Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploring Paradoxes of Distributed Ledger Technologies

This research aims to identify paradoxes in the context of distributed ledger technologies (DLTs). Paradoxes are phenomena that are contradictory, appearing rational in isolation, but illogical in combination [1]. Expert interviews and a Delphi study will be used to identify paradoxes that are emerging with DLTs. From this we aim to deduce managerial implications on how to resolve challenges associated with these paradoxes and develop a research agenda. The identified paradoxes will help organisations working with DLTs as research sheds light on emerging tensions (eg related to sustainability and inherent trust), and potentially how they may be resolved.
To What Extent Can UAV Photogrammetry Replicate UAV LiDAR to Determine Forest Structure? A Test in Two Contrasting Tropical Forests

Tropical forests are complex multi‐layered systems, with the height and three‐dimensional (3D) structure of trees influencing the carbon and biodiversity they contain. Fine‐resolution 3D data on forest structure can be collected reliably with Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensors mounted on aircraft or Unoccupied Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), however, they remain expensive to collect and process. Structure‐from‐Motion (SfM) Digital Aerial Photogrammetry (SfM‐DAP), which relies on photographs taken of the same area from multiple angles, is a lower‐cost alternative to LiDAR for generating 3D data on forest structure. Here, we evaluate how SfM‐DAP compares to LiDAR data acquired concurrently using a fixed‐wing UAV, over two contrasting tropical forests in Gabon and Peru. We show that SfM‐DAP data cannot be used in isolation to measure key aspects of forest structure, including canopy height (%Bias: 40%–50%), fractional cover, and gap fraction, due to difficulties measuring ground elevation, even under low tree cover. However, we find even in complex forests, SfM‐DAP is an effective means of measuring top‐of‐canopy structure, including surface heterogeneity, and is capable of producing similar measurements of vertical structure as LiDAR. Thus, in areas where ground height is known, SfM‐DAP is an effective method for measuring important aspects of forest structure, including canopy height, and gaps, however, without ground data, SfM‐DAP is of more limited utility. Our results support the growing evidence base pointing to photogrammetry as a viable complement, or alternative, to LiDAR, capable of providing much needed information to support the mapping and monitoring of biomass and biodiversity.
An overview of the use of proteolytic enzymes as exfoliating agents

Proteolytic enzymes are biological catalysts that can compose cosmetic formulations: These enzymes are capable of mimicking the desquamation process of the skin, acting as exfoliants. Although enzymatic exfoliation is not new and commercial products were easily found, there is a lack of scientific literature about this topic.
A mobilenet-SSD target detection algorithm based on attention mechanism

Object detection based on convolutional neural network has important applications in mobile devices, intelligent robots and other fields. However, due to the diversity of traditional models, large number of parameters and slow computing speed, it is difficult to meet the real-time detection requirements of embedded systems. To solve this problem, a mobilenet-SSD model integrating attention mechanism was proposed. Based on the lightweight network model Mobilenet-SSD, the convolution block attention module was integrated into the model, which greatly improved the accuracy of the detection model at the cost of a small increase in computation. Meanwhile, CIOU loss function is used as position loss function to optimize learning strategy and improve training effect. In addition, the processing mode of pre-selection box is improved to Soft-NMS to optimize the detection performance of multi-target overlapping. Experimental results on Pascal VOC2007 and VOC2012 data sets show that the proposed model achieves good performance in recognition accuracy and detection speed, with detection speed of 60.9 FPS and mAP accuracy of 73.6% on GTX1080.The model in this paper has the advantages of small number of parameters, fast computing speed and high identification accuracy, which can better meet the real-time detection requirements of mobile terminals and embedded systems, and provide a good target detection scheme for industrial systems and portable systems.
Imaging the game day experience: a case study of the National Rugby League (NRL).

The study investigates the sport game day experience, including commitment to the club and sense of belonging from the perspective of fans and enthusiasts of a professional National Rugby League (NRL) team. Overall, it is noticed that the entertainment value of the game, and its importance as an escape from day to day activities are considered crucial aspects. These elements are further supported by comments underlining the importance of the game’s atmosphere, the game itself and the excitement and spectacle associated with live sport experiences. In contrast, half-time entertainment and team on field performance are sources of frustration and disappointment, potentially discouraging investment in the organisation. Given the increasingly competitive nature of the professional sports environment, including emergent entertainment alternatives for consumers, the findings have important implications for the future marketing of the NRL, and potentially for other professional sport teams and leagues.
An Evaluation of Classical Steady-State Off-Line Linear Parameter Estimation Methods Applied to Chiller Performance Data

The objective of this paper is to evaluate different inverse methods with application to off-line model parameter estimation using data from a field-operated chiller. In HVAC&R data analysis, there is sometimes a need to evaluate and use estimation techniques that are more subtle than the ordinary least square (OLS) method. One example is in fault detection and diagnosis of HVAC&R equipment and systems using performance data obtained from field monitoring. By identifying a better performance model, the fault detection process is more likely to be refined and accurate. In this paper a number of exploratory, diagnostic, and classical estimation methods are reviewed to determine the circumstances in which they are likely to be superior to the OLS method. These methods are then evaluated using monitored data from a field-operated chiller. This study provides a reference on parameter estimation methods for the HVAC&R community.
Physical noise modeling of SOI MOSFETs with analysis of the Lorentzian component in the low-frequency noise spectrum

The implementation of a general physics-based compact model for noise in silicon-on-insulator (SOI) MOSFETs is described. Good agreement is shown between model-predicted and measured low-frequency (LF) noise spectra. In particular, the behavior of an excess Lorentzian component that dominates the LF noise spectra of SOI MOSFETs is investigated. Shot noise associated with the generation and removal (via recombination or a body contact) of body charge is shown to underlie the behavior of the Lorentzian in both floating-body and body-tied-to-source SOI MOSFET's operating under partially depleted or "mildly" fully depleted conditions; the Lorentzian is suppressed when the body is "strongly" fully depleted. Good physical insight distinguishes the behavior of the Lorentzian components in all these devices, and predicts the occurrence of additional excess noise sources in future scaled technologies. Simple analytic expressions that approximate the full model are derived to provide the insight.
Benefits of Parent Training in the Rehabilitation of Deaf or Hard of Hearing Children of Hearing Parents: A Systematic Review

The present study is a systematic review on the effectiveness of Parent Training (PT) and coaching in deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) rehabilitation programs which reviews and synthesizes the existing body of evidence to assess the benefits of these programs in enhancing parents’ sensitivity, responsivity and promoting language development in DHH children during the first years after HA fitting or CI activation. Five published studies met the Population, Intervention, Comparison and Outcomes (PICO) inclusion criteria and were eligible to be included, but heterogeneity in terms of the study design, interventions and outcomes did not allow for performing a meta-analysis. All included studies shared the view that a parent’s learning is a circular (rather than frontal) process, and the results appear promising in terms of enhancing parents’ responsiveness and promoting DHH child language development. Nevertheless, the available evidence was judged to not be robust enough due to limitations in the studies’ designs. Further high-quality evidence is needed to evaluate the true degree of clinical value and the cost effectiveness of PT programs aimed at increasing parents’ responsiveness to their DHH children.
On the consequences of non linear constitutive modelling of brain tissue for injury prediction with numerical head models

The objective of this work was to investigate the influences of constitutive non linearities of brain tissue in numerical head model simulations by comparing the performance of a recently developed non linear constitutive model [10, 11] with a simplified version, based on neo-Hookean elastic behaviour, and with a previously developed constitutive model [6]. Numerical simulation results from an existing 3D head model in the explicit Finite Element code MADYMO were compared. A head model containing a sliding interface between the brain and the skull was used and results were compared with the results obtained with a previously validated version possessing a tied skull-brain interface. For these head models, the effects of different constitutive models were systematically investigated for different loading directions and varying loading amplitudes in both translation and rotation. In the case of the simplified and fully non linear version of the model of Hrapko et al. [10, 11], the response predicted with a head model for varying conditions (i.e. severity and type of loading) varies consistently with the constitutive behaviour. Consequently, when used in a finite element head model, the response can be scaled according to the constitutive model used. However, the differences found when using the non linear model of Brands et al. [5] were dependent on the loading conditions. Hence this model is less suitable for use in a numerical head model.
Effect of Physical Properties of Porous Combustor on Radiant Output and Fuel-Preheated Efficiency of a Non-Sprayed Porous Burner

The effect of physical properties of porous combustor on performance of a non-sprayed porous burner (NSPB) in term of radiant output and fuel-preheated efficiency is studied through numerical modeling. The homogeneous combustion of vaporised kerosene and combustion air within a porous combustor (PC) is instead of the heterogeneous combustion occurs in free space of a conventional sprayed burner. The excellent fuel evaporation without atomisation is accomplished by using porous evaporator (PE). Single global reaction combustion, sub-cooled boiling, local non-thermal equilibrium between fluid and solid phases with phase change under complex radiative heat transfer and sub-cooled boiling are considered. The parametric study of porosity and optical thickness are investigated. The study shows that the radiant output efficiency is decreased with higher porosity while the fuel-preheated efficiency quite constant. The optical thickness has no significant effect on radiant output efficiency whereas the fuel-preheated efficiency is reduced with higher optical thickness. In addition, the evaporation front zone moves deep to downstream of PE when optical thickness increases.
Diffusion tensor imaging-based quantitative analysis of the spinal cord in Pembroke Welsh Corgis with degenerative myelopathy

Canine degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease of the spinal cord. The diagnosis is based on the observation of clinical signs, genetic testing, and exclusion of other spinal cord diseases, and a definitive diagnosis of DM can only be confirmed by postmortem histopathological findings. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic ability of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) for DM. Eight DM-affected Pembroke Welsh Corgis, thirteen dogs with thoracolumbar intervertebral disk herniation (IVDH), and six healthy control dogs were included. All dogs were scanned using a 3.0-T MRI system. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) values were calculated for each intervertebral disk level slice between T8–T9 and L2–L3 intervertebral disk levels, and the entire area of the thoracolumbar spinal cord between T8–T9 and L2–L3 intervertebral disk levels (T8–L3 region). The ADC and FA values of the T8–L3 region were significantly lower in the DM group than in the IVDH group. The ADC values for the T8–L3 region had a moderate negative correlation with clinical duration (rs= −0.723, P=0.043); however, the FA values of other intervertebral disk levels and T8–L3 region had no correlation with clinical durations. The measurement of DTI indices can be used to quantitatively assess neurodegeneration and may have diagnostic value for DM. In particular, the ADC value of the T8–L3 region may aid in making a non-invasive premortem diagnosis of DM.
Asbestos : operating system security for mobile devices

This thesis presents the design and implementation of a port of the Asbestos operating system to the ARM processor. The port to the ARM allows Asbestos to run on mobile devices such as cell phones and personal digital assistants. These mobile, wireless-enabled devices are at risk for data attacks because they store private data but often roam in public networks. The Asbestos operating system is designed to prevent disclosure of such data. The port includes a file system and a network driver, which together enable future development of Asbestos applications on the ARM platform. This thesis evaluates the port with a performance comparison between Asbestos running on an HP iPAQ hand held computer and the original x86 Asbestos. Thesis Supervisor: Robert T. Morris Title: Associate Professor
Exploring the Determinants for Strengthening the Training Quality for Mathematics Teachers in Oman

Keeping in view the research objective “To determine the strengths of mathematics teachers training in SIPTT from trainees’ perspective” current research attempted to explore the factors affecting the training quality and become a point of strength for mathematics teachers training in SIPTT. For achieving this purpose, recent research focused to conduct interviews. In total 12 online interviews were conducted due to the strictness of covid-19 regulations. The current research used a single instrumental qualitative case study to gather extensive data from trainees’ perceptions to understand poor training results and withdrawal. Based on the interview data current research explored Context, Administration, Input, Process, and Output) factors as strengthening points for training qualities. Current research possesses remarkable implications and contributions towards the quality of mathematic teachers in Oman.
The Effect of Temperature Gradient on the Stability of Flow between Vertical, Concentric, Rotating Cylinders

The effect of a radial temperature gradient on the hydrodynamic stability in the annular gap formed by two, vertical, concentric cylinders, the inner being rotatable and the outer both stationary and isothermally heated, was studied for the cases of zero and imposed axial fluid flow in the annular gap. For zero axial flow, it was found that the temperature gradient destabilizes the flow while not affecting the form of the secondary flow, viz. the classic Taylor vortex. For imposed axial flow, the point of neutral stability was modified only when natural convection was strong enough to affect the parabolic velocity profile associated with that flow; the extent of this modification was shown to depend on the direction of the axial flow. Also, the longitudinal temperature gradients within the gap were found to influence the axial wave number and the drift-velocity ratio.
Optimal Design of a Pin-Fin Heat Sink Using a Surrogate-Assisted Multiobjective Evolutionary Algorithm

In this work, performance enhancement of a multiobjective evolutionary algorithm (MOEA) by integrating a surrogate model to the design process is presented. The MOEA used in this work is multiobjective population-based incremental learning (PBIL). The bi-objective design problem of a pin-fin heat sink (PFHS) is posed to minimize junction temperature and fan pumping power while meeting design constraints. A Kriging (KRG) model is used for improving the performance of PBIL. The training points for constructing a surrogate KRG model are sampled by means of a Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) technique. It is shown that hybridization of PBIL and KRG can enhance the search performance of PBIL.
An electromagnetically coupled microstrip antenna with a rotatable patch

The performance of a newly developed microstrip antenna is investigated by FDTD analysis and experiments. The proposed new antenna consists of a patch, a shaft, a bearing, a weight and a microstrip line. The patch can rotate freely around the shaft. When the portable telephone unit is inclined, the patch rotates and remains vertical because of the weight. Therefore, the polarization direction of the new microstrip antenna is always kept vertical and there is no effective gain degradation due to the inclination. This new antenna also decreases the effective gain degradation due to the proximity of the operator's body. This is because its radiation pattern is very directional with low levels towards the operator. Furthermore, this new antenna is very easy to handle and resists breakdown. This is because it is built into the portable telephone unit.
A Comparative Sub-synchronous Resonance Analysis of Grid-connected Doubly Fed Induction Generator Based and Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator Based Wind Farms

Abstract—This article aims to investigate the sub-synchronous resonance issue that may be caused by the wind farms connected to an electrical network through a series-compensated transmission line. Two wind turbine types based on a doubly fed induction generator and a permanent magnet synchronous generator are modeled for sub-synchronous resonance analysis in detail, and the proportional and integral parameters of the control loops are optimized based on a computational intelligence method. The studies are carried out on the IEEE first benchmark model. Small-signal analysis is conducted to reveal the impacts of series compensation level, parameters of proportional and integral controllers, and wind speed on the existing oscillatory modes.
Design and performance of mass-produced sideband separating SIS mixers for ALMA band 4 receivers

We have designed and mass-produced low-noise sideband separating superconductor–insulator–superconductor (SIS) mixers for the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) band 4 over the frequency range of 125–163 GHz. An integrated design was adopted for the band 4 sideband separating (2SB) mixer block because of the advantages it offers in terms of compactness, reduced testing time and lower cost. The mixer chip was designed to be robust for handling errors to avoid performance degradation caused by generation of the higher order mode in the mixer chip slot. Detailed analyses revealed its robustness and ability to ensure mass production of the 2SB mixers. Using the robust mixer design in addition to well-established waveguide technologies, all of the 2SB mixers met ALMA specifications for noise temperature and image rejection ratio.
Implications of Applying Statistically Based Procedures for Water Quality Assessment

Assessment of water quality conditions as required by Section 303d of the Clean Water Act must rely on limited monitoring data. Because data are limited there will always be the potential for error when deciding if water quality standards are being met. However, the informed use of statistical procedures makes it possible to describe and manage these errors. We make the case for using such procedures in water quality assessment and draw the implications for the monitoring data for water quality standard setting, arguing that standard setting must accommodate the limits of the monitoring data and the statistical procedures that will be used for water quality assessment.
COVID-19 vaccine and immune response

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2; βCoV), the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), causes severe lower respiratory tract infections and acute respiratory failure syndrome (ARDS). Deaths due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic for more than a year are still seen worldwide. Therefore, vaccine trials have gained importance. The discovery of the genome and protein structure of SARS-CoV-2 in a short time allowed the development of nucleic acid-based vaccines (mRNA and DNA vaccines), vector vaccines, inactivated virus vaccines, protein-based vaccines, virus-like particle vaccines, and live attenuated virus vaccines. Many companies, universities, and institutes around the world continue to develop effective vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. In this review, the structural features, classification, genome, and intracellular entry of SARS-CoV-2 coronaviruses, stimulation of the immune system and immunity, COVID-19 vaccine types, and the latest status of clinical trials of these vaccines have been reviewed.
Navigating Concepts in the Human Mind Unravels the Latent Geometry of Its Semantic Space

Mechanisms for retrieving basic knowledge in the human mind are still unknown. Exploration is usually represented by cognitive units, i.e., concepts, linked together by associative relationships forming semantic networks. However, understanding how humans navigate such networks remains elusive, because the underlying topology of concepts cannot be observed directly, and only functional representations are accessible. Here, we overcome those limitations and show that the hypothesis of an underlying, latent geometry characterizing the human mind is plausible. We characterize this geometry by means of adequate descriptors for exploring and navigating dynamics, demonstrating that they can capture the differences between healthy subjects and patients at different stages of dementia. Our results provide the first fundamental step to develop a new unifying conceptual and computational framework that can be used to support the assessment of neurodegenerative diseases from language and semantic memory retrieval tasks, as well as helping develop targeted nonpharmacological therapies to maintain residual cognitive capacity.