neural networks was studied. We also found important local connections that improve the prediction accuracy, and discussed the design of a neural network with a small-size training database without reduction in prediction accuracy.
The roles of distinct Ca2+ signaling mediated by Piezo and inositol triphosphate receptor (IP3R) in the remodeling of E-cadherin during cell dissemination

Given the role of E-cadherin (E-cad) in holding epithelial cells together, the inverse relationship between E-cad levels and cell invasion has been perceived as a principle underlying the invasiveness of tumor cells. In contrast, our study employing the Drosophila model of cell dissemination demonstrates that E-cad is necessary for the invasiveness of Rasv12-transformed cells in vivo. Drosophila E-cad/β-catenin disassembles at adherens junctions and assembles at invasive protrusions—the actin- and cortactin-rich invadopodia-like protrusions associated with breach of the extracellular matrix (ECM)—during cell dissemination. Loss of E-cad attenuates dissemination of Rasv12-transformed cells by impairing their ability to compromise the ECM. Strikingly, the remodeling of E-cad/β-catenin subcellular distribution is controlled by two discrete intracellular calcium signaling pathways: Ca2+ release from endoplasmic reticulum via the inositol triphosphate receptor (IP3R) disassembles E-cad at adherens junctions while Ca2+ entry via the mechanosensitive channel Piezo assembles E-cad at invasive protrusions. Thus, our study provides molecular insights into the unconventional role of E-cad in cell invasion during cell dissemination in vivo and describes the discrete roles of intracellular calcium signaling in the remodeling of E-cad/β-catenin subcellular localization.
Plasma Flows in Solar Filaments as Electromagnetically Driven Vortical Flows

Electromagnetic expulsion acts on a body suspended in a conducting fluid or plasma, which is subject to the influence of electric and magnetic fields. Physically, the effect is a magnetohydrodynamic analogue of the buoyancy (Archimedean) force, which is caused by the nonequal electric conductivities inside and outside the body. It is suggested that electromagnetic expulsion can drive the observed plasma counter-streaming flows in solar filaments. Exact analytical solutions and scaling arguments for a characteristic plasma flow speed are reviewed, and their applicability in the limit of large magnetic Reynolds numbers, relevant in the solar corona, is discussed.
Healthy spaces and places: A national guide to designing places for active living

Australia has an obesity epidemic with more than 60 per cent of adults and one in four children overweight or obese. This is seen as one of our greatest public health challenges and with statistics such as these, it is not hard to see why: » Based on current trends, the percentage of the Australian population who will be overweight or obese will have grown to a record 73 per cent in 2025, including one-third of children and three-quarters of the adult population. » Recent trends shown by research into Australian children predict that their life expectancy will fall by two years by the time they are 20 years of age, taking them back to levels seen for males in 2001 and females in 1997. » High body mass alone was responsible for 7.5 per cent of the total burden of disease in 2003, including 20 per cent of cardiovascular disease burden. High body mass and physical inactivity were responsible for 60 per cent of the burden for type 2 diabetes. » The total financial cost of obesity in Australia in 2008, not including overweight, was estimated at $8.3 billion. » A projected rise in the rates of type 2 diabetes, mainly due to expected growth in prevalence of obesity, will increase healthcare costs by $5.6 billion each year (from $1.4 to $7 billion) by 2032. The Preventative Health Taskforce, appointed by the Australian Government in April 2008, has found that addressing the burden of
Cellulose–Silver Composites Materials: Preparation and Applications

Cellulose has received great attention owing to its distinctive structural features, exciting physico−chemical properties, and varied applications. The combination of cellulose and silver nanoparticles currently allows to fabricate different promising functional nanocomposites with unique properties. The current work offers a wide and accurate overview of the preparation methods of cellulose–silver nanocomposite materials, also providing a punctual discussion of their potential applications in different fields (i.e., wound dressing, high-performance textiles, electronics, catalysis, sensing, antimicrobial filtering, and packaging). In particular, different preparation methods of cellulose/silver nanocomposites based on in situ thermal reduction, blending and dip-coating, or additive manufacturing techniques were thoroughly described. Hence, the correlations among the structure and physico–chemical properties in cellulose/silver nanocomposites were investigated in order to better control the final properties of the nanocomposites and analyze the key points and limitations of the current manufacturing approaches.
Computers and Commerce: A Study of Technology and Management at Eckert-Mauchly Computer Company, Engineering Research Associates, and Remington Rand, 1946-1957 (review)

Computers and Commerce recounts the history of two important players in American computing: the Eckert-Mauchly Computer Company and Engineering Research Associates. Arthur Norberg’s book begins with the creation of the two firms and continues through their eventual consolidation at Remington Rand and later at the UNIVAC division of Sperry Rand. Norberg’s primary interest is the individual personalities and corporate cultures at both firms, and the ways in which their interactions were revealed in the machines they produced. Engineering Research Associates, headquartered in Minneapolis, was created out of the Communications Division of the United States Navy. EckertMauchly Computer Company, based in Philadelphia, was the brainchild of J. Presper Eckert and John W. Mauchly, formerly on the engineering faculty at the University of Pennsylvania. These two small companies, Norberg explains, took different approaches to similar problems. What they shared was an overarching creativity: “The computer designs of these firms constituted a revolutionary technology. They required a rethinking of how problems should be solved and a search for ways to improve business practice” (p. 11). Norberg is most interesting in his discussion of the difficulties the firms faced in developing and marketing their products. Launching itself as a business for government clients was a particular challenge for newly established Engineering Research Associates, seeking to become a navy contractor in the 1940s. At that time, government policies restricted contracts to firms with a record of success, making it nearly impossible for new businesses to get off the ground. Engineering Research Associates found a creative solution by identifying a more established firm as its front and becoming its subcontractor. The historical period in question was one of intense innovation in the fledgling computer industry, a decade that took computers out of their origins in military contexts and delivered them to a broad set of clients in government, academia, and business. Norberg provides a close reading of the histories of two important companies, and he details the creation and diffusion of many specific machines in an effort to bring smaller actors to the table in a period whose histories are dominated by accounts of IBM. He uses the histories of these companies as windows onto larger forces that defined this decade in computing history. First, strong networks connecting academia, government, and industry were vital to the development and diffusion of computing machines. Second, a shift from calculating machines and punch-card storage to automatic computing characterized much of the technological innovation of the period. Third, technical needs T E C H N O L O G Y A N D C U L T U R E