Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PICEA ABIES (L.) H. KARST. LEAF TEMPERATURE AS AN INDICATOR OF SPECIES RESILIENCE: A CASE STUDY OF THE ČEMERNIK MOUNTAINS IN SOUTHEAST EUROPE

Norway spruce ( Picea abies (L.) H. Karst. ) is one of the ecologically and economically most important species in European forestry. According to the latest genocenological tests, environmental factors have a significant influence on the species’ survival, and there is no decrease in variability in the periphery of its areal, thus the research of its resilience requires work on "plus" trees. The paper analyzed differences in thermal data of leaves in the sun and shade, trunk bark in the shade
The Design of A Motorcycle Featuring Fully Independent Adjustability for Front Suspension and Steering Geometry

The paper presents a feasibility study for a prototype motorbike (bike in short) with an alternative front suspension. Novel features include the adjustability of steering axis inclination, front trail, and anti-dive effect i.e. the main parameters affecting rider feedback and perception as well as motorcycle behaviour. Although being based on the well-known double-wishbone layout, the system can be adjusted to replicate the geometry of a conventional fork as a baseline for experimental testing. Unlike similar concepts that can be found in literature the kinematics can be modified by means of straightforward adjustments that do not require complex disassembly. Independent adjustability is provided for each parameter. These innovative features enable a back-to-back comparison between significantly different settings, in order to explore a wide range of characteristics in terms of dynamic response, handling properties and rider’s perception with a single vehicle. The project is aimed at fostering knowledge on motorcycle dynamics within the research group and especially on rider feedback and subjective perception, somehow a neglected topic in current literature. It was undertaken under the form of a student educational project in mechanical engineering and named “F.A. B. ” (Fully Adjustable Bike). The paper is mainly focused on front suspension kinematics; chassis design and related structural aspects are outlined as well.
MARS Spectral CT Technology for Orthopaedic Applications

This thesis investigates MARS spectral CT technology for preclinical orthopaedic applications. Current CT methods for orthopaedic imaging have limited success due to their to inability to quantify tissue types and contrast media, and in reducing metal artefacts arising from orthopaedic implants. Spectral CT has the potential to quantify contrast media for cartilage evaluation, to quantify strontium in additive-manufactured scaffolds, and to reduce CT image artefacts. This thesis is presented in two parts, with the first half focussing on MARS image processing techniques, and the second half focussing on preclinical studies on cartilage imaging and metal implant imaging. A projection-space image denoising algorithm for MARS multi-energy data was developed during my research. Image noise in the acquired data corrupts the information required for multienergy CT reconstruction, material discrimination, and image analysis. The benefits of this denoising technique were demonstrated on data from preclinical studies such as metal implant imaging, atheroma imaging, and contrast molecular imaging. Image segmentation methods using component analysis techniques were developed for a hybrid-CT setup, and were also used for material characterisation in an additive-manufactured polymer scaffold used in regenerative medicine. Quantitative cartilage imaging using spectral CT was demonstrated using bovine cartilage and osteoarthritic human cartilage samples. A contrast media used as an inverse marker of gylcosaminoglycans (GAG) in cartilage enabled cartilage-bone differentiation and material quantification. The results were compared with cartilage histology stained for GAG. Metal artefact reduction through high-energy acquisition using MARS was demonstrated. Samples made from titanium and cobalt-chromium alloys in the form of phantoms, small implants and 3D-printed porous scaffolds were imaged. Metal artefacts were quantified in the multienergy data using appropriate CT image metrics. In conclusion, this thesis has developed imaging strategies and image processing methods using MARS small-animal modalities to demonstrate the potential of spectral CT for quantitative cartilage imaging, for reducing metal artefacts in orthopaedic implants, and for non-destructive imaging of additive-manufactured scaffolds.
A case study of Gulf Securities Market in the last 20 years: A Long Short‐Term Memory approach

Various researches have been conducted on forecasting stock prices. Several tools ranging from statistical techniques to quantitative methods have been used by researchers to forecast the market. But so far, very little research has been done on forecasting the stock markets of the Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. Our approach is to predict the market indices of the Gulf countries using Long Short‐Term Memory (LSTM) techniques. Thereafter, we optimized the hyperparameters of the LSTM technique using various optimization methods such as Grid Search and Bayesian Optimization with Gaussian Process and found out the best‐suited hyperparameter for the LSTM model. We tried the LSTM method for predicting the indices using data from the last twenty years.
On the Beam Dynamics Which Has Been Described by Vlasov Equation

There are sufficiently many physical phenomena, which have been well described by Vlasov equation. As known, this equation deals, in particular, with kinetic fields. This report deals with the Vlasov equation for the case where the electric and magnetic terms in the Lorentz force are defined by Poisson's equation and a parameter respectively. The solutions of Vlasov equation we carry out in terms of Lyapunov function using integral equations for the Lyapunov function. We note that the Lyapunov function is a global parameter of the system Using Zubov's method for the construction of the Lyapunov function and one inequality of Hahnons, we show that Lyapunov function generate, (in the region of asymptotic stability), a kernel operator. In this way we can show that the appearance of chaos in the above mentioned system may be defined by the weakness of convergence of the Lyapunov generating function. The analysis of the mechanisms for spatial-temporal chaotization of system is also included.
Stock Market Prediction from Sentiment and Financial Stock Data Using Machine Learning

Forecasting stock values is challenging due to market volatility and numerous financial variables, such as news, social media, political changes, investor emotions, and the general economy. Predicting stock value using financial data alone may be insufficient. By combining sentiment analysis from social media with financial stock data, more accurate predictions can be achieved. We use an ensemble-based model employing multi-layer perceptron, long short-term memory, and convolutional neural network models to estimate sentiment in social media posts. Our models are trained on AAPL, CSCO, IBM, and MSFT stocks, using financial data and sentiment from Twitter between 2015-2019. Results show that combining financial and sentiment information improves stock market prediction performance, achieving a next-hour prediction performance of 74.3%.
BLDC Speed Control Using PID, PWM & Hardware Development

– This study sheds light on different types of speed control of a Motor with a powerful simulation model for MATLAB/SIMULINK-based PID-controlled, PWM hysteresis & Hardware Development using IR sensor based brushless direct current motor drive. Using a PID controller, PWM hysteresis & Hardware the Brushless direct current (BLDC) motor can be effectively managed. The BLDC motor mathematical modelling will be confirmed. Using all these models, it is simple to observe and analyze the dynamic properties of BLDC motors (speed and torque), as well as the current and voltages of the inverter components.
A comparison of mathematical features of Turkish and American textbook definitions regarding special quadrilaterals

ABSTRACT In this study, I analyzed and compared definitions of special quadrilaterals presented in the US and Turkish secondary school mathematics textbooks. To this end, seven textbooks from each country were examined based on the following features of mathematical definitions: form of presentation and mathematical correctness, minimality, the nature of definitions, and the reference sets and geometric properties used in definitions. The results showed that Turkish textbooks include both procedural and structural definitions of quadrilaterals, while procedural definitions are non-existent in the US mathematics textbooks. Meanwhile, all structural definitions and all procedural definitions excluding one are mathematically correct. Besides, in both country textbooks, there exists more number of minimal and inclusive definitions compared to the non-minimal and exclusive ones. Finally, textbooks from both countries mainly use quadrilaterals as reference sets and sides as geometric properties in definitions of special quadrilaterals. The results bring to light the varied opportunities provided to the students by the US and Turkish textbooks to experience and learn definitions of special quadrilaterals.
HALL–PETCH EFFECT AND INVERSE HALL–PETCH EFFECT: A FRACTAL UNIFICATION

Hall–Petch strengthening has been widely used in materials science, but its mechanism is not very clear yet, some inverse phenomena were observed. This paper gives a fractal approach to explanation of the Hall–Petch effect, revealing the value of the fractal dimensions is the key factor: when it is larger than one, the Hall–Petch effect is predicted; while when it is smaller than one, an inverse Hall–Petch relationship is obtained. The fractal theory can also explain the nano-effort (size effort) in nanotechnology and spider silk’s strength.
Antena de Microfita para Telefone Celular

Neste trabalho são analisadas três formas diferentes de alimentação para uma antena de microfita, tendo em vista a sua potencial utilização em telefones celulares. A análise foi realizada para a faixa de 1,85 a 1,99 GHz e os resultados das simulações indicam a antena alimentada por prova coaxial como a mais promissora das três analisadas. Bons resultados entre simulações e experimentos foram obtidos.
STUDY OF NUTRIENT VALUE IN POST HARVESTED INFECTED ORANGE (CITRUS SINENSIS) FRUIT

Orange (Citrus sinensis) is a very nutrient and beneficial fruit all over the world. Study wereconducted on changes in the nutrient value like reducing sugar, non reducing sugar, starch, protein,phenol, vitamin C, alpha-amylase and total antioxidant activity of the post harvested infected orangefruit. In this analysis two fungi were isolated from infected orange fruits. The effect of these fungiindicate the reduction in non-reducing sugar, vitamin C, alpha-amylase and antioxidant activity butthe amount of reducing sugar, protein and phenol increased in infected fruit. The nutrient valuedeclined or increased due to the infection of penicillium and phytophthora fungus. From the presentinvestigation it can be concluded that the fungus decrease or increase the nutrient value of fruitbecause they use them for their successful growth and establishment.
Choice between Delayed Reinforcers: Interaction between Delay and Deprivation Level

Choice between two reinforcers differing in magnitude and delay was investigated in rats maintained at 80% (n = 10) or 90% (n = 10) of their free-feeding body weights using discrete-trials adjusting-delay schedules in which the two reinforcers (S\[mall] and L\[arge]) were associated with different levers. In each phase of the experiment the delay to the smaller reinforcer (dS) was held constant, and the delay to the larger reinforcer (dL) was varied in accordance with the distribution of choices in successive blocks of trials. The value of dS was varied across the four phases of the experiment (2, 4, 8, and 2 sec). When dS was 2 sec, the mean value of dL was higher in the rats maintained at 80% than in those maintained at 90% of their free-feeding body weights. When dS was increased, the value of dL increased in both groups; however the effect of deprivation level was abolished. The results are consistent with a model of choice that posits hyperbolic relations between reinforcer value and reinforcer magnitude, and between reinforcer value and delay of reinforcement.
Identification of Influential Nodes in Complex Networks With Degree and Average Neighbor Degree

Identifying influential nodes in complex networks is vital for understanding their structure and dynamic behavior. Although methods based on a single characteristic of nodes have been demonstrated to be effective in specific scenarios, the information they provide in dealing with the global aspect of the network is often limited or incomplete. In this paper, we present a measure that combines the degree and the average neighbor degree to evaluate the influence of nodes. As a supplement, we also propose the corresponding gravity index. Experiments on synthetic and real-world networks show that the method proposed in this paper is superior to previous methods based on the single characteristic of nodes in most scenarios. Our gravity strategy is also highly competitive compared with the current famous gravity method.
A Collaborative Graph-based SLAM Framework Using a Computationally Effective Measurement Algebra

Simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) is an essential task for autonomous rover navigation in an unknown environment, especially if no absolute location information is available. This paper presents a computationally lightweight framework to enable agents with limited processing power to carry out the SLAM cooperatively and without absolute onboard localization sensors in a 2D environment. The proposed solution is built on a graph-based map representation, where nodes (resp. edges) represent landmarks (resp. odometry-based relative measurements), a measurement algebra with embedded uncertainty, and a compact database format that could be stored on a server in a centralized manner. The operations required by the agents to insert a new landmark in the graph, update landmark positions and combine measurements as a loop is closed in the graph are detailed. The resulting framework was tested in a laboratory environment and on a public dataset with encouraging results; hence our method can be used for cost-effective indoor mobile agents with limited computational resources and onboard sensors to achieve a mapping while keeping track of the agent's position. The method can also be easily generalized for a 3D scenario.
Is it safe to be attractive? Disentangling the influence of streetscape features on the perceived safety and attractiveness of city streets

Abstract. City streets that feel safe and attractive motivate active travel behaviour and promote people’s well-being. However, determining what makes a street safe and attractive is a challenging task because subjective qualities of the streetscape are difficult to quantify. Existing evidence typically focuses on how different street features influence perceived safety or attractiveness, but little is known about what influences both. To fill this knowledge gap, we developed a crowdsourcing tool and conducted a study with 403 participants, who were asked to virtually navigate city streets in Frankfurt, Germany, through a sequence of street-level images, rate locations based on perceived safety and attractiveness, and explain their ratings. Our results contribute new insights regarding the key similarities and differences between the factors influencing perceived safety and attractiveness. We show that the presence of human activity is strongly related to perceived safety, whereas attractiveness is influenced primarily by aesthetic qualities, as well as the number and type of amenities along a street. Moreover, we demonstrate that the presence of construction sites and underpasses has a disproportionately negative impact on perceived safety and attractiveness, outweighing the influence of any other features. We use the results to make evidence-informed recommendations for designing safer and more attractive streets that encourage active travel modes and promote well-being.
Pharmaceutical Promotion Tools Effect on Physician's Adoption of Medicine Prescribing: Evidence from Jordan

The study aims to investigate the effect of pharmaceutical promotion tools on physician's adoption of medicine prescribing in Jordan. Medical representative detailing visit, promotional medicine price, external medical conference sponsorship, and free sampling were the main promotional tools investigated in this study. Researcher collected primary data using a questionnaire from a judgment sample of 150 practicing physicians in the private sector (non-probability sampling), who responded to the study questionnaire. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the data. The results indicated that there were a high level of acceptance and effect for the previously mentioned promotional tools on physicians’ adoption; the most influential independent variable was promotional medicine price followed by free sampling, while external medical conference sponsors and medical representative detailing visit were the lowest influential medical promotional tools. Managers and decision makers who are working in pharmaceutical companies in Jordan were recommended to focus on scientific detailing and free sampling and to decrease budget allocated for External medical conferences sponsorship.
Successful preparation of tercopolymer hydrogel for the removal of toluidine dye from contaminated water: Experimental and DFT study

ABSTRACT Polymeric hydrogel with pH-sensitive surface was prepared in this study. The surface morphologies of the synthesized materials were examined using scanning electron microscopy. Surface area and pore sizes of the hydrogels were determined using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller. Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy was used for the identification of various functional groups on the surface of these adsorbents. These hydrogels were extremely efficient in removing toxic toluidine dye from contaminated water. Kinetics and isothermal models were used for the calculations of adsorption parameters of the synthesized materials. The adsorption data were impeccably explained with pseudo‐second order and the Langmuir model as compared to other models. The spontaneity of the reaction was confirmed by thermodynamic study. In this study the value of enthalpy (∆H°) was 7322.6 kJ/mol. The values of Gibbs energy (∆G°) were −453.9, −984.4 and −1515.2 kJ/mol, at 293K, 313K and 333K, respectively, for toluidine dye, which showed that the process is endothermic and spontaneous in nature. Moreover, the value for entropy (∆S°) was calculated as 26.54 Jmol/K for toluidine dye. The interactions of various functional groups on the surface of adsorbent and toluidine dye molecules were studied with density functional theory simulations. The large binding energies (−5.73 to −25/74 kcal/mol) of different complexes showed that the hydrogels had strong affinity for the adsorption of toluidine dye molecules while the negative values revealed that the process is spontaneous and endothermic. These results were consistent with the experimental results. This study revealed that the synthesized hydrogel is efficient adsorbent material for toluidine dye removal from contaminated water. The adsorption capacity of the prepared hydrogel was 526 mg/g for toluidine dye.
Indoor Human Information Acquisition from Physical Vibrations

With the growth of networked smart devices in indoor environments, human information acquisition becomes essential for these devices to make the environment smart and people’s lives more convenient. These networked systems, which are often referred to as Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), learn and make decisions collaboratively based on data input. The data could come from sensors that perceive various signals in the physical world, human input, etc. In this thesis, I will focus on information acquisition based on data from sensing the physical world. The major challenges to accurately interpreting the information these systems perceive result from the complexity of the physical world. An extreme solution to this problem is to have a large number of sensors or sensing configurations that collect a large amount of data. Ideally, we could then have labeled data for each sensing condition and possible scenario in order to accurately model the world. However, in the real world, such solutions could be difficult if not impossible to achieve due to constraints on the hardware, computational power, and (labeled) dataset. This thesis targets this problem and sets the goal of obtaining accurate indoor human information through limited system configurations and limited labeled data. A new concept of utilizing structures as sensors is presented as the foundation of the system. The intuition is that people induce ambient structures to vibrate all the time, and their activities and information can be inferred from this vibration. To achieve that with the aforementioned constraints, an understanding of the physical world (that has been studied for centuries in multiple disciplines) is used to assist the sensing and learning process for more accurate information acquisition from sensor data.
Comparison of Different Model-Free Control Methods Concerning Real-Time Benchmark

The design of accurate model often appears as the most challenging tasks for control engineers especially focusing to the control of nonlinear system with unknown parameters or effects to be identified in parallel. For this reason, development of model-free control methods is of increasing importance. The class of model-free control approaches is defined by the nonuse of any knowledge about the underlying structure and/or related parameters of the dynamical system. Therefore, the major criteria to evaluate model-free control performance are aspects regarding robustness against unknown inputs and disturbances and related achievable tracking performance. In this contribution, a detailed comparison of three different model-free control methods (intelligent proportional-integral-derivative (iPID) using second-order sliding differentiator and two variations of model-free adaptive control (using modified compact form dynamic linearization (CFDL) as well as modified partial form) is given. Using a three-tank system benchmark, the experimental results are validated concerning the performance behavior. The results obtained demonstrate the effectiveness of the methods introduced.
Radiation hardness of luminescent screens under FEL radiation

The European X-Ray Free-Electron Laser (EuXFEL) generates highly brilliant x-ray radiation with photon energies of typically 0.3 to 20 keV, with pulse energies of several mJ, and a beam diameter of approximately 0.5 mm at 9 keV at a distance of 250 m from the source. The beam is pulsed with pulse durations smaller than 100 fs. Luminescent screens along the beam transport path are used for beam diagnostics, to visualise the beam position and transverse shape. The EuXFEL beam can reach the damage threshold of the different screen materials already within a few pulses. Care has to be taken about permissible beam conditions, and the most suitable screens must be selected for a desired application. This contribution reports on the experiences with radiation damage of luminescent screens from different materials (YAG:Ce, diamond:B, BN) during the recently accomplished 5 years of user operation of EuXFEL and gives examples of different types of degradation: from slight degradations by structural changes of screens and surface damage up to screen fracture. Under the particular pulse structure of the EuXFEL radiation at 9 keV photon energy, YAG screens withstand up to 0.5 J/mm2 of incident pulse energy accumulated over successive radiation pulses, respectively 40 J/mm2 for diamond.