Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Iron Oxides Influence Bacterial Community Structure and the Spatial Distribution of the Aerobic Methanotrophs and Sulphate Reducers in Granitic Aquifers

The effect of bacteriogenic iron oxides (BIOS) on microbial community structure in subterranean igneous rock aquifers was evaluated. Of interest was to understand how bacteria are partitioned between groundwater and BIOS and to determined whether such spatial separation within the same environment confers niche-specific selectivity. The distribution of the methane-oxidizing and sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB) was examined closely because the former are important for redox maintenance in this predominantly anaerobic environment. The SRB are ecologically important in organic carbon mineralization representing the most abundant and diverse metabolic group in the aquifers. The corrosive hydrogen sulphide they produce poses a threat to the integrity of the copper canisters that will store spent nuclear waste deposited in these aquifers. Widespread deposits of BIOS occur at microaerophilic interfaces where anaerobic ground water interacts with oxygen. Applying molecular techniques, BIOS deposited along microaerophilic zones in the aquifers was found to select for bacterial phylotypes normally not predominant in groundwater. More than 70% of the SRB occurred in association with the BIOS-rich zones. The native SRB widespread in the aquifers poorly colonized environments associated with BIOS. As much as 50% of the total bacterial counts present in the BIOS communities could be identified as type I methanotrophs predominated by filamentous forms. In addition to biogeochemical factors such as salinity and depth, this study suggests that BIOS environments may constitute a distinct niche with unique properties that enrich for microorganisms different from those commonly reported in the non-BIOS aquifers.
Hybrid Navigation of an Autonomous Mobile Robot to Depress an Elevator Button

Abstract The development of an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) with an eye-in-hand robot arm atop for depressing elevator button is proposed. The AMR can construct maps and perform localization using the ORB-SLAM algorithm (the Oriented FAST [Features from Accelerated Segment Test] and Rotated BRIEF [Binary Robust Independent Elementary Features] feature detector-Simultaneous Localization and Mapping). It is also capable of real-time obstacle avoidance using information from 2D-LiDAR sensors. The AMR, robot manipulator, cameras, and sensors are all integrated under a robot operating system (ROS). In experimental investigation to dispatch the AMR to depress an elevator button, AMR navigation initiating from the laboratory is divided into three parts. First, the AMR initiated navigation using ORB-SLAM for most of the journey to a waypoint nearby the elevator. The resulting mean absolute error (MAE) is 8.5 cm on the x-axis, 10.8 cm on the y-axis, 9.2-degree rotation angle about the z-axis, and the linear displacement from the reference point is 15.1 cm. Next, the ORB-SLAM is replaced by an odometry-based 2D-SLAM method for further navigating the AMR from waypoint to a point facing the elevator between 1.5 to 3 meter distance, where the ORB-SLAM is ineffective due to sparse feature points for localization and where the elevator can be clearly detected by an eye-in-hand machine vision onboard the AMR. Finally, the machine vision identifies the position in space of the elevator and again the odometry-based 2D-SLAM method is employed for navigating the AMR to the front of the elevator between 0.3 to 0.5 meter distance. Only at this stage can the small elevator button be detected and reached by the robot arm on the AMR. An average 60% successful rate of button depressing by the AMR starting at the laboratory is obtained in the experiments. Improvements for successful elevator button depressing rate are also pointed out.
HTS conductor coil by in-situ winding technology for large-scale high-field magnet

High temperature superconducting (HTS) conductors have become important candidates to be used in large-scale high-field magnets, owing to its high critical current density as well as good mechanical properties. At present, there are various forms of HTS conductors proposed. In this work, we reported the fabrication of the REBCO HTS coil using in-situ winding technology. The six-layer coil with a diameter of 410 mm achieved a total current of 2562 A, and generated a central magnetic field of 7.8 mT at 77 K. The stress, deformation, and defect caused during conventional winding procedure could be significantly decreased using in-situ winding technology, indicating it has great potential for the large-scale high-field magnets in next-generation fusion reactors.
A Conical Cavity-Backed Antenna With Embedded Multiple Quarter-Wave Resonators

A conical cavity-backed antenna with embedded multiple quarter-wave resonators (multiple QWRs) is proposed. The 3-dB axial ratio bandwidth (ARBW) of a cavity-backed antenna is limited by cavity resonance, undesired cavity current, and circular polarization (CP) behavior of the radiator. As a result, the cavity-backed antenna exhibits a high AR level and narrows the 3-dB ARBW, even though a high antenna gain and front-to-back ratio remain. In this study, a simple crossed-dipole was used to excite a conical cavity with four embedded multiple QWRs. The multiple QWR consists of two metallic plates and a cavity rim wall, which generate an additional current to support CP radiation. A conical cavity with embedded multiple QWRs can reduce the AR level and enlarge the 3-dB ARBW by preventing cavity resonance which creates a strong electric field inside the cavity, minimizing the effect of the undesired cavity current that radiates the cross-polarized wave, and further adding the CP mode to the antenna. The prototype realized a wide impedance bandwidth of 93.83% (1.72–4.76 GHz) and wide axial ratio bandwidth of 83.75% (1.86–4.54 GHz). The maximum gain was 9.9 dBic at 4.18 GHz. For the case where the radiator cannot be changed, this study demonstrates a cavity approach utilizing a microwave structure (multiple QWR) to reduce the AR level and maximize the 3-dB ARBW of a cavity-backed antenna without radiator modification.
UvA-DARE (

The purpose of this study is to describe the acoustic changes of the consonants /t/ and /d/ in Dutch speaking individuals before and after total laryngectomy. The speech of seventeen participants was recorded before and after treatment. Eighteen tokens from a read-aloud text were obtained with /t/ or /d/ in initial position. Prevoicing, burst duration and duration of the vowel following the consonant were analyzed. The results show that the acoustic contrast of the /t/ and /d/ in initial position is reduced after treatment. Post-operatively, the presence of prevoicing of /d/ decreases, and burst duration increases. In the post-operative situation, therefore, /d/ becomes more similar to /t/ acoustically.
Environmental history of the dry forest biome of Guerrero, Mexico, and human impact during the last c. 2700 years

Two lake sediment cores from Madre del Sur mountain range,Guerrero State, west-central Mexico were studied to examine the pastdynamics of the dry forest biome. Pollen, spores of coprophilousfungi, cyanobacteria and lithological changes are presented. The390-cm Tixtla core (1730'N, 99°24W, 1400 maltitude) represents the last 2700 cal. yr; the 340-cm Huitziltepeccore (17°45N, 99°28W, 1430 m altitude) representsthe last 2050 cal. yr. Pollen shows climate-dependent competitionbetween dry deciduous forest (with Asteraceae, Chamaesyce-type,Bursera, Euphorbia, Myrica andLysiloma-Pithecellobium-type as main components) and moister(mesophyllous) forest (with Pinus, Quercus, Alnus andJuglans). Human impact on the environment is apparent duringthe entire record, as evidenced by crop cultivation (Zea mays,Amaranthus, Capsicum, Chenopodium), coprophilous fungi(Podospora-type and Sporormiella-type), deforestation (at Tixtla in particular) and lake eutrophication, ie, cyanobacteria blooms. Environmental change at both sites is summarized as follows. Period 1 (2700-2450 cal. yr BP): abundant dry deciduous forest and climate conditions drier than today. Period 2 (2450-1950 cal. yr BP): little change in proportions of dry deciduous and mesophyllous forest but floral composition of the forests differed between sites. Human occupation was low. Period 3 (1950-1550 cal. yr BP): dry deciduous forest decreased while mesophyllous forest increased, indicating more humid climatic conditions. Populations expanded significantly around 1950 cal. yr BP. Period 4 (1550-1070 cal. yr BP): maximum expansion of mesophyllous forest. Climate was more humid than today. Pre-Hispanic populations at Tixtla reached high numbers leading to deforestation and eutrophication. Period 5 (1070-c. 750 cal. yr BP): shows abundant mesophyllous forest and lowest proportions of dry deciduous forest. Climate continued to be humid. There is evidence of forest harvesting, crop cultivation and dense human population. Period 6 (c. 750-225 cal. yr BP): dry deciduous forest expanded and mesophyllous forest decreased. There was significant deforestation by pre-Hispanic people around Lake Tixtla. High population densities and frequent fires at both sites caused eutrophication of the lakes. Domesticated herbivores were introduced ∼ad 1500 and the presence of dung is reflected in the record of coprophilous fungi. Period 7 (the last 225 calendar years): the basins were used intensively by local people and their cattle. Dry deciduous forest continued to increase while mesophyllous forest decreased.
DEGREE PROJECT Concept investigation into Metal Plasma Source for HighPowered Space Applications

This thesis explores the potential of utilizing metal-based plasma sources as a sustainable solution for high-powered electric propulsion and its implications for future interplanetary travel. Focusing on the Vacuum Arc Thruster and the Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket engine, the study encompasses numerical simulations, analytical comparisons, and performance analyses to assess the feasibility of metal plasma fuels in space missions. The numerical analysis employs COMSOL Multiphysics to delve into the magnetohydrodynamics behavior within the VAT. Such simulation setup could provide valuable insights. Although the numerical results are disappointing for this paper, there exist possibilities within future work. The main hurdle is the simulation of vacuum. There are workarounds in COMSOL’s Vacuum System Modeling tool which was not available for this thesis. Also, the used material properties were not suited for this high temperature plasma environment. The lack of material properties is a consequence of the insufficient research in the metal plasma field. Performance analysis is conducted on both the VAT and VASIMR engine, exploring efficiency, thrust capabilities, and feasibility for interplanetary missions. The results demonstrate the potential of metal-based plasma sources to reduce dependence on Earth for refueling and decrease mission costs. It is found that aluminum and magnesium have similar performance as the argon gas used in the VASIMR. Although challenges exist, such as integration problems and availability of material properties for metals in plasma states, the study underscores the promise of metal plasma fuels for sustainable space exploration. By advancing high-powered electric propulsion technologies, we move closer to realizing humanity’s ambitious journey to distant celestial bodies. This research paves the way for future innovations, enabling a more self-sustaining space economy and unlocking new horizons of interplanetary travel.
Differences in Level of Physical Fitness of Students in relation to gender at the ages between 11 to 14-Years

This research was conducted on a sample of 4,090 respondents of Macedonian nationality, from 19 primary schools from Central and Eastern Macedonia, 8 out of which are located in rural areas and 11 in urban environments. Each sub-sample is divided, according to chronological age, into 4 age groups in the span of one calendar year. The aim of this research is to measure the development of the fitness skills of boys and girls between the ages of 11 to 14 years and to assess the differences between them. 3 variables for anthropometric measurements, 2 variables for body composition, and 8 fitness tests of the international battery of EUROFIT were adopted for the purposes of the research. The obtained data was processed using appropriate multivariate and univariate parametric statistical procedures. The discriminant analysis shows that boys show better fitness test results in every age category in comparison to girls for the following tests: standing long jump, Sit-ups 30 sec. , 4⇥10-m shuttle run test, Bent arm hang test and 3 minute step test (average heart rate). Furthermore, girls show better fitness test results in all age groups for the “Sit and Reach“ test. Considerable difference in the fitness test results can be seen at the age of 14, especially in those tests in which strength and endurance prevail. It is concluded that fitness capabilities, as well as their interests, should be considered in determining the differences between boys and girls.
Representation Learning for Behavioral Analysis of Complex Games

Many phenomena studied in marketing and economics are analyzed through the lens of non-cooperative games. Researchers often study empirical behavior of agents in simple games conducted in the lab, but research on complex real-world competitive settings with extensive action spaces and intricate payoff structures is rare due to methodological challenges and data limitations. To bridge this gap, I develop a novel neural network architecture that enables behavioral analysis of complex games by estimating a game’s payoff structure (e.g., win probabilities between pairs of actions) while simultaneously mapping agent actions to a lower-dimensional latent space. I structure the neural network to enforce that the latent space encodes strategic similarities between actions in a smooth, linear manner. I apply my method to analyze a unique dataset of over 11 million matches played in a competitive video game with a large array of actions and complex strategic interactions. I find that players select actions that counterfactually would have performed better against recent opponents, demonstrating model-based reasoning. Still, players overrely on simple heuristics relative to model-based reasoning to an extent that is similar to findings reported in lab settings. I find that noisy and biased decision-making leads to frequent selection of suboptimal actions, which corresponds to lower player engagement. This demonstrates the limits of player sophistication when making complex competitive decisions and suggests that platforms hosting competitions may benefit from interventions that enable players to improve their decision-making.
Wireless sensor network deployment for water use efficiency in irrigation

Australia is facing a severe water shortage due to below-average rainfall received over the past decade. The agricultural industry is significantly affected by this shortage due to its high water demands. It is important to adopt changes in agricultural practices and employ innovative ideas for the agricultural industry to maintain its current rate of production. Sensor technology can be used to study soil dynamics based on information gathered at regular intervals, and the data collected can be used as feedback to improve irrigation efficiency. In this paper, we describe our experiences in the design, development and deployment of a wireless sensor network to improve water use efficiency for pasture production. Sensor nodes, called sensor pods, were developed using off the shelf components. The design of the sensor pod was a challenging task as the installation has to withstand seasonal weather changes, and be resistant to damages that may be inflicted by cattle in the field. Each sensor pod measures soil moisture, temperature and humidity. Granular matrix sensors are used to measure soil moisture at three different ground depths. Temperature and humidity are measured using the Tmote Sky's on-board sensors. 70 sensor pods were deployed at the TIAR (Tasmanian Institute for Agricultural Research) Elliott Research Farm near Burnie, in the North West of Tasmania, Australia, at the end of December 2007. Preliminary results are now available. The data gathered will be used to develop efficient data evaluation techniques so that irrigation regimes can be automated. This will lead to precision agricultural techniques involving the close monitoring of the field state, and the use of real time data to drive more efficient irrigation practices.
Evolution of the Palaeoproterozoic Prize, Gun and lower Loretta Supersequences of the Surprise Creek Formation and Mt Isa Group

Sequence‐stratigraphic interpretations of the 4200 m‐thick Palaeoproterozoic (1700–1650 Ma) Mt Isa Group and underlying Surprise Creek Formation identify three unconformity‐bounded packages termed the Prize, Gun and Loretta Supersequences. Siliciclastic rocks of the Surprise Creek Formation and Warrina Park Quartzite comprise the Prize Supersequence. Rapid facies changes from proximal, conglomeratic fluvial packages to distal, fine‐grained and deep‐water, rhythmites characterise this supersequence. Conglomeratic intervals in the Mt Isa area reflect syndepositional movement along basin‐margin faults during the period of supersequence initiation. A major unconformity, which extends over a period of about 25 million years, separates the Gun and Prize Supersequences. In the Leichhardt River Fault Trough uplift and incision of Prize sedimentary rocks coincided with emplacement of the Sybella Granite (1671±8 Ma) and Carters Bore Rhyolite (1678±2 Ma) and the removal of an unknown thickness of Prize Supersequence section. Deep‐water, turbiditic rhythmites of the Mt Isa Group dominated the Gun and Loretta Supersequences. Tempestites are present over discrete intervals and represent times of relative shallowing. High accommodation and sedimentation rates at the base of the Gun Supersequence resulted in the deposition of transgressive nearshore facies (uppermost Warrina Park Quartzite) overlain by a thick interval of deep‐water, siltstone‐mudstone rhythmites of the Moondarra Siltstone and Breakaway Shale. With declining rates of siliciclastic sedimentation and shallowing of the succession, calcareous sediments of the Native Bee Siltstone prograded over the deeper water deposits. Two third‐order sequences, Gun 1 and 2, characterise these lower parts of the Gun Supersequence. An increase in accommodation rates near the top of the Native Bee Siltstone in Gun 3 time, resulted in a return to deep‐water sedimentation with deposition of dolomitic rhythmites of the Urquhart Shale and Spear Siltstone. The Pb–Zn–Ag ore‐hosting interval of the Urquhart Shale is interpreted to occur in progradational highstand deposits of the Gun 3 Sequence. In the Leichhardt River Fault Trough the Loretta Supersequence boundary forms a correlative conformity. Coarser grained and thicker bedded sediments of the Kennedy Siltstone comprise lowstand deposits at the base of this cycle. These sediments fine up into the transgressive, deep‐water, siliciclastic facies of the Magazine Shale, which in turn are truncated against the Mt Isa Fault.
Channel Facies Estimation Based on Gaussian Perturbations in the EnKF

The ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) method has proven to be a promising tool for reservoir model updating and history matching. However, because the EnKF requires that the prior distributions for the parameters to be estimated are Gaussian, or approximately Gaussian, the application to facies models, and channel systems in particular, has been a challenge. In this paper we suggest two different approaches for parameterization of the facies models in terms of Gaussian perturbations of an existing "best guess" model. Method 1 is inspired by level set methods, where surfaces (here facies boundaries) are implicitly modelled through a level set function, normally defined as the signed distance from the nearest surface. Model realizations are generated by adding a Gaussian random field to the initial level set function. Method 2 is based on a similar idea, but the realizations are generated by adding a Gaussian random field to a smoothed indicator function. The smoothing is performed with a Shapiro filter, which is fast and simple to use for any number of dimensions. The performance of the methods is illustrated using a 3D model inspired by a real North Sea fluvial reservoir. It is shown that realistic facies model realizations may be generated from realizations of a Gaussian random field. Based on one realization from the prior for each of the methods, two sets of synthetic production data were generated. Then the prior model ensemble generated with each of the methods were conditioned to each of the two data sets using EnKF. Reasonably good matches were obtained in all cases, including those where the true model is not a realization from the same statistical model as is used to generate the prior realizations.
Antibacterial Activity of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticle using Banana Flower Extract

In recent years, due to unique physical and chemical properties of nanoparticles, its uses to disrupt biofilm of bacteria are revolutionary steps in antimicrobial research. To use in bioprocess the silver nanoparticles should be biocompatible and free from toxic chemicals. In the present study we report a cost effective and environment friendly route for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using banana flower extract (BFE) as reducing as well as capping agent. This plant has been opted for the present study for its known medicinal properties and it is easily available. The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles are characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy which showed a broad peak at around 450 nm, indicated the stability of synthesized silver nanoparticles. Antimicrobial potential of silver nanoparticles synthesized were tested against both Gram positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It was found to be effective against both of them and it showed maximum activity against Gram positive bacteria S. aureus. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been imposed as an excellent antimicrobial agent being able to combat bacteria in vitro and in vivo causing infections. The results show green synthesized silver nanoparticles, using BFE extract, have a potential to inhibit the growth of bacteria.
Meta-prediction of Bromus tectorum invasion in Central Utah, United States.

Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) is an invasive, exotic grass infesting the Western US. Multi-temporal Landsat TM imagery and ancillary topographic data were used for mapping this invasion over portions of Utah. Tobit, logit, probit, and Projection Adjustment by Contribution Estimation (PACE) regression, neural networks, and additive regression of regression trees were tested individually, and in an ensemble, Tobit regression had the best performance as an individual predictor. Tobit was most frequently the best predictor of zero cheatgrass coverage. A meta-predictor (classifier) to choose the best predictive model was implemented on a pixel-by-pixel basis. A J48 classification tree as a metapredictor resulted in an increase in accuracy over the best performer in the ensemble. This study illustrated the potential for meta-prediction as a general technique for increasing accuracy from a collection of base predictors.
How to Promote Repeaters? Empirical Analysis of Tourist Survey Data in Kansai Region

It depends on the repeater tourists whether the sightseeing spot develops continuously or not. In this paper, we analyze the purposes of the tourists with different frequency for visiting by applying binary logistic model for questionnaire survey. The result shows that the tourists with different frequency for visiting have different purposes of tourism. To promote the repeater touris ts, a sightseeing spots have various resources for tourism, which means not to develop new sight spots, but to present a new attr active tour plan.