Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differentially Private Neural Networks with Bounded Activation Function

SUMMARY Deep learning has shown outstanding performance in various ﬁelds, and it is increasingly deployed in privacy-critical domains. If sensitive data in the deep learning model are exposed, it can cause serious privacy threats. To protect individual privacy, we propose a novel activation function and stochastic gradient descent for applying di ﬀ erential privacy to deep learning. Through experiments, we show that the proposed method can e ﬀ ectively protect the privacy and the performance of proposed method is better than the previous approaches.
Robust hierarchical dispatch for residential distribution network management considering home thermal flexibility and model predictive control

In the transactive energy (TE) paradigm, the devices of participative consumers, or prosumers, may be aggregated and employed to drive operational objectives at the network level. Home heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems in particular are well-suited to modulate their behaviours based on both home thermal ﬂexibility and requests from the utility grid. This paper develops a robust, hierarchical power dispatch scheme in the context of a residential distribution network. The formulation couples a unique, multiphase linear distribution optimal power ﬂow (OPF) at the upper level with model predictive control (MPC)-based HVAC ﬂeet controllers at the lower level. The proposed approach is tested on nearly 2000 homes with a three-phase distribution network in an intraday market setting, where two major applications are explored and analysed.
Variable Data Rate in Optical LEO Direct-to-Earth Links: Design Aspects and System Analysis

In the frame of ongoing efforts between space agencies to define an on-off-keying-based optical low-Earth-orbit (LEO) direct-to-Earth (DTE) waveform, this paper offers an in-depth analysis of the Variable Data Rate (VDR) technique. VDR, in contrast to the currently adopted Constant Data Rate (CDR) approach, enables the optimization of the average throughput during a LEO pass over the optical ground station (OGS). The analysis addresses both critical link level aspects, such as receiver (time, frame, and amplitude) synchronization, as well as demonstrates the benefits stemming from employing VDR at system level. This was found to be around 100% compared to a CDR transmission approach.
A new biobased plasticizer for poly (vinyl chloride) based on epoxidized cottonseed oil

The use of epoxidized cottonseed oil as plasticizer for poly(vinyl chloride) was studied. The plasticizer content was set to 70 phr and the optimum isothermal curing conditions were studied in the temperature range comprised between 160 and 220 °C with varying curing times in the 7.5–17.5 min range. The influence of the curing conditions on overall performance of cured plastisols was followed by the evolution of mechanical properties (tensile tests with measurements of tensile strength, elongation at break, and modulus), change in color, surface changes of fractured samples by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal transitions by differential scanning calorimetry, and migration in n-hexane. The optimum mechanical features of cured plastisols are obtained for curing temperatures in the 190–220 °C range. For these curing conditions, fractography analysis by SEM gives evidences of full curing process as no PVC particles and free plasticizer can be found. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43642.
The Effect of the Proportion of Adjacent Non-Crop Vegetation on Plant and Invertebrate Diversity in the Vineyards of the South Moravian Region

Increasing vulnerability of crops to pests and diseases, problems with soil erosion, a decline in biodiversity and a number of other negative impacts caused by agricultural intensification and monocultural production have been the subjects of many studies in recent decades. Today, cover cropping has become a promising practice to defuse these negative impacts, and it is emerging in many wine-producing regions, including the Czech Republic. However, the importance of permanent natural and semi-natural habitats in agricultural production should not be neglected. In this study, the effect of adjacent non-crop vegetation on plant and insect diversity was evaluated. The highest plant species richness of inter-row vegetation was found in vineyards with a high proportion (>40%) of non-crop vegetation within a 500-m radius. Regarding the agricultural impact of inter-row vegetation, the high proportion of non-crop vegetation could have been related to the higher presence of opportunistic and non-harmful weeds, compared with the presence of dangerous weed species. The number of insect families present in inter-rows was probably affected more by the vegetation coverage rate than by the proportion of adjacent non-crop vegetation. However, the occurrence of the Hymenoptera species, often representing beneficial organisms, was related to localities with a high proportion of adjacent non-crop vegetation.
Antidepressant effect of methanol extract of smokeless tobacco and identification of its bioactive components

Purpose: To investigate the antidepressant effect of methanol extract of smokeless tobacco and identify its bioactive compounds. Methods: Adult Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups of five rats each: normal control group, standard (reference) control group as well as 100, 200 and 500 mg/kg extract group. The extract, standard drug (imipramine) and normal saline were administered via the intraperitoneal (i.p.) route. The rats were subjected to forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) to assess the antidepressant effect of methanol extract of smokeless tobacco. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to identify the bioactive compounds of the extract. Results: The oral LD50 of the extract was > 2000 mg/kg. Significant decrease in immobility time was observed after single administration of imipramine (p < 0.05). The extract significantly and dosedependently decreased the immobility time, but increased climbing and swimming times, when compared with normal control group (p < 0.05). The immobility time of stressed rats regardless of sex was significantly and dose-dependently lowered, relative to normal control group (p < 0.05). Four major compounds were identified in the extract: nicotine (45.88 %); 1,5-dimethyl-2-pyrrolidinone (23.00 %), nhexadecanoic acid (11.31 %) and vitamin A aldehyde (9.38 %). Conclusion: These results demonstrate that the methanol extract of smokeless tobacco possesses antidepressant and mood-elevating effects in rats. However, its use should be discouraged since it contains a number of hazardous and carcinogenic components such as N-nitroso compounds and benzo(a)pyrene which are categorized as Class-I carcinogens.
Adsorption and diffusion of lithium ions on lead‐free two‐dimensional halide perovskite surface toward energy storage applications

Lead‐free halide perovskite materials have recently been deployed for energy storage applications such as lithium‐ion batteries and photo‐rechargeable batteries. Yet, the detailed interactions between the lithium ions and the lead‐free halide perovskite remain elusive, inhibiting deeper understanding of the halide perovskite materials for the energy storage applications. In this manuscript, we systematically investigate the adsorption of lithium ions on an experimentally verified two‐dimensional (2D) lead‐free halide perovskite Cs2CuBr4 via first‐principles calculations. The simulation demonstrates that the lithium ion can reside on multiple sites at the halide perovskite surface near the bromine atoms, albeit initiating severe structural distortions in the substrate. The lithium ions move relatively easily on the halide perovskite surface, which is demonstrated by the small energy barriers of 0.15 eV. The lithium substitution at the A‐site of the ABX3‐type halide perovskite material causes a systematic band gap reduction when more lithium ions are available. More importantly, the hole polaron formation in the Li+/perovskite systems leads to a strong displacement of the lithium ion away from the halide perovskite surface plane, suggesting the light‐driven lithium ion tunneling effect and the photo‐charging behavior of the 2D halide perovskite, which is a prerequisite for the photo‐battery materials. Other secondary battery active species including Na+, K+, Mg+, Ca2+ and Al3+ ions adsorb onto the halide perovskite substrate in a similar way as the Li+ ion does, suggesting the possibility of applying the 2D lead‐free halide perovskite materials for more types of secondary batteries. This study facilitates the fundamental understanding of the halide perovskite materials for the energy storage applications, and suggests that the 2D lead‐free halide perovskite material is viable for lithium‐ion batteries and photo‐batteries, pending further improvement in the stability.
Why do Controllers Choose the Conflict Resolution Maneuvers that They Do?

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to reveal the causal reasons for maneuver preferences on the basis of the objective measures. Background Although the effects of conflict geometry have been well documented in previous literature, empirical evidence on the influence of conflict geometry on the operator’s workload, maneuver choice, and success is still lacking. Methods hirteen undergraduate students with air traffic control (ATC) knowledge were requested to complete ATC tasks and resolve six different conflicts that were generated by manipulating two geometric features, namely, lateral (i.e., crossing, converging, and overtaking) and vertical (i.e., level and nonlevel) conflicts. Results Crossing (p < .01) and converging (p = .05) conflicts resulted in higher workload than overtaking conflicts because of the higher geometric dimensions involved. Workload (p < .01) and performance (p < .03) were worse during nonlevel conflicts than during level conflicts. Notably, vertical maneuver led to a higher workload than other maneuver choices despite the higher preference for this maneuver. These findings were associated with visualization load. Conclusion We failed to confirm that the resolution maneuver was chosen because of its good performance and low workload. Instead, predetermined rules (i.e., altitude, speed, and heading) were used, regardless of the workload, and the safety of the chosen maneuver for a particular conflict geometry was verified.
A new approach to the determination of folic acid at trace levels: using a Fe(III)-folic acid complex to amplify analytical signal

A fast, efficient, cost-effective, and environmental-friendly analytical methodology was developed for preconcentration and determination of trace folic acid in food samples prior to high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). The method is based on formation of stable complexes between folic acid and Fe(III) ions at pH 8.0. The formed complexes were extracted to a nonionic surfactant phase containing PONPE 7.5. The surfactant rich phase (SRP) was separated by decantation and diluted with 300 μL of a mixture of 1 M HCl and methanol at a 1 : 1 ratio. The parameters and variables that affected the method were also investigated and optimized in detail. The limit of detection (LOD) of folic acid was 6.06 ng mL−1, the linear range of quantitation for folic acid was 20–1200 ng mL−1 and the correlation coefficients of the calibration curves were 0.9976. The average recoveries and relative standard deviations in the analysis of real samples were in the range of 95.1–105.1% and 1.73–5.25%, respectively. After validation of the method was carried out, the method was applied to the determination of folic acid in real samples, including baby foods, vegetables, cereals, and pharmaceutical samples.
Can leisure crafting enhance leisure engagement? The role of time structure and leisure type

ABSTRACT The concept of engagement has been widely investigated in various fields. However, few studies have addressed the antecedents of leisure engagement. This study defined leisure engagement as a positive mental state of vigour, dedication, and absorption related to leisure activities. Two antecedents were considered, namely leisure crafting and time structure. Leisure crafting refers to individuals’ active pursuit of goal setting, human connection, learning, and personal development related to leisure activities. Time structure refers to the degree to which individuals perceive their leisure time use to be structured and purposive. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of leisure crafting and time structure on leisure engagement as well as examining the interaction effects of time structure and leisure type. Survey data collected from 360 individuals demonstrated that leisure crafting positively affects leisure engagement. A high level of time structure also positively influences leisure engagement. Furthermore, time structure positively enhances the effect of leisure crafting on leisure engagement. This study contributes to the literature by revealing that leisure crafting and time structure are crucial antecedents of leisure engagement, and by emphasising the contingent role of time structure. Finally, managerial implications and suggestions for future work are discussed.
Initial Learning of Japanese Undergraduate Students with No Prior Experiences in a Flag Football Basic Instruction Course

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to describe how Japanese undergraduate students engage in learning in a physical activity basic instruction course, specifically, flag football. The study was situated in the framework of andragogy theory and used an explanatory (holistic) case study design. Participants were ﬁve Japanese undergraduate students with no prior experiences of learning flag football at a public university. Data sources included ten weeks of individual weekly journal reflections. A constant comparative method was adopted to interpret the data. Three emergent themes were: (a) problem-solving based learning, (b) the importance of reflective, cooperative, and collaborative learning, and (c) application of flag football knowledge outside of class. To better support Japanese undergraduate students’ learning experiences in the course, we encourage faculty and students to learn how to develop a blueprint of flag football, game strategies, and performance analysis that enables them to capture the nuance of content learning through problem-solving experiences.
Phytotoxicity of Tires Evaluated in Simulated Conditions

Illegal dumps and landfills with disposed of tires are a fact of today, which should not be neglected as they represent a great ecological burden for the environment, affect the surrounding nature and disturb the landscape. This research was focused on testing the phytotoxicity of aqueous leachates from the fractions of tires in two sets of experiments—to simulate laboratory conditions (tire leaching in distilled water) and natural conditions (tire leaching in water from a recipient) using the Phytotoxkit testing kit (kit for the establishment of inhibition/stimulation effect on the root development) and the watercress test of phytotoxicity (biological method for the assessment of leachate phytotoxicity). Plants whose seeds were selected for the test were watercress (Lepidium sativum L.) and white mustard (Sinapis alba L.). The aqueous leachate was tested for 38 weeks. During the experiment, physical and chemical parameters were measured at intervals of 14 days by the testing instrument HACH TEST KIT: electric conductivity (EC), amount of dissolved oxygen (LDO) and pH. Results of root growth inhibition (IR) on the seeds of Lepidium sativum L. and Sinapis alba L. exhibited values ranging from 11.73% to 47.74% in the tested samples. Results of germination index (GI) on the seeds of Lepidium sativum L. exhibited values below 66% in the tested samples, which indicated the leachate phytotoxicity. In spite of the fact that similar studies are tackling the acute toxicity of leachates from tires (particularly to algae, embryos and animals), this research brings complementary information in testing the acute phytotoxicity of tire leachates to higher plants.
Simulation of Photonic-Crystal Surface-Emitting Lasers with Air-Hole and Air-Pillar Structures

Photonic-crystal surface-emitting lasers (PC-SELs), with and without regrowth, are theoretically simplified as air-hole and air-pillar structures, respectively. In this paper, square-latticed air-hole and air-pillar PC-SELs are simulated by a three-dimensional coupled-wave theory model and the design guideline is illustrated with a PC basis of a right isosceles triangular and double circular shapes. The optimum PC filling factor is determined by infinite PC cavity analysis and the slope efficiency of finite-size PC-SEL is then calculated for the lowest threshold band-edge mode. In comparison with air-hole PC-SEL, air-pillar PC-SEL exhibits lower threshold gain, larger gain discrimination but lower slope efficiency. To achieve slope efficiency of comparable value, the cavity area of air-pillar PC-SEL is about four times larger than that of air-hole PC-SEL.
Teaching Strategies for Mathematical Problem-Solving through the Lens of Secondary School Teachers

Many studies have been conducted on problem-solving but only a small number of studies emphasized the strategies of teaching problem-solving. This paper explores the teaching strategies for mathematical problem-solving in a secondary school in Johor, Malaysia. It involves a qualitative study in which a semi-structured interview was conducted with mathematics teachers. Data were analyzed using a sixstep thematic analysis. The results can be viewed from three contexts of findings, namely the teaching strategies, the problems faced by teachers, and the solutions to overcome the problems. The findings revealed that there are teachers who have implemented personal teaching strategies, namely the Easy-Maths Model and the Cut-Stop-Solve Model to effectively teach mathematical problem-solving. The findings also explained some problems in teaching mathematical problem-solving, whereby students’ weaknesses in basic mathematics emerged as the main drawback. This study provides useful information to teachers on the different strategies for teaching mathematical problem-solving.
Encapsulation of Carbendazim with Epoxidized Natural Rubber/Sodium Alginate

This work aimed to study the properties of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) having 19% mole epoxidation crosslinked with glutaraldehyde (GA) and its application in encapsulation of carbendazim (CAD). The swelling ratio in toluene and the elongation at break of cured ENR decreased with increasing dipping time in GA and the GA concentration. The weight loss of the sample after being buried in soil indicated its biodegradability. The blend of cured ENR with sodium alginate (NaAlg) which was then crosslinked by Ca 2+ or GA/Ca 2+ was sucessfully used for encapsulation of CAD. Results showed that the release rate of CAD was controlled by GA/Ca 2+ and ENR/NaAlg ratios.
Combined nanochannel-nanopore device for single- molecule DNA analysis and manipulation

Nanofluidic devices, containing features with dimensions of 1-100 nm, allow for the direct detection, analysis and manipulation of single molecule analytes. In particular, over the past ten years, there has been increasing interest in developing nanofluidic devices capable of analyzing DNA at the single-molecule level, with the goal of developing high throughput mapping and eventually sequencing technology. Part of this thesis will be focusing on single-molecular DNA detection using solid state nanopores. The nanopore fabrication technique via electron beam ablation will be presented. Noise reduction is affected by coating a layer of PDMS(polydimethylsiloxane) on the nanopore supporting chip. Different folding states of DNA molecules translocating through the nanopore are observed. Since the classic nanopore setup has low signal to noise ratio, we have successfully fabricated a novel micro/nanoiudic device combining nanopore detectors with nanochannels devices by embedding a nanopore inside the nanochannel. The device concept, device fabrication, theoretical analysis and preliminary results will be covered in this thesis. %%%%Les dispositifs nanofluides, dont certaines parties atteignent des dimensions de l'ordre de 1-100 nm, permettent la detection directe, l'analyse et la manipulation d'analyte a molecule unique. En particulier, durant les dernieres dix annees, il y a eu un interet croissant au developpement de dispositifs nanofluides capables d'analyser de l'ADN au niveau des molecules individuelles, avec pour but le developpement d'une technologie de cartographie et eventuellement de sequencage haut debit. Une partie de ce memoire se concentrera sur la detection d'ADN a molecule unique en utilisant des nanopores solides.La technique de fabrication de nanopores via ablation par faisceau d'electrons sera presentee. La reduction de bruit est affectee par le depot d'une couche de PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) sur la puce supportant le nanopore. Differentes conformations des molecules d'ADN se deplacant a travers le nanopore sont observees. Puisque le montage classique du nanopore a un faible rapport signal-bruit, nous avons reussi a fabriquer un nouveau dispositif micro/nanofluide combinant des nanopores detecteurs avec des nanoconduits en integrant un nanopore dans le nanoconduit. La conception du dispositif, sa fabrication, l'analyse theorique et des resultats preliminaires seront couverts dans ce memoire.
Supervised and Unsupervised Clustering Based Dimensionality Reduction of Hyperspectral Data

Nowadays, hyperspectral images (HIs) are widely used for land cover land use (LCLU) mapping. Hyperspectral sensors collect spectral data in numerous adjacent spectral bands, which are usually redundant. Hyperspectral data processing comes with important challenges such as huge processing time, difficulties in transfer, and storage. In this study, two supervised and unsupervised dimensionality reduction methods are proposed for hyperspectral feature extraction based on the band clustering technique. In the first method, the unsupervised method, after the unsupervised band clustering stage with some statistical attributes, the principal component transform is used in each cluster, and the first PC component is considered an extracted feature. In the second method, the supervised method, bands are clustered based on training samples mean vectors of each class, and the weighted mean operator is used for feature extraction in each cluster. The experiment is conducted on the classification of real famous HI named Indian Pines. Comparing the obtained results and some other state of art methods proved the proposed method's efficiency.
Research on Adaptive Friction Compensation of Digital Hydraulic Cylinder Based on LuGre Friction Model

This paper aims to eliminate nonlinear friction from the performance of the digital hydraulic cylinder to enable it to have good adaptive ability. First, a mathematical model of a digital hydraulic cylinder based on the LuGre friction model was established, and then a dual-observer structure was designed to estimate the unobservable state variables in the friction model. The Lyapunov method is used to prove the global asymptotic stability of the closed-loop system using the adaptive friction compensation method. Finally, Simulink is used to simulate the system performance. The simulation results indicate that the addition of adaptive friction compensation control can effectively reduce system static error, suppress system limit loop oscillation, “position decapitation,” “speed dead zone,” and low-speed creep phenomena, and improve the overall performance of the digital hydraulic cylinder. The control method has practical application value for improving the performance index of the digital hydraulic cylinder.