Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Semi-Autonomous Robotic Sampler for Explosives Residues in Surface Soils

Abstract : A 25-kg, dual-track robot was built to satisfy the sampling protocol for surface explosives residues in soils. A rotary-tube cutter takes fairly consistent samples in a variety of soil conditions. Each sample bag holds about 30 samples to form a composite that represents the sampled area. An onboard carousel holds six bags: five composite samples and a sixth bag to clean the tube to minimize cross-contamination. We designed the robot to operate autonomously to collect a composite sample, log the coordinates of the area sampled, complete a composite within about 20 minutes, and operate without intervention for about 2 hours. A person may tele-operate the robot between sampling areas and to and from a base station where batteries and sample bags may be replenished.
Assessment of EEG Signal Quality in Motion Environments

Abstract : Assessing the neurocognitive demands of humans operating in real-world environments is critical for understanding Soldier performance. However, the capability to reliably measure brain dynamics of Soldiers in operational environments is a major challenge because of inherent artifacts in real environments. This study quantified the integrity of electroencephalographic (EEG) signals as a function of varied motion artifacts that are characteristic of realistic environments. Participants performed a standard auditory discrimination task in three ambulatory and three vehicle motion environments. Classic event-related potential (ERP) waveforms were observed as evidenced by higher amplitude P300s to target vs. non-target stimuli and increasing amplitudes from frontal to parietal midline recording sites in some conditions. However, artifacts in other conditions resulted in significant data loss and contamination that prevented analysis of ERP data. Spectral analyses were also applied to characterize the nature and extent of artifacts present in each condition, showing that induced signal artifacts were generally related to the specific motion environments. In conclusion, our results suggest that EEG can be reliably recorded in certain operational environments such as driving on paved or washboard surfaces, but advanced technologies and artifact reduction algorithms are required to improve signal reliability in ambulatory and more extensive vehicle motion environments.
Navigation in a Virtual Environment Using a Walking Interface

Abstract : For years, aircraft crews and armored fighting vehicle crews have benefited from training in the benign, controlled, and instrumented situations created by simulation. Virtual reality (VR) technologies are now starting to bring these benefits to the training of dismounted soldiers. Simulation for dismounted combatants has numerous applications. In current combined arms simulations, only constrictive infantry, controlled from a workstation, are available. Their lack of sophistication, relative to their human counterparts, is thought to detract from the validity of the combined arms simulation. Adding virtual infantry would increase the benefit to all participants. Reconnaissance forces and special operations units could plan and rehearse missions using simulation. The ability to explore a future area of operations, such as an airport where hostages are being held, from a first person perspective would allow forces to assess and rehearse lines of fire, escape routes, and fields of view. Similarly, personnel who must enter toxic environments, such as ship's damage control parties and nuclear power station maintenance crews could rehearse different scenarios ahead of time and familiarize themselves with locations they have never visited.
Effects of the compulsory bicycle helmet wearing law in Victoria during its first three years

On 1 July 1990, a law requiring wearing of an approved safety helmet by all bicyclists (unless exempted) came into effect in Victoria. Some of the more important steps that paved the way for this significant initiative (believed to be the first state-wide legislation of its type in the world) are described and its effects analysed. There was an immediate increase in average helmet wearing rates from 31 per cent in March 1990 to 75 per cent in March 1991, although teenagers continued to show lower rates than younger children or adults. The number of insurance claims from bicyclists killed or admitted to hospital after sustaining a head injury decreased by 69 per cent in the two years following introduction of the law, but has risen in the third year post-law to only 54 per cent below the pre-law level. In contrast, the number of bicyclists killed or admitted to hospital who did not sustain head injuries fell by 22 per cent two years after the introduction of the law and has continued to fall to 40 per cent below the pre-law level in the third year. A logistic regression model relating the proportion of head injuries to helmet wearing rates showed the proportion of all seriously injured cyclists with a head injury in the second year post-law was significantly less than that projected on the basis of continuing pre-law helmet wearing rate trends. In the third year post-law, the model showed the proportion of head injured cases had returned to the level expected based on pre-law trends. The mechanisms by which the reductions in the proportion head injured were achieved in the first two years post-law seem to be twofold: a reduction in the number of bicyclists involved in crashes resulting in severe injury and a reduction in the risk of head injury for bicyclists who were severely injured. The increase in the number of head injured cyclists in the third year suggests that the risk of head injury has increased again and emphasises the continuing need for efforts in maintaining the reductions seen in the first two post-law years.
PERSONALIZED FEEDBACKS BASED ON LEARNING ANALYTICS TO ENHANCE THE LEARNING OF PROGRAMMING

This paper presents a new learning environment called Codeclick. The purpose of the environment is to provide personalized feedbacks and recommendations to novices in order to improve their learning of programming. Codeclick uses a Learning Analytics statistical approach based on the learners' digital traces. It also provides visualizations to allow learners to monitor their performance levels and identify their errors. These visualizations also allow the teacher to identify blocking problems and intervene at the appropriate moment. Preliminary results of the design and the use of Codeclick show an improvement in the learners' performance, in terms of the number of errors made, as well as the time spent per activity.
Identification of Stage-associated MicroRNAs in Lung Adenocarcinoma Based on Microarray Data

Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most aggressive and most frequently seen histological variant of lung cancers, comprising nearly 45% of the overall cases of lung carcinoma and its incidence has been increased significantly worldwide in the last several decades. However, there was limited available evidence with respect to the signalling pathways and miRNAs related to the LUAD.Methods: To identify the differentially-expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) in different stages of LUAD, we performed a microarray on 514 LUAD and 54 normal tissues. At the mean time, the potentially targeted genes as well as the highly-enriched signaling pathways and the relevant protein–protein interaction (PPI) network were analyzed and constructed by using a series of bioinformatic methods. Moreover, the identified DE-miRNAs in different stages of the LUAD were verified by using the TCGA dataset.Results : Overall 41 down-regulated -and 82 up-regulated DE-miRNAs were identified, of which 1,716 potential targeted genes were selected. Moreover, the enriched pathways of the above genes were screened by using the GO term and KEGG pathway analyses, including the AMPK signalling pathway, FoxO signalling pathway, MAPK signalling pathway, PI3K-Akt signalling pathway and hippo signalling pathway.Conclusions: Our study could provide additional understanding of the underlying molecular events and increase the precision of prognostic prediction.
PREDICTING AHEAD OF THE FACE

This paper describes the Tunnel Seismic Prediction (TSP) technique, and gives case histories of its application in various parts of the world. Amberg Measuring Technique has patented this compact, versatile, easy-to-use measurement and evaluation system for moderate to hard rock tunnelling environments. TSP is an underground reflection technique, specially developed for more effective and rapid geological and geotechnical prediction ahead of the face. It fulfils planning and monitoring tasks in a variety of underground sites, and uses the principle of seismic echo sounding. TSP can save impressive amounts of time and money in tunnel construction. Its dependence on the physical properties of rock as a function of wave velocity and rock density make it a powerful interpretation technique. Its potential still remains to be used fully, by using the advanced algorithms and computing technology available today. The article describes the use of TSP in the following tunnelling projects: (1) the Vereina rail tunnel in the High Alps of Switzerland; (2) the Gorigamine bullet train tunnel in Japan; (3) the Kazunogawa Hydro tunnel in Japan; and (4) the Anmin road tunnel in South Korea. A table gives various statistical figures about the tunnels for these and five other case studies.
A longitudinal study of a performance management system in a UK prison

This paper presents a longitudinal study of a private prison in Scotland and the impact of key performance measures (which form part of the contract between the Scottish Prison Service and the owners of the prison) on the operation of that prison. The contract was supposed to serve as a public sector exemplar of best practice in terms of accountability and transparency. This rhetoric of accountability has served to throw a veil over state activities (hiding behind a few chosen performance measures), rendering the citizenry quiescent. In organizations characterized by significant power asymmetry, those in power are able to use management tools like performance measures to deflect responsibility. We can therefore hypothesize that the possibility of enabling formalization will tend to appear utopian and naive and that the coercion logic could be inevitable in spite of the profound negative consequences.
The History of the XV-15 Tilt Rotor Research Aircraft: From Concept to Flight

This monograph is a testament to the efforts of many people overcoming multiple technical challenges encountered while developing the XV-15 tilt rotor research aircraft. The Ames involvement with the tilt rotor aircraft began in 1957 with investigations of the performance and dynamic behavior of the Bell XV-3 tilt rotor aircraft. At that time, Ames Research Center was known as the Ames Aeronautical Laboratory of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA). As we approach the new millennium, and after more than 40 years of effort and the successful completion of our initial goals, it is appropriate to reflect on the technical accomplishments and consider the future applications of this unique aircraft class, the tilt rotor. The talented engineers, technicians, managers, and leaders at Ames have worked hard with their counterparts in the U.S. rotorcraft industry to overcome technology barriers and to make the military and civil tilt rotor aircraft safer, environmentally acceptable, and more efficient. The tilt rotor aircraft combines the advantages of vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, inherent to the helicopter, with the forward speed and range of a fixed wing turboprop airplane. Our studies have shown that this new vehicle type can provide the aviation transportation industry with the flexibility for highspeed, long-range flight, coupled with runway-independent operations, thus having a significant potential to relieve airport congestion. We see the tilt rotor aircraft as an element of the solution to this growing air transport problem.
The Role of Symmetrical Internal Communication in Improving Employee Experiences and Organizational Identification During COVID-19 Pandemic-Induced Organizational Change

Integrating strategic internal communication research with organizational change literature and organizational support theory, this study proposes a theoretical model to understand the influence of symmetrical internal communication on employees’ cognitive and affective experiences and organizational identification in a COVID-19 pandemic-induced change situation. A quantitative online survey was conducted with 490 full-time employees in the United States in mid-April 2020. Results indicate that symmetrical internal communication during organizational change contributes to employees’ perceptions of change communication quality. In addition, symmetrical internal communication, along with perceived quality of change communication, enhances employees’ perceptions of organizational support and positive emotions during organizational change, which in turn leads to stronger organizational identification. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
IEEE issues high-impedance fault detection report

High-impedance faults (HIF) on distribution circuits create unique challenges for the protection engineer. In response to this problem, Working Group D15 of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Power System Relaying Committee had issued a report on HIF detection technology. A ground HIF occurs when a primary conductor makes unwanted electrical contact with a road surface, sidewalk, sod, tree limb, or with some other surface or object which restricts the flow of fault current to a level below that which can be reliably detected by conventional overcurrent devices. Often this situation leaves a conductor energized on the ground and poses a danger to the public. No all unsafe conditions involve an HIF. For example, a conductor may sag to a point near the ground or may break but still not touch a grounded element or another conductor. An HIF does not have to involve a path to ground. In fact, whether a ground is involved does not matter to an HIF detector. For example, a tree limb may bridge two-phase conductors.
Advanced spent fuel conditioning process (ACP) progress with respect to remote operation and maintenance

Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) has been developing an Advanced Spent Fuel Conditioning Process (ACP) to reduce the volume of spent fuel, and the construction of the ACP facility (ACPF) for a demonstration of its technical feasibility has been completed. In 2006 two inactive demonstrations were performed with simulated fuels in the ACPF. Accompanied by process equipment performance tests, its remote operability and maintainability were also tested during that time. Procedures for remote operation tasks are well addressed in this study and evaluated thoroughly. Also, remote maintenance and repair tasks are addressed regarding some important modules with a high priority order. The above remote handling test's results provided a lot of information such as items to be revised to improve the efficiency of the remote handling tasks. This paper deals with the current status of ACP and the progress of remote handling of ACPF. (authors)
COMPARISON AND HARMONIZED DEVELOPMENT OF SOME FINITE ELEMENT PROGRAMS

In this paper some finite element programs used in Europe for flexible pavement analysis are compared. The harmonization of their development at each stage of the modelling is presented. The simulation of four pavement tests were made and their chronologies and the reasons of successive choice are chosen. For the covering abstract see IRRD 883133.
The Effect of Fluoride in the Prevention of Dental Caries and Prevalence of Dental Fluorosis among High and Low Fluoridated Areas of Tamilnadu-A Cross Sectional Survey

Aim: To analyze the effect of fluoride in the prevention of dental caries and prevalence of dental fluorosis in high and low fluoridated areas. Material and Method: Dean’s fluorosis index (1942)-modified was used to analyze the severity and prevalence of dental fluorosis and the caries prevalence was assessed using DMFS index (1931). The school students of age 12-16 years belonging to Chennai and Vellore areas were included in the study. A total of 400 students were examined in which 200 students belongs to Chennai and other 200 students belongs to Vellore representing low fluoridated area (LFA) and high fluoridated areas (HFA) respectively. Results: In the LFA the mean value of DMFS was found to be 0.805, hence it was notably greater than the mean DMFS of HFA which was 0.335. The mean Dean’s Fluorosis score of LFA was found to be 0.005 which was significantly lower than mean value of Dean’s fluorosis at HFA which was 0.7425. Conclusion: Mild increase in concentration of fluoride level in drinking water will decrease the incidence of dental caries in adolescents. Optimal fluoride levels in drinking water looks to be successful in decreasing caries outcome with low risk of dental fluorosis.
AGA-GRU: An Optimized GRU Neural Network Model Based on Adaptive Genetic Algorithm

The weight adjustment of gated recurrent unit (GRU) network depends on the gradient descent algorithm heavily, therefore this paper proposes an improved GRU neural network model based on adaptive genetic algorithm (AGA-GRU) to solve this problem. In this model, AGA is used to construct the optimization system, and the parameters of neural network model are optimized to improve the prediction performance. The results on UCI dataset show that the prediction accuracy of AGA-GRU model is significantly improved, and the generalization performance is stronger.
Longhorned Beetles Collection of the Nazife Tuatay Plant Protection Museum, Ankara, Turkey (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae)

New faunistic data are presented on Cerambycidae of the subfamilies Lepturinae, Cerambycinae and Lamiinae of Turkey. The faunistic data in the present paper on almost all species add to knowledge of their distribution in Turkey. In the present paper specimens were studied of Lepturinae, Cerambycinae and Lamiinae in T. C. Ministry of Agriculture-Nazife Tuatay Plant Protection Museum, Ankara, Turkey. Preliminary study of the specimens in the Museum has been done by Tuatay et al. Thirty one species were recorded belonging to nineteen genera from the Museum. However, we have recorded eighty four species and five subspecies belonging to forty three genera for Turkey from the Museum with our paper. Opsilia uncinata (Redtenbacher, 1842) is reported for the first time for Turkey with exact locality. Cortodera humeralis (Schaller, 1783), Pogonocherus hispidus (Linnaeus, 1758), Coptosia sancta (Reiche, 1877), Helladia pretiosa ssp. fatima (Ganglbauer, 1884), and Agapanthia detrita Kraatz, 1882 are the second records for Turkey. Dorcadion albolineatum Kuster, 1847, D. bangi Heyden, 1894, D. lameeri Thery, 1896, D. semilineatum Fairmaire, 1866, D. septemlineatum ssp. septemlineatum Waltl, 1838, D. septemlineatum ssp. abanti Braun, 1976, D. crux Bilberg, 1817, Oberea (s.str.) ressli Demelt, 1963 and Agapanthia fallax Holzschuh, 1973 are endemic taxa for Turkey. Also, many taxa are new records for the provinces of Turkey.
WHAT ARE THE BARRIERS TO INDEPENDENT STUDY AND LEARNING IN FIRST YEAR UNDERGRADUATE ENGINEERING STUDENTS

This mixed method case study was carried out in the Dublin Institute of Technology, Ireland and was conducted with the co-operation of four experienced lecturers of engineering and three groups of first year undergraduate engineering students. The main aim of the research was to identify factors which represent barriers to the independent study and learning of first year engineering students. Many first year engineering students do not return to college for the second year of their programmes. Many reasons for this are identified in the research, including the failure of students to pass assessments and exams as a result of the lack of independent study and learning. For this research qualitative interviews were carried out with four experienced lecturers to capture their views and experiences of the study and learning habits of first year students. The data gathered during these interviews, in conjunction with my own personal experiences, and knowledge gathered from the research literature on the subject, served to guide and inform the selection of the questions which were used in a student survey. The Quantitative student survey consisted of two parts, the first included questions relating to the profile and study habits of the students, the second employed a set of questions titled “a brief measure of leaner autonomy”. This resource provides a numeric value for the student’s learner autonomy which provided the mechanism used to explore the relationship between the level of autonomy of some students and their profile and study habits. The analysis of the data gathered provides a detailed insight into the views of the engineering lecturers and the factors which represent barriers to the first year students study and learning.
Addressing performance challenges in secure storage systems

Storage security has emerged as a critical area of research in the last decade. Given the rise of sensitive digital data such as online medical records, financial data, corporate tax records etc, several mechanisms have been sought for and proposed to alleviate the security concerns associated with data at rest and in transit. Further, data privacy concerns have increased with the advent of networked storage models which have been adopted for the tremendous benefits offered by data consolidation. In addition, storage outsourcing industry has grown in the last decade and companies are increasingly relying on external organizations to store critical data. Consequences of security breaches can have far reaching consequences, over and beyond the cost of detecting and investigating such breaches. On the other hand, performance overheads and lack of efficient techniques to bound them have both been serious deterrents to the widespread adoption of security in storage systems. Applications are becoming more data intensive, requiring large storage capacities, high I/O bandwidth and low latency access to storage. The growing disparity between processing speeds and I/O performance continues to impose stringent requirements on storage systems. Further, applications are now more collaborative, with sharing of data sets becoming prevalent not just between users/applications of a single organization, but across organizations as well placing even higher performance requirements on the storage system. The motivation for this dissertation is driven by the need to secure storage systems which cater to the performance demands of applications.
Synthesis and Physicochemical Analysis of Polystyrene-Anchored Pd(II) Metal Complex

A polystyrene (PS)-anchored Pd(II) metal complex was synthesized on cross-linked polymer by heating a mixture of chlorometylated polystyrene with phenyldithiocarbazate and carbon disulfide in the presence of potassium hydroxide (KOH) in dimethylformamide (DMF). The reaction mixture was heated at 80 °C to form the corresponding phenyldithiocarbazatefunctionalized polymer. Then, it was treated with bis(benzonitrile)palladium(II) chloride. The properties of dark colored polymer, impregnated with the metal complex was then characterized by various spectroscopic technique such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM/EDX), CHNS elemental analysis, BET surface area, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric (TGA) and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission (ICP-OES) spectroscopy.