Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Full-matrix capture with a customizable phased array instrument

In recent years, a technique known as Full-Matrix Capture (FMC) has gained some headway in the NDE community for phased array applications. It's important to understand that FMC is the method that the instrumentation acquires the ultrasonic signals, but further post-processing is required in software to create a meaningful image for a particular application. Having a flexible software interface, small form factor, excellent signal-to-noise ratio per acquisition channel on a 64/64 or 128/128 phased array module with FMC capability proves beneficial in both industrial implementation and in further investigation of post-processing techniques. This paper will provide an example of imaging with a 5MHz linear phased array transducer with 128 elements using FMC and a popular post-processing algorithm known as Total-Focus Method (TFM).
Research and Development Activity on Small Hydropower in Poland

Abstract Starting from the beginning of the 1980s efforts have been made by subsequent Polish governments to reconstruct small hydropower plants in this country. The paper brings basic data on two series of types of Banki-Michell (cross-flow) turbines as well as those of tubular and siphon turbines developed in Poland within the framework of government-sponsored research and development programs on renewable energy sources. A short survey of test results obtained under laboratory and full-scale conditions is given as well. Conditions and prospects for further development of small hydropower plants in Poland are outlined.
The Statistical Evaluation of E-Exams in Higher Education Institutions during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case of Iraq

After the COVID-19 Pandemic, electronic Learning has become the unique means of completing curricula, conducting assessments and examinations in Iraqi universities. The present research evaluates an electronic test (E-exam) implementation at one of the Iraqi technical universities (as a case study) based on two samples of 532 teachers and 5268 students. Descriptive and inference statistics were used to analyze the two samples' responses to two questionnaires' questionnaires. The results showed that 84% of the teachers and 68% of the students indicated that the implemented E-exam could not distinguish the outstanding students, leading to unreal scores. On the other hand, 21% of teachers have confidence with E-exam, while 60% of students trust it. Furthermore, the Lakeland Triangular classification test shows that the Grand Mean for the two samples' responses was moderate weight (1.67-2.33), and the teachers' responses were more homogenous with a lower Variance. Both samples' reflections revealed an adverse reaction towards E-exam's suitability for assessment in Technical Education, and so Blended Learning is recommended to meet this requirement. However, enhancement of the infrastructure and more training is needed to obtain effective monitoring.
Study on the Method of Manufacturing and Marketing Integration for Iron and Steel Enterprises in the ERP Environment

There are many defects in the traditional manufacturing and marketing mode of steel business such as poor connection and planning between manufacturing and marketing and imperfect quality management system. Based on an information system reformation project in a Iron and Steel Group Co, Ltd, system framework of manufacturing and marketing integration for iron and steel enterprise and its implementation points are presented and discussed in this paper.
Effects of upgrading acquisition-techniques and harmonization methods: A multi-modal MRI study with implications for longitudinal designs

A downside of upgrading MRI acquisition sequences is the discontinuity of technological homogeneity of the MRI data. It hampers combining new and old datasets, especially in a longitudinal design. Characterizing upgrading effects on multiple brain parameters and examining the efficacy of harmonization methods are essential. This study investigated the upgrading effects on three structural parameters, including cortical thickness (CT), surface area (SA), cortical volume (CV), and resting-state functional connectivity (rs-FC) collected from 64 healthy volunteers. We used two evaluation metrics, Cohen’s d and classification accuracy, to quantify the effects. In classification analyses, we built classifiers for differentiating the protocols from brain parameters. We investigated the efficacy of three harmonization methods, including traveling subject (TS), TS-ComBat, and ComBat methods, and the sufficient number of participants for eliminating the effects on the evaluation metrics. Finally, we performed age prediction as an example to confirm that harmonization methods retained biological information. The results without harmonization methods revealed small to large mean Cohen’s d values on brain parameters (CT:0.85, SA:0.66, CV:0.68, and rs-FC:0.24) with better classification accuracy (>92% accuracy). With harmonization methods, Cohen’s d values approached zero. Classification performance reached the chance level with TS-based techniques when data from less than 26 participants were used for estimating the effects, while the Combat method required more participants. Furthermore, harmonization methods improved age prediction performance, except for the ComBat method. These results suggest that acquiring TS data is essential to preserve the continuity of MRI data.
Comparison of Bis NEG-D and API 20E for the Identification of Gram-negative Bacilli in the Laboratory of the University Hospital of Befelatanana Antananarivo Madagascar

In medical analysis laboratories, techniques for identifying bacteria are currently becoming more and more numerous. The objective of this study is to compare the 2 bacterial identification systems Bis NEG-D and Api 20E for the identification of gram-negative bacilli. This is a qualitative evaluation of the Bis NEG-D compared to the gold standard Api 20E. During the study period, 32 Gram-negative bacilli isolates were identified simultaneously using Api 20E and Bis NEG-D. The samples are represented by 12 (37.5%) blood samples for blood culture, 12 (37.5%) urine samples for cytobacteriological examination of the urine, 06 (18.8%) pus samples for bacteriological examination of pus, a sample of the cerebrospinal fluid (3.1%) and a vaginal sample (3.1%). The bacteria identified were represented by Enterobacter spp, Escherichia col,i Klebsiella pneumonia, Shigella spp, Salmonella typhi, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas spp, Proteus mirabilis, Raoultella ornithinolytica and Bukholderia cepacia. This study showed a concordance of 90.6% (29/32) and a discordance of 9.4% (3/32) between the results of Api 20E and Bis NEG-D. Concerning the probability scores, they vary between 95% to 100% for Api 20E and between 79.3% to 100% for Bis NEG-D. This study also compared the pros and cons of using Api 20 E and Bis NEG-D. The Bis-NEG-D is valid and can be used by medical analysis laboratories like the Api 20E, especially if these laboratories do not need to perform a lot of bacterial identification tests.
Time-Dependent Origin–Destination Demand Estimation

This paper proposes a modified bi-level optimization algorithm to estimate the time-dependent origin–destination trip matrices for large-scale networks with multiple vehicle classes. Methodologies are presented to overcome the challenges caused by the scale of the problem. The upper-level problem, a bound-constrained quadratic problem, had many variables and parameters for a network with around 68,000 links, 28,000 nodes, and 3,700 zones. Techniques to reduce the number of variables and parameters are described in this study, along with an approach to reduce the time and memory requirement of the lower-level problem. Furthermore, the basic approach, which had been applied only to a single vehicle class, was extended and adapted in this study to estimate matrices for single-occupancy and high-occupancy vehicles jointly. Two solution packages, MINOS and KNITRO, were tested for the upper-level problem. The solution package KNITRO was run with an option to use an interior point–conjugate gradient algorithm, which was well suited to large-scale nonlinear problems. The modified bi-level algorithm was applied to estimate the time-dependent demand patterns for the New York City regional network.
Unscented Kalman Filter Method for Speed Estimation Using Single Loop Detector Data

The accurate estimation of flow speeds with single loop data is critical to freeway traffic management. Many existing methods cannot accurately estimate speed because of difficulty in determining vehicle lengths and because some assumptions can be applied only to certain limited conditions. Moreover, excessive experimentally determined parameters some proposed approaches difficult to implement. A new unscented Kalman filter method of speed estimation is presented. The algorithm of the proposed method is implemented and evaluated with the use of field data from Texas Transportation Institute's vehicle detector test beds on State Route 6 in College Station, Texas, and on Interstate 35 in Austin, Texas. Estimated speeds are compared with observed speed data and with results from other estimation methods. The results indicate that the proposed method has excellent estimation accuracy and outperforms other methods. In addition to its superior accuracy, the proposed method is fairly easy to implement and practical for real-system implementation.
Adaptive distributed observer for an uncertain leader over acyclic switching
 digraphs

The existing results on the adaptive distributed observer for an uncertain leader system are restricted to connected static networks. In this article, we extend the existing results to acyclic every‐time connected switching networks. As an application of the adaptive distributed observer, we solve the leader‐following attitude consensus problem of multiple rigid body systems with an uncertain leader system over an acyclic every‐time connected switching network. A numerical example is provided to illustrate our design.
Ammonia plasma-treated carbon nanotube/epoxy composites and their using in sensing applications

Epoxy composites filled by multiwalled carbon nanotubes treated by inductively coupled ammonia plasma were prepared to improve composite intrinsic properties. The ammonia plasma treatment generated amine and oxygenated groups on the carbon nanotube surface, which facilitated its interaction with the epoxy ring and restricted the slippage of epoxy from the carbon nanotube surface. As a result, an improvement in the elastic modulus of the composite by the embedded carbon nanotubes and a decrease in the glass transition temperature and the cure degree were found. It indicated a strength-ening effect of the carbon nanotube filler in the epoxy matrix explained by the generation of chemical reaction pathways between treated filler and the epoxy matrix detected by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy during different stages of the composite formation. To demonstrate the use of carbon nanotube-filled epoxy composites, a microstrip resonant vapor sensor was assembled that was used to detect the occurrence of volatile organic compounds and to monitor the ambient temperature below and over the glass transition temperature.
Transitioning from emergency remote teaching to quality online delivery: an Irish professional development perspective

As was the case in most higher education institutions, the University of Limerick (UL) moved to emergency remote teaching overnight in March 2020. As an academic who specialises in online education and runs professional development workshops in that area, I wanted to help colleagues who were unprepared for online teaching. As UL is predominantly an on-campus institution, anyone who was not already teaching online was faced with a steep learning curve, while also dealing with health concerns, working from home, and possibly home schooling. In addition to not being ready, some staff were not enthusiastic about teaching online (Cutri et al., 2020).
Serious Game Conceptual Model of Brain-Based Learning for Halus Student

Malaysian society, including students who use technology in their daily lives, have made technology a necessity. Among the media technologies that have a place in students’ hearts are serious games, convey information, emphasizing learning and not entertainment. A serious game is capable of creating self-directed active learning. In this study, the authors analyzed the key features of serious games that encourage learning in an academic environment. However, not many software specializes in problems for slow-reading students. This study aims to establish the elements used in in-game application software and the approaches and strategies used to develop a serious game design conceptual model for such students based on the acquired elements. The elements were obtained through two methods, i.e., systematic literature review and preliminary studies. This work identifies 48 potential studies in 2009-2020, using various well-known digital libraries. The analysis of the selected documents applying the inclusion criteria resulted in 12 articles used to design serious games. This study integrates brain-based learning strategies into game and learning components. This serious game conceptual model expects to provide a meaningful learning experience for those children who are left behind to achieve their learning goals and increase their motivation to stay excited in learning.
Manipulator visual servoing and tracking of fish using a genetic algorithm

This paper presents the real‐time visual servoing of a manipulator and its tracking strategy of a fish, by employing a genetic algorithm (GA) and the unprocessed gray‐scale image termed here as “raw‐image”. The raw‐image is employed to shorten the control period, since it has more tolerance of contrast variations occurring within an object, and between one input image and the next one. GA is employed in a method called 1‐step‐GA evolution. In this way, for every generational step of the GA process, the found results, which express the deviation of the target in the camera frame, are output for control purposes. These results are then used to determine the control inputs of the PD‐type controller. Our proposed GA‐based visual servoing has been implemented in a real system, and the results have shown its effectiveness by successfully tracking a moving target fish.
Biomechanical Loading on the Hand, Wrist, and Forearm When Holding a Tablet Computer

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS Based upon the endurance of their hand and forearm, the maximum duration for holding a computer tablet statically with one hand was less than 10 minutes for many users. In everyday situations, users would likely change posture before this time, but for users whose options are more limited, such as during enterprise use, high levels of fatigue could develop. Therefore, for people in situations where holding a tablet for extended periods of time is required, it would be prudent to change grips frequently, support the tablet on a surface, use aids (such as a stand or strap), hold it with both hands, switch to alternative tasks, and/or take breaks. TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: The use of tablet computers at home and in the workplace has rapidly increased in recent years. Tablet users may hold them for extended periods, increasing the risk of developing fatigue and potential musculoskeletal disorders. Purpose: The goals of this study were to estimate the biomechanical loading on the forearm and hand when holding a tablet computer and to assess the effects of orientation, mass, and the execution of touch gestures on this loading. Methods: Multiple parallel approaches were used to assess an unsupported single-handed grip: maximum load, maximum holding time, biomechanical models to estimate strength demands, ratings of perceived exertion, and grip pressure. Ten males and 10 females participated. Results: A majority (75%) of the participants adopted a modified lateral pinch grip. Using the maximum load method, females exerted a significantly higher percentage of their maximum voluntary contraction than males in landscape orientation (18.5% versus 13.5% maximum voluntary contraction) but not in portrait orientation. In portrait orientation, maximum holding time was 11.5 minutes for females and 15.9 minutes for males. Orientation, but not gesturing, had statistically significant main effects on loading. Conclusions: Holding a tablet one-handed for an extended period of time, as might be found in some enterprise settings, was found to be very fatiguing for the hand; it would thus be prudent for such users to use both hands, support aids, frequent posture changes, or breaks involving rest or alternative tasks.
A low‐phase‐noise CMOS quadrature VCO with PMOS back‐gate coupling

A new PMOS backgate quadrature voltage controlled oscillator (QVCO) is designed and implemented using TSMC 0.18 μm 1P6M CMOS technology.The phase noise of the PMOS back‐gate coupled QVCO operating at 1.5 V is measured to be −100 dBc/Hz and −125.08 dBc/Hz at 100 KHz and 1 MHz offset, respectively, for a low power consumption of 15 mW. The backgate QVCO demonstrates a wide frequency tuning range, a low phase noise, and a low power consumption. The corresponding figure‐of‐merit of the QVCO is −186 dBc/Hz. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52:2682–2685, 2010; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.25564
An improved small-deflection electromechanical model for piezoelectric bending beam actuators and energy harvesters

The analytical model presented in this paper describes the energy conversion mechanism of a piezoelectric beam (bimorph) under small-deflection static and vibrating conditions. The model provides an improved approach to design and analyze the performance of piezoelectric actuators and energy harvesters (sensors). Conventional models assume a linear voltage distribution over the piezoelectric beam thickness, which is shown here to be invalid. The proposed modeling method improves accuracy by using a quadratic voltage distribution. The equivalent capacitance of a beam shows a 40% discrepancy between a conventional model and the proposed model for PZT5A material. This inaccuracy level is not negligible, especially when the design of micro-power electrical energy harvesting is concerned. The method solves simultaneously the solid mechanics and Maxwell's equations with the constitutive equations for piezoelectric materials. The paper also proposes a phasor-based procedure for measuring the damping of a piezoelectric beam. An experimental setup is developed to verify the validity of the model. The experimental results confirm the accuracy of the improved model and also reveal limitations in using models for small deflections.
Intrarectal Xyloglucan Administration Reduces Disease Severity in the Dextran Sodium Sulfate Model of Mouse Colitis

Background The pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel diseases remains poorly understood and treatment remains suboptimal for many patients. We hypothesize that the inflammatory milieu secondarily prolongs the injury and attenuates healing. We propose primary or adjuvant therapy with biocompatible adhesives to restore a barrier to protect submucosal structures, particularly stem cells. Methods We used the well-described mouse dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) model of colitis resembling human ulcerative colitis to test the therapeutic efficacy of intrarectal administration of the tamarind plant-derived xyloglucan (TXG) polymer adhesive which underwent extensive analytic characterization. Mice in control, DSS-only, TXG-only, and DSS + TXG groups were studied for gross (weight, blood in stool, length of colon) and multiple histologic parameters. Results Compared to DSS-only mice, TXG prevented the weight loss, occurrence of blood in the stool and colon shortening, with all those parameters not being statistically different from treatment naïve animals. Histologically, there was dramatic and highly statistically significant reduction in the total inflammatory index and protection from goblet cell loss, cellular infiltration, crypt abscess formation, epithelial erosion, granulation tissue, epithelial hyperplasia crypt irregularity and crypt loss. The TXG purity and characterization were established by nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and texture analysis. Conclusion The striking attenuation of disease severity by intrarectal TXG use warrants future investigations of natural bioadhesives with well-established high safety profiles, and which could potentially be derivatized to include therapeutically active moieties for local drug delivery.
Updated description of Diospyrosdussaudii Lecomte (Ebenaceae), with lectotypification and notes on its distribution

Abstract Diospyrosdussaudii is a poorly known species and previous descriptions lacked details about its female flowers and fruits. The species had not been recorded since type collections were made in 1913. As a result of our Diospyros research in Thailand, new specimens and data are now available for this species. In this study, we provide an updated morphological description, illustrations, lectotypification and a distribution map. The species was previously reported to be endemic to Laos; as such, the occurrences in Thailand greatly expand the distribution of the species. In addition, we analysed the phylogenetic relationships between D.dussaudii and other Diospyros species from Southeast Asia and other regions, using DNA sequence data from eight plastid regions. Our phylogenetic analyses indicate that D.dussaudii is closely related to D.castanea, D.dasyphylla and D.insidiosa. Their taxonomic affinities are discussed.
Novel structure MQW electroabsorption modulator/DFB-laser integrated device fabricated by selective area MOCVD growth

A novel structure electroabsorption modulator/DFB laser integrated device is proposed and demonstrated. Both functional devices consist of MQW structures with different quantum energy levels, which are automatically formed in the same MOCVD run by using a selective area growth technique. A fundamental modulation with a 12.6dB extinction ratio is demonstrated.
Analysis and Critique of the Advocacy Paper Towards Inclusive Education: A Necessary Process of Transformation

Abstract The increasing inclusion of students with disabilities in regular classes still leads to debate and many advocate for full inclusion of all students. Arguments for full inclusion are generally rights-based, but proponents also claim research supports the effectiveness of full inclusion over specialist provision for all students with disabilities. In this article, we analyse and critique the use of the research literature in an Australian advocacy paper as an example of the broad claims made concerning full inclusion. We examine the extent to which the sources used provide conclusive evidence about the merits of full inclusion. We find the advocacy paper relies heavily on opinion and non-peer-reviewed literature, with little use of quantitative research that compares outcomes for students in different settings. We suggest that policymakers should treat the conclusions drawn in this paper cautiously and give due consideration to the literature that is not supportive of full inclusion.
Why moduli of p–smoothness?

Abstract For the increasing importance of discovering new types of moduli of smoothness, more suitable measurements are provided by the moduli of p–smoothness. Measuring fractional smoothness of functions by p–variation is used for many purposes in approximation theory. In this paper, we express ωk -1/p (f; d) in terms of ωk -1/q (f; d) for any 1 < p, q < ∞ to get fractional modulus of smoothness of functions with bounded kth p-varation. Also, embedding of the space is proved with necessity and sufficient conditions.