Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comfort in observing stereoscopic images reduced by vibration stimuli

Numerous studies have been conducted to illuminate the effect of image factors to reduce unexpected influence of stereoscopic images on healthy visual experience. In this paper, we introduce changes in the psychological and physiological indexes of observers of a stereo- scopic image disturbed by vibration stimuli. Forty-four healthy university students participated in the experiment. A programmable vibration table generated two types of vibrations (5 Hz and 20 Hz) and provided intermittent vibration stimuli to a stereoscopic projector installed on a vibration table. Our results showed that the frequency of vibration stimuli has a strong impact in evaluating the local comfort of subjects. Our results also showed that the indexes of visual fatigue increased after observation independent of the frequency. The activity status of the autonomic nervous system as a physiological index significantly increased after observing 3D images with vibration stimuli although the vibrational frequency did not have a significant effect on the activity status.
Pattern-based extensible index technique for XML documents

Recently, a lot of index techniques for storing and querying XML document have been studied so far and many researches of them used coordinate-based methods. But update operation and query processing to express structural relations among elements, attributes and texts make a large burden. In this paper, we propose an efficient extensible index technique based on pattern information. It supports containment queries and pattern queries and it does not cause serious performance degradations even if there are frequent update operations. Management of XML Schema's pattern information can reduce the number of nodes participating in the containment relationship query processing among each element. Overall, the performance could be improved by reduction of the number of times for traversing nodes.
A Simple Bioanalytical Method for the Quantification of Levetiracetam in Human Plasma and Saliva

A novel, sensitive and selective ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography - coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the quantification of levetiracetam (LEV), a broad-spectrum antiepileptic drug, in human plasma and saliva. A simple protein precipitation method with acetonitrile as precipitating solvent was used to extract LEV from human plasma and saliva. LEV and an internal standard (fluconazole, IS) were separated on a Kinetex analytical column (5 μm C18 100A, 100 × 2.1 mm) using an isocratic solvent system consisting of methanol, water and 100% formic acid at a ratio of 97:3:0.25 (v/v/v) and a flow rate of 0.2 ml/min over 2 min run time. Detection was performed using target ions of [M+H]+ at m/z 171.0 for LEV and m/z 307.0 for IS in selective ion mode. The method was validated in the calibration range of 1.0-50.0 μg/mL for plasma and 0.5-30.0 μg/mL for saliva. Thus the present HPLC-MS/MS method for determination of LEV in human plasma and saliva, is highly sensitive, rapid with a short run-time of 2 min, can be suitable for high sample throughput. The developed method required minimal sample preparation and less plasma sample volume compared to earlier published LC-MS/MS methods. The validation parameters were found to be well within the acceptance limit.
Liquid crystal elastomers: an introduction and review of emerging technologies

ABSTRACT Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are a unique class of materials that combine rubber elasticity with liquid crystalline anisotropy to produce exceptional physical and optical properties such as actuation, soft elasticity, and birefringence. This review gives a brief overview of the physics behind liquid crystals and classifications of LCEs before discussing the methods traditionally used to synthesize LCEs, the new methods of synthesis that have emerged within the past several years, and the developing applications of LCEs. The review begins by discussing the organization of liquid crystals in LCEs and how their coupling to the polymer backbone affects their macroscopic properties. Traditional LCE synthesis methods and their drawbacks in terms of moving towards applications are then touched upon, as well as emerging chemistries that eliminate many of the challenges associated with LCE synthesis. Thiol-Michael reactions and covalent adaptable networks, which allow for bulk sample synthesis and repeated programming, respectively, are discussed at length. Finally, applications of LCEs in 4D printing and as biomedical devices are illustrated.
Multi-agent Topology Approach for Distributed Monitoring in Wireless Sensor Networks

In this paper, the multi-agent technology is applied in wireless sensor networks domain in order to adapt software architecture, and to optimize its performance in monitoring. We explore in particular the issues of topology control, especially some related work using multi-agent systems. In the third part, we will propose an agent-based algorithm for fault tolerance and topology control in a wireless sensor network. Our proposal consists of embedding an agent at each node that is responsible for selecting its parent or the next hop to the sink when transferring packets. The main contribution is the proposal of a new process of changing parent, which is based on the computation of a fault tolerance degree, calculated each time by the agent in cooperation with its neighboring nodes. Several parameters are exploited to calculate this metric, such as the number of hops, the energy and the quality of links. Simulation results show that this method of changing parent allows an enhanced lifetime, as well as network fault tolerance, when compared with the collection
Translation and Popularization: Medical Research in the Communicative Continuum

Loin d’etre cantonne parmi les experts, le savoir est diffuse pour differents publics a differents niveaux de specialisation, des articles de synthese aux textes journalistiques. Une telle diversite constitue pour les traducteurs un defi rarement mentionne. En effet, bien que la documentation et les recherches terminologiques s’averent cruciales, les decisions de traduction se fondent autant sur des criteres communicatifs que cognitifs et linguistiques. Or, s’il est evident que les choix sont determines par les connaissances des lecteurs, peu de chercheurs precisent quels sont ces choix et comment opere cette correlation, notamment en ce qui concerne la vulgarisation. De plus, les etudes linguistiques ne se sont pas penchees sur les differences entre les langues et les cultures. Cet article presente une etude bilingue (francais et espagnol) d’un corpus d’articles journalistiques a propos de la recherche sur les cellules souches et sur le clonage publies dans quatre regions (France, Quebec, Espagne, Argentine). Une methodologie originale a ete mise sur pied pour la collecte et l’analyse des donnees. Le nombre et la nature des expressions employees pour faire reference a chaque notion specialisee ont ete pris en compte, ainsi que certains mecanismes discursifs consideres typiques du discours de vulgarisation, comme les definitions et les explications. Enfin, les indices de conceptualisation et les modes de conceptualisation metaphorique ont ete identifies. Cette etude fournit des donnees empiriques qui viennent enrichir un debat qui demeure largement theorique, et etaye la conception de la communication specialisee en tant que continuum. Les resultats contredisent certaines idees ancrees a propos des textes de vulgarisation, particulierement quant a l’importance des « procedes pedagogiques ». Il semble essentiel de mettre en evidence l’heterogeneite du discours de vulgarisation et de tenir compte des contraintes posees par le genre textuel dans la facon d’exprimer les connaissances specialisees. Enfin, les donnees obtenues sont compatibles avec la recente remise en question de la vision canonique de la vulgarisation comme traduction.
Correction to “Impacts of initial conditions on monsoon intraseasonal forecasting”

[1] In the paper ‘‘Impacts of initial conditions on monsoon intraseasonal forecasting’’ by Xiouhua Fu et al. (Geophys. Res. Lett., 36, L08801, doi:10.1029/2009GL037166, 2009), the ‘NCEP_R2’ label in Figure 1 (bottom) is incorrect. The corrected label should be ‘NCEP_R1’ [Kalnay et al., 1996]. [2] Acknowledgment. NCEP reanalysis data (NCEP_R1) are provided by the NOAA/OAR/ESRL/PSD, Boulder, Colorado, USA, from their web site at http://www.cdc. noaa.gov/.
Guaranteed state estimation by zonotopes for systems with interval uncertainties

This talk focuses on guaranteed state estimation by zonotopes [1], [2] applied to multivariable linear discrete-time systems in the presence of disturbances, noises and interval uncertainties. Suppose that the perturbations and the noise are unknown but bounded by some zonotopic sets. Under this hypothesis the information about the system states at each sample time is characterized as a zonotope containing all possible system states that are consistent with the considered perturbations and measurement noise. In [2] a zonotopic outer approximation of the state estimation domain is computed based on the minimization of the P-radius associated to the zono-tope. The main idea consists in an outer approximation of the intersection of a zonotope (corresponding to the prediction of the states) with a strip (the measurement from the available sensor). Despite the good approximation, this approach is applied in [2] only to Single-Input Single-Output systems that are not affected by uncertainties. In order to extend this approach to multivariable systems with interval uncertainties, this talk proposes a zonotopic approximation of the intersection between a zonotope (the prediction of the states) and a polytope (the intersection of the measurements from all the sensors). The size of this zonotope is decreased in time by solving an off-line optimization problem. The advantages of this approach are illustrated via a numerical example. References [1] T. Alamo, J.M. Bravo, and E.F. Camacho. Guaranteed state estimation by zonotopes. Automatica, 41:1035-1043, 2005. [2] V.
A GENERAL MULTI-PLANE MODEL FOR POST-LIQUEFACTION OF SAND

Abstract– A multi-plane model for the post-liquefaction of the undrained behaviour of sand is presented. The model incorporates the critical/steady state concept that postulates the existence of a state where sand continuously deforms at a certain constant effective stress depending two main parameters of both initial bulk parameters (i.e. void ratio or relative density) and stress level (i.e. mean stress). The local instability of saturated sand within post-liquefaction is highly dependent on the residual inherent/induced anisotropy, bedding plane effects, and stress/strain path. Most of the models developed using stress/strain invariants are not capable of identifying the parameters depending on orientation such as fabric. This is mainly because stress/strain invariants are quantities similar to scalar quantities and not capable of carrying directional information with themselves. The constitutive equations of the model are derived within the context of the non-linear elastic behaviour of the whole medium and the plastic sliding of interfaces of predefined multi-planes. The proposed multi-plane based model is capable of predicting the behaviour of soils on the basis of plastic sliding mechanisms, elastic behaviour of particles and possibilities to see the micro-fabric effects as natural anisotropy as well as induced anisotropy in plasticity. The model is capable of predicting the behaviour of soil under different orientations of the bedding plane, and the history of strain progression during the application of any stress/strain paths. The influences of the rotation of the direction of principal stress and strain axes and induced anisotropy are included in a rational way without any additional hypotheses. The spatial strength distribution at a location as an approximation of the probable mobilized sliding mechanism is presented by an ellipsoid function built up on the bedding plane.
Assessing the Relevancy and Efficacy of the United Nations Convention against Corruption: A Comparative Analysis

The United Nations Convention Against Corruption (adopted in 2003) is the first global in-depth treaty on corruption. This work attempts to assess its significance by analyzing its provisions, in particular, those concerning the areas of prevention, criminalization, and asset recovery. It then seeks to assess its relevancy and effectiveness by giving an overview of the UNCAC’s main compliance challenges, as well as other existing initiatives that tackle corruption. Two types of compliance challenges are suggested throughout this work: direct and indirect compliance challenges. Among direct compliance challenges are the treaty’s language, the existence of sanctions, and its monitoring mechanism. Indirect compliance challenges on the other hand include good governance and prosecution difficulties. Although the UNCAC innovates in many respects, it is argued that it also suffers from weaknesses that cannot be overlooked, preventing it from having a real impact on States’ behavior.
Reservoir Simulation for Reinjected Water Return in Produced Fluid of Wells at Ogiri Geothermal Field, Japan

Numerical simulations of the Ogiri geothermal field were conducted using a fractured model for evaluating return of reinjected water to production wells. In this study, a MINC method was applied to grid blocks both in production and reinjection zones to describe the return of reinjected water in the reservoir. A mixing ratio of reinjected water to the produced fluid at respective production wells were quantitatively evaluated by using a function of two kinds of waters built in the TOUGH2 numerical simulator. 1. INTRODUCTION Reinjecting water back into a formation is a useful technique of recharging fluid into a reservoir. Reinjected water is heated as it flows in the formation towards the production zone. However, excessive and quick return of reinjected water to the production zone causes cooling, and consequently decreases in steam production of wells. It is then necessary to properly manage the reinjection scheme for a sustainable development of the field. Reservoir simulations provide visualization of the condition of the reservoir systems based on measured field data. Itoi et al. (2011) conducted a reservoir simulation of reinjected-water return at the Ogiri geothermal field using a three-dimensional reservoir model. The model included a grid system applied with a MINC method (Pruess et al., 1999), which was only for the shallow production zone, and the grids in other domain in the model were of porous type. In this study, we assigned grids with the MINC method to the other domains of fault zone and reinjection zone and carried out reservoir simulations using TOUGH2 (Pruess et al., 1999) to quantify mass ratios of reinjected water to produced fluid of wells. The temporal change of mass ratio of reinjected water from respective reinjection wells was analyzed.
Finding "Similar" Concepts with Evidences across Different Feature Vector Spaces

The past is a foreign country: they do things differently there" is an often quoted opening sentence of a famous novel by L. Hartley entitled "Go Between". It emphasizes the well-known observation that it is often difficult to understand entities, concepts and their context in the past, especially, in the distant past. Even though some professionals, common sense or just our intuition might suggest that certain entities may be similar across time, still, usually, we lack convincing and concrete evidence to support similarity estimation. For example, it may not be immediately obvious why Walkman in 1980s is considered to be a similar entity to iPod. However, we can easily understand their similarity when learning that both were dominant, portable music devices in their corresponding times. In this paper, we propose to automatically detect evidences to explain similarities and differences between entities in different time periods. For a given input entity we first output the ranked list of candidate counterparts and then we detect supporting evidence to explain why the results are similar or different to the input entity. The evidences our method generates should be relevant to entities, cover their diverse and important aspects and allow for easy comparison. Keyword Evidence Finding, Similarity Searching, Difference Searching, Entity Comparison
A hydro power system operation using Genetic Algorithms and mixed-integer nonlinear programming

A hydro power system operation using Genetic Algorithms and mixed-integer nonlinear programming This paper proposes a new hybrid optimization method for solving a hydrothermal coordination problem. In general, the problem is decomposed into smaller hydro and thermal sub-problems which are solved separately. The hydro sub-problem is solved by the peak shaving method using the proposed hybrid optimization method. It combines genetic algorithms with the traditional numerical optimization method. The hybrid method has been applied to a real hydrothermal system, i.e., the Slovak power system. The results have proved the efficiency of the proposed method.
Micro and nanoparticles of native and modified cassava starches as carriers of the antimicrobial potassium sorbate

Cross-linked and/or acetylated cassava starches were synthesized and characterized. The acetylation increased the water retention capacity and the solubility in water while the higher level of cross-linking produced the opposite effect on starch. Native (NCS) and acetylated cassava starches (ACS) were used to generate starch micro- and nanoparticles by the dialysis technique. The nanoparticle fraction was around 1.8 g 100 g−1 and 12 g 100 g−1 (starch dry basis) for NCS and ACS, respectively. The nanoparticle sizes were around 23–255 nm with zeta potential extending from −4 to −44 mV, while the microscopic fractions ranged 5–87 µm. In addition, the capacity of particles to support potassium sorbate (KS) was tested. NCS and ACS particles supported a similar quantity of KS (≈1400 ppm) and the presence of antimicrobial decreased the particle size for NCS. The precipitation in ethanol technique was also used to generate microparticles where the particles generated from acetylated starches were smaller (8–58 µm) than those from native ones (30–227 µm). The KS content that these particles could incorporate was around 2020 ppm. The applied technique modulated the average dimension of the particles obtained, as well as the antimicrobial retention capacity. These innovative materials could be potentially helpful for shelf life extension by the contribution to the KS stabilization to be incorporated in the bulk of food products.
A Holistic Approach for Science Education For All

SUMMARY Our studies indicate that Earth systems science approach is much effective than the traditional "science for all" approach. While implementing it correctly, it succeeds to attract and advance students to whom the traditional science programs were frequently inaccessible. However, the success of the students, who usually do not find school in general and science learning in particular interesting, did not happen on the expense of those students who are considered high achievers. Both groups found the ESS program attractive and interesting and both gained a significant amount of knowledge and understanding. There is no doubt that the traditional science programs are very useful for the selection of that 1%-5% of the population that could be the future physicists. Our studies suggest that an earth systems science program might serve as a much powerful platform for any science program that claims to be "for all". Yet, the earth systems approach alone will not be enough and in addition such programs should also include the following characteristics: • Learning in an authentic and relevant context as much as possible. • Organizing the learning in a sequence that shifts gradually from the concrete to the abstract. • Adjusting the learning for variant abilities learners. • Integrating the outdoor environment as an integral and central component of the learning process. • Focusing on both the cognitive and the emotional aspects of learning.
Modeling of a two-phase swirling turbulent flow in the separation chamber of the centrifugal apparatus

In this paper a two-phase (gas - solid particles) swirling turbulent flow in the separation chamber of a centrifugal apparatus is considered. The results of mathematical modeling of flow at different settings are shown. This paper presents a two-phase (gas - solids) swirling turbulent flow in the separation chamber of the centrifugal apparatus with an additional supply of gas (Fig. 1). Through the section A-A the gas flow is supplied with particles having radial and tangential velocity components. Through the section B-B an additional supply of gas without solid is provided. The flow in the vortex chamber is axisymmetric by its nature. Through the section C-C the swirling flow together with the gas fraction of fine particles leaves the working area of the vortex chamber. Through the section B-B the incoming gas stream filters larger particles of the particulate fraction, returning finer particles to the working zone of the classifier. Large particles, due to the predominance of the centrifugal force over the aerodynamic force, leave the vortex chamber through the cross section B-B. All solid walls of the apparatus can rotate about the axis O-Z, giving additional rotation of the gas flow with the solid phase and thereby aligning the field of circumferential velocity vector components. To describe the swirling gas flow in the separation chamber a set of the Reynolds equations is used. For its closure the generalized Boussinesq model is applied according to which the Reynolds stresses are considered to be proportional to the mean flow strain rate and the coefficient of eddy viscosity νt. Thus, the system of Reynolds equations in the cylindrical coordinate system in the conservative dimensionless form for an incompressible viscous fluid taking into account the axial symmetry (/ = 0) can be written as follows: r ((ur r)) + z ((uzr)) = 0; + j = 1;
Testing of the Technology Acceptance Model in Context of Yemen

Recently, the technology acceptance model (TAM) has been widely used by researchers in order to gain a better understanding of the factors that affect on acceptance of technology. Technology Acceptance Model is one of the most common models in field of acceptance of the technology. Technology Acceptance Model has been tested in North America, but the factors that effect on acceptance of technology may be different in diverse cultural and social contexts. This paper test the technology acceptance model in context of telecommunication companies in Yemen. Where, test the model with different data set help to generalization of the model. The questionnaire used to collect primary data. The 269 completed questionnaires were received from the companies. This study test the model by using structural equation modeling techniques. The study found that, three of the hypotheses are supported. This means that technology acceptance model useful in context of Yemen. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015. v6n4s1p268