Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Velocity and concentration distributions in turbulent odor plumes in the presence of vegetation mimics: a flume study

Many marine animals use olfaction to search for vital resources (e.g. food, mates), and their success depends on the complex structure of turbulent odor plumes. To better understand chem- ically mediated interactions it is necessary to empirically measure the relationship between turbulent water flow and odor distribution in a variety of settings. Marsh edge habitats are important nursery and foraging areas for resident and transient estuarine species. The presence of emergent vegetation in these habitats can have a strong influence on the ambient turbulence regime, as well as the dis- persal of water-borne odors. To quantify the effects of vegetation-like structure on odor dispersal, I measured velocity and concentration fluctuations in artificial 'odor' plumes created in a laboratory flume. Time-series measurements of velocity and concentration were made simultaneously at the same spatial location using a thermistor flowmeter combined with a conductivity microprobe. Flow speed (advection) controlled odor dilution and odor filament dispersal throughout the plume; plumes generated in 5 cm s -1 flows had higher mean concentrations, and were characterized by fewer odor filaments that were more concentrated and of longer duration than plumes generated in 12 cm s -1 flows. In contrast, adding Spartina alterniflora mimics upstream of the plume source primarily altered odor filament properties; the presence of upstream structure created more abundant odor filaments that were more dilute and of shorter duration relative to smooth-bottomed treatments. Importantly, such changes to the odor plume structure can alter the success of odor mediated search, although further studies are needed to show if this effect will be positive or negative.
A practical validation of Homomorphic Message Authentication schemes

Currently, cloud computing is very appealing because it allows the user to outsource his data so it can later be accessed from multiple devices. The user can also delegate to the cloud computing service provider some, possibly complex, operations on the outsourced data. Since this service provider may not always be trusted, it is necessary to not only preserve the privacy but also to enforce the authenticity of the outsourced data. Lately, a lot of work was put on solving the first problem, specially after the introduction of the first Fully Homomorphic Encryption scheme. In this work we will focus on the latter, namely on the use of Homomorphic Message Authentication primitives. We will evaluate the current available solutions, their functionality and their security. Finally, we will provide an implementation of one of these schemes in order to verify if they are indeed practical.
Gain scheduled H2-control of discrete-time polytopic time varying systems

This paper presents a synthesis procedure for the design of both robust and gain scheduled H2 static output feedback controllers for discrete-time linear systems with time varying parameters. The parameters are assumed to vary inside a polytope and have known bounds on their rate of variation. The geometric properties of the polytopic domain are exploited to derive a finite set of linear matrix inequalities that consider the bounds on the rate of variation of the parameters. A numerical example illustrates the proposed approach. Keywords— Linear time varying systems; Discrete-time systems; Guaranteed H2 performance; Gain scheduling control. Resumo— Este artigo propõe um procedimento de síntese para o projeto de controladores estáticos por realimentação de saída com ganhos robustos ou escalonados e critério H2 para sistemas lineares discretos com parâmetros variantes no tempo. Os parâmetros variam com taxas limitadas, supostas conhecidas, dentro de um politopo. Propriedades geométricas do conjunto politópico são utilizadas para a obtenção de um conjunto finito de desigualdades matriciais lineares que leva em conta as limitações nas taxas de variação dos parâmetros. Um exemplo numérico ilustra o método proposto. Palavras-chave— Sistemas lineares variantes no tempo; Sistemas discretos no tempo; Desempenho H2 garantido; Controle por ganho escalonado.
The Impact of the Combination between Task Designs and Think-Aloud Approaches on Website Evaluation

The growth of the Internet and related technologies has enabled the development of a new breed of dynamic website and applications that are growing rapidly in use, which have had a significant impact on many businesses. Usability testing is a method widely used for measuring the usability of a system from the perspective of real users. The main aim of this paper is to explore the efficiency of three types of usability testing method by discovering usability problems through a combination of three proposed task designs and three types of ‘think-aloud’ approach, and to compare the results of these methods with those of the traditional usability testing method that has been published separately. This is a missing area in usability testing. The quantitative and qualitative data are collected and analysed in order to assess the efficiency of the three combinations in terms of the usability problems encountered and their severity, and the success rate and user satisfaction of the websites being tested, through the feedback received. The research findings show clearly that the task scenarios and how they are designed and combined with different types of ‘think-aloud’ approaches can influence the usability testing results by discovering different types of usability problems, and can affect the results of usability measures, such as success rate, errors number and time spent.
Blowin’ in the Wind: Short-Term Weather and Belief in Anthropogenic Climate Change

AbstractA series of polls provides new tests for how weather influences public beliefs about climate change. Statewide data from 5000 random-sample telephone interviews conducted on 99 days over 2.5 yr (2010–12) are merged with temperature and precipitation indicators derived from U.S. Historical Climatology Network (USHCN) station records. The surveys carry a question designed around scientific consensus statements that climate change is happening now, caused mainly by human activities. Alternatively, respondents can state that climate change is not happening, or that it is happening but mainly for natural reasons. Belief that humans are changing the climate is predicted by temperature anomalies on the interview day and the previous day, controlling for season, survey, and individual characteristics. Temperature effects concentrate among one subgroup, however: individuals who identify themselves as independent, rather than aligned with a political party. Interviewed on unseasonably warm days, independent.
Experience in the Education of Engineers from Vietnam in the Faculty of Mining and Geoengineering AGH

The AGH University of Science and Technology collaborates closely with other universities, economic units, governmental and local administrative bodies. International cooperation plays a very important role in the academic research. The AGH University of Science and Technology has signed many collaboration agreements. They aim at multidimensional cooperation in the fields of education and academic research. AGH UST has always focused on collaboration with business and industry. In recent years, the global economy is undergoing massive transformations, what creates new challenges to companies and educational institutions that cater to the needs of industry. The expansion of business enterprises is largely dependent on their employees’ expertise, skills and levels of competence. Certified engineers are provided by universities. Therefore, the qualifications of the graduates are determined by the curriculum and teaching methods, as well as the available educational and research facilities. Of equal importance is the qualified academic staff. Human activities in the field of engineering require finding solutions to problems of various nature and magnitude. An engineer’s work consists in the design, construction, modification and maintenance of useful devices, processes and systems, using scientific and technical knowledge. In order to design complex engineering solutions, an engineer uses his imagination, experience, analytical skills, logical reasoning and makes conscious use of his knowledge. At the Faculty of Mining and Geoengineering of the AGH University of Science and Technology in Cracow, 15 engineers from Vietnam are studying Mining and Geology at the second-cycle studies (specialization: mine ventilation). The solutions proposed in the field of the engineers’ education guarantee that foreign students gain both engineering knowledge and problem-solving skills. Therefore, the study programme was complemented by a series of practical aspects.
Dielectric Behavior of Ceramic (BST)/Epoxy Thick Films

Composite materials were made by mixing powders of ( and 0.4) ceramics and epoxy resin with various volume fractions (vol%). Dielectric measurements of these composites were performed as a function of filler ratio in the range 100–K at 10 KHz. The dielectric constant of the composite increased with increasing volume fraction varies slightly with temperature. The 20 vol% of BST(0.4)-epoxy composite had the highest dielectric constant of 19.4 and dielectric loss tangent of 0.027. Among the dielectric mixing models presented, the model of Lichtenecker shows the best fit to the experimental data for both composites.
A Hybrid NoC-Based MPSoC Simulator

A hybrid MPSoC (Multi-Processor SoC) simulator was proposed in this paper. The simulator provides statistical traffic model and behavior-level model for computation, along with cycle-accurate model on basis of ISS (Instruction-Set Simulator) including ARM and TI DSP. The simulator also provides NoC (Network-on-Chip) and traditional bus for on-chip communication and interconnection. As shown in the case study, the proposed simulator may improve the efficiency of building-up a multi-core simulation platform, and then may be used for simulation and evaluation of the constructed multi-core and NoC architectures.
Study on Productivity in the Classroom (Part 3) Nationwide Questionnaire Survey on the Effects of IEQ on Learning Performance

SUMMARY Many research papers have been published on the potential effects of the quality of the indoor environment on productivity in classrooms and offices. This paper (Part 3) reports the result of nationwide field measurements based on subjective questionnaire surveys and objective test scores in a unified way. It investigated 83 branches of a college, which are located in regions spread throughout Japan. The total number of subjects was about 4000. Objective learning performance was evaluated according to scores in standardized quizzes to measure the level of understanding of lectures. In addition to the objective evaluation using quiz scores, a subjective evaluation of learning performance was carried out using a questionnaire as a self-assessment form. Percentage of dissatisfied of each schoolhouse did not have the correlation with quiz scores but had a significant correlation with a subjective evaluation of learning performance by a linear approximation (p<0.006).
The Developthent of a Predictive Model for One-Year Freshman Retention Rate: A Macro-Approach

This study investigated whether the one-year retention rate for the cohort of full-time, baccalaureate-degree-seeking, first-time freshmen could be predicted from institutional and aggregate cohort characteristics, including institutional type and control, institutional size, cohort size, average entrance exam score, percentage of part-time undergraduates, percentage of cohort residing on campus, percentage of nontraditional students, and percentage of minority students. Eight different models, based on institution type, size, and geographic location, were applied to 1995 data from 230 public and private institutions. While a completely satisfactory general model did not emerge, four of the models, all based on public four-year institutions, were particularly strong predictors of student retention. Average entrance exam score, percentage of cohort residing on campus, and percentage of nontraditional students were the most consistently significant predictor variables across the eight models. Private institutions and Research I institutions produced higher retention rates than did public institutions and other Carnegie-rated institutions. Results suggest that it is not possible to evaluate institutional effectiveness in student retention without factoring in these variables. By using these models, institutions can calculate their expected retention rate and measure actual over expected retention. (Contains 55 references.) (DB) ******************************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ******************************************************************************** The Developthent of a Predictive Model for One-Year Freshman Retention Rate: A Macro-Approach
Daily Prefrontal Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Rtms) Combined With Cognitive Training As A Treatment For Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Case Report

Background: To date, drug treatment for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has little efficacy and is of short duration. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was developed as a non-invasive tool to activate the cortex, measure its connectivity and excitability, and assess the integrity of motor pathways. Its use in neurology, clinical neurophysiology and psychiatry has been spread from research to more strictly clinical purposes. Cognitive rehabilitation (CR) is an intervention to treat the overall well-being of the patient, to increase the reactivation of residual powers and slow down functional loss. Objective/hypothesis: We aimed to explore the consistency and reliability of the effects of rTMS combined with cognitive training rehabilitation has positive results in Mild Cognitive Impairment. Methods: One patient received treatment consisting of combined sessions of “repetitive” Transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) rehabilitation and CR for 6 weeks, one session each day for the first two weeks (from Monday to Friday), and three days a week from the third to the sixth week. Results: The results were encouraging, and we recorded improvements in all the tests administered.
RAID Storage Systems with Early-warning and Data Migration

This paper proposes a new RAID-based system, we defined as REM: RAID system with Early-warning and data Migration. REM can predict RAID potential fault according to disk health degree and array health. Once the fault has been predicted, it takes data migration to protect the data, which allocates reserved space in every disk and arranges to redirect the data in the non-repairable sectors to the reserved space; when the number of the bad sectors in the disk exceeds threshold or the disk is in poor health, the system will copy data of the unreliable disk to a new one; when an array of multiple arrays early-warning, data can be moved into other backup array of the multiple arrays. Test results show that REM can enhance the reliability of system and reduce the entire system’s performance. Keywordsearly-warning; data migration; reliability;
Vague nerve stimulation in chronic heart failure: is it worth it?

In heart failure the major pathophysiology changes are enhanced sympathetic nervous system activity and reduced parasympathetic activation. Despite advances in pharmacologic treatment and interventional therapies such as implantable devices, mortality and morbidity in patients with advanced heart failure is still higher. In the last three decades the novel interventional and device-based therapies aim to restore cardiac autonomic balance by neuromodulation. Chronic vague nerve stimulation (VNS) is a neuromodulator method proposed as a new potential therapy in patients with heart failure. Results of preclinical animal studies and early clinical trials have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of this therapy in heart failure. Although a favorable long-term safety profile was found in human, improvements in the efficacy endpoints in patients with heart failure by VNS are controversially, as demonstrated by one of the largest recently published trial. Despite that VNS does not reduce left ventricular end-systolic volume index, the rate of death or heart failure events in chronic heart failure patients, this new treatment improved quality of life, NYHA functional class, and 6-min walking distance. Large randomized clinical studies are necessary to evaluate the clinical role of this new therapeutic approach in chronic heart failure.
Assessment of Interlaboratory Pretreatment Protocols by Radiocarbon Dating an Elk Bone Found Below Laacher See Tephra at Miesenheim IV (Rhineland, Germany)

Four accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) facilities undertook an interlaboratory exercise designed to examine the reliability and reproducibility of radiocarbon determinations on bone by dating a sample of elk (Alces alces) from Miesenheim IV. This specimen is derived from a secure geological context directly beneath the Laacher See tephra, which provides a precise terminus ante quern of ∼11,060 yr BP (∼13,050 cal yr BP). Regrettably, the results of the intercomparison exercise were complicated by evident contamination of the bone sample by exogenous organic material. This contaminant, probably humic acid, resulted in a wide span of ages (10,010 ± 30 to 11,100 ± 45 BP). The only method that yielded an accurate determination, consistent with the age of the tephra, was Oxford's single amino acid technique, which targets hydroxyproline. An acid hydrolysis step seems to have been crucial in breaking the bonds between the bone collagen and the contaminant.
Feed-efficient ruminant production: opportunities and challenges

Feed-efficient ruminant production is a key topic in the further development of ruminant husbandry all over the world. Ruminants contribute substantially to human nutrition by production of milk and meat. They are also extremely useful for mankind by providing other important products and labour, such as skins, clothing, bones, dung, heating material, and working as draft animals, etc. The microorganisms in the rumen of ruminants are able to process lignocellulose from low quality roughage into volatile fatty acids and energy, to transfer non-protein nitrogen, such as urea, into microbial protein, and to synthesize B vitamins. Therefore, ruminants are able to produce food of animal origin without competition for feed with non-ruminants and man. On the other hand, gas methane (CH 4 ) with a high greenhouse gas potential is an unavoidable by-product of rumen fermentation. Furthermore, growing ruminants are characterized by a low growing potential (daily yield in edible protein <0.05% of body weight). The objectives of ruminant breeding, nutrition and keeping/management should, therefore, be to maximize/optimize the advantages of ruminants and to minimize their disadvantages. Feed-efficient ruminant production is viewed as a complex system starting with plant and animal breeding. More systemic approaches are considered necessary to understand interactions and to find acceptable solutions for complex relationships in the context of food security, resource efficiency, as well environmental, social and economic aspects.
Effect of alternating wetting and drying and simulated nitrogen deposition on soil CO 2 emission in alpine wet 原 lands of Bayinbulak

Effect of alternating wetting and drying and simulated nitrogen deposition on soil CO2 emission in alpine wet原 lands of Bayinbulak BAO Zhen-zong1, HOU Yan-yan1, ZHU Xin-ping1,2*, ZHAO Cheng-yi3, HU Bao-an4, JIA Hong-tao1,2, XU Xiao-long1 (1.College of Grassland and Environment Sciences, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China; 2.Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Soil and Plant Ecological Processes, Urumqi 830052, China; 3.Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China; 4.Xinjiang Communications Construction Administrative Bureau, Urumqi 830049, China) Abstract:Effects of water changes and nitrogen deposition on the carbon cycle in alpine wetlands are the focus in the global change ecology. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the dynamics of soil CO2 emission in alpine wetland under the conditions of alternating dry-wet (soil water changing)and simulated nitrogen deposition(nitrogen addition). Water changing treatments were 100%, 70%, 50%, 40% and 25% of water filling soil porosity(WFPS), and nitrogen addition treatments were 0 kg·hm-2·a-1 (N0), 10 kg·hm-2·a-1 (N10)and 100 kg·hm-2·a-1 (N100). Changes of soil CO2 emissions under these treatments were measured in alpine wetland soils of Bayinbuluk using the indoor control experiments. Results showed that:The soil CO2 emission rates and cumulative emission increased with the increase of WFPS and nitrogen addition. In the soil process from wet to dry, soil CO2 emission rate decreased with the reduction of soil moisture content.
Coded aperture design by uniform sensing in compressive X-ray tomosynthesis systems

X-ray tomosynthesis systems are essential in medical diagnosis. They are currently used in mammography, lung nodule detection among other medical applications. As with computed tomography systems, radiation dose is of great concern and new approaches have been recently proposed to address this issue. Coded aperture compressive x-ray tomosynthesis, for example, places a coded aperture in front of an x-ray source in order to obtain patterned projections of a three-dimensional object on a twodimensional detector plane. By using different coded apertures in a multiple source system, multiplexed projections can be obtained instead of sequential projections as in conventional tomosynthesis systems, thus using less measurements which leads to the reduction of radiation. Compressed sensing (CS) reconstruction algorithms are then used to recover the three-dimensional data cube. Random structures for the coded apertures have been proposed before, however they operate poorly in exploiting the inherent projection patterns proper of the system. This thesis proposes an algorithm for the design and optimization of the coded apertures in a multiple source compressive x-ray tomosynthesis system. A uniform energy criteria on the voxels and detector elements is used so that the object is uniformly sensed and the elements of the detector plane uniformly sense the information. Both simulation and experimental results for optimized coded apertures are shown and their performance is compared to the use of random coded apertures.