Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New Approach for Unambiguous High-Resolution Wide-Swath SAR Imaging

The high-resolution wide-swath (HRWS) SAR system uses a small antenna for transmitting waveform and multiple antennas both in elevation and azimuth for receiving echoes. It has the potential to achieve wide spatial coverage and fine azimuth resolution, while it suffers from elevation pattern loss caused by the presence of topographic height and impaired azimuth resolution caused by nonuniform sampling. A new approach for HRWS SAR imaging based on compressed sensing (CS) is introduced. The data after range compression of multiple elevation apertures are used to estimate direction of arrival (DOA) of targets via CS, and the adaptive digital beamforming in elevation is achieved accordingly, which avoids the pattern loss of scan-on-receive (SCORE) algorithm when topographic height exists. The effective phase centers of the system are nonuniformly distributed when displaced phase center antenna (DPCA) technology is adopted, which causes Doppler ambiguities under traditional SAR imaging algorithms. Azimuth reconstruction based on CS can resolve this problem via precisely modeling the nonuniform sampling. Validation with simulations and experiment in an anechoic chamber are presented.
A performance-optimized firewall rules matching algorithm

The algorithm of firewall rules matching designed in this paper is based on the idea of divide-and-conquer the rules set. The rules set are divided into multiple sub-sets in accordance with the protocol type. Then, accordance with the relationship between two rules, each sub-set is divided into two groups: disordered group and queue group. Furthermore, hash function is designed to match rules in disorder group, while indexing algorithm is proposed to match rules in the queue group. The analysis shows that the efficiency of the algorithm is much better than similar algorithms, greatly improving the performance of the firewall. Keywordsfirewall; rule matching; divide-and-conquer; hash
Image Warping of Three-Dimensional Body Scan Data

This paper details the application of three-dimensional image warping techniques to full body scan data. Borrowed from the toolbox of geometric morphometrics—methods commonly used to quantify the size and shape of anatomical objects in biological research— image unwarping transforms a given image such that relevant landmark positions of the starting image coincide with their positions in the consensus or target configuration. This study demonstrates the process of transforming static scan data to any posture, position, or homology for which landmark data is available, enabling detailed human models to be re-postured and examined in design environments widely varied from the one in which they were scanned.
Engaging academically at risk primary school students in an ICT mediated after school program

This case study documents how a group of 14 academically at risk Primary 5 students (11 year olds) were engaged in academic related tasks in an after school program mediated by a 3-D Multi-User Virtual Environment (MUVE) . Although there was no significant difference in the students' academic performance, they were found to be more engaged in the learning tasks and had acquired a range of information and communication technology (ICT) skills. At the start of the program students attended irregularly, but this improved gradually over the weeks, and other Primary 5 students were attracted to enrol in the program. The planned schedule of the after school program and the 3-D MUVE provided the structures and online learning environment to engage these students. This paper reports on the after school program from the perspectives of the students and teachers, emphasising its context, that is, the school setting. The main finding suggests that the role of ICT has to go beyond the role of a mediating tool. It has to entice these students to be first interested in the virtual learning environment and subsequently in the content embedded within this environment. Thus ICT becomes a means to an end as well as an end by itself, in this process of engaging students. This finding has design implications especially for the use of ICT to engage academically at risk students.
Usability Evaluation of Electronic forms and Collaborative Assessment Report in an Inter-municipality Health Care team for Dementia Diagnose

Despite that paper-based medical procedures have historically been the most common way of registering and exchanging patient data, it does not avoid the potential risks of unauthenticated access, unregistered data loss, legibility and difficulty to share the data with third parties. The Coordination Reform 2009 (Samhandlingsreformen) has demanded from municipalities to implement health services for citizens based on electronic messaging that eases the access to and sharing of patient data. In the context of the Research project “Collaboration without borders” (Samhandling uten grenser), in this study electronic forms and collaborative assessment report by videoconference have been usability tested in order to evaluate the potential application of these electronic tools in an inter-municipality workflow of dementia assessment. The results showed that electronic forms helped to reduce the paper load of the process, allowing repeated access to the forms for retrospective amendments and reviews. The videoconference with document sharing was reported to be a very effective and satisfactory tool to cooperatively work on the final report of the assessment between the members of the dementia team.
RPAS AND TLS TECNIQUES FOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY : THE CASE STUDY OF THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF ERACLEA MINOA ( ITALY )

Digital documentation and 3D modelling of archaeological sites are important for understanding, definition and recognition of the values of the sites and of the archaeological finds. The most part of archaeological sites are outdoor location, but a cover to preserve the ruins protects often parts of the sites. The possibility to acquire data with different techniques and merge them by using a single reference system allows creating multi-parties models in which 3D representations of the individual objects can be inserted. The paper presents the results of a recent study carried out by Geomatics Laboratory of University of Palermo for the digital documentation and 3D modelling of Eraclea Minoa archaeological site. This site is located near Agrigento, in the south of Sicily (Italy) and is one of the most famous ancient Greek colonies of Sicily. The paper presents the results of the integration of different data source to survey the Eraclea Minoa archaeological site. The application of two highly versatile recording systems, the TLS (Terrestrial Laser Scanning) and the RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System), allowed the Eraclea Minoa site to be documented in high resolution and with high accuracy. The integration of the two techniques has demonstrated the possibility to obtain high quality and accurate 3D models in archaeological survey.
SXP: Simplified Extreme Programing Process Model

Extreme programming is one of the widely used agile models in the software industry. It can handle unclear and changing requirements with the good level of customer satisfaction. However Lack of documentation, poor architectural structure and less focus on design are its major drawbacks that affects its performance. Due to these problems it cannot be used for all kinds of projects. It is considered suitable for small and low risk projects. It also has some controversial practices that cannot be applied in each and every situation like pair programming and on-site customer. To overcome these limitations a modified version of XP called “Simplified Extreme Programming” is proposed in this paper. This model provides solution of these problems without affecting simplicity and agility of extreme programming.
Influence of Tidal Inlets on Tsunami Waves in the Atlantic (Charente Region, France)

The French Atlantic coast seismicity is minor to moderate. Nevertheless, in western (north and central) part of France, the active tectonics related to the south Armorican and the Bay of Biscay context results sometimes in shallow earthquakes with magnitude above five (e.g., the Oleron seismic crisis, magnitude (local) = 5.2, 1972). The Charente region is featured by semi-diurnal tides that reach about six meters in height during the high tide period. Inlets are the main features of the Atlantic margin geomorphology nearby the Charente. Minor tsunamis have been observed and reported in the past. Here, we present a tsunami modelling computed with the TELEMAC package that solves the non linear shallow water equations. This work helps to identify the role of the inlets that characterize the Charente's geomorphology on water wave's propagation. A tidal model is considered while the tsunami simulation is performed. The modelling results show that the Antioche, the Maumusson and the Pertuis inlets protect the Charente coast from destructive waves.
Developing strategic learning alliances: partnerships for the provision of global education and training solutions

The nature of higher education institutions is changing, primarily as a result of reduced government financial support for the sector. Fiscal restraint towards education funding has been observed in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, the UK and much of Europe. There has been steady growth in demand for higher education but reduced capacity by governments to fund it. Increasingly, students are required to contribute to the cost of their own education. Although these trends are problematic for higher education institutions that have been reliant previously upon government funding, it has also created an opportunity for those that are able to fill the gap between supply and demand for higher education services. DOI: 10.1080/09687760108656778
IN VITRO EVALUATION OF CYTOTOXICITY, OXIDATIVE STRESS, DNA DAMAGE AND INFLAMMATION INDUCED BY DIESEL EXHAUST PARTICLES IN HUMAN A549 LUNG CELLS AND MURINE RAW 264.7 MACROPHAGES

Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine the in vitro oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, inflammation and DNA damage induced by Diesel Exhaust Particles (DEPs). Methods: Alveolar macrophages (murine RAW 264.7 cells) and cultured type II epithelium cells (human A549 lung cells) were exposed to various concentrations of Diesel Exhaust Particles for 24 h. The experiment was evaluated for cell viability, oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, inflammation and DNA damage parameters. Results: The results showed that overall both cell lines had similar patterns in response to the oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, inflammation and DNA damage parameters induced by DEPs. Vehicle control showed no changes compared to the control. Both cells showed significant changes at the dose of 20 μg/mL and significant changes were found in cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, DNA damage and inflammation indexes. Conclusion: Hence, exposure to DEPs resulted in dose‐dependent toxicity in cultured A549 cells and RAW264.7cells and was closely correlated to increased inflammation and oxidative stress.
Effect of wavelength of sinusoidal wavy wall surface on drag and heat transfer at turbulent thermal boundary layer flow

Direct numerical simulations of thermal turbulent boundary layer flows over a wavy wall surface are performed to investigate the effect of a wavelength on drag coefficients and heat transfer performance. The Reynolds number based on an inlet boundary layer thickness is set to be 2820 and the Prandtl number is set to be Pr = 0.71 and 2.0. The wavy wall surface is homogeneous in the spanwise direction and the wave amplitude is fixed at 2a = 20. The six wavelength cases of λ/2a = 7.5 ∼ 45 are examined. As the wavelength decreases, the skin-friction drag decreases and the pressure drag and heat transfer increase. The total drag peaks at λ/2a = 12.5 and the flow separation occurs at λ/2a < 15. In the separation region, the backward flow transfers the heat and results in a negative correlation coefficient between the velocity and temperature of R(utT ′) at the bottom of the wavy wall. Spindle-shaped spots of the Nusselt number are also observed on the upslope of the wavy wall.
Maturity assessment of social customer knowledge management (SCKM) using fuzzy expert system

Organizations which provide electronic services do not have a logically structured strategy for implementing Customer Knowledge Management through Social media (SCKM). By assessing the position of SCKM, organizations can have a clear understanding of their maturity level and find their future investment interests. This research examined the maturity assessment of SCKM utilizing a fuzzy expert system. It consisted of a-four-stage procedure. The maturity model is based on 11 critical success factors, including strategy, leadership, information technology, knowledge management, culture, process, resources, business intelligence, security, social customer, and assessment. Results showed that the studied organization has covered 48.2% of maturity on the first level and 51.8% on the second level. Thus, to increase productivity, it is indispensable for organizations to act in a targeted way. The fuzzy expert system is not designed specifically for a case study, but can be utilized as a reference for in-depth analysis of the organizational readiness for SCKM implementation and development within organizations, which provide e-services applications.
The core with random utility and interdependent preferences: Theory and experimental evidence

Experimental analyses of Shapley-Shubik assignment games revealed that the core prediction is biased. The competing hypotheses are that subjects either have interdependent preferences or a limited understanding of outcomes in alternative matches. To evaluate these hypotheses econometrically, we introduce core concepts with random utility perturbations. The 'logit core' converges to a uniform distribution on the original core as noise disappears. With noise, it captures the non-uniform distribution of observations inside and outside the core, and contrary to regression, it predicts robustly out-of-sample. The logit core thus constitutes a conceptual basis for econometric analyses of assignment problems, and by capturing the whole distribution of outcomes, it allows us to extract all information by maximum likelihood methods. Using this approach, we then show that the core's prediction bias results from overstating the subjects' grasp of outcomes in alternative matches, while social preferences are only of minor relevance.
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions from Mechanically Ventilated Deep Pit Swine Gestation Operation

Emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from mechanically ventilated deep pit manure storage was monitored in a swine gestation operation. Air samples were collected from pit exhaust fans at different times of the year (fall, summer, and spring) using a vacuum chamber and Tedlar bags. GHGs concentrations were measured with a greenhouse gas chromatograph (GC) within 24 hours of collection. Air flow rates from exhaust fans were measured using a 160 mm bi-directional Gill propeller anemometer and the ventilation rate was determined as the summation of air flow rates from all fans. The average methane (CH4) concentration was 88±61 ppm and CH4 concentration differences were statistically significant among sampling dates and seasons. The carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration followed the same trend as CH4. The average CO2 concentration was 1105±1063 ppm. Nitrous oxide (N2O) concentrations ranged from 0.02 to 0.66 ppm. Methane emissions varied between 115.94 to 572.18 g d-1 AU-1 and higher methane emission was observed during summer (480.28 g d-1 AU-1). The average carbon dioxide emissions varied from 5.35 to 15.83 kg d-11 AU-1, whereas average N2O emissions varied from 0.06 to 7.30 g d-1AU-1. Significant variation of GHG concentrations and emissions were observed among fall, summer and spring seasons.
Eco-Friendly Green Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles from Aqueous Extract of Solanum Nigrum and Its Antifungal Activity

In the present study, the aqueous extract of SolanumNigrum used to synthesize AgNPs by the reduction of aqueous silver metal ions. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, SEM and TEM image shows uniformly distributed spherical, hexagonal and triangular in shape nanoparticles. The antifungal effects of these nanoparticles were studied against Aspergillusfumigatus, Aspergillusnidulans, and Canididaalbican. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements indicated that the newly formed nanoparticles were polydispersed with spherical, triangular, tetragonal, pentagonal, hexagonal and rod shapes. Crystalline nature of the nanoparticle in the face centered cubic (fcc) structure are confirmed by the peaks in the XRD pattern corresponding to (101), (98), (111) planes. Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FT-IR) spectroscopy analysis showed that the synthesized nanoparticles were capped with bimolecular compounds which are responsible for the reduction of silver ions. The present study indicates that Ag-NPs have considerable antifungal activity in comparison with standard antifungal drug, and hence further investigation for clinical applications is necessary. KEY WORDS: SolanumNigrum ; green synthesis; silver nanoparticle.
Exploring the Ways Cinematography Affects Viewers’ Perceived Empathy towards Onscreen Characters

Abstract In the history of cinematography there is a noticeable tradition to deliberately highlight the elements that accentuate space and spatiality in the shots. At the same time, there is also a contrary tradition, i.e. the conscious reduction of spatiality with the help of artistic tools in order to evoke a feeling of alienation. In this article I will argue that it is highly likely that the visual reinforcement of depth has become one of a cinematographer’s most frequently used tools, because it plays an important role in the audience’s perceived empathy towards onscreen characters. Since the practices of art-making – e.g. cinematography – represent a way that the empirical experience accumulated in professional practices reflects underlying neural processes, this article will first draw upon evidence from the common tenets of cinematography and reflect on how these correspond to the respective phenomena in human perception and cognition. The second part of the article examines the theory of the para-dramatic and eso-dramatic factors established by Gal Raz and Talma Hendler as it applies to cinematography; thereby suggesting possibilities for broadening the theoretical foundations of the twofold division of the causes for the viewers’ empathetic responses. The article will also introduce the results from a pilot experiment. However, I will not argue that the rendering of cinematographic space and drawing attention to certain areas are superior tools for creating filmic empathy. I will rather point out that they are often used by cinematographers when they want to create an immersive experience, and therefore, there is reason to believe that a connection exists between emotional empathy and the usage of these cinematographic tools.
A survey and implementation of some calibration algorithms for the SABR and Heston models

This thesis surveys and implements some calibration methods for the SABR and Heston models. Hagan (2002) examined the effect of the SABR parameters on the skew in order to determine which parameters may be redundant. Hagan and West (2005) found that by fixing one of the parameters in the SABR model, the remaining parameters were stable over time. We implement a SABR calibrator to confirm that the parameters are stable over time. We then examine the effects of the five Heston parameters on the skew in order to determine if any of the parameters are redundant. Calibrators where some parameters have been fixed and calibrators where no parameters have been fixed are implemented. The performance of these calibrators is then compared based on three criteria: the stability of the parameters over time, the fit of the solution and the computational efficiency of the calibrator. We find that the Heston parameters are more stable if the redundant parameters are fixed, the computation time is less and the fit is slightly worse. All implementations are done in the context of the South African market. The calibrators are programmed in Matlab and the code is included in the appendix. 1 Un iv rsi ty of Ca pe To wn The copyright of this thesis vests in the author. No quotation from it or information derived from it is to be published without full acknowledgement of the source. The thesis is to be used for private study or noncommercial research purposes only. Published by the University of Cape Town (UCT) in terms of the non-exclusive license granted to UCT by the author. Un ive rsi ty f C ap e T ow n
Simulation of Class D resonance inverter for Acoustics Energy Transfer applications

Power conditioning stage of an acoustics energy transfer (AET) is a key step in determining the overall efficiency of the AET system. On the transmitter side, it needs to drive the device at the exact operating frequency meanwhile at the receiver side, it need to able to extract maximum power through interfacing with PZT transducer. This paper will study and simulate the Class D parallel- resonance inverter for the transmitter side of an AET system. The aimed of the circuit is to produce around 80 mW power at the operating frequency 416 kHz for implantable applications. The Proteus Software used as simulation platform with peripheral interface controller (PIC16F877A) as pulse width modulation signal generator. The pulse width modulation (PWM) used to generate switching signal for MOSFET IRF5852TR gate in the circuit. Keywords—Half-bridge Class D inverter; low power applications
Examining Student Participation and Perception of Mobile Instant Messaging: An Exploratory Study

This paper aims to explore the pedagogical value of mobile instant messaging in higher education and probe its impact on teacher-student relationship. We studied a case of using WeChat, one of the most popular MIM applications, in a Hong Kong postgraduate class. We analyzed the chat log and interviewed the instructor and students. The results show that students welcomed the implementation of MIM app in classroom, and agreed that it provided access to mobile learning and possibilities to know the instructor. To further improve the educational value, students preferred: (a) setting clearer goals, (b) creating an open and interactive channel and (c) separating social and academic interactions.
Factors Influencing The Demand For Credit By The Private Sector In Kenya

This study investigates the effects of selected macroeconomic variables on the Demand for credit by the private sector in Kenya. The study used annual time series data for the period 1980-2012. Data was obtained from Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, World Development Indicators and supplemented by Central Bank of Kenya. Using Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) methodology, the study established that; Public investment, Short term interest rate, Long term interest rate, Employment and Domestic debt have a positive effect on demand for credit by the private sector, while per capita GDP and Exchange rate have a negative effect. The policy implication of these results is that providing sound economic growth policies, a stable macroeconomic situation, policies leading to lower credit cost and greater financial liberalization would simultaneously boost lending and lower the risk of lending to the private sector.