Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using time and frequency domain information for the development of adaptive voice control devices

A simple voice recognizer was implemented with the aim of building voice control devices by utilizing a cascade LPC with adaptive fuzzy interface system (FIS). The accuracy of the voice recognizer depends on the complexity of the voice commands, the number of frequency components used, and the weights that are utilized in FIS. The quality of the voice recognizer depends both on the time and the frequency resolution of the digitizing hardware. With a limited set of sounds the technique discussed in this paper can be used to produce a speaker dependent voice control system. The performance of the system improves with time due to the adaptive nature of the system. The highly flexible backend (fuzzy interface) enables usage of the device in noisy industrial environments. Speech, being the dominant source of communication, has played a crucial role in the evolution of the human race. Due to the rapid advancement in the technology and the ever-increasing complexity of electro-mechanical devices, research is carried out to develop methods that ease the human-device interactions. Today, electronic devices have taken over a majority of the work carried out by humans a decade ago. However, the communication between electronic devices and humans is still at its infancy. The work presented in this paper was carried out to develop a suitable methodology to increase the ease of communication between humans and electronic devices. During the last twenty years many scientists have proposed various techniques to increase the effectiveness of speech recognition. So far, most of the research related to analyzing sound signals is restricted to one domain, either the time domain or the frequency domain. For example, a technique such as Linear Predictive Coding (LPC) [1] which is generally accepted for speech recognition, completely ignores the frequency domain information. On the other hand frequency domain techniques such as Fourier transforms, completely ignore the time domain information. If information encoded in both time and frequency domains is utilized in interpreting speech signals, it could be possible to achieve better accuracy in the interpretation. This hypothesis is supported by the natural functionality of human auditory systems [2].
An Industrial Case Study of Web-based Simulation-Optimization

This paper presents a web-based simulation-optimization system for improving production schedules in an advanced manufacturing cell at Volvo Aero Corporation in Sweden. The optimization aims at prioritizing components being processed in the cell in a way that minimizes both tardiness and lead times. Results from evaluating the implemented system shows a great improvement potential, but also indicates that further development is necessary before the system can be taken into operation.
Army Officer Job Analysis: Identifying Performance Requirements to Inform Officer Selection and Assignment

Abstract : This report includes lists of leadership and technical duties performed by all Army officers and the skills, abilities, and other characteristics (SAOs) required to perform those duties. It also includes draft lists of branch-specific technical duties for entry-level officer positions in five branches: Armor, Infantry, Signal, Quartermaster, and Transportation. We developed draft lists based on existing Army doctrine and past studies of officer competencies and duty requirements, supplemented by the civilian leadership literature, research on Army enlisted jobs, and research on attributes related to retention. The lists were vetted by Army officers in several positions (platoon leader, company commander, battalion XO, battalion S3, and battalion commander), although there were very few reviewers from higher-ranking positions. We could not fully delineate branch-specific technical duties due to the lack of current documentation and difficulty accessing officers as subject matter experts. As a consequence, additional research and significant input from Army officers would be required to fully delineate branch-specific requirements for the Signal, Quartermaster, and Transportation branches. However, detailed specification of branch-specific technical requirements is not necessary to support development of predictor and criterion measures for use in entry-level selection and initial officer assignment.
Working with excluded groups : guidance on good practice for providers and policy-makers in working with groups under-represented in adult learning : based on the Oxfordshire Widening Participation project

Introduction Chapter 1. Partnerships Chapter 2. Reaching people Chapter 3. Defining the target group Chapter 4. Development work Chapter 5. Networking Chapter 6. Negotiating with the gatekeepers Chapter 7. Consulting the target group Chapter 8. Responding to identified interests, motivations and needs Chapter 9. Delivery Chapter 10. Learner support Chapter 11. Exit/Continuation Strategies Chapter 12. Embedding Annex
Simulation and experimental investigation of performance characteristics of dry and near dry EDM process

ABSTRACT In many industrial applications, necessity of new age materials; however some typical alloys like spring steel material are used in critical sector such as defence, aerospace, and automobile. To work on spring steel material, there are several difficulties such as hard to cut, low material removal rate, and high energy consumption. The EDM is critical thermal evacuation process. This paper presents the result of experimentation and simulation carried out on a spring steel material by varying current, gap voltage, cycle time and pressure. The experimental results are verified by developing a thermal-electrical model of workpiece material using ANSYS workbench. Transient thermal analysis is used to simulate the electric discharge machining. The finite element method (FEM) analysis includes spark radius variation and temperature profile formation by electric discharge. It is found that the dielectric fluid pressure is closely related to the discharge environment, such as debris concentration and fluid viscosity. Further, it is found that distilled water provides more stability to plasma channel in near dry electric discharge machining (NDEDM) compared to dry electric discharge machining (DEDM). From the results obtained, it is concluded that the material removal rate is affected by dielectric medium properties viz. dielectric strength, dielectric constant and thermal conductivity.
EU FP7 INFSO-ICT-247223 ARTIST4G, D1.2 Innovative advanced signal processing algorithms for interference avoidance

This document provides an overview of the proposed innovations and activities in Task 1.1 of Work Package 1 (WP1) of the ARTIST4G project, related to interference avoidance. Focus is on the technical approaches applicable at the physical layer, which are grouped into four different classes of innovations related to single-cell multi-user MIMO schemes, multi-cell multi-user MIMO schemes, advanced 3D beamforming and enabling functionalities. Descriptions of the proposed innovations are given including basic ideas, potential of performance, simulation results, realization options and possible implementation restrictions.
Dutch Healthcare Professionals Experiences of Assisted Dying: A Constructivist Qualitative Study Conducted in a Chronic Disease Care Centre and Hospice.

Background: Assisted dying is a contemporary issue, but comprehensive consideration of healthcare professionals’ experiences has been lacking. This study sought to gain a deeper understanding of professionals’ experiences of assisted dying to inform the global debate surrounding its implementation. Methods: This constructivist, qualitative study, recruited twenty-one physicians, nurses and therapists from a Dutch chronic disease care centre and a hospice. Data were gathered in semi-structured interviews, conducted in English. Questioning focused on professionals’ experiences along a clinical trajectory from an initial request to beyond the death. Data were subjected to thematic analysis to identify main and subthemes. Results: Analytical procedures generated four broad themes ‘Assessment and its Challenges’, ‘Preparing Staff and Learners’, ‘Assisting a Death’ and ‘Bereavement Care and Beyond’, supported by subthemes. Assessment of requests involved all professional groups and required open dialogue, exploration of fears, palliative care optimisation and psychological evaluation. Such measures resolved the majority of requests. Assisted deaths were challenging, required careful management and were not perceived as normal. Administration of lethal drugs and reporting procedures were stressful for physicians. Structured debriefing and proactive psychological support were valued by all professionals, but resolving their emotions took time. Some physicians required a recovery period creating equity of access issues. Life and care experience aided the preparation of professionals, but resilience was also needed. Support for the provision of assisted dying was overwhelming, but this was unqualified in only a third of participants. Conclusions: Assisted dying creates significant challenges for healthcare professionals who require preparation and support. This is likely to require enhanced levels of palliative care education, legislative advice, and proactive psychological support to ensure professionals’ own well-being. Meeting these needs will have financial implications which should be addressed prior to implementing legislation which permits assisted dying.
Studies on extraction and permeation of lanthanum(III) and cerium(III) using cyphos IL 104 as extractant and ion carrier

ABSTRACT This work shows application of Cyphos IL 104 (trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)phosphinate) as the extractant and the ion carrier of Ce(III) and La(III) from aqueous solutions through polymer inclusion membranes (PIM). These membranes were used for separation of Ce(III) from solution containing La(III), Cu(II), Co(II) and Ni(II). The best results of the separation process were obtained for PIM containing: 20.0 wt. % CTA, 55.0 wt. % NPOE and 25.0 wt. % Cyphos IL 104 at pH 3.8 into 1 M H2SO4. The separation coefficients were found in order of S Ce/La < S Ce/Cu < S Ce/Co < S Ce/Ni.
Organic chemistry preconceptions and their correlation to student success

Wasacz, Jodie T. Organic Chemistry Preconceptions and their Correlation to Student Success. Published Doctorate of Philosophy Dissertation. University of Northern Colorado, 2010. When general chemistry students register for organic chemistry, they often have a negative connotation associated with the topic. It has been observed that students talk as if they are experts in what organic chemistry is and exactly how hard it is when many of them have had very little background on the subject. Some students do not even know what topics organic chemistry encompasses. By establishing a framework of where their preconceptions come from and what they are, instructors, will have a better understanding of how to address preconceptions when beginning an organic chemistry course, or perhaps even before. Furthermore, relationships can be investigated between students’ preconceptions and their success in organic chemistry. This mixed methods study was designed to investigate what preconceptions were found surrounding organic chemistry, the source of the preconceptions, and the association with student success. Results of this study indicate there are no significant correlations between students’ preconceptions and their success in organic chemistry. There may however, be other underlying factors bridging their preconceptions and success. In addition to the qualitative results, quantitative chi-square and regression statistics will be discussed and presented.
Production of Liquid Fuel from Polystyrene Waste: Process Optimization and Characterization of Pyrolyzates

ABSTRACT Pyrolysis of waste polystyrene in the presence of natural clay was carried out in an indigenously made pyrolyzer from 340 to 420°C in nitrogen atmosphere. Temperature and time were optimized, and it was observed that 410°C and 60 min are the optimum reaction temperature and time for maximum liquid fuel yield of 86.68%. Pyrolyzates formed were collected and analyzed using GC/MS. The gaseous fraction was found to contain hydrocarbons ranging from C1–C5, with ethene, ethane, and butane as major components, while the liquid fraction was mainly composed of aromatics, alkanes, and alkenes. The presence of some oxygenated components in the oil may be attributed to the additives used during processing of polystyrene or due to contamination. Fuel properties of the liquid fraction obtained were compared with commercial fuel and showed good resemblance with gasoline and diesel oil and, therefore, have substantial benefits for industrial and domestic use.
An Enhanced Bilateral Authentication System for Android Devices

Authentication is a method that verifies that users or systems are who they claim to be, based on identity of any form. Smart devices are often lost or stolen; password could be easily detected or hacked. Most of the new model smart devices have inbuilt security for authentication which most times do not work perfectly. For that purpose, high level of authentication for smart devices is needed. The need to ensure security of information on these devices is highly necessary and at the same time difficult. This work developed an enhanced authentication system for android based mobile devices to increase the security level and confidentiality of its information which enables user-friendliness environment. It combines face recognition methods with pin or pattern which makes it more robust and reliable in securing our mobile devices. The implementation was done using Schulz Android Studio SDK and developed with the following programming languages: JavaScript, XML (Extensible Markup Language), OpenCV, and Java. The developed application can be installed and work on any mobile device with the latest android operating system and its backward compatible. The system was tested on different smart devices from different vendors and its efficiency is above 90%. Evaluating the application with some existing systems was done in order to ascertain the reliability of the solution and strengthen it. The system tagged MULTILOCK enables users to register more than one user, and gain access to the device with either pin or pattern together with a registered faces.
Fundamental Aspects of Operational Risk and Insurance Analytics: A Handbook of Operational Risk

This book is a one-stop guide for the theories, applications, and statistical methodologies essential to operational risk. Providing a complete overview of operational risk modeling and relevant insurance analytics, Fundamental Aspects of Operational Risk and Insurance Analytics: A Handbook of Operational Risk offers a systematic approach that covers the wide range of topics in this area. Written by a team of leading experts in the field, the handbook presents detailed coverage of the theories, applications, and models inherent in any discussion of the fundamentals of operational risk, with a primary focus on Basel II/III regulation, modeling dependence, estimation of risk models, and modeling the data elements. Fundamental Aspects of Operational Risk and Insurance Analytics: A Handbook of Operational Risk begins with coverage on the four data elements used in operational risk framework as well as processing risk taxonomy. The book then goes further in-depth into the key topics in operational risk measurement and insurance, for example diverse methods to estimate frequency and severity models. Finally, the book ends with sections on specific topics, such as scenario analysis; multifactor modeling; and dependence modeling. A unique companion with Advances in Heavy Tailed Risk Modeling: A Handbook of Operational Risk, the handbook also features: •Discussions on internal loss data and key risk indicators, which are both fundamental for developing a risk-sensitive framework •Guidelines for how operational risk can be inserted into a firm’s strategic decisions •A model for stress tests of operational risk under the United States Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review (CCAR) program A valuable reference for financial engineers, quantitative analysts, risk managers, and large-scale consultancy groups advising banks on their internal systems, the handbook is also useful for academics teaching postgraduate courses on the methodology of operational risk.
Impedimetric Characterization of Bioelectronic Nano-Antennae

The merging of electronics with biology at the nanoscale holds considerable promise for sensing and modulating cellular behavior. Advancing our understanding of nano-bioelectronics will facilitate development and enable applications in biosensing, tissue engineering and bioelectronic medicine. However, studies investigating the electrical effects when merging wireless conductive nanoelectrodes with biology are lacking. Consequently, a new tool is required to develop a greater understanding of the bioelectrical effects of merging conductive nanoparticles with biology. Herein, this challenge is addressed by developing an impedimetric method to evaluate bipolar electrochemical systems (BESs) that could act as nano-antennas. A theoretical framework is provided, using impedance to determine if conductive nanoparticles can be polarized and used to drive current. It is then demonstrated that 125 nm Au nanoparticle bipolar electrodes (BPEs) could be sensed in the presence of biology when incorporated intracellularly at 500 mg/ml, using water and PBS as electrolytes. These results highlight how nanoscale BPEs act within biological systems and characterize their behavior in electric fields. This research will impact on the rational design of using BPE systems in biology for both sensing and actuating applications.
Source apportionment of fine and ultrafine particles in California.

Source profiles for particles smaller than 0.1 μm in diameter (PM0.1) were measured from light-duty gasoline-powered vehicles, heavy-duty diesel vehicles, pine wood combustion, oak wood combustion, eucalyptus wood combustion, rice straw combustion, and meat cooking. The high-resolution size-resolved measurements revealed that tailpipe emissions of particles from gasolineand diesel-powered vehicles contain separate contributions from lubricating oil and fuel that can be resolved using different tracer compounds. Measurements in a roadside environment demonstrated that the majority of the roadway PM0.1 mass was derived from gasoline fuel and diesel fuel with smaller contributions from lubricating oil. Measurements at Sacramento, Modesto, and Bakersfield during the California Regional Particulate Air Quality Study (CRPAQS) showed that the majority of the PM0.1 mass was composed of organic carbon with smaller amounts of elemental carbon. Wood combustion and meat cooking account for the majority of the PM0.1 organic carbon and therefore the majority of the PM0.1 mass. Gasoline fuel, diesel fuel, and lubricating oil accounted for the majority of the PM0.1 elemental carbon, which constitutes a smaller fraction of the PM0.1 mass but may be equally important for health effects.
Improving the Training of Pre-Service Physics Teachers in Malaysia using Didaktik Analysis

The research in this thesis examined the use of a didaktik-based approach to thinking about teaching and learning to the training of pre-service physics teachers in a Malaysian teacher training programme. The process of developing a specific content knowledge (real or true physics) was done through a didaktik analysis of specific physics content, to develop physics content knowledge suitable for schooling, in a particular educational context. Didaktik analysis used as intervention in this study involved: analysing specific physics content as contained in the curriculum specifications and textbooks; analysis of literature on students’ alternative conceptions; developing a lesson plan; developing teaching sequences that involve teaching and learning activities, enacting lesson plans and teaching sequence in the microteaching and practicum, and subsequent reflection. Klafki’s (2000) model of didaktik analysis was used as the basis of an intervention employed in a physics teaching methods course (TT4133) at the School of Education, University of Malaysia Sabah (UMS). The intervention consisted of the 14 week course: first seven weeks on theoretical aspects of teaching methods, followed the usual course synopsis, but with modifications in content resulting from didaktik analysis, and the remainder dealt with microteaching; and 8 weeks practicum. To illustrate the use of didaktik analysis in the training programme, the specific physics content in the areas of force and motion was provided as an example, showing how this was presented to the preservice physics teachers in the programme. The researcher began with a conceptual analysis of force and motion as presented in the Malaysian secondary physics curriculum specifications and textbooks. This was followed by analysis of the science education literature on students’ alternative conceptions involving force and motion, analysis of textbooks presentations of force and motion, and importantly a synopsis of the history of scientific thinking about force and motion. Subsequently, the pre-service teachers were required to prepare lesson plans aided by the researcher based on the above tasks, and this was followed by the development of a teaching sequence which was intended to be implemented in teaching practice with peers (called microteaching in Malaysia), and after further refinement in the practicum in a real classroom (under supervision).
Reed Solomon error correction for the space telescope

This paper reports a single 8.2mm by 8.4mm, 200,000 transistor CMOS chip implementation of the Reed Solomon code required by the Space Telescope. The chip features a 10 MHz sustained byte rate independent of error pattern. The 1.6 micron CMOS integrated circuit has complete decoder and encoder functions and uses a single data/system clock. Block lengths up to 255 bytes as well as shortened codes are supported with no external buffering. Erasure corrections as well as random error corrections are supported with programmable corrections of up to 10 symbol errors. Correction time is independent of error pattern and the number of errors.
Safety climate in public hospitals with the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire assessment

Background To evaluate the safety climate in Brazilian public hospitals using the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire from the perspective of professionals working in Brazilian public hospitals. Methods An analytical cross-sectional study of the safety climate carried out in eleven public hospitals. The evaluation was performed using the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire in an electronic format. Sampling was stratified, and collection was by convenience. Results equal or greater than 75 were considered positive. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed, and Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney non-parametric statistical tests were used. Results None of the eleven hospitals had a mean over 75. The domains that performed positively above 75 were work satisfaction at all hospitals and perception of stress in nine hospitals. The worst results were for working conditions and management perception, and none of the hospitals had a mean above 75 for these two parameters. Differences in the means of the domains of the questionnaire were found in all hospitals, except for the management perception domain. No professional category had a mean over 75 in all hospitals. Conclusions Because the safety climate in the eleven public hospitals has proven to be negative, actions are suggested to improve this performance since maintaining a safety culture is an important aspect of patient safety. Our research provides a baseline measurement of the safety attitude in the evaluated hospitals, making it possible to guide decision making to implement improvements of the quality of patient care and safety.