Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Experiential Learning in the Large Classroom Using Performative Pedagogy

Experiential learning (EL) is widely believed to lead to enhanced student engagement. This form of learning, however, may be difficult to implement in the large class sizes so common today. This case study describes an initiative involving performative pedagogy using interdisciplinary teaching and learning in an undergraduate class of 150 students from a change management module in the School of Business and an ensemble performance module in the Music Department in an Irish University. The students utilized acting, music, dance, and role-play in a large enrolment setting. Postprogram surveys and focus group interviews of students found that students responded positively to the initiative. Students also rated the class as more engaging than other subjects in which they were registered. Reflective essays written by students showed evidence of deep reflection and learning and these formed the basis for our discussion of the implications of this approach for management education. Future research should examine the effects of performative learning on student performance in terminal examinations.
Computer vision System for Public Illumination Management

The present work proposes the management of street lighting through a computer vision approach, for which algorithms are used to detect pedestrians. The current scenario of demand for electricity, has rates that constantly increase, due to taxes, urban expansion, among others. Therefore, it is extremely important to look for alternative ways to minimize costs. One of the segments to be explored with great economic potential is the management of street lighting, in recent times changes have been taking place in this area, where governments are replacing sodium vapor lighting by LEDs lamps, which are already capable of dramatically reduce energy consumption. In this context, computer vision systems can help to reduce this consumption even further, controlling the power of these LED lamps according to the flow of people on the road. The computer vision system proposed in this work was implemented in C ++ using the OpenCV library, applied in a Raspberry Pi 3. It was also used the Fuzzy Logic to calculate the power that the LEDs must be adjusted due to the number of people on the road as well as the ambient lighting. For the execution of the validation tests of this proposal, images were acquired on public roads with pedestrians, as well as simulations of these environments were carried out, thus being possible to test all the proposed possibilities. With the real application of this project, it is possible to observe a savings of approximately 44% in the consumption of public lighting, this compared to the use of LED lighting.
Energy efficient nonfragile control protocol for nonlinear large‐scale systems with input quantization

The problem of robust stabilization for a class of nonlinear large‐scale systems with the energy constraints and time‐varying actuator faults is addressed in this article. In the considered system, the stabilization criteria is achieved via a sensor‐network‐based distributed fault‐tolerant controller. Moreover to limit the consumption of energy by the sensors, the measurement size reduction technique and communication rate reduction approach are implemented such that the resulting closed‐loop system is stable within a predefined extended passive performance index level. In particular, the sensor signal quantization technique is used to reduce the frequency and size of the transmitted data packet in the communication sequence. Based on the switched system theory and Lyapunov approach, a new set of sufficient conditions is obtained in the form of linear matrix inequality constraints to ensure the exponential stabilization of the considered system. The developed fault‐tolerant resilient control gains are designed by resorting to the cone complementarity linearization algorithm. Moreover, a nonisothermal continuous stirred‐tank reactor with interconnection is considered as an example to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed design technique.
Ternary Liquid−Liquid Equilibria for Mixtures of an n-Alkane + an Aromatic Hydrocarbon + N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone at 298.2 K and 1 atm

Tie lines and liquid−liquid equilibrium data are presented for mixtures of an n-alkane + toluene + N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and mixtures of n-hexadecane + an aromatic hydrocarbon + N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone at 298.2 K and 1 atm pressure. n-Alkane refers to n-hexane or n-nonane or n-tetradecane or n-hexadecane, and an aromatic hydrocarbon refers toluene or o-xylene or m-xylene or p-xylene or mesitylene or ethylbenzene. N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone is an important solvent used in the extraction of aromatic compounds from alkane−aromatic mixtures. The data presented here complements data in the literature and gives a broader description of the phase equilibrium properties of the mixtures generated by an n-alkane + an aromatic hydrocarbon and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone.
Measurement of electron density in a microdischarge-integrated device operated in nitrogen at atmospheric pressure using a millimetre-wave transmission method

We have diagnosed the electron density in nitrogen plasma generated in a device composed of coaxial-hollow microdielectric-barrier discharges using a millimetre-wave transmission method. At atmospheric pressure the generated plasma occupied almost the entire hollow-electrode space, and the electron density was estimated as 1012–1013 cm−3. This value is in good agreement with theoretical prediction in a simple particle-balance model. We also studied the effect of small admixtures of H2O and O2 into nitrogen discharges at atmospheric pressure. In the case of H2O addition, the measured electron density was lower than that in pure nitrogen, in particular at high reduced electric fields, due to the increase in the loss processes of electrons. In the case of O2 addition, the electron density decreased with an increase in O2 concentration due to the additional loss process through the formation of negative ions.
Black Start Restoration of Islanded Droop-Controlled Microgrids

The electricity grid faces the possibility of outages due to extreme weather events, cyber-attack, and unexpected events. When these unwanted events occur, it is desired that electricity be restored as soon as possible to meet the power demands of critical loads. The microgrid approach to power restoration holds a lot of promise, since microgrids can operate in island mode. This paper presents a novel sequential restoration methodology for microgrid black start. The microgrid architecture considered is assumed to be operating in multi-master mode. The master distributed generators (DGs) are coordinated to operate together through droop control. Several operational constraints are formulated and linearized to realize a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) problem. The method is studied on an islanded microgrid based on a modified IEEE 13 node test feeder. Detailed transient simulation in PSCAD was used to verify the accuracy of the restoration methodology. The developed restoration method can maximize the energy restored while ensuring good voltage and frequency regulation, and ensure that power scheduling mismatch is shared in the desired proportion.
GENE EXPRESSION REGULATORS lin-11 AND let-711 , IN MODULATING THE RATE OF AGING AND LIFESPAN, IN C. elegans .

OF DISSERTATION Tseten Yeshi Jamling The Graduate School University of Kentucky 2011 GENE EXPRESSION REGULATORS lin-11 AND let-711, IN MODULATING THE RATE OF AGING AND LIFESPAN, IN C. elegans. ________________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACT OF DISSERTATION ________________________________________________________________________OF DISSERTATION ________________________________________________________________________ A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Kentucky.
Can micro interactions in user interfaces affect their perceived usability?

User interface elements such as buttons and controls should appear tangible and engender affordance even though these elements are behind a ‘layer of glass’. Visual and motion cues can bridge this gap by acknowledging the user's input immediately and using animation in ways that look and feel like direct manipulation akin to real world physics. Hence, user interface buttons can mimic real world interaction with common physical objects. Simply put, you can add clarity to user interactions through visual responses to the user's input using ‘micro interactions. To date, user interface animations have been used by smart phone operating systems to provide user feedback and to show fluidity between user interface transitions as opposed to instant flickering between screens which is somewhat unnatural. This paper aims to determine the effect that micro interactions has on the perceived usability of smart phone apps.
PATTERN FORMATION OF PREY–PREDATOR SYSTEM WITH SCHOOLING BEHAVIOR VIA AMPLITUDE EQUATION

In this paper, we propose and analyze the spatial prey–predator system with schooling behavior. Firstly, we examine the possibility and uniqueness of the coexistence equilibrium solutions of the model. We obtain Turing instability for spatial prey–predator model. By the use of weakly nonlinear analysis near the threshold value of parameter for patterns, we obtain the amplitude equation. Finally, we present numerical outcomes to justify the numerical results. Some interesting patterns shows the spatial dynamical complexity of prey–predator model. 1. IMPORTANT Social interaction between the individuals is an integral part of life to survive on the earth for every species. In particular, schooling behavior within a population is a widespread and important phenomenon in ecological world, see [4,5,7–9]. There is a truth that living in groups is more reliable than living as an individual. This behavior is observed in many organisms on land or in the ocean for getting food, protection from predator and natural disaster and so on. It is good for them for their existence. Predation is the most important type of interaction that affects the population dynamics of all the species living on earth or in the ocean, [10]. As a result, prey–predator model has long been and will corresponding authors 2010 Mathematics Subject Classification. 34A34, 35B36, 91B72, 92D40.
Action of the anticancer drug cisplatin investigated by molecular simulation

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Among various chemotherapeutic drugs currently used in cancer treatment, cisplatin is one of the most important and successful drugs. It is the best hope for patients with testicular, ovarian and many other solid tumors. Cisplatin kills cancer cells by covalently binding to their DNA and causing DNA damages (cisplatin-DNA adducts). Albeit very efficient, cisplatin’s clinical utility is limited due to its toxic side effects and resistance. The mechanisms behind drug resistance are far from being completely understood. Experimental studies so far have suggested that binding of cisplatin to many cellular proteins is a key mechanism of drug resistance. In particular, the copper influx protein Ctr1 has been shown to be responsible for the decrease of cellular uptake of cisplatin, commonly found in resistant cells. Furthermore, even if cisplatin can successfully reach and bind to the DNA, cancer cells may be able to repair the cisplatin-DNA adducts by employing a number of proteins involved in the so-called Nucleotide Excision Repair (NER) pathway. This thesis has contributed to investigating processes, which are relevant to cisplatin resistance mechanism, using computational physics tools. (i) First, we have studied binding of cisplatin and transplatin (a pharmacologically inactive trans isomer of cisplatin) to a model peptide (called Mets7) that mimics one of the methionine(Met)-rich motifs of Ctr1. We have used a set of computational tools including QM/MM simulations, force matching technique, replica exchange MD simulations and computational spectroscopy to predict the structures of the adducts formed due to the binding of cisplatin and transplatin to Mets7. Comparison between calculated and experimental spectroscopic data such as NMR, EXAFS and CD allows us to validate our predicted structures and to propose the most relevant species in water solution. The structural models arising from our calculations may serve as the molecular basis for further attempts to understand cisplatin uptake mediated by Ctr1. (ii) Then, we have performed preliminary calculations on the interaction between cisplatin-DNA adduct and the High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) protein. HMGB1 (a DNA-binding protein) has been shown to be able to block the NER repair pathway by binding to the cisplatin-DNA adducts and shielding them from being repaired by NER proteins. Although experimental studies have shown the structural determinants of the cisplatin-DNA-HMGB1 complex and also provided the binding affinity, the mechanism of molecular recognition between cisplatin-DNA adduct and HMGB1 is still unknown. We aim at investigating structural and energetic insights of the binding of HMGB1 to the cisplatin-DNA adduct by applying free energy calculations based on metadynamics method. This thesis presents necessary calculations towards this goal.
A low-power 2.4-GHz receiver front-end with a complementary series feedback LNA and a current-reused passive down-converter based on gm-boosted TIA for WSN applications

This letter proposes a 2.4-GHz low power WSN RF front-end with high conversion gain and low noise ﬁgure. The proposed complementary series feedback low-noise ampliﬁer (LNA) achieves high voltage gain and low NF with low power consumption. In the passive down-converter, a g m -boosted TIA employing local g m -boosted feedback structure is proposed to improve the power eﬃciency. Fabricated in TSMC 55-nm CMOS technology, the proposed front-end achieves a measured conversion gain of 38 dB, a noise ﬁgure of 2.75dB at 2.4 GHz with the power consumption of 2.9mW under 1V power supply voltage and the chip area of 0.63mm (cid:2) 0.43mm.
Dual metal gate AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors with improved transconductance and reduced short channel effects

AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors with a range of dual metal gate (DMG) lengths have been fabricated and studied. An improvement in transconductance up to 9% has been measured in the DMG devices in comparison to the conventional single metal gate devices. This is attributed to the distribution of the electric field under the gate region as a result of two gate metals. The drain induced barrier lowering is also suppressed using the sub-µm DMG devices, with a drain induced barrier lowering decrease of around 50% due to a potential shielding effect in the two-dimensional electron gas channel.
In vitro comparative assessment of the inhibitory effects of single and combined spices against glucose-synthesizing enzymes

Purpose: To assess the individual and synergistic inhibitory activities of five (5) tropical spices, viz, Zingiber officinale Rosc. , Xylopia aethiopica (Dun.) A. Rich, Piper guineense Schum & Thonn, Myristica fragrans Houtt. and Allium sativum L. against glucose hydrolysing enzymes. Methods: In vitro assessment of the alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activities of cold water, hot water, ethanol and aqueous-ethanol extracts of each of the five spices and their combination was investigated using enzymatic protocols. Acarbose was used as the standard. Results: Only four extracts showed strong inhibition against alpha-glucosidase and weak inhibition against alpha-amylase. Going by their half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50), the combined spices exhibited the best concurrent inhibitory activity against both hydrolysing enzymes (665.83 ± 27.50 μg/mL for alpha-glucosidase) and (1166.86 ± 14.70 μg/mL for alpha-amylase). Conclusion: The findings from this study demonstrate the enhanced antihyperglycemic potentials of the combined spices compared to the individual spices for the management of diabetes.
Fostering Global Mindedness in Short-Term Community-Based Global Learning Programs: The Importance of Strategic Design, Collaboration, and Reflection

Trends toward short-term academic service-learning abroad necessitate programs designed to maximize effectiveness and measurement of outcomes. The current study sought to strategically foster and measure increases in global mindedness during an immersive community-based global learning program abroad. University students studying either Computer Science or Spanish collaborated to design curriculum and host a technology summer camp for junior-high students in the Dominican Republic. The semester before the two-week travel experience included extensive pre-departure preparation, collaboration, reflection, and communication among students, program directors, on-site program coordinators, and stakeholders in the host community. Results of pre- and post-tests using the Global Mindedness Scale indicate perceptions of five dimensions of global mindedness (i.e., responsibility, cultural pluralism, efficacy, global centrism, and interconnectedness) were significantly increased after participating in this program. Pre-departure activities, curricular design, and logistical elements of the program are discussed, along with recommendations for future research. Abstract in Spanish Las tendencias en los estudios en el extranjero a corto plazo que incluyen el aprendizaje a traves del servicio en la comunidad requieren un diseno que maximice la eficacia y medida de los resultados. Este estudio midio un crecimiento en la mentalidad sobre asuntos globales entre participantes en un programa a corto plazo en el extranjero. Estudiantes universitarios con concentraciones en informatica y en lengua espanola colaboraron para disenar un curriculo y ofrecer un campamento tecnologico de verano para estudiantes de una escuela secundaria en la Republica Dominicana. El semestre antes del programa, que duro dos semanas, incluyo la preparacion extensiva, la colaboracion, la reflexion y la comunicacion entre los estudiantes universitarios, los directores del programa, los coordinadores del programa in situ y miembros de la comunidad local. Los resultados de los cuestionarios antes y despues del programa fueron creados con una escala de mentalidad global (Global Mindedness Scale), indicando percepciones en cinco dimensiones de tal mentalidad (responsabilidad, pluralismo cultural, eficacia, centrismo global e interconectividad); se concluyo que la mentalidad fue aumentada significativamente despues de participar en el programa. Se examinan aqui las actividades antes del comienzo del programa, el diseno del curriculo y los elementos logisticos mientras se recomiendan investigaciones posibles para estudios futuros.
Commemorating Geert Hofstede, a pioneer in the study of culture and institutions

Abstract This contribution commemorates Geert Hofstede, who recently passed away, as a pioneer in the study of culture and institutions. It does so by touching on some of the details of his personal life and connecting these with his professional career. The latter was devoted to developing the paradigm of national cultures based on empirical analysis, and to relate it to organisational behaviour. Closer scrutiny reveals that four distinct phases may be identified. Hofstede first started as an ‘undercover’ engineer and next moved to social psychology. During the second phase, he developed the first four dimensions of natural culture. During the third, Hofstede connected these national dimensions to organisational ones. During the last, he added two new cultural dimensions and developed additional practical applications. Finally, the article considers the reception, criticism, and further elaborations of Hofstede's contributions.
Improvement in the performance of mobile/hidden secondary users in multi-user CRN

: In a multi-user cognitive radio network (CRN), mobile or hidden secondary users (SUs) are present. Conventionally, such SUs utilize rigid threshold value (λ) for spectrum sensing (SS). When these SUs perform SS, they receive poor quality signals from primary users. This provokes erratic SS decisions, reduces the involvement of SUs in SS, diminishes the probability of detection ( P d ) and raises miss detection ( P m ) or false alarm of SUs. As a consequence of this, SUs are not able to participate in SS and allocation in emergency circumstances. To alleviate these problems, an adaptive λ can be utilized for mobile/hidden SUs during SS. Thus, a two-level λ optimization technique for SS has been proposed using a coalition formation approach to maintain co-operation among SUs. The proposed technique has been validated on Universal Software Radio Peripheral test-bed. Estimation of the probability of error ( P e ), P d , and P m for mobile/hidden SUs with energy detection SS (EDSS) performed using a fixed λ and the two-level optimized λ. From these estimations, it has been observed that compared to the fixed λ EDSS, P e and P m is reduced remarkably, and P d is enhanced for mobile/hidden SUs using the two-level optimized λ EDSS.
A Revisit to Speech Processing and Analysis

Speech recognition is an active area in signal processing.Various researchers have been invested different concepts in speech recognition system as part of feature extraction techniques, speech classiﬁers, statistical analysis, encompassing mathematical models, signal processing and transformations, database and performance evaluation. In the current era, multi speaker analysis is the newly focused area in speech processing and analysis. It includes audio segmentation, extraction of relevant features, classiﬁcation of features, template generation and training. Also, other techniques like Bank-of-ﬁlters, Linear Predictive Coding Model, Vector Quantization, Hidden Markov Model and Gaussian Mixture Model to get better result. In this paper, various approaches have been analyzed based on acoustic and articular features focusing on Human Auditory System (HAS). Even focusing on the cross functional approach by using machine learning, artiﬁcial intelligence-based techniques and neural networks.
Issues of Utilizing Social Networking as an Informal Organizational Communication Channel: Evidence from China

Social networking has been increasingly used by both individual and organization in the workplace. This paper addresses gaps in the current literature and tries to demonstrate the negative impacts and consequences of social networking. Qualitative study is applied in this study, including the conduction of user survey, interviews and case studies, which are conducted in the context of China. The article reports on work in progress on the research. The early findings highlight that despite the benefits generated by social networking, issues are also obvious, including such as data security, privacy protection, work-life imbalance, increased work pressure and stress, boundary and role ambiguity. Such findings contribute to organizational policy making and generating modern management practice in the context of information society.