Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Free-form Fresnel RXI-RR Köhler design for high-concentration photovoltaics with spectrum-splitting

Development of a novel HCPV nonimaging concentrator with high concentration (>500x) and built-in spectrum splitting concept is presented. It uses the combination of a commercial concentration GaInP/GaInAs/Ge 3J cell and a concentration Back-Point-Contact (BPC) silicon cell for efficient spectral utilization, and external confinement techniques for recovering the 3J cell’s reflection. The primary optical element (POE) is a flat Fresnel lens and the secondary optical element (SOE) is a free-form RXI-type concentrator with a band-pass filter embedded in it Both the POE and SOE performing Köhler integration to produce light homogenization on the receiver. The band-pass filter transmits the IR photons in the 900-1200 nm band to the silicon cell. A design target of an “equivalent” cell efficiency ~46% is predicted using commercial 39% 3J and 26% Si cells. A projected CPV module efficiency of greater than 38% is achievable at a concentration level larger than 500X with a wide acceptance angle of ±1o. A first proof-of concept receiver prototype has been manufactured using a simpler optical architecture (with a lower concentration, ~100x and lower simulated added efficiency), and experimental measurements have shown up to 39.8% 4J receiver efficiency using a 3J cell with a peak efficiency of 36.9%.
The impact of Brexit on cross border trade by the construction sector in Ireland - an exploratory study

Cross-border co-operation can foster learning and contribute positively to business performance and social cohesion. This paper considers construction firms' economic motivation for co-operation around the Ireland Northern Ireland border. This area, while impacted by the Brexit uncertainty, shares many of the economic and developmental characteristics of border areas throughout Europe. The purpose of the study is to investigate the impact of Brexit on cross border trade by the construction sector in Ireland and investigate the current tensions and barriers to that sector. A qualitative methodology adopted a literature review and semi-structured interview strategy. Data was collected from purposively selected contractors in the North and South of Ireland, who have recent experience of cross border construction. Qualitative analysis identifies themes and issues arising which enabled examination of commonalities and differences between the respondents. Differing regulatory regimes, perceived barriers to cross-border co-operation and uncertainty reduce crossborder trade. The study establishes the lack of Brexit preparedness of industry and the need for more industry specific research regarding the level of existing cross border trade, and the measures that could be adopted to resist fragmentation and integrate Irish cross border construction trade in the context of Brexit.
User-based Evaluation of Gamification Elements in an Educational Application

Gamification has increasingly been utilised to motivate students to use technological tools and applications to learn. Although the existing research seems to recognise the benefits that gamification has in and outside classroom, little has been explored about individual gamification elements. To bridge this gap, we conducted a user-based evaluation of an educational application, Knowma+, with different gamification elements to understand which are more desirable to use from the teacher and student perspectives. Knowma+ is built upon relevant pedagogical concepts such as learning by questioning that fit well with the inclusion of gamification elements to enhance learning experience. Results of eye-tracking data suggest that more visually attractive gamification elements could capture the initial attention of both teacher and student participants. However, there were slight differences between the two groups in self-reported preferences with regard to the perceived usefulness of each gamification element as part of their teaching or learning approaches.
The Relationship Between Speech Rate, Voice Quality and Listeners’ Purchase Intentions

Purpose of study: this study aims at investigating how do speech rate and voice quality influence speakers’ perceived personalities and listeners’ purchase intentions. Methods: Phase One aimed at identifying the just noticeable difference (JND) in speech rate (SR) and the best speech samples representing different levels of voice quality severity (VQ) for use as stimuli in the main study in Phase Two. Two speakers recorded a selling script at normal speech rate with normal, mildly and severely dysphonic voice. The speech rate of the recorded stimuli was manipulated by adjusting the pause duration. Forty listeners participated in a listening task to identify the JND in SR and VQ of the stimuli. Phase Two aimed at investigating the effects of SR and VQ on the speakers’ perceived personalities and the listeners’ purchase intents. Another forty listeners rated the speakers’ personalities (attractiveness and competence) and how likely they would purchase from the speaker as rated with a 5-point Likert Scale. Results: The JND in SR was found to be +/10% of the normal SR. The best stimuli for VQ were also identified. Preliminary results showed that SR and VQ influenced perceived personalities and purchase intentions. Conclusions: These results can be further developed into the theoretical framework of a salesforce training protocol on use of voice.
A USABILITY EVALUATION APPROACH IN E-LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS: HE CASE OF IBM LOTUS QUICKR

It is widely accepted that learning environments can enhance the management of learning and contribute to the knowledge transfer [1]. Nowadays learning environments are used in schools, colleges, universities and lifelong learning platforms are independent from the subject area. Such environments compose of various features and services which allow users to collaborate, share knowledge, exchange information, data, experiences and generally to support formal and informal knowledge. According to Human Computer Interaction (HCI) aspects, a usable learning environment is more effective and efficient in terms of learning management and knowledge transfer. Therefore, usability evaluation of learning environments is an important procedure in order to ensure the three main aspects of usability; effectiveness, efficiency and subjective satisfaction [2]. Mainly, in the case of a distance learning university several innovative learning environments are used. This study presents an evaluation process of the learning environment IBM Lotus Quickr, used by Hellenic Open University (HOU). HOU is the sole Greek university that provides distance education in undergraduate and postgraduate level. HOU applies contemporary educational methods which are rely on the principles of distance education and offers innovative distance learning environments and social networks in order to achieve its purposes. IBM Lotus Quickr environment, as a Web 2.0-based team collaboration software for knowledge sharing and collaboration, is used by students and teachers of HOU and supports several activities which are critical for the educational procedure. More specifically, the platform allows users to communicate with each other, to be informed and administrate issues related to academic activities and access to information and additional material through a content repository. The evaluation methodology chosen in this study is an extended version of Heuristic Evaluation (HE) method suggested by Nielsen and Molich [3]. The HE is combined of 10 heuristic rules that provide efficient coverage on major usability problems of web-based user interfaces. Since HE list is dynamic, it can be modified according to the needs of the software under evaluation. Therefore, the method presented in this paper is based on the aforementioned 10 heuristic rules enriched with 5 additional heuristics specifically created for such educational environments, taking into consideration various former studies [4 5, 6, 7] using heuristics. In this paper, the methodology applied to IBM Lotus Quickr is described, the whole evaluation procedure is presented and the evaluation results and outcomes are discussed.
The H-reflex as an Important Indicator in Kinesiology

Hoffmann’s reflex (the H-reflex) is an electrically-induced reflex that is analogous to the mechanically-induced stretch reflex controlled by the spinal cord. The most common measurements performed concerns the electrical response of the soleus muscle to electrical stimulation in the tibial nerve. The response is induced by a discharge occurring in a motoneuron. The latency time of the H-reflex for the soleus muscle amounts to 30–40 ms. An increase in the strength of the stimulus induces a direct response from the muscle, i.e. the M-wave. The latency time of the M-wave amounts to 4–5 ms. A sport training may affect the parameters of the H-reflex. The Hmax/Mmax ratio is the highest among persons engaged in endurance sports and the lowest among those practising speed and strength sports. A decreased amplitude of the H-reflex characterises the level of the central fatigue, while a decrease in the M-wave amplitude is attributed to the peripheral fatigue. Usually, a decrease in Hmax/Mmax ratio is observed post-exercise. Different times of recovery were reported in the literature. No clear quantitative laws have yet been established that govern the course of the reflex as a result of fatigue. The H-reflex still remains within the scope of the interests of kinesiology as a valuable source of information about the reflex functions in the human motor system.
Prediction of biomass in Norwegian fish farms

We have constructed a statistical model to forecast, with uncertainty, the stock of Norwegian farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). The model provided good predictions of future biomass of Norwegian farmed salmon and can also be used to perform “what-if” analysis exploring the impact of varying scenarios for stocking and slaughtering. The model is based on the number of fish in each mass class (0–1, 1–2, …, 10+ kg) and their average mass. The model, which is related to standard size-structured models, computes the number of fish growing into the next mass class the next month and the number of fish remaining in the same mass class. In addition, the number of new fish stocked, fish lost, slaughtered, and wasted, as well as the sea temperature related to the growth, were modelled. All the model parameters were estimated based on monthly data from 2002 to 2007, and the model was validated statistically. Any animal production involving cycles may benefit from this forecasting tool.
Counseling and Monitoring of Unemployed Workers: Theory and Evidence from a Controlled Social Experiment

We investigate the effect of counseling and monitoring on the individual transition rate to employment. We theoretically analyze these policies in a job search model with two search channels and endogenous search effort. In the empirical analysis we use unique administrative and survey data concerning a social experiment with full randomization and compliance. The results show that counseling and monitoring do not affect the exit rate to work. Monitoring causes a shift from informal to formal job search. We combine our empirical results to the results from our theoretical analysis and the existing empirical literature, to establish a comprehensive analysis of the effectiveness of these policies.
Interaction Templates for Multi-Agent Systems

This paper describes a framework for multi-robot motion planning problems that require or utilize interactions between robots. Solutions need to consider interactions between agents on a motion planning level to determine the feasibility and cost of each agent’s portion of the task. Modeling these problems with current task and motion planning approaches typically requires reasoning about the possible interactions and checking many of the possible robots combinations when searching for a solution. We present a multi-robot motion planning method called Interaction Templates (ITs) which offloads certain types of robot interactions from the task planner to the motion planner. ITs encode iterations between a set of robots and are tiled and connected to robots’ individual roadmaps. The resulting combined roadmap allows interactions to be considered by the motion planner. We apply ITs to homogeneous and heterogenous robot teams under both required and optional cooperation scenarios which previously required a task planning method. We show improved performance over the standard TMP approach.
The corporate strategy of Dubai Duty Free

The business arena is abundant with myriad organizations offering a wide variety of products and services. But only those organizations that are able to function successfully in the marketplace are able to survive and subsequently evolve. For an organization’s performance to be determined as successful, the metrics of the organization prove to be vital indicators. Some commonly used metrics to measure organizational success are total sales and revenue, total assets held, employees training expense, attrition rate, investment in IT, market share, awards and recognition received, press/media mentions, CSR campaigns etc (Finney and Corbett, 2007; Liebowitz and Suen, 2000; Self, 2004). Many organizations bifurcate these metrics into internal and external metrics to make performance measurement easier. If an organization has excelled on the majority the above mentioned metrics, it can be deemed successful. Analyzing the reasons behind the success of an organization would require delving into the dimensions that play an important role in the flawless functioning of the firm. These include strategic planning, leadership styles of the managers, organizational culture and strategic alliances. This paper presents an analysis conducted on an organization which has been in business for the past 28 years in the duty free environment and has been the number one Duty Free in the world, based on revenues Dubai Duty Free. The methodology implied involves primary data collection by way of in-depth interviews conducted with twelve of the senior executives of Dubai Duty Free heading IT and Logistics, Marketing, Human Resources, Operations, Purchasing, Finance etc. Upon completion of the primary data collection stage, the secondary data obtained from the organization has been put to a content analysis. The findings indicate that Dubai Duty Free, over the 28 years of its existence, has orchestrated and implemented an indigenous strategic framework for itself. This has encompassed and utilized diverse dimensions of strategic management. This paper captures and illustrates the strategic framework of this organization.
MobileBody : An Integrated Gait Motion Analysis Tool Including Data-Fusion with Patient-Specific Bone Geometry

Marker-based gait analysis has gained significant importance in clinical practice during the last years. A major drawback of the existing techniques is that functional features, which are very sensitive to skin motion errors, cannot be detected accurately (Stagni et al. 2005). Examples are adduction/abduction rotations at knee and ankle, as well as internal rotations at hip, knee and ankle. Presented in this paper is a novel approach for gait motion reconstruction based on kinematical loops and functional kinematic features extracted from Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) data. The method uses an alternative path for concatenating relative motion starting at the feet and closing at the hip joints. From the evaluation of discrepancies between predicted and geometrically identified functional data, such as hip joint centers, a cost function is generated with which the prediction model is optimized. The method has been implemented in a general gait visualization environment termed “MobileBody”.
Environmental Noise Pollution in Ilorin Metropolis , Nigeria

This paper presents the results obtained from environmental noise measurements at selected locations in Ilorin metropolis. Forty two different locations throughout Ilorin were selected to establish background noise level, peak noise level and dominant noise sources at these locations. It was observed that, the A-weighted sound levels (LAeq), background noise level (L90) and peak noise level (L10) measured vary with the location and period of the day. Due to traffic characteristics, especially traffic volume, vehicle horns, vehicle-mounted loudspeakers, unmuffled vehicles, record players and hawking, there is high LAeq, L90 and L10 at road junctions (77 dBA, 66 dBA, 77 dBA), passengers loading parks (76 dBA, 66 dBA, 77 dBA ) and commercial centres (73 dBA, 64 dBA, 74 dBA). Average daily noise exposure level (LAeq) in Ilorin metropolis varies from 46 dBA to 86 dBA. The result of this study shows that the major source of noise in Ilorin metropolis can be attributed to traffic noise. Other intrusive noise sources include noise from record players and hawking with loud speakers. Based on the recommendations of Committee on Environmental and Occupational Health (CEOH), World Health Organization (WHO) and Housing and Urban Development (HUD), only 6 locations out of 42 are under normally acceptable situation while the noise levels of other areas are not acceptable. Based on the noise descriptors (LAeq, LD, LN, LDN, TNI and LNP), noise map is developed to identify locations with high noise exposure. The noise map developed reveals high noise exposure at the nucleus of the metropolis where commercial activities, high traffic volume and clustered buildings with high population exist. The result of this study is useful as reference and guideline for future regulations on noise limit to be implemented for urban areas in Nigeria. Nat. Env. & Poll. Tech. Website: www.neptjournal. com Received: 4-5-2012 Accepted: 17-5-2012
Representing Oneself and Others

Human beings are assumed to own a concept of their self, but it remains a mystery how they represent themselves and others. I shall develop a theoretical framework, inspired by the Theory of Event Coding, of how people represent themselves and others, how and under which circumstances these two kinds of representations interact and what consequences this has. In a nutshell, I shall argue that self- and other-representations can overlap to the degree that they share features, that the shared features are particularly relevant or salient, and that the individual is under a particular metacontrol state. Then I shall argue that self-concepts emerge through active exploration of one’s physical and social environment during infancy and childhood, as well as through cultural learning, and that their main purpose is related to social communication but not online action control.
BIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF THE (FEFE)-HYDROGENASE MATURATION PROTEIN HYDE AND IDENTIFICATION OF THE SUBSTRATE

Hydrogenases catalyze the reversible reduction of protons using complex metal clusters with unusual ligands. The catalytic center of the [FeFe]-hydrogenases is called the H-cluster, and is characterized by a [4Fe-4S] cluster connected via a cysteine thiolate to a 2Fe subcluster coordinated by carbon monoxide and cyanide ligands as well as a bridging dithiolate. Assembly of the H-cluster is carried out by three hydrogenase maturation proteins: HydE, HydF, and HydG. HydF is a GTPase and has been implicated to serve as a scaffold for assembly of the 2Fe subcluster of the H-cluster. HydE and HydG are radical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) enzymes and thus are thought to utilize reductive cleavage of SAM to initiate radical chemistry. HydG has been shown to catalyze the formation of the carbon monoxide and cyanide ligands of the H-cluster utilizing tyrosine as a substrate. HydE, therefore, has been proposed to be responsible for biosynthesis of the dithiolate ligand of the H-cluster. The aim of this study was to biochemically characterize active, Fe-S reconstituted HydE and to identify the substrate of this radical SAM enzyme. Questions to be studied also included studying the role of HydE in H-cluster maturation. This study used protein purified from recombinant E. coli. The purified protein was chemically reconstituted with iron and sulfide, and used for spectroscopic characterization and HPLC based activity assays. Colorimetric assays were also used for protein characterization and to test for the consumption of substrate. The results indicate that cysteine is likely the substrate of HydE. Activity assays show that HydEcatalyzed SAM cleavage is stimulated in the presence of cysteine, and HydF purified from different genetic backgrounds shows a spectroscopic shift in the λmax when both HydE and cysteine are present during growth. Spectroscopic characterization confirms that HydE is an Fe-S containing radical SAM enzyme and that cysteine may be a substrate during [FeFe]-hydrogenase H-cluster maturation.
Three R2R3 MYB transcription factor genes from Capsicum annuum showing differential expression during fruit ripening

Three R2R3-MYB genes, designated CaMYB1, CaMYB2 and CaMYB3, were isolated from hot pepper (Capsicum annuum. L). CaMYB1, CaMYB2 and CaMYB3 encode polypetides consisting of 340, 262 and 345 amino acids respectively, containing R2R3 domain and the signature motif specific for the interaction between MYB and bHLH proteins in the R3 domain. Phylogenetic analysis based on the deduced amino acid sequences of these three R2R3 MYB transcription factor members revealed that CaMYB1 and CaMYB2 clustered together with the anthocyanin-related subgroup of R2R3 MYB proteins from other plants, while CaMYB3 did not. CaMYBs transcripts accumulation was detected in all stages of fruit development and in flower and leaves. Three CaMYBs transcription factors showed differential expression during fruit ripening. Anthocyanin biosynthetic gene expression patterns were quite different in young leaves, flower, and the four stages of fruit development. CaMYB1 and CaMYB2 may regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis in hot pepper.
Predicting the Brexit Vote by Tracking and Classifying Public Opinion Using Twitter Data

Abstract We use 23M Tweets related to the EU referendum in the UK to predict the Brexit vote. In particular, we use user-generated labels known as hashtags to build training sets related to the Leave/Remain campaign. Next, we train SVMs in order to classify Tweets. Finally, we compare our results to Internet and telephone polls. This approach not only allows to reduce the time of hand-coding data to create a training set, but also achieves high level of correlations with Internet polls. Our results suggest that Twitter data may be a suitable substitute for Internet polls and may be a useful complement for telephone polls. We also discuss the reach and limitations of this method.
Potential Impact of Climate Change on Ecosystem Services in Panchase Mountain Ecological Region, Nepal

Ecosystem services (ES) are increasingly recognized as a means to adapt to the ongoing impact of climate change and associated impacts. However, these ES itself are facing adverse impact of climate change especially in developing countries where most of the people are dependent on these services for their livelihood. Very little is known about the relationship between the climate change and ES. Here we assess the impact of climate change on ecosystem services in ES rich landscape of Panchase Mountain Ecological Region of western Nepal. The study area was divided into three ecoregions from lowland through midland to the upland region. Focus group discussion, and key informant interview were used to elicit the required data for the study, which was further supported by transect walk, field observation and secondary source of information. Major impacts of climate change were observed are, reduced availability of water, reduced food production, forest ecosystem, shifting species composition in forest ecosystem, farmland abandonment, and their associated ecosystem services. We recommend to initiate the management actions to help ES adapt to climate change, and which in return could support the ecosystem itself and people dependent on the ES in adaptation to climate change by providing various goods and services.