Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of growing site parameters on vessel elements of Quercus ilex through Turkey and evaluating in respect of forestry

: The purpose of the study is to find the effects of different growing site conditions on trees with the vessel features in the woods of Quercus ilex L. growing in different regions through Turkey, and to evaluate the results in respect of forestry. A total of 102 wood samples were collected from 102 sampling plots (as 20 m × 10 m plots) in 9 distribution areas in Turkey. Environmental, climate and stand data were obtained for each plot. Standard wood anatomical studies were performed. The results show that, while vessel element lengths are almost stable in all regions, the most changeable vessel element feature is the vessel frequency in different regions of Q. ilex . Hierarchical cluster analysis based on the mesomorphy and xeromorphy ratios revealed that a total of 15 sites fell into Group 1 (14.71%-very humid), 39 sites (38.24%-humid) into Group 2 and 48 sites (47.06%-dry) into Group 3. The ratios of dry sites are 29.63% in Black sea region, 45.71% in Marmara region and 60% in Aegean region; Black Sea Region promotes more mesomorphic wood formation, those in the Aegean region force xeromorphic wood formation in general. The stands of Q. ilex mixed with Pinus brutia are drier and produce negative correlation with temperature and positive correlations with precipitation. Increasing tree cover, tree height and stem diameter promote wider vessel element diameters and lower number of vessels per square mm. In the individuals of Q. ilex growing on the mountain ridges of Muğla, Davutlar National Park and its around and on the shallow soils are the driest conditions, and safety is more prominent than efficiency in water transport. In the lower elevations and on the deep soils, efficiency in water transport becomes more prominent than safety. Due to its mesomorphic vessel features in lowland humid sites, Q. ilex may be planted in lowlands and humid sites through Turkey.
Performance prediction for large-stone mixes using the repetitive simple shear test at constant height

Transfer functions have been developed that permit prediction of vertical rut depth versus equivalent single axle loads in situ using the repetitive simple shear test at constant height (RRST-CH). These transfer functions are based on statistical correlation of field performance and laboratory testing of field cores from Strategic Highway Research Program General Pavement Sections, with conventional binders and gradations and 19-mm (3/4 in.) maximum aggregate. A comparison is presented between measured field performance of large-stone mixes in situ and the performance predicted using the current RSST-CH transfer functions. Because of the larger aggregates contained in the mixes, the RSST-CH specimen diameter and height were increased to maintain a similar aspect ratio between the aggregate and specimen dimensions. New techniques for controlling specimen height during the test were also developed. The results of the comparison indicate that the RSST-CH and previously developed transfer functions are useful in predicting in situ rutting for large-stone mixes.
A digital literacy proposal in online Higher Education the UOC scenario

Universities have a key role in providing students with strategies and competences to allow them to be part of the current information society and hence to be able to develop a productive career. The Open University of Catalonia (UOC) is a fully online university created in 1995 to provide distance-learning university-level education. ICTs were integrated to UOC`s educational activity since its first steps as a compulsory subject common to all degrees, aimed to help students to cope with a virtual environment and to familiarize them with the university`s specific online tools. This subject has been evolving along these last 11 years of existence in line with new technologies and also according to the necessities of students. Nowadays it is a subject that works the basic competences in ICTs and is inspired by the declaration of Bologna. In a scenario in which the university is making strategic decisions about the implementation of the new degrees within the framework of the EHEA, this competence is defined at the UOC as follows: The use and application of ICTs in the academic and professional environment. UOC`s proposal of digital literacy for the acquisition of ICT competences in the academic and professional scope is based on a compulsory subject of each degree. This 6-credit ECTS subject is mandatory during the first semester within the cross-sectional basic credits and is based on the rational and critical use of ICTs, some knowledge of digital technology, the procedures of the virtual project and on new forms of constructing and representing knowledge for the new social Internet (blogs, wikis, social markers etc.) and for multiple alphabetizations. On the basis of UOC`s experience we are in a position to single out the key transferable elements for designing a proposal for achieving digital literacy in any educational context: the definition of the ICT competence, the gradual acquisition of ICT skills through creating a project-based work, team work to using and applying new tools and the role of consultants.
Hardware and software data processing system for research and scientific purposes based on Raspberry Pi 3 microcomputer

In the past ten years, rapid progress has been observed in science and technology through the development of smart mobile devices, workstations, supercomputers, smart gadgets and network servers. Increase in the number of Internet users and a multiple increase in the speed of the Internet led to the generation of a huge amount of data, which is now commonly called «big data». Given this scenario, storing and processing data on local servers or personal computers can cause a number of problems that can be solved using distributed computing, distributed data storage and distributed data transfer. There are currently several cloud service providers to solve these problems, like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Cloudera and etc. Approaches for distributed computing are supported using powerful data processing centers (DPCs). However, traditional DPCs require expensive equipment, a large amount of energy to run and operate the system, a powerful cooling system and occupy a large area. In addition, to maintain such a system, its constant use is necessary, because its stand-by is economically disadvantageous. The article is aimed at the possibility of using a Raspberry Pi and Hadoop cluster for distributed storage and processing of «big data». Such a trip provides low power consumption, the use of limited physical space, high-speed solution to the problems of processing data. Hadoop provides the necessary modules for distributed processing of big data by deploying Map-Reduce software approaches. Data is stored using the Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS), which provides more flexibility and greater scalability than a single computer. The proposed hardware and software data processing system based on Raspberry Pi 3 microcomputer can be used for research and scientific purposes at universities and scientific centers. Considered distributed system shows economically efficiency in comparison to traditional DPCs. The results of pilot project of Raspberry Pi cluster application are presented. A distinctive feature of this work is the use of distributed computing systems on single-board microcomputers for academic purposes for research and educational tasks of students with minimal cost and ease of creating and using the system.
Human Response to Simulated Low-Intensity Sonic Booms

NASA's High Speed Research (HSR ) program in the 1990s was intended to develop a technology base for a future High-Speed Civil Transport (HSCT). As part of this program, the NASA Langley Research Center sonic boom simulator (SBS) was built and used for a series of tests on subjective response to sonic booms. At the end of the HSR program, an HSCT was deemed impractical, but since then interest in supersonic flight has reawakened, this time focusing on a smaller aircraft suitable for a business jet. To respond to this interest, the Langley sonic boom simulator has been refurbished. The upgraded computer-controlled playback system is based on an SGI O2 computer, in place of the previous DEC MicroVAX. As the frequency response of the booth is not flat, an equalization filter is required. Because of the changes made during the renovation (new loudspeakers), the previous equalization filter no longer performed as well as before, so a new equalization filter has been designed. Booms to be presented in the booth are preprocessed using the filter. When the preprocessed signals are presented into the booth and measured with a microphone, the results are very similar to the intended shapes. Signals with short rise times and sharp "corners" are observed to have a small amount of "ringing" in the response. During the HSR program a considerable number of subjective tests were completed in the SBS. A summary of that research is given in Leatherwood et al. (Individual reports are available at http://techreports.larc.nasa.gov/ltrs/ltrs.html.) Topics of study included shaped sonic booms, asymmetrical booms, realistic (recorded) boom waveforms, indoor and outdoor booms shapes, among other factors. One conclusion of that research was that a loudness metric, like the Stevens Perceived Level (PL), predicted human reaction much more accurately than overpressure or unweighted sound pressure level. Structural vibration and rattle were not included in these studies.
Analytical methods for evaluating the quality and the genuineness of olive oils

This Ph.D. thesis focuses on the investigation of some chemical and sensorial analytical parameters linked to the quality and purity of different categories of oils obtained by olives: extra virgin olive oils, both those that are sold in the large retail trade (supermarkets and discounts) and those directly collected at some Italian mills, and lower-quality oils (refined, lampante and “repaso”). Concurrently with the adoption of traditional and well-known analytical procedures such as gas chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography, I carried out a set-up of innovative, fast and environmentally-friend methods. For example, I developed some analytical approaches based on Fourier transform medium infrared spectroscopy (FT-MIR) and time domain reflectometry (TDR), coupled with a robust chemometric elaboration of the results. I investigated some other freshness and quality markers that are not included in official parameters (in Italian and European regulations): the adoption of such a full chemical and sensorial analytical plan allowed me to obtain interesting information about the degree of quality of the EVOOs, mostly within the Italian market. Here the range of quality of EVOOs resulted very wide, in terms of sensory attributes, price classes and chemical parameters. Thanks to the collaboration with other Italian and foreign research groups, I carried out several applicative studies, especially focusing on the shelf-life of oils obtained by olives and on the effects of thermal stresses on the quality of the products. I also studied some innovative technological treatments, such as the clarification by using inert gases, as an alternative to the traditional filtration. Moreover, during a three-and-a-half months research stay at the University of Applied Sciences in Zurich, I also carried out a study related to the application of statistical methods for the elaboration of sensory results, obtained thanks to the official Swiss Panel and to some consumer tests.
Swarm Intelligence Based Algorithm for Efficient Routing in VANET

Many recent researchers are working to optimize solutions in the field of Vehicular Adhoc Network. However, none of them has yet claimed that it will fulfill all the challenges of such a dynamic region. VANET in itself is a complete area of study, research and improvements. Most of the researchers and industry consortiums has given their hypothesis and solution that depends on their predefined scenarios but no complete solution has designed until yet. Through this research work, the authors concluded that bioinspired solutions can be used to integrate along with VANET for a much accurate and optimized solution. The performance of VANET depends on various scenarios and due to the unpredictable behavior of the vehicle movement, no concrete solution can be claimed as of now. We incorporated Swarm Intelligence in VANET through the Ant Colony Optimization algorithm and found that the performance of VANET has enhanced by avoiding the entire congested path as it senses the pheromone trail. We have implemented and tested the results using open source software like Instant Veins, Simulation of Urban MObility (SUMO) and MObility model generator for VEhicular networks (MOVE). SUMO has used for testing the traffic simulation and MOVE is used to design model. Python for the script. The OSM used to take a map of Dehradun city. When we performed the experimental setup and found that the result confirms in reducing the traveling time of the nodes, which makes nodes faster and managed even it helps in saving the hydrocarbon fuels. During our approach, we have devised our own algorithm that has improvised the present Ant Colony Optimization algorithm and has concluded that the average traveling time of the nodes minimized through our approach.
Determination of Acceptable Structural Irregularity Limits for the Use of Simplified Seismic Design Methods

Current NZ code regularity limits for structures are based on engineering judgement rather than on quantitative analysis. This paper describes a quantitative method to determine limits for structural irregularity for structures designed using different analysis procedures. In this method, a parameter such as the change in median response, or the increased probability of greater demand, may be computed and then limited to an acceptable level. Irregularity limits based on a specified level of confidence are selected and these are then proposed for use in design. The method is illustrated by an example considering mass irregularity.
Issues and challenges in developing representative tasks in sport

"About the Book Understanding and developing expertise is an important concern for any researcher or practitioner working in elite or high performance sport. Whether it's identifying talented young athletes or developing methods for integrating cutting-edge sport science into daily coaching practice, scientists, coaches and researchers all need to understand the skills, characteristics, and knowledge that distinguish the expert performer in sport. The Routledge Handbook of Sport Expertise is the first book to offer a comprehensive overview of current research and practice in the emerging field of sports expertise. Adopting a multi-disciplinary, multi-faceted approach, the book offers in-depth discussion of methodological and philosophical issues in sport expertise, as well as the characteristics that describe sporting ‘experts’ and how they can be facilitated and developed. Exploring research, theory and practice, the book also examines how scientists and practitioners can work together to improve the delivery of applied sport science. With contributions from many of the world’s leading researchers in expertise and skill acquisition in sport, the Routledge Handbook of Sport Expertise is important reading for any advanced student, researcher, coach or sport science support officer looking to better understand this cutting-edge topic. "--Publisher website
New Multi Level Spreading Codes for DS CDMA Communication

Spreading codes are used to distinguish users and spread the signal to occupy much wider band width than the minimum required band width. Spreading codes are also called as user codes. Walsh, Gold and Kasami codes are the popularly used Binary (2-level) user codes. This paper proposes new multi level spreading codes constructed using ternary and quaternary Gray and Inverse Gray codes for multiuser Direct Sequence Code Division Multiple Access systems. Multi level spreading codes discussed in this paper are non zero mean, varying power codes. An attempt is made to analyze these multi level user codes through correlation properties. The methodology explained in this paper allows to generate 3-level user codes of length-6 and 4-level user codes of length-8. It also allows generation of codes whose lengths are even multiples of the codes of length 6 and length 8. The auto and cross correlation properties and bit error rate performance of these codes and their comparison with those of Walsh and Gold codes are presented in this paper.
Seismic Fragility Analysis of RC Bridge Piers in terms of Seismic Ductility

Through lessons in recent earthquakes, the bridge engineering community recognizes the need for new seismic design methodologies based on the inelastic structural performance of RC bridge structures. This study represents results of performance-based fragility analysis of reinforced concrete (RC) bridge. Monte carlo simulation is performed to study nonlinear dynamic responses of RC bridge. Two-parameter log-normal distribution function is used to represent the fragility curves. These two-parameters, referred to as fragility parameters, are estimated by the traditional maximum likelihood procedure, which is treated each event of RC bridge pier damage as a realization of Bernoulli experiment. In order to formulate the fragility curves, five different damage states are described by two practical factors: the displacement and curvature ductility, which are mostly influencing on the seismic behavior of RC bridge piers. Five damage states are quantitatively assessed in terms of these seismic ductilities on the basis of numerous experimental results of RC bridge piers. Thereby, the performance-based fragility curves of RC bridge pier are provided in this paper. This approach can be used in constructing the fragility curves of various bridge structures and be applied to construct the seismic hazard map.
The Prognostic Significance and Tumor-promoting Roles of MED30 in Pancreatic Cancer

Background: MED30 is an evolutionarily new member of the mediator complex thatcan bridge transcription factors and preinitiation complexfor the transcription. Pancreatic cancer is highly chemo-resistant andis the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Rapid progression and poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer result in shortened survival rate following diagnosis.Methods: Expression of MED30 was investigated by the analysis of TCGA database and immunohistochemistry of patients tissues. Roles of MED30 were investigated by gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies.Results: Analysis of TCGA database and immunohistochemistry provedthe frequentamplification and overexpression of MED30 in the pancreatic cancer tissues compared with the normal pancreatic tissues at the chromosome, mRNA and protein levels. Notably its overexpression was association with poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients in the Kaplan-Meier curve analysis (P=0.00072) and multivariate analysis (P=0.027). Uno’s C-index values in the time-dependent Area Under the Curve (AUC) analysis and AUC valuein the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves showed its good performance as a prognostic marker. To reveal the functional roles of MED30 during the progression of pancreatic cancer, we overexpressed or knocked down MED30 using cDNA or siRNA, respectively. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies showed that MED30 can regulate proliferation, migration, and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells. Furthermore overexpression of MED30 promoted tumorigenicity in SCID mice significantly. Conclusions: MED30 is frequently amplified and overexpressed and its overexpression is associated with poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients. Moreover it has tumor-promoting roles in proliferation, migration, invasion and in vivo tumorigenicity of pancreatic cancer cells. Thus, MED30 could be a potent diagnostic and therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer.
Guide to Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS)

Intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS) are focused on identifying possible incidents, logging information about them, attempting to stop them, and reporting them to security administrators. In addition, organizations use IDPSs for other purposes, such as identifying problems with security policies, documenting existing threats, and deterring individuals from violating security policies. This publication describes the characteristics of IDPS technologies and provides recommendations for designing, implementing, configuring, securing, monitoring, and maintaining them. The types of IDPS technologies are differentiated primarily by the types of events that they monitor and the ways in which they are deployed. This publication discusses the following four types of IDPS technologies: network-based, wireless, network behavior analysis (NBA), and host-based.
Pid Control for Ambulatory Gait Orthosis: Application of Different Tuning Methods

Actuating mechanisms of orthotic devices are important aspects of today's robotic field. Controlling a linear actuator attached in an orthotic limb using PID controller with a suitable tuning method is the main discussion of this paper. Tuning methods like, Internal Model Control (IMC), Zeigler‐ Nichols and Tyreus‐Lyben are applied in this work and analyzed the response in time domain specification, by considering the aspects of orthotic devices. Since simulation is the best way to testing a design, here we use control and simulation module of LabVIEW to simulate our process. Simulation results have shown us the improvement of the system performance by the application of different tuning methods and we have found that IMC method is the best for PID controller to control the DC drive in case of an ambulatory gait orthotic.
Security weakness of dynamic watermarking-based detection for generalised replay attacks

Dynamic watermarking (DW)-based detection methods can effectively detect replay attacks, however these detection methods cannot achieve the desired effectiveness for generalised replay attacks (GRAs). The objectiveness of this paper is to investigate security weakness of DW-based detection for GRAs. Firstly, unlike replaying history data from replay attacks, data accuracy compromised by GRAs is analysed, where their characteristics are similar to that compromised by replay attacks, and the current data are distorted by typical GRAs such as injection, replacement and scaling attacks. Secondly, considering the corresponding hidden Markov models of different types of GRAs, the stealthiness is quantified by auto covariance of residuals and cross covariance between residuals and watermarking signals. It is found that if both auto and cross covariance keep unchanged or increase along with watermarking intensity increasing, GRAs cannot be detected effectively. Thirdly, after DW-based detection is invalid for GRAs, it is proved that the stability of closed-loop systems for open-loop unstable dynamics will be destroyed, or the admissible system state bounds can be crossed within a finite time. Finally, experiments are operated on a networked inverted pendulum platform, and experimental results confirm security weakness of DW-based detection for GRAs.
A participatory library model for university libraries

This research investigated the ways academic libraries are using social media and adopting participatory principles in their programs and services. Using the Grounded Theory method the research developed an empirically derived model for participatory libraries. The research revealed three core categories representing the participatory library: community, empowerment, and experience. The research provides library professionals, researchers and the library community, with a fresh perspective and holistic picture of the contemporary library. The findings can be used to guide the development of participatory libraries in Australia and internationally.