Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determination of anticholinesterase and antioxidant activities of methanol and water extracts of leaves and fruits of Chamaerops humilis L.

The present study was carried out to investigate the antioxidant activity of the water and methanol extracts of leaves and fruits extracts of Chamaerops humilis L. by using ABTS cation radicals and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC). Anticholinesterase effect of the extracts was tested against both AChE and BChE using a microplate-reader assay based on the Ellman method. The methanol extracts of C. humilis leaves contained relatively higher content of flavonoids and total phenolics than those of fruits. All the extracts were found to have different levels of antioxidant activity in the systems tested. The leave extract showed the highest value of antioxidant activity, based on ABTS radical-scavenging activity, while the fruit water extract showed the highest value (0.53±0.50 µg/mL) of cupric reducing antioxidant activity. Our data indicates that both methanol and water fruit extract were active for BChE inhibition (31.65 ± 0.37 and 30.19 ± 0.56%) respectively, whereas, all leave extracts did not show any activity against BChE. The present study demonstrated that the methanol and water extracts fractions of C. humilis have different responses with different antioxidant methods. Our results suggest that the C. humilis could be used as a source of antioxidant agents and may be beneficial in the AD treatment.
The forces on a fish-inspired unsteady hydrofoil

The flow around an unsteady hydrofoil, undergoing simultaneous heaving and pitching motions which mimic the tail motions of carangiform fish (such as tuna), was investigated using simultaneous particle image velocimetry (PIV) and force measurement. These investigations were performed at Reynolds numbers, based on the foil chord length, in the range of 1500<Re< 12500. The Strouhal numbers, based on the foil heave amplitude, were in the range of 0.1 < Sth < 0.95. Hydrogen bubble visualisation was also performed on the foil at identical Sth, but at 500 < Re < 3500. Two force measurements were obtained. Firstly, instantaneous thrust and side forces were obtained by direct strain gauge measurements on the foil, which were then time-averaged. Secondly, time-averaged thrust forces were estimated using a momentum integral around the time-averaged two-dimensional PIV velocity field around the foil. Both force measurements, which show excellent agreement for all foil parameters, indicate that the foil is able to produce very large thrust coefficients, Ct , in excess of 10. These large thrust coefficients typically occur when the non-dimensional foil heave amplitude is large, at conditions where hydrogen bubble visualisation indicates that large leading edge vortices are generated. This suggests that the unsteady foil may be able to use unsteady flow mechanisms to generate large forces.
Superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors for advanced photon-counting applications

The ability to detect infrared photons is increasingly important in many fields of scientific endeavour, including astronomy, the life sciences and quantum information science. Improvements in detector performance are urgently required. The Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detector (SNSPD/SSPD) is an emerging single-photon detector technology offering broadband sensitivity, negligible dark counts and picosecond timing resolution. SNSPDs have the potential to outperform conventional semiconductor-based photon-counting technologies, provided the difficulties of low temperature operation can be overcome. This thesis describes how these important challenges have been addressed, enabling the SNSPDs to be used in new applications. A multichannel SNSPD system based on a closed-cycle refrigerator has been constructed and tested. Efficient optical coupling has been achieved via carefully aligned optical fibre. Fibre-coupled SNSPDs based on (i) NbN on MgO substrates and (ii) NbTiN on oxidised Si substrates have been studied. The latter give enhanced performance at telecom wavelengths, exploiting the reflection from the Si/SiO2 interface. Currently, the detector system houses four NbTiN SNSPDs with average detection efficiency >20% at 1310 nm wavelength. We have employed SNSPDs in the characterisation of quantum waveguide circuits, opening the pathway to operating this promising platform for optical quantum computing for the first time at telecom wavelengths.
Safety Technology Adoption Patterns in the U.S. Motor Carrier Industry

This article reports results of an investigation of safety technology adoption practices among the largest firms in the U.S. motor carrier industry. A national survey was conducted to determine firms' adoption patterns of available and leading-edge safety technologies. It was found that, in general, motor carrier firms are at the early stages of safety technology adoption. Further, it was discovered that the larger firms, with a broad geographic scope of operations, are the leaders in safety technology adoption. It is the authors' hope that the article will stimulate increased interest in the pursuit of research on this important topic.
Dimensioning Loads for a Tidal Turbine

The main dynamic loads on a tidal turbine are due to the tidal current variation, turbulence, wave-current interaction and wake from the tower and upstream turbines. The design of the turbine is highly dependent on the dynamic loads acting on the turbine's blades and its structure. Cyclic loading and unloading of any material over a period of time will lead to fatigue and structural damage. In this work dimensioning loads for NTNU's 1 MW reference tidal turbine are calculated due to the vertical no-slip current velocity profile, wave-current interaction, the horizontal and vertical velocity component due to the waves, turbulence and the tidal wave. Based on mathematical models the dimensioning loads for the turbine are calculated with a Matlab code written for this work. The influence of each of the components causing a dynamic load on the tidal turbine blades is evaluated and analyzed with the rainflow counting algorithm, which can be used for fatigue analysis. Results from Matlab calculations are compared to experimental results in order to validate the Matlab code. In the comparison the trends are the same for calculation and experimental results, oscillating curves with the same period. It is noticed that in large waves the Matlab code predicts very well the dynamic loads in terms of mean and peak-to-peak values. For the thrust force and the shaft torque the horizontal component of the velocity due to the waves has the largest influence on the peak-to-peak values and the turbulence induces a high number of cycles. For the pitch moment as well the horizontal component due to the waves has the largest influence on the peak-to-peak values, but also the vertical component has a certain influence. For the pitch moment the consistently main oscillations inducing cyclic loading are due to the vertical no-slip current velocity profile. This is also the case for the yaw moment, but here the vertical wave component has the largest influence on the peak-to-peak values. For calculation with the tidal wave it is noticed that higher velocities gives higher maximum values. The Matlab code is a reliable and fast tool. Despite the simplifications done in the calculations, it calculates the dimensioning loads for a tidal turbine with a good accuracy.
Text as Data in Political Psychology

This chapter provides an assessment of automated text analysis methods in political psychology structured around the following core questions: (i) What is the current state of affairs of text as data in political psychology? (ii) What can political science and politicalpsychology learn from each other when it comes to analysing natural language? (iii) Wheredoes text as data in political psychology go next?
Compact microwave hairpin line band pass filter using folded quarter-wave resonator

Compact mIcrowave hairpin band pass filter using half-wavelength folded resonator as a method to miniaturize resonator structure has been thoroughly studied in this thesis. Design were done by using the mathematic formulas and verified by using SONNET LITEPlus 8.0 software. Synthesis of the filter is using the insertion loss method. The initial design of a miniature hairpin filter was achieved by carefully selecting the resonator shape and the initial frequency. The shape was then fine tuned, and the response for the changes was plotted. This would indirectly represent the behavior of the circuit when parameter variation occurs. The step by step procedure to design the filter is presented. The design performance and characteristics in terms of electrical and physical parameters were compared with the conventional hairpin filter. The final design of the miniaturized hairpin filter has an overall size of 46% smaller compared to the conventional hairpin size. Better return loss properties were also observed from the miniaturized version. The first spurious frequency occurs at a higher frequency compared to that of the conventional hairpin filter. It is tunable depending on the value of the even-mode impedance that was chosen at the early stage of the design process. The bandwidth, however, was slightly narrower, which is 80% of the desired 1 00 MHz. In terms of the response, miniaturized hairpin filter is having steeper skirting. However, it is comparable to that of the conventional hairpin filter.
Saltstone Disposal Facility Mechanically Stabilized Earth Vault Closure Cap Degradation Base Case: Institutional Control To Pine Forest Scenario

As part of the current Saltstone Disposal Facility (SDF) Performance Assessment (PA) revision, the closure cap configuration was reevaluated and closure cap degradation mechanisms and their impact upon infiltration through the closure cap was evaluated for the existing SDF concrete vaults (i.e. vaults 1 and 4) for the base case land use scenario (i.e. institutional control to pine forest scenario) and documented in Phifer and Nelson (2003). The closure cap configuration was modified from a compacted kaolin barrier layer concept to a geosynthetic clay layer (GCL) barrier layer concept. The degradation mechanisms developed included pine forest succession, erosion, and colloidal clay migration. These degradation mechanisms resulted in changes in the hydraulic properties of the closure cap layers and resulting increases in infiltration through the closure cap over time.
IPV6 Host Fingerprint

Abstract : This thesis explores ways of using probe packets to identify the type and version of OS that is run by a remote IPv6 host. Such a probing technique can be effective because developers of different OSes often interpret the guidance provided by the RFCs slightly differently, and consequently their network protocol stack implementation may generate responses bearing unique markers to certain probing packets. The key challenge is to find suitable probing packets for different OSes. Using a real IPv6 test bed, this thesis has evaluated both existing UDP-or-TCP-based and new IPv6- extension-header-based probing packets against a selected set of eight popular OSes. The results show that the UDP/TCP methods are also effective in an IPv6 environment and the extension header approach is worthy further study. There are evidences that OS fingerprinting is harder with IPv6. It might be due to the fact that given the experimental nature of IPv6, similar OSes tend to reuse IPv6 code. This conjecture requires further study. Finally, the thesis has also developed a method of crafting arbitrary IPv6 packets using the SmartBits system.
Pre-treatment analysis of woody vegetation composition and structure on the hardwood ecosystem experiment research units

In long-term, large-scale forest management studies, documentation of pre-treatment differences among and variability within experimental units is critical for drawing the proper inferences from imposed treatments. We compared pre-treatment overstory and large shrub communities (diameters at breast height >1.5 cm) for the 9 research cores with the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment (HEE) in south-central Indiana with a total of 683 0.1-ha sampling plots. There were many significant differences (p < 0.05) in stand structure among the cores for many attributes, but intra-core variability was not severe enough to lead to significant differences in structural attributes for the proposed management treatments (that is, when data were averaged across three replicates in each management treatment, there were no significant differences). Ordinations of plot-level data showed that all cores occupied much of the same ordination space, suggesting that forest structure was highly variable within cores but did not differ as much between cores. Plot-level maps of species composition and size structure also showed large degrees of variability within each research core and hinted at spatial patterning not yet captured well by HEE inventories. We suggest that future projects and subsequent analyses of the HEE better capture intra-stand variability in both abiotic and biotic components through spatially explicit methodologies.
Analytical Methods for Studies and Experiments on Transforming the Force

Abstract : This documented briefing describes interim progress on a project concerned with "transforming U.S. forces" to reflect what is often called the revolution in military affairs. After background review describing a broad transformation strategy, we discuss and illustrate how analysis supported by models and simulations (including gaming) can supplement and guide empirical work such as joint experiments on new operational concepts.
Mapping Seasonal High-Resolution PM2.5 Concentrations with Spatiotemporal Bagged-Tree Model across China

High concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are well known to reduce environmental quality, visibility, atmospheric radiation, and damage the human respiratory system. Satellite-based aerosol retrievals are widely used to estimate surface PM2.5 levels because satellite remote sensing can break through the spatial limitations caused by sparse observation stations. In this work, a spatiotemporal weighted bagged-tree remote sensing (STBT) model that simultaneously considers the effects of aerosol optical depth, meteorological parameters, and topographic factors was proposed to map PM2.5 concentrations across China that occurred in 2018. The proposed model shows superior performance with the determination coefficient (R2) of 0.84, mean-absolute error (MAE) of 8.77 μg/m3 and root-mean-squared error (RMSE) of 15.14 μg/m3 when compared with the traditional multiple linear regression (R2 = 0.38, MAE = 18.15 μg/m3, RMSE = 29.06 μg/m3) and linear mixed-effect (R2 = 0.52, MAE = 15.43 μg/m3, RMSE = 25.41 μg/m3) models by the 10-fold cross-validation method. The results collectively demonstrate the superiority of the STBT model to other models for PM2.5 concentration monitoring. Thus, this method may provide important data support for atmospheric environmental monitoring and epidemiological research.
The knapsack problem approach in solving partial hedging problems of options

En option ar ett finansiellt kontrakt som ger dess innehavare en rattighet (men medfor ingen skyldighet) att salja eller kopa nagonting (till exempel en aktie) till eller fran saljaren av optionen till ett visst pris vid en bestamd tidpunkt i framtiden. Den som saljer optionen binder sig till att ga med pa denna framtida transaktion ifall optionsinnehavaren langre fram bestammer sig for att inlosa optionen. Saljaren av optionen atar sig alltsa en risk av att den framtida transaktion som optionsinnehavaren kan tvinga honom att gora visar sig vara ofordelaktig for honom. Fragan om hur saljaren kan skydda sig mot denna risk leder till intressanta optimeringsproblem, dar malet ar att hitta en optimal skyddsstrategi under vissa givna villkor. Sadana optimeringsproblem har studerats mycket inom finansiell matematik. Avhandlingen "The knapsack problem approach in solving partial hedging problems of options" infor en ytterligare synpunkt till denna diskussion: I en relativt enkel (andlig och komplett) marknadsmodell kan namligen vissa partiella skyddsproblem beskrivas som sa kallade kappsacksproblem. De sistnamnda ar valkanda inom en gren av matematik som heter operationsanalys. I avhandlingen visas hur skyddsproblem som tidigare losts pa andra satt kan alternativt losas med hjalp av metoder som utvecklats for kappsacksproblem. Forfarandet tillampas aven pa helt nya skyddsproblem i samband med sa kallade amerikanska optioner.
Laboratory test of the Argon personal air-conditioning system (APACS)

Author(s): Bauman, Fred; Inkarojrit, Vorapat; Hui, Zhang | Abstract: The tests described in the subject report were performed at UC Berkeley by Research Specialist Fred Bauman, P.E. , a very experienced researcher and writer in the field of air distribution (see References). The purpose of the tests was to measure and confirm the ability of APACS to provide the needed cooling to satisfy each and every individual occupant for total comfort control under all foreseeable conditions.The test facility measured only dry (sensible) heat. As the report indicates, the cooling effect of skin moisture (latent cooling) is equal to or greater than sensible cooling. Especially at extremes when the occupant is very hot and perspiring, he can increase APACS air flow to remove all the heat generated, provide thermal equilibrium, and thus make himself comfortable.The heat generated (metabolism) can vary from 360 to 3000 Btuh per person, a range of almost 10 to 12. This is the reason for providing up to 70 CFM of personal air flow – even though this high heat output is rare in an office environment. The norm is 360 to 800 Btuh, which requires only 0 to 30 CFM, and maximum air velocity of 200 FPM (1 m/s), or 2.3 MPH, which is very comfortable (see Table 3, Pg. 11). This study demonstrates the ability of APACS to remove variable amounts of heat with localized air flow instead of air temperature change, and to provide perceived temperatures for the individual through a range of 0° to 15°F (65° - 80°F) without affecting other people.
Forecasting Army enlisted ETS losses

Abstract : The Army currently uses time series models to forecast active-duty enlisted personnel losses. These time series models can provide accurate predictions but offer no insights into the underlying causes of loss behavior. In order to quantify the various forces that influence retention rates, a regression model is necessary. In this thesis, logistic regression is used to estimate end of term-of-service (ETS) losses. The model estimates the probability of reenlistment for soldiers with 12 months remaining on their enlistment contract. The model relies largely on individual soldier information such as pay grade, military occupation, and education, but also examines the impact of the civilian unemployment rate. Two models are developed. The first model includes 14 main effects. The second model includes the same 14 main effects plus 21 highly significant two-way interaction terms. Both models estimate the total number of personnel that reenlist in a seven-month test period fairly well, although the main-effects model results are more accurate. The two-way interaction model performs slightly better on most statistical measures of model effectiveness. Because the two-way interaction model is more complicated to produce, and does not generate results that are clearly better than the main effects model, this thesis recommends using the main effects model to complement the current set of time series models.
Influential variables in linear regression

Based on a statistic proposed by Cook (1977) for the detection of influential observations, we propose a measure for the influence of variables in linear-regression models, and we introduce the leverage of a variable. The new diagnostic can be used to identify important collinearities and, in the checking of a fitted model, to assess the effect of additional variables on the parameter estimates.
Features of training future teachers to develop and use mobile gaming applications with educational content

Результаты. Уточнён понятийный аппарат геймификации обучения на базе цифровых технологий и мобильных приложений. Проведён анализ опытно-экспериментальной деятельности по формированию компетенций в отношении не только активного использования, но и проектирования собственного мобильного игрового приложения с образовательным контентом для педагогических специальностей. Выделены конкретные проблемы, с которыми сталкиваются педагоги при овладении средствами современных цифровых технологий.
Comparison of Speech Intelligibility in Cockpit Noise Using SPH-4 Flight Helmet with and without Active Noise Reduction

Abstract : Active Noise Reduction (ANR) is a new technology which can reduce the level of aircraft cockpit noise that reaches the pilot's ear while simultaneously improving the signal-to-noise ratio for voice communications and other information-bearing sound signals in the cockpit. A miniature, ear-cup mounted ANR system, developed by Royal Aerospace Establishment, Farnborough, United Kingdom, was tested by U.S. Army Aeroflightdynamics Directorate, Simulation and Aircraft Systems Division, Crew Station Research and Development Branch to determine whether speech intelligibility is better for helicopter pilots using ANR compared to a control condition of ANR turned off. The ANR system was installed in a stock Army SPH-4 flight helmet, and tested in a background of recorded AH-1S (Cobra) cockpit noise, using phonetically balanced word lists, per MIL-STD-1472C. Two signal-to-noise ratios (S/N), representative of actual cockpit conditions, were used: 0 dB and +10 dB for the ratio of the speech to cockpit noise sound pressure levels. Speech intelligibility was significantly better with ANR compared to no ANR for both S/N conditions. Variability of speech intelligibility among pilots was also significantly less with ANR. When the stock helmet was used with ANR turned off, the average PB word speech intelligibility score was below the Normally Acceptable level, per MIl-STD-1472C in the 0 dB S/N levels and exceeded the Exceptionally High Intelligibility level with S/N +10 dB. Keywords: Cockpit communications, Active noise reduction.
Ro5 Bioactivity Lab: Identification of Drug Candidates for COVID-19

The public health emergency known as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has led to a large number of deaths worldwide and major socioeconomic disruption. To date, no broadly effective antiviral treatment or vaccine has been developed for COVID-19. In response to this dire situation, Ro5 deployed its AI Lab to accelerate the search for potential treatments. This report focuses on our use of the Ro5 Bioactivity model, which has been designed to predict the inhibitory activity of small molecules against protein targets. The model screened a vast range of compounds in silico to uncover potential inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease. We hereby present the most propitious candidates from this screen. The highest-ranking molecules include Nelfinavir, Saquinavir, Itacitinib, Kynostatin-272, BOG-INS-6c2-1, and BEN-VAN-d2b-11. Subsequent docking simulations corroborate their plausibility as 3CLpro inhibitors. Nelfinavir and Itacitinib hold the most promise for drug repurposing, among all the molecules proposed herein, due to their high predicted inhibition and affinity against the 3CL protease, favourable pharmacokinetics, and encouraging experimental data for treating viral replication and hyperinflammation, respectively.