Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and characterization of hybrid shell microcapsules for anti-corrosion Ni-Co coating

This paper presents the results of the study of microcapsules synthesized using a novel hybrid shell of polyureaformaldehyde/SiO2 (PUF/SiO2) and a core of linseed oil. The synthesis was accomplished by facial polymerization combined with sol-gel of TEOS, and urea-formaldehyde resin to form the hybrid shell under optimal process parameters. The microcapsules were embedded in a metal coating using the electrodeposition method. Microcapsules were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM, FE-SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), particle size analyzer (PSA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The experimental results indicated that the average size of capsules synthesized umder the optimum processing parameters were in the range of 5 µm to 200 µm with a hybrid shell thickness of less than 1 µm. The internal surface of the shell contained more SiO2 compared to the external PUF/SiO2 layer, as indicated by EDS. While the internal surfaces were smooth, the outer surface of the microcapsules were composed of rough branched-like structures of urea-formaldehyde particles. It was shown by thermal analysis that initial decomposition starts at 225℃ which proved excellent thermal stability. Electrodeposition was carried out with the current density of 25 mA∙cm-2 to embed the synthesized microcapsules into the Ni-Co alloy coating, which was investigated by SEM, and corrosion test (OCP, LP) to characterize the corrosion behavior of these potentially self-healing coatings.
DISSOCIATION AND THERMODYNAMICS OF DENSE FLUID HYDROGEN

Recent developments in shock-wave experimental techniques have allowed the 100 GPa range to be probed. The results of experiments on hydrogen have demonstrated that at 141 GPa fluid hydrogen is in a metallic state. Using analytical calculations as well as Monte Carlo simulations, the pair distribution functions in partly dissociated hydrogen are determined. The equation of state is in good agreement with experiment in this high-pressure region. Estimates for the degree of dissociation are given. Furthermore, we demonstrate the influence of dissociation on the proton-proton pair distribution function. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Prediction Error Method (PEM)-Based Howling Cancellation in Hearing Aids: Can We Do Better?

This work develops an effective technique acoustic feedback cancellation (AFC) in the digital hearing aid (DHAid) devices. The normalized least mean square (NLMS) algorithm-based AFC method may suffer from a biased convergence. The biased convergence problem is considerably resolved by the prediction error method (PEM)-based AFC (PEM-AFC); however, it may demonstrate a slow convergence. The proposed method’s main structure is based two adaptive filters. The main adaptive AFC filter receives its input from the DHAid receiver signal, while the auxiliary AFC filter is activated by a probe signal. The main idea is to apply a lattice filtering-based pre-processing for decorrelation in the main AFC filter’s update equation. This produces a Newton-like adaptive algorithm with fast convergence. Additionally, the lattice filtering is executed on a sample-by-sample basis, in contrast to the frame-based execution in the traditional PEM-AFC method. As the AFC system converges, the level of the probe signal is decreased to improve the output SNR; however, the low-level input signal slows down auxiliary AFC filter’s convergence. In order to improve the convergence speed, the gradient information from a maximum Versoria-criterion (MVC) is incorporated into the auxiliary AFC filter’s update algorithm. The two adaptive filters’ coefficients are exchanged, to ensure that both adaptive filters converge to a good estimate of the true acoustic feedback path. Simulations show that the proposed method works well for speech/signals and for DHAid devices with different gain settings. Additionally, the proposed method shows robust performance in the event of a sudden change in the acoustic environment.
Patterned graphene functionalization via mask-free scanning of micro-plasma jet under ambient condition

In this work, a mask-free method is introduced for patterned nitrogen doping of graphene using a micro-plasma jet under ambient condition. Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra indicate that nitrogen atoms are incorporated into the graphene lattice with the two-dimensional spatial distribution precisely controlled in the range of mm down to 10 μm. Since the chemistry of the micro-plasma jet can be controlled by the choice of the gas mixture, this direct writing process with micro-plasma jet can be a versatile approach for patterned functionalization of graphene with high spatial resolution. This could have promising applications in graphene-based electronics.
COVID-19 and Turkish University Students With Visual Impairments: An In-Depth Inquiry

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of COVID-19 on the academic life, psychological well-being, social relations, and physical health of university students with visual impairments via their personal judgments. Methods: A qualitative research design was utilized with 19 participants studying at 10 Turkish universities located across seven cities. Personal online semi-structured interviews were held in January 2021. The audio-taped qualitative data were analyzed deductively in light of four predetermined themes: academic life, physical health, psychological well-being, and social relations. Results: Findings revealed the negative effects of the lockdown on daily and, specifically, campus life. Most participants claimed their preference for traditional over online education due to certain academic, psychological, and social difficulties, stating also that campus life had many academic and social advantages compared to online education. Physical health issues including access to medical treatments and lack of activity/mobility were also stressed. Discussion: It was interesting to observe that despite the interviews’ focus on daily life, students provided views on the benefits of traditional education and how and why their individual needs should be met by universities, much more than expected. Implications for Practitioners: It may be concluded that several developmental domains of students with visual impairments are affected by attendance at a university and that offices of disability services of higher education institutions and university counseling centers should take thoughtful actions to meet the specific needs of this student population tailored to both online and traditional education.
On designing an acceptance sampling plan for the Pareto lifetime model

In this paper, the design of reliability sampling plans for the Pareto lifetime model under progressive Type-II right censoring is considered. Sampling plans are derived using the decision theoretic approach with a suitable loss or cost function that consists of sampling cost, rejection cost, and acceptance cost. The decision rule is based on the estimated reliability function. Plans are constructed within the Bayesian context using the natural conjugate prior. Simulations for evaluating the Bayes risk are carried out and the optimal sampling plans are reported for various sample sizes, observed number of failures and removal probabilities.
DeepCIR: Insights into CIR-based Data-driven UWB Error Mitigation

Ultra-Wide-Band (UWB) ranging sensors have been widely adopted for robotic navigation thanks to their extremely high bandwidth and hence high resolution. However, off-the-shelf devices may output ranges with significant errors in cluttered, severe non-line-of-sight (NLOS) environments. Recently, neural networks have been actively studied to improve the ranging accuracy of UWB sensors using the channel-impulse-response (CIR) as input. However, previous works have not systematically evaluated the efficacy of various packet types and their possible combinations in a two-way-ranging transaction, including poll, response and final packets. In this paper, we firstly investigate the utility of different packet types and their combinations when used as input for a neural network. Secondly, we propose two novel data-driven approaches, namely FMCIR and WMCIR, that leverage two-sided CIRs for efficient UWB error mitigation. Our approaches outperform state-of-the-art by a significant margin, further reducing range errors up to 45%. Finally, we create and release a dataset of transaction-level synchronized CIRs (each sample consists of the CIR of the poll, response and final packets), which will enable further studies in this area.
Regularized data-driven construction of fuzzy controllers

Abstract - This paper is devoted to the mathematical analysis and the numerical solution of data-driven construction of fuzzy controllers. We show that for a special class of controllers (so-called Sugeno controllers), the design problem is equivalent to a nonlinear least squares problem, which turns out to be ill-posed. Therefore we investigate the use of regularization in order to obtain stable approximations of the solution. We analyze a smoothing method, which is common in spline approximation, as well as Tikhonov regularization with respect to stability and convergence. In addition, we develop an iterative method for the regularized problems, which uses the special structure of the problem and test it in some typical numerical examples. We also compare the behavior of the iterations for the original and the regularized least squares problems. It turns out that the regularized problem is not only more robust but also favors solutions that are interpretable easily, which is an important criterion for fuzzy systems.
A comparison of antibody response in kidney transplant A comparison of antibody response in kidney transplant recipients and healthcare workers who had PCR-confirmed recipients and healthcare workers who had PCR-confirmed COVID-19 infection COVID-19 infection

and antibody testing had lower antibody levels (r = –0.532, p < 0.001). Conclusion: At the early post-COVID-19 period, kidney transplant recipients have a similar antibody response to controls. However, these patients’ antibody levels and immunity should be closely monitored in the long term.
Early and Late Season Nutrient Stress Conditions: Impact on Cotton Productivity and Quality

Modern cotton (Gossypium spp. L) cultivars are efficient in nutrient uptake and utilization, and thus, may potentially tolerate nutrient stress. Early- and late-season nutrient stress (E-stress and L-stress, respectively) effects on cotton productivity and quality were assessed under different production conditions in Camilla and Midville, GA, USA. The E-stress received no nutrient application in the early season, but the full rates were split-applied equally at the initiation of squares and the second week of bloom stages. The L-stress received 30–40% of the full nutrient rates only at the initial stage of planting. The effects of nutrient stress on cotton productivity and fiber quality were not consistent across the different production conditions. Compared to the full nutrient rate, the E-stress did not adversely impact cotton yield, but rather it improved the lint and cottonseed yields under one production condition by 17.5% and 19.3%, respectively. Averaged across all production conditions, the L-stress decreased the lint and cottonseed yields by 34.4% and 36.2%, respectively. The minimal effects of E-stress on cotton suggest nutrient rates at the early season could be reduced and more tailored rates, informed by soil and plant tissue analyses, applied shortly before the reproductive phase.
Extreme dry and wet events in Iceland: Observations, simulations and scenarios

Monthly extremes of dryness and wetness in Iceland are analysed based on the standardised precipitation index (SPI). The analysis is performed for observations and four sets of coupled atmosphere-ocean climate model simulations (ECHAM5/MPI-OM) to link water cycle extremes in Iceland with regional atmospheric flow patterns and to estimate and evaluate future changes. The following results are obtained: (i) SPI extremes are linked with a Europe-Greenland Index (EGI) describing south-westerly flow anomalies by a dipole and the related geopotential height differences. The good agreement between the observed statistics and transient 20th century simulations encourages analysis of future climate projections. (ii) Comparison of the 21st century A1B-scenario with the pre-industrial climate reveals significant and large differences: While extremes of dryness hardly change, extremely wet conditions increase in winter and spring. As there is no flow intensification and cyclone density decreases, the cause maybe found in air moisture raising in a warmer climate.
Search-based Planning for Sensor-based Coverage Master’s Thesis

Robots are excellent candidates for the dull, dirty, and dangerous jobs we do not want humans to perform. Today, these include inspection of large areas or structures, postdisaster assessment, and surveillance. Assessing the aftermath of the recent Fern Hollow bridge collapse in Pittsburgh is one such example. Many such real-world inspection or surveillance tasks can be cast as robot coverage problems. Coverage path planning (CPP) is the problem of determining a collision-free path for a robot that observes all reachable points of interest in an environment. A variant of this problem is persistent coverage, wherein coverage levels decay over time and the robot must ensure to persistently observe all points of interest over time. Further, systems performing such tasks can be extended to have actively controllable sensors or multiple robots. This thesis proposes novel motion planning methods for robots performing such tasks. Planning via graph search on state lattices has the advantages of resolution completeness and bounded suboptimality, and this is the overarching approach to motion planning we use in this thesis. We first look at a system of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with fixed, downward-facing cameras persistently covering a large environment. This requires stitching together solutions to subproblems such as goal assignment, multi-agent planning, and handling kinematic and dynamic constraints of the robots. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our method on real-world field tests. Next, we look at the case of having an actively controllable onboard sensor and zoom into the problem of a single UAV actively sensing its environment while navigating towards a goal. We develop two novel search-based planners for simultaneous robot and sensor trajectory generation. The first decouples robot and sensor planning to compute solutions quickly, and the second (optionally) iteratively refines this solution in the joint robot and sensor search space. We then look at the standard CPP problem, where most popular approaches are decomposition based and require extensive pre-processing of the environment. These methods come with strong properties of completeness and optimality with respect to the corresponding objective. Decomposition-free methods are few, simpler, but heuristic or random and offer weak performance guarantees. We bridge this methodological gap with a novel, online, decomposition-free coverage path planner that provides completeness guarantees with minimal environment processing. Our planner leverages precomputed coverage behaviors and automatically determines where to execute them online. And finally, we tackle an important limitation of this plannerthat it exhaustively evaluates all coverage behaviors online, which is prohibitively expensive with large numbers of behaviors or higher-fidelity sensor models such as ray casting. We propose a method that uses supervised learning to predict how useful a behavior will be in a given local environment, and use this to reduce the online computational burden on the planner.
DISCIPLINE FILOSOFICHE

: Intuitions in 21 st -Century Moral Philosophy: Why Ethical Intuitionism and Reflective Equilibrium Need Each Other In this paper, I attempt to synthesize the two most influential contemporary ethical approaches that appeal to moral intuitions, viz., Rawlsian reflective equilibrium and Audi’s moderate intuitionism. This paper has two parts. First, I build on the work of Audi, and Gaut, I provide a more detailed and nuanced account of how these two approaches are compatible. Second, I show how this novel synthesis can both (1) fully address the main objections to reflective equilibrium, viz., that it provides neither necessary nor sufficient conditions for the justification of our moral beliefs and (2) help ethical intuitionism to deal with the fundamental problem of peer disagreement over our basic moral intuitions. In doing so, I sketch out a novel and attractive diachronic way of thinking about peer disagreement more generally.
Untersuchungen des Lichtwechsels von zwölf Ap‐Sternen in zehn Spektralbereichen

Twelve Ap stars with known periods and fairly large amplitudes were photoelectrically investigated in a ten colour system (λ 3400 to λ 7600 ). The amplitude-wavelength relations following from the light curves cannot be explained by the influence of the backwarming effect. These relations point to complicated structures in the atmospheres of the peculiar regions of the magnetic stars. Zwolf Ap-Sterne mit bekannter Periode und groserer Amplitude wurden in einem Zehnfarbensystem (3400 A bis 7600 A) lichtelektrisch untersucht. Die aus den Lichtkurven bestimmten Amplituden-Wellenlangen-Beziehungen lassen sich nicht durch den Einflus des backwarming-Effekts erklaren. Sie deuten vielmehr auf eine von der normalen Sternatmosphare unterschiedliche Atmospharenstruktur in den pekuliaren Gebieten auf den magnetischen Sternen hin.
Surface selective deposition of molecular semiconductors for solution-based integration of organic field-effect transistors

A bottom-up fabrication technique for the preparation of self-organizedorganic field-effect transistors(OFETs) on flexible plastic substrates is presented. Solution-based self-organization of OFETs is achieved by patterning the insulator surface with solution-wettable and unwettable regions. The proposed method satisfies several important requirements of printable electronics, including reduction in energy consumption, minimization of facilities, and the on-demand use of molecular materials.Self-organizedOFETs display an average mobility of 0.53 cm 2 / ( V s ) , on/off ratio of 10 9 , and subthreshold slope of 0.18 V/dec, with near-zero and narrowly distributed threshold voltage. An inverter circuit prepared using these devices is demonstrated with high signal gain.
Dimension reduction for second-order systems by general orthogonal polynomials

In this article, we discuss the time-domain dimension reduction methods for second-order systems by general orthogonal polynomials, and present a structure-preserving dimension reduction method for second-order systems. The resulting reduced systems not only preserve the second-order structure but also guarantee the stability under certain conditions. The error estimate of the reduced models is also given. The effectiveness of the proposed methods is demonstrated by three test examples.
Non-contact time-domain scanning brain imager: results of proof of principle tests

We report on the development of a scanning non-contact brain imager, based on a novel technique in time-resolved near-infrared spectroscopy, i.e. the null source-detector distance approach. Our concept is designed to image an area of about 10 cm2 with small adjustable scanning steps, i.e. a high density of mapping points can be realized. The feasibility of the proposed method was tested with a single-point confocal optical setup without beam scanning so far. A set of test measurements was performed on a liquid phantom with a small black polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cylinder as a target, which was translated in X direction to emulate the optical scanning and estimate lateral spatial resolution, and in Z direction to estimate the depth sensitivity of the instrument. The problem of dominance of early photons at null source- detector separation was solved by applying a fast time-gated detector to detect late only photons. Two fast-gated detectors, a newly developed state-of-art time-gated single-photon avalanche photodiode (tgSPAD) and commercially available fast-gated intensified CCD (iCCD) camera, were compared against each other. It was shown that, due to its better dynamic range, the tgSPAD is capable to detect later photons than the iCCD camera, and hence, a scanning system equipped with the time-gated SPAD has better depth sensitivity. Thus the time-gated SPAD is the detector of choice for further development of the non-contact confocal brain scanner.
A theoretical approach to the optimization of electronic speckle interferometry fringes with limited laser power

Abstract Electronic speckle pattern interferometry (ESPI) is used to measure surface deformation, surface vibration, surface geometry and refractive index changes. In this paper, the way in which the available laser power should be used to optimize the clarity of the fringes obtained in ESPI systems using subtraction and a smooth reference beam (i.e. a reference beam derived directly from an expanded laser beam) is investigated. While the clarity of ESPI fringes is limited by the resolution of the video system used to obtain the fringes, it is shown that in general, the optimum fringe clarity is likely to be obtained when the f/number of the viewing system is set so that the speckle pattern is not fully resolved. The optimum setting in any given case is determined by the laser power available, the scattering properties of the object surface, the sensitivity of the camera and the spatial resolution of the video system; the relationship between these various parameters is derived.
Interaction of an Ionizing Shock Wave with a Transverse Magnetic Field

A strong ionizing shock wave penetrating a transverse magnetic field is analyzed. The distribution of magnetic field behind the shock front is obtained. It is shown that for a steady‐state magnetic field ahead of the shock front, at high magnetic Reynolds numbers, the field is swept along as a contact discontinuity initiated at the moment the shock enters into the field. For a magnetic field ahead of the shock front increasing rapidly in time, the field behind the shock front decreases sharply with the distance. The interaction of the incident shock with the magnetic field results in forming a reflected shock and a transmitted shock whose speed is less than that of the incident shock. The value of the magnetic field is found for which reflection of the incident shock is similar to the reflection from a solid wall.
ESTIMATING THE COGNITIVE DIAGNOSIS Q MATRIX WITH EXPERT KNOWLEDGE: APPLICATION TO THE FRACTION-SUBTRACTION DATASET

Cognitivediagnosismodels(CDMs)areanimportantpsychometricframeworkforclassifyingstudents intermsofattributeand/orskillmastery.The Q matrix,whichspeciﬁestherequiredattributesforeachitem, is central to implementing CDMs. The general unavailability of Q for most content areas and datasets poses a barrier to widespread applications of CDMs, and recent research accordingly developed fully exploratory methods to estimate Q . However, current methods do not always offer clear interpretations of the uncovered skills and existing exploratory methods do not use expert knowledge to estimate Q . We consider Bayesian estimation of Q using a prior based upon expert knowledge using a fully Bayesian formulation for a general diagnostic model. The developed method can be used to validate which of the underlying attributes are predicted by experts and to identify residual attributes that remain unexplained by expertknowledge.WereportMonteCarloevidenceabouttheaccuracyofselectingactiveexpert-predictors andpresentanapplicationusingTatsuoka’sfraction-subtractiondataset.