Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Understanding Affective Engagement as a Resource in Interaction Design

This article proposes affective engagement as a possible resource when designing interactive environments. The notion of affect and affective experience as developed by Brian Massumi in cultural theory is presented as a theoretical foundation for conceptualizing experience in interaction design. In particular, it is shown how Massumi provides a non-informational understanding of affect as distinct from emotions. Instead, Massumi offers a processual and relational account of affective experience as a part of dynamic events of becoming. Through an analysis of the interactive installation Touched Echoes , the concept of affective engagement is introduced to inform the practical work when designing experiential fields as conditions of emergence in interaction design.
An activity theory analysis of factorsm influencing information security practices in software organisations

Information is an asset to any organisation. As a result, different organisations strive to ensure that information is well protected. This has led to organisations creating information security policies. Despite this approach, employees play a vital role to ensure that these policies are implemented. Information security has been studied in different contexts. However, in the existing literature, there is limited research which investigates the factors that influence information security practices in the context of software organisations. Similar to other business contexts, information is an important tool within software organisations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that influence information security practices in software organisations using a Namibian software organisation as a case study. The use of Activity Theory as a lens helped to investigate the factors that influence information security practices in software organisations which are often overlooked. From the analysis of the findings, it is evident that factors such as employee structure, work context, information sensitivity, reputation, responsibility, accountability and policies influence information security practices in software organisations. The findings revealed that information security policies have to be enforced at different levels and units in software organisations. The findings from this study may assist software organisations when implementing information security policies.
Earth Terminal Design Considerations for Biomedical Communications via CTS

This paper describes the earth terminals in the Biomedical Communications Experiment via the Communications Technology Satellite (CTS). Important analyses performed in the selection of the earth terminal parameters are summarized. In particular, analyses of the link, inter-modulation products, and rain attenuation are presented as rationales for selecting ground transmitter power, receiver G/T, frequency spacing, that are optimum for TASO Grade 1 video quality, full-duplex color video/audio and an audio order-wire capability.
Fiscal competition and tax instrument choice: the role of income inequality

School districts in Ohio have the choice of two tax instruments with which to raise revenue: the property tax and a residence-based income tax. Economic theory predicts that local governments, if given the choice, would prefer to diversify their tax base to reduce the political costs associated with excessive reliance on one tax. Why then, do some school districts not utilize the income tax? This paper extends earlier work on this issue by showing that income inequality is negatively associated with the choice of an income tax.
Design and construction of a photoacoustic imaging setup

Photoacoustic Microscopy (PAM) is a novel imaging technique that is commonly used with samples composed by soft tissue and that can provide penetration beyond the optical diffusion limit while maintaining high resolution. By using a short-pulsed laser to irradiate the tissue, part of the light energy is converted into heat, which induces the formation of acoustic waves that propagate inside the tissue and can be detected through ultrasound transducers. In this way, the absorption coefficient can be used as a contrast property of the matter, allowing the mapping of biological and chemical information. The essence of this master thesis is the design and start up of a PAM setup. This report contains the explanation of the different steps performed before reaching this goal, together with a justification of the different decisions that were taken along its construction. Finally, the resulting device and its main features are shown and discussed.
THE ANALYSIS OF FORGING INCONEL 718 ALLOY

The analysis of changes in the microstructure of hot forged Inconel 718 alloy was presented in his paper. After heating in electric chamber furnace, the Inconel 718 alloy billet was forged at 1150 o C. The temperature of heating, forging and cooling the billet was constantly monitored. Processing of the investigated alloy was preceded by dilatometric tests, the analysis of microstructure of as-received and hot deformed in compression under various thermomechanical conditions on Gleeble simulator Inconel 718 alloy as well as by numerical simulations of Inconel 718 alloy forging. The numerical simulations were conducted using QForm 3D software. The obtained results of both simulations and microstructural analysis were used to determine the conditions of Inconel 718 alloy forging in industrial conditions. The correlation of the results of microstructural observations, hot compression tests and forging the investigated alloy in industrial conditions were discussed.
Future Earnings Growth Volatility and the Value Premium

The value premium is well established in empirical asset pricing, but to date there is little understanding as to its fundamental drivers. We use a stochastic earnings valuation model to establish a direct link between the volatility of future earnings growth and firm value. We illustrate that risky earnings growth affects growth and value firms differently. We provide empirical evidence that the volatility of future earnings growth is a significant determinant of the value premium. Using data on individual firms and characteristic-sorted test portfolios, we also find that earnings growth volatility is significant in explaining the cross-sectional variation of stock returns. Our findings imply that the value premium is the rational consequence of accounting for risky earnings growth in the firm valuation process.
University of Birmingham North Atlantic Holocene climate evolution recorded by high-resolution terrestrial and marine biomarker records

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THE EFFECT OF GLOSS TYPE ON LEARNERS’ INTAKE OF NEW WORDS DURING READING

Abstract A reading experiment combining online and offline data evaluates the effect on second language learners’ reading behaviors and lexical uptake of three gloss types designed to clarify word meaning. These are (a) textual definition, (b) textual definition accompanied by picture, and (c) picture only. We recorded eye movements while intermediate learners of English read a story presented on-screen and containing six glossed pseudowords repeated three times each. Cumulative fixation counts and time spent on the pseudowords predicted posttest performance for form recall and meaning recognition, confirming findings of previous eye-tracking studies of vocabulary acquisition from reading. However, the total visual attention given to pseudowords and glosses was smallest in the condition with picture-only glosses, and yet this condition promoted best retention of word meaning. This suggests that gloss types differentially influence learners’ processing of novel words in ways that may elude the quantitative measures of attention captured by eye-tracking.
Clean integration of single-walled carbon nanotubes for electromechanical systems

Carbon nanotubes are the tubular form of carbon. Their exceptional properties Nanotubes make them interesting for a wide range of applications. However, in order to exAim ploit the properties of an individual single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) in an electromechanical or electronic device, contacts from the macro to the nanoscale must be established. Processes for integration of SWNTs into microfabricated systems shall maintain the low defect density of electronic-grade, as-grown carbon nanotubes. Standard microfabrication approaches rely on resist-based lithography that Challenge may contaminate SWNTs, leading to device instabilities such as gate hysteresis. Although nanotubes are inert against most solvents, aggressive cleaning can still cause defects in the carbon nanomaterial. On the other hand, cleaning is not required for nanotubes directly grown on pre-patterned conductive electrodes. However, the contact materials must endure the high-temperature conditions required for high-quality SWNT synthesis. This greatly limits the choice of materials for contacting SWNTs. Here, the integration of individual single-walled carbon nanotubes for electroIntegration of SWNTs mechanical applications is achieved in a clean manner while maintaining broad material compatibility. Hysteresis-free, chirality-assigned carbon nanotube transistors were integrated onto microactuator structures that are compatible with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron diffraction (ED), and confocal Raman spectroscopy. In a modified metallisation approach, stencil lithography is implemented by On-Chip Shadow Masking on-chip shadow masks to enable resist-free patterning of metal electrodes. The shadow mask shields the mid-section of the nanotube. By physical vapour deposition, the contact material is directly deposited onto the suspended end sections of the as-grown SWNT and yields self-aligned, cone-shaped contacts. Guided on-chip sliders enable accurate mask alignment with sub-100 nm precision. In a second approach, nanotubes are transferred onto palladium electrodes Transfer on a substrate remaining at room temperature. The nanotubes are synthesised on a separate substrate featuring fork-like supports that can sustain the hightemperature nanotube synthesis conditions. The manipulation is performed under light microscopy observation to avoid electron-beam-induced carbonaceous contaminations of the SWNTs. Current monitoring is utilised to detect successful nanotube placement on the target electrodes. Transfer enables improved control over nanotube position, orientation, and number. Additionally, it opens up the possibility to select a specific nanotube.
Detection of N-Acetylglucosamine-6-Sulfatase (GNS) Gene Mutation Causing MPS IIID Genetic Disorder in Turkey Native Goats

Mucopolysaccharidosis IIID (MPSIIID) is an inherited lysosomal storage disease resulting from lack of the activity of the N-acetylglucosamine-6-sulfatase, which is one of the enzymes involved in the step-wise degradation of heparan sulfate. MPS IIID in goats has been described and characterized. Goats with this disorder demonstrate delayed motor development and growth retardation. Even if they reach sexual maturity, they will suddenly die from congestive heart failure. A molecular base for this disorder is a nonsense mutation at nucleotide 322 (C→T) results in the change of the arginine codon to a stop codon, which leads to stop enzyme function. However, this also creates a recognition site for Alu I restriction enzyme for a genetic analysis. The aim of this study is to detect the presence of MPS IIID genetic disorder in Turkish native goat breeds. A total of 120 blood samples from 13 different native goat breeds were used as a material. Polymerase chain reaction ( PCR) - Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and DNA sequence data were utilized to identify the goat populations. The result of this study indicates nonsense mutation that causes MPS IIID genetic disorder is found in none of Turkish Native Goat breeds. However, a silent mutation was found at nucleotide 354 (T→C) when compared with reference sequence.
A Compact Size and Small Frequency Ratio CPW-Fed Circular Slot Antenna for GPS/WLAN Dual-Band and Circular Polarizations

This paper presents a novel dual-band circularly polarized CPW-fed circular slot antenna with two open-ground rings. The proposed antenna is constructed with two opened-ground rings facing in opposite directions and embedded in the circular slot and the enhanced feed strip of CPW. By way of adjusting the relevant parameters, we can obtain the dualband at 1.57GHz and 2.46GHz respectively. A smaller frequency ratio of 1.56 is presented. The measured i10dB return loss impedance bandwidth are 380MHz (24.68%) for 1.57GHz band and 210MHz (8.33%) for 2.46GHz band. The measured i3dB axial ratio bandwidth for 1.57GHz and 2.46GHz bands are 13.38% and 8.13%, the polarization of radiation patterns are RHCP and LHCP for each band and the antenna gain are 3.72 and 3.21dBic respectively.
From Discourse Networks to Cultural Mathematics

Following a short discussion of the German philosopher Friedrich A. Kittler’s biographical and intellectual formation, this interview introduces the reader to Kittler’s theoretical efforts to develop our understanding of contemporary culture and society. However, the focus of the interview is on the core concepts of ‘discourse networks’, ‘the military-industrial complex’, and ‘technology’, arguably the three central themes of Kittler’s work to date. As the title of the interview indicates, the idea of ‘cultural mathematics’ is also considered important in this account of Kittler’s particular contribution to social and cultural theory, although this and related notions are critically appraised together with an assessment of their theoretical, social and cultural impact.
Logic as a Narrative

In this chapter, the authors present an argument which can be called “logic as a narrative. ” First, they consider two different types of systems concerning logic. One is formal logic, which is ordinarily called mere logic. Another one is a collective of knowledge that we may not regard as logic at first glance. The argument of “logic as a narrative” starts with a comparison between two types of logical systems. Formal logic, which is often handled as mathematical logic nowadays, can be regarded as one of the mathematics, as the name itself indicates. As well as the other mathematical systems, formal logic is formalized and schematized by axioms; hence, it is also an axiomatic system. All the propositions are described axiomatically; thus, axioms and application rules of axioms precede propositions. Outside situations that are not supposed in an axiomatic system cannot be naturally represented by the system. The expressive power depends on each system. As a result, the description by mathematical logic becomes static and the system itself is regarded as a non-dynamic one.
Development and Evaluation of Fusion Techniques

Abstract : The purpose of this effort was to investigate and develop promising innovative technologies that hold promise for improvements in the Air Force target tracking and fusion capabilities. The problem statement is that Nonlinear Non-Gaussian Processes (NNGP) present a major challenge in all types of military problems. This is because the real-world is nonlinear and non-Gaussian, despite assumptions made in most conventional fusion algorithms. This in-house program addressed this problem by researching and developing tracking filters that do not presume a linear Gaussian world. The most famous of these is the Particle Filter (PF). Progress made includes development of a MATLAB PF simulation capability for in-house analysis/testing and preliminary investigation of PF capabilities. Prior to this effort AFRL/IF had no capability in this area and PF were not being investigated. DEFT developed a two-dimensional PF and performed Monte Carlo simulation runs to test the performance of the PF as compared to the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) for multiple bearings only sensors (ESM sensors). Results showed that in certain cases, the Monte Carlo averaged tracking error variance of the PF was much better than that of the EKF, but with ten times the computational cost. Under these same conditions (50 particles, 100 Monte Carlo runs, two bearings only sensors), the EKF lost track 28% of the time whereas the PF did not lose track at all. This effort established future directions for research. There is a need to do more nonlinear filtering analysis, development and enhancements under realistic scenarios with varying degrees of nonlinearity. Considerable study is needed to fully determine the conditions under which these techniques will lead to improved performance. It is possible that a system could be developed employing multiple nonlinear filters.
High Sensitive Seawater Resistant SERS Substrates Based on GoldIsland Film Produced by Electroless Plating

High sensitive seawater resistant SERS (surface-enhanced Raman scattering) substrates based on gold island film were designed by electroless plating solution of chloroauric acid (HAuCl4) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in order to detect pollutions such as Polycyclic Aro matic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) at lo w concentrations (nmol/ l) in the marine environment.By controlling the electroless plating time the SERS substrates were optimized due to their SERS sensitivity for pyrene as a representative PAH.Additionally, shifted excitation Raman difference spectroscopy (SERDS) was applied to suppress the fluorescence background and imp rove dramat icallythe Raman signals , which yields to a limit of detection (LOD) for pyrene of 1.0(1) n mo l/l. Long-term stability tests werecarried out over 12 weeks and show that the SERS activity is only slightly reduced within the first two weeks storage in sea water, after 4 weeks about 50 % and after 8 weeks about 15 % of the activity is still present. The reproducibility of fabricating the substrates is better 8 % and the variance of a single substrate around 2.4 %. The designed SERS substrates are highly sensitive, seawater resistant, reproducible, and can be easily manufactured even during a cruise. Therefore, they are best suited for in-situ detection of PAHs in the marine environment.
The importance of teacher interpersonal behaviour for secondary science students’ attitudes in Kashmir

This study focuses on the relationship between teacher-student interpersonal behaviour and students’ attitudes toward science. To investigate this relationship, student perception data have been gathered with 1021 secondary science students, located in 31 classes in Kashmir, India. Teacher interpersonal behaviour was conceptualised in terms of two behavioural dimensions, Influence (the degree of teacher control in communication with students) and Proximity (the degree of cooperativeness between teacher and students), and measured with the Questionnaire on Teacher Interaction (QTI). Multilevel variance analyses were conducted on students’ attitude scores, and the effect of the interpersonal variables was corrected for the effects of student, class, and teacher background variables, as well as for other elements in the learning environment. Results indicated that both teacher Influence and Proximity were positively associated with students’ attitudes and that their effect remained statistically significant after correction for other covariates and learning environment variables.
Accretion onto Black Holes

Most energetic events or objects in the universe are explained by accretion onto black holes. However, the accretion flow onto black holes can assume diverse forms. It can be spherical or disk-like, hot or cold, optically thick or thin, highly luminous or under-luminous, efficient or inefficient in terms of energy production, even for the same physical conditions of gas from which black holes accrete. I will review each form of accretion flow with its physical characteristics. I will especially discuss the mass accretion rate and its dependence on the density, temperature, and the angular momentum of gas being accreted. The mass accretion rate is the most important factor to affect the radiation efficiency and the luminosity, and thereby, the growth history of the black holes and their coevolution with host galaxies. The ubiquity of outflow from hot accretion flow and its implications are also discussed.
Gradual Weight Loss Does not Prevent Hypohydration during Preparation Period in Elite Kickboxer of Croatia

According to present combat sports literature, acute dehydration is the most common weight-manipulating technique adopted by combat sport athletes. Over a one-month period, possible fluctuations in dehydration assessment biomarkers of elite kickboxing athletes (N = 11) are investigated. Using repeated measures (RM) ANOVA, we found significant differences in body mass (BM) (1.2% Δ) irrespective of stability in urine specific gravity (USG) and total body water values (TBW%) between trials. RM ANOVA revealed significant differences among the three trials in BM% Δ (18.73; df = 2 P 0.05). Hypohydration is undoubtedly overlooked by athletes and coaches in kickboxing. Notably, current weight class categories (WCC) stratification may be a pathway that facilitates the temptation of kickboxing athletes to migrate into lower WCC. Endorsement of novel and effective control mechanism besides morning weight is warranted. However, this topic remains a controversial issue and deserves special attention.
CAD system: a content based image retrieval approach for pulmonary nodule detection in CT images

This paper proposes Computerized Aided Detection System (CAD) which uses Content Based Image Retrieval (CBIR) to detect cancer nodules present in an image. The CAD system is concerned for the radiologists to identify lung cancer at premature stages, which are very tiny nodules that are not able to seen by naked eye. In modern years, Image processing techniques play a key role in predicting diseases at early stages in particular in various cancer types such as liver cancer, breast cancer etc. This paper comprises of four steps: i) preprocessing an image in order to lessen the noise level and the accuracy of the image is to be improved, so that the accuracy in detection will be higher. ii) The image is segmented based on Marker-Controlled Watershed Segmentation. iii) The features of the nodules present in the image are extracted using GLCM. iv) The nodules are classified based on the extracted features using KNN classifier. The Content Based Image Retrieval Technique is used which is used to redeem query based images in the database by combining feature extraction and similarity matching methods. For experimentation of proposed technique, CT images are used which are extracted from Lung Image Database Consortium database (LIDC).