Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
TRUNCATED COSINE FOURIER SERIES EXPANSION METHOD FOR SOLVING 2-D INVERSE SCATTERING PROBLEMS

Truncated cosine Fourier series expansion method is applied for reconstruction of lossy and inhomogeneous 2-D media by using inverse scattering method in time domain. In this method, the unknown parameters are expanded in a cosine Fourier series and coefficients of this expansion are optimized in particle swarm optimization (PSO) routine with the aid of finite difference time domain (FDTD) method as an electromagnetic (EM) solver. The performance of the algorithm is studied for several 2-D permittivity and conductivity profile reconstruction cases. It is shown that since only a limited number of terms are retained in the expansion, using the proposed method guarantees the well-posedness of the problem and uniqueness of the solution and various types of regularization may be used to only have more precise reconstruction. It is also shown that the number of unknowns in optimization routine is reduced more than 75 percent as compared with conventional methods which leads to a considerable reduction in the amount of computations with negligible adverse effect on the precision of reconstruction. Sensitivity analysis of the suggested method to the number of expansion terms in the algorithm is studied, as well.
A Novel Method for Evolution Analysis based on Image Registration

Image registration is an important technique in image processing, which could be used to compare the similarity between two images. Here, a novel method based on transition probability matrix of oligonucleotide is proposed to infer the evolutionary relatedness of microbial organisms via image registration. Firstly, the oligonucleotide transition probability matrixes of microbial genomes are calculated by applying 1st order Markov Chain Method. Secondly, each transition probability matrix is converted into a color image, and then combined with each other to a joint histogram. Finally, the point set distribution of joint histogram is analyzed, and divergence formula is introduced and used as the similarity metric, which can reflect the evolutionary relatedness of organisms. For the organisms that taxonomic categories covered from kingdom to species, our results suggest that this new method is more accurate and discriminable than the methods based on single gene or oligonucleotide frequency especially for the classification under species. This method must be broadened and developed so that it can be applied to species identification and phylogeny inferring.
Titanium in the Gas Turbine Engine

The development of the gas turbine engine over the past 60 years has been mirrored by the success of the titanium industry, with a clear symbiant relationship existing between the two industries. Immediately apparent in the early days of the evolution of the gas turbine was the need for a material which could provide the strength required for component operation, whilst at the same time providing a low enough density to allow for successful flight applications. Whilst aluminium based alloys offer an excellent strength to weight ratio, their operation is limited to temperatures below approximately 1300C, reducing possible applications within the gas turbine to a minimum. 300 series stainless steels offer a similar strength to most conventional titanium alloys, but come with a significant density penalty of over 50% and, whilst offering reductions in cost, do not provide significant benefits in terms of operating temperatures. Titanium however, has long been viewed as having a desirable balance of properties for applications towards the front end of the gas turbine engine (i.e. fan discs/blades, compressor discs/blades, along with other smaller components). Titanium has a density of 4.5g/cm3 (which, apart from a limited number of alloys such as Ti811, does not vary significantly in alloys considered for aerospace applications) which is higher than aluminium, but lower than nickel and steel alloys. Titanium is allotropic with a HCP lattice ( phase) stable to 8820C, transforming to a BCC (β phase) lattice above this temperature. Alloying elements act to stabilize either of these phases (Al, Sn for example stabilize the alpha phase, whereas Mo, V, Cr stabilize the beta phase) meaning that the transformation temperature can be altered, and subsequently the proportions of each phase existing at room temperature can be varied. The morphology of these phases may however vary, dependent on the process history, with alpha phase material being classed as primary alpha (persisting during heat treatment in the  phase field) or secondary alpha (structures arising from the → phase transformation). This allows for the development of a range of bimodal microstructures which provide titanium alloys with inherent strength and also allows for further refinement of properties through various heat treatment and processing regimes. For example designers requiring creep strength and good elevated temperature properties may choose to opt for alloys with more alpha stabilizers (alpha or near alpha alloys), whereas metastable beta alloys, which are heavily beta stabilized offer improved forgeability. Alphabeta alloys contain a more balanced mix of stabilizers and are widely used due their balance of properties. Ti6-4 (Ti-6Al-4V) for example has been a stalwart of the titanium industry since the 1950s due to its good weldability, relatively high strength and good fatigue properties.
Design and implementation of a framework for remotely accessible instruments

Remotely accessible instruments and experiments enhance the experience of students by providing a remote interface to a physical device. Photorealistic rendering of these devices makes the graphical interfaces easy to understand, to use and to learn. Students perform their exercises at home just as in a real lab so they can apply their experience directly when working on location. Needless to say: remote labs are a key to raise the student’s interest and improve self-paced learning. The implementation of a generic remote control interface for existing instruments and the acquisition and visualization of data is one milestone on the road to the future in distance learning. To avoid obstacles on this way, the system architecture should be understandable, modular and easy to extend, so laboratories with different hardware could be integrated in the lab environment. The client software should be platform independent so the users can quickly gain hands-on-experience because softand hardware problems (e.g. installations) are of no concern. We report experience in developing such a software framework and review some of its capabilities by using an actual deployment as an example.
A discrete mathematical method for the analysis of spatial pattern

A discrete mathematical method, based on the Jako Iterative Canonical Forms (ICF) of Boolean functions is proposed for the analysis of species combinations and the detection of characteristic areas in plant communities. Information on species combinations (or florulas) appearing in a sample is expressed in compact form to reveal fundamental properties of community pattern. The new method provides a complementary tool for the florula diversity approach: whereas florula diversity is indicative of the frequency distribution of species combinations regardless their interrelationships, the new procedure detects complexity in the abstract structure of species combinations. Graph-theoretical representations of the ICF promote understanding the new method and visualizing its results. A cellular automata model and field data provide illustrative examples.
Evaluation of the growth parameters of six commercial crossbred pig genotypes 1. Under commercial housing conditions in individual pens

Simulation modelling is an active part of animal nutrition, which relies on mathematical functions to predict the performance of an animal. The Gompertz equation is one such function that is simple, but fits animal growth data well and when used in conjunction with allometry, can accurately predict the potential growth of an animal. When using this approach only three parameters are needed to sufficiently describe a genotype, viz. an estimate of mature size (protein weight at maturity - Pm), a rate of maturing (B) and an estimate of fatness (lipid:protein ratio at maturity - LPRm). The objective of this study was to estimate these parameters in South African commercial crossbred pigs under commercial environmental conditions. Thirty pigs each from six commercial genotypes were analysed using a serial slaughter method in which pigs were slaughtered at four and 14 days of age, and at 30, 40, 70, 80, 90 and 100 kg live weight. The animals were fed a choice between a high and low protein food and were housed in individual pens in two conventional open-sided housing facilities. The results indicated that there were no significant differences in mature weights or B of the various body chemical components between genotypes. This would support the use of a common set of growth parameters (B, Pm and LPRm of 0.0114±0.0005 /d, 40.0±1.86 kg, and 1.77±0.213 kg lipid/kg protein, respectively), inclusive of all commercial crossbred male pigs. However, the rate body lipid matures was significantly lower than the rate of other components within two genotypes. Evidence for the use of common allometric coefficients to define growth was inconclusive.
Comparison of Two Sampling Methods for Quantifying Changes in Vegetation Composition Under Rangeland Development

Abstract Rapid vegetation sampling methods based on visual estimation are useful for monitoring changes in rangeland vegetation composition because large spatial and temporal scales are often involved and have limited sampling resources available. Here we compared two sampling methods in their ability to detect changes in vegetation composition following rangeland development: 1) species percent cover estimates within subplots (the percent cover [PC] method) and 2) rankings of relative biomass of the 10 most abundant species across the whole plot and the ratio of two of them (the visual ranking [VR] method). Both methods were applied on 30 experimental plots at year 26 of a long-term factorial trial of five soil fertility levels and three sheep grazing intensities. Multivariate statistical methods showed significant effects of experimental treatments (fertilizer level and sheep grazing intensity) and of vegetation sampling method (VR vs. PC) on vegetation composition. Importantly, we detected no significant interactions involving sampling method, indicating that the effect of sampling method was consistent across experimental treatments. Effects of fertilizer on vegetation composition were an order of magnitude greater than the effect of sampling method, whereas the latter was twice as important as the effect of grazing. Results were robust to differential weights given to relative abundances vs. compositional changes. Differences between methods were primarily driven by the PC method giving lower abundance estimates of one species, lupin (a hybrid of Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl.), relative to the VR method. Our results support the use of the VR method as a rapid yet powerful method for monitoring changes in vegetation composition under rangeland development.
MODELING AND MOTION CONTROL OF A RIVERINE AUTONOMOUS SURFACE VEHICLE (ASV) WITH DIFFERENTIAL THRUST

It is challenging that Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV) navigated in the riverine environment since the unknown and unstructured waterway, and the non-uniform riverbanks makes the waterway tracking difficult. This paper presents a catamaran type Autonomous Surface vessel (ASV) for autonomous bathymetry survey and environmental monitoring at riverine areas. The ASV is equipped without rudder, thus it is driven by differential thrust to control the speed and heading. The theoretical 3 DOF model of ASV and differential thrust steering dynamics is discussed. The aim is to perform the visual navigation that track along with the river by keeping in the center of river. Meanwhile, the speed is required to vary with the width of river to avoid collision. In order to perform the control aims, a balance control scheme is designed. The results indicate that the proposed control scheme is successful for the navigation task.
Identification of a Novel 2S Albumin with Antitryptic Activity from Caryocar brasiliense Seeds

Proteinaceous and non-proteinaceous compounds with insecticidal activities have been isolated from plant sources. Here, protein extracts from Pequi seeds (Caryocar brasiliense) showed in vitro activity against trypsin-like enzymes. However, no activity was obtained against cancer cells, phytopathogenic fungi or human pathogenic bacteria. Further purification was performed by using trypsin-Sepharose affinity chromatography. Electrophoretic analysis revealed a single protein compound with molecular mass of approximately 14 kDa. Under reducing conditions, two peptides with smaller molecular masses were observed in SDS-PAGE, showing the presence of a heterodimeric peptide. MALDI-ToF/ToF sequencing was performed with a protein band removed from SDS-PAGE, and the sequence revealed high identity with the 2S albumin family. Purified peptide was challenged in vitro against bovine trypsin and Spodoptera frugiperda digestive enzymes by using BApNA as a substrate, showing high inhibitory activity in both cases. Data here reported suggest that a 2S albumin dimeric peptide could show biotechnological potential for S. frugiperda control. In summary, Cb2SA could be useful in controlling insect pests of agricultural interest.
GPS tracking of the foraging movements of Manx Shearwaters Puffinus puffinus breeding on Skomer Island, Wales

We report the first successful use of miniature Global Positioning System loggers to track the ocean-going behaviour of a c. 400g seabird, the Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus. During three field seasons, breeding birds were tracked during the incubation and chick rearing periods on their foraging excursions from the large colony on Skomer Island, Pembrokeshire, UK. Foraging effort was concentrated in the Irish Sea. Likely foraging areas were identified to the north off the Mull of Galloway (some 330km from Skomer), in Dundalk Bay, Cardigan Bay, and more diffusely to the west of the colony both locally and off southern Ireland. No foraging excursions were recorded significantly to the south of the colony, conflicting with the conclusions of earlier studies based on ringing recoveries and off-shore observations. We discuss several explanations including the hypothesis that foraging may have shifted substantially northwards in recent decades (although the possibility that breeding birds forage further south in the very early part of the season remains open). We found no obvious relationship between birds’ positions and water depth, although night-time observations were more likely to be in shallower water than day-time observations. We also found that despite the fact that shearwaters can be observed rafting off-shore from their colonies in the hours prior to making landfall at night, breeding birds are usually located much further from the colony in the last eight hours before arrival, a finding that has significance for the likely effectiveness of marine protection areas if they are only local to the colony. Short sequences of precise second-by-second fixes gathered every two hours enabled us to measure movement speed and direction. Movement speeds were bimodal, corresponding to sitting on the water and flying, with flight behaviour separable into erratic (perhaps indicative of searching for food) and directional (perhaps indicative of travelling). Movement behaviour had a diurnal pattern, with flight predominating in the morning and evening, with more sitting at night and around midday. We also provide a first direct measurement of mean flight speed during directional flight (approximately 40 kmh-1), slower than a shearwater’s predicted Vmr (maximum range velocity) and suggesting that birds are exploiting wave or dynamic soaring during long-distance travel.
A Shallow Water Model for Hydrodynamic Processes on Vegetated Hillslope. Water Flow Modulus

The hillslope hydrological processes are very important in watershed hydrology research. In this paper we focus on the water flow over the soil surface with vegetation in a hydrographic basin. We introduce a PDE model based on general principles of fluid mechanics where the unknowns are water depth and water velocity. The influence of the plant cover to the water dynamics is given by porosity (a quantity related to the density of the vegetation), which is a function defined over the hydrological basin. Using finite volume method for approximating the spatial derivatives, we build an ODE system which constitutes the base of the discrete model we will work with. We discuss and investigate several physical relevant properties of this model. Finally, we use numerical results to validate the model.
Evaluation of the contribution of different pig populations to the genetic diversity of the Large White breed

N.A. Zinovieva, V.R. Kharzinova, E.I. Sizareva, E.A. Gladyr’, O.V. Kostyunina, S.I. Lugovoi, V.A. Tapiha, L.N. Gamko, E.V. Ovseenko, K.M. Shavyrina, L.K. Ernst 1 1 All-Russia Research and Development Institute for Livestock Husbandry, RAAS, Dubrovitsy settlement 142132, Podolsk region, Moscow province, Russia e-mail: n_zinovieva@mail.ru 2 Znamensky Genetic Selection Center, Orel 302030, Russia e-mail: sizareva@nsgc.ru 3 Nikolaev State Agrarian University, Nikolaev 54029, Ukraine e-mail: lugovoy79@mail.ru 4 Bryansk State Agricultural Academy, Kokino settlement 243365, Vygonichsky region, Bryansk province, Russia e-mail: bgsha@bgsha.com, cit@bgsha.com
Job Creation and Innovation: Using A Social Innovation Model

Models of social innovation are uncommon, because they are taken for granted. When it comes to development, the focus is on technology, for most people. However, there is always the underlying element of innovation, which is social. Incidentally some organizations are developing only through social innovation. One of such organization is JCIPU. The exploits of the organization are shown by way of a descriptive study. The research is qualitative associated with the usual data collection of in-depth, semi- interviews, observations and the use of secondary data. Whilst the activities of the organization are shown in a model, the themes underlying the model which were developed through a vigorous deductive and inductive data coding system are shown as the results of the study. Theoretical underpinnings and practical implications for the research are shown at the appropriate sections of the study. Keywords : Social innovation; qualitative descriptive studies; NGO’s; Ghana
An Exploratory Study of the Concept Map as a Tool To Facilitate the Externalization of Students' Understandings about Global Atmospheric Change in the Interview Setting.

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of two different types of post-instruction concept interviews: one that did and one that did not embed a concept mapping process as means of eliciting students' post-instruction conceptual understandings about the nature of, source of, and problems caused by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) . The study also tried to determine any effect by the addition of the independent variable, student to expert Pathfinder Network Similarity Index (PFNSI) on the prediction of the criterion measure of accordance (ACCORD) . The study also sought to elicit students' perceptions of the process instituted in the interviews to determine what they know. Data was collected from eighth grade physical science students and their teacher using open-ended interviews. Findings indicate an interview that embedded a concept mapping process (compared to an interview that excluded this process) did not affect statistically significant changes in the externalization of students' conceptual understandings. Another finding was that PFNSI had predictive validity for performance in the interview on the measure of ACCORD and proved to be a reliable confirmatory measure of the degree to which students held an ideal post-instructional understanding. Contains 67 references. (JRH) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *
Trails or Timber? A Contingent Behaviour Model of Recreational Facilities in Irish Forestry

This research utilises a contingent behaviour valuation technique to value a number of improvements to recreational facilities in small-scale forests in Ireland. Willingness–to-pay estimates have previously been made for Coillte (Ireland’s state-owned forestry company) trails and forests. The total non-market value of Irish forests has also been examined. This paper adds to the literature by being the first to estimate the consumer surplus associated with recreational enhancements to Irish small-scale forest resources. The results presented indicate that community owned small-scale forestry can contribute enormously to the wellbeing of nearby urban residents, through the provision of outdoor recreational services.
Christian Academics Need to Increase their Publishing: A Study of CCCU Teaching Faculty and Librarians

This is the second of two articles that explains the results of an in-depth research study of teaching faculty and librarian scholarship within the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU). The first article examined the nature and extent of that scholarship and this article examines its necessity. Literature Review Can Christians think? There are many secular academics and thinkers who do not think so. Richard Dawkins (1992) says, “Faith is the great cop-out, the great excuse to evade the need to think and evaluate evidence. Faith is belief in spite of, even perhaps because of, the lack of evidence. ” Carl Sagan (1980) claims “there are no sacred truths; . arguments from authority are worthless” (p. 333). Others go as far as to say that faith is incompatible with intelligent minds, saying, “Faith is the surrender of the mind; it’s the surrender of reason, it’s the surrender of the only thing that makes us different from other mammals” (Hitchens, 2005). Critics of Christian scholarship make faulty assumptions if they believe that the nature of faith makes it impossible to see reality as it really is. In the Passionate Intellect, Klassen and Zimmermann (2006) say, Sacred truths are not things like bits of unidentified compounds lying on the laboratory counter. Christian[s] will want to say to someone such as Sagan, “I won’t be bullied by your prescription of what the idea of truth has to be. Where did you get your definition from? What was your starting point? ” (pp. 30–31) Christian Academics Need to Increase their Publishing: A Study of CCCU Teaching Faculty and Librarians Craighton Hippenhammer, formerly Digital Initiatives Librarian, Olivet Nazarene University Garrett Trott, Librarian, Corban University