Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimal design of stiffened plate using metamodeling techniques

Summary. In this article mass minimization of a stiffened plate is reported. From the actual finite element model of the plate, surrogate models are constructed using response surface methodology and the Kriging method. Estimation of the structural response is carried out using three different design of experiment models. As a numerical example a typical off-shore structure is optimized with respect to stress constraint equations. The optimization procedure is based on the standard NLPQL algorithm with iteratively moving response estimation window.
ABILITY GROUPING IN SCHOOLS: A STUDY OF ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN FIVE SCHOOLS IN ESTONIA

The paper deals with the questions of the quality of schooling and the effect of ability grouping on students' achievement. One hundred and forty seven children from five schools participated in the study. Two schools were usual mainstream town schools, one a usual rural school, one Step-by-Step school and one "elite" private school. All children were studied twice: at the beginning of the first (age 7) and third grade. First, children's cognitive abilities were assessed; second, their academic achievement in Estonian language and mathematics was assessed. Both the battery of cognitive tests and tasks in achievement test were developed specifically for this study. It was shown that attending an elite private school was related to abilities and higher academic performance of children. However, when both school and average cognitive ability of a school a child was attending were entered into the Multiple Regression analysis for predicting Academic Achievement, attending Elite school had negative impact on Achievement.
EFFECTIVENESS OF TREATMENT IN HEART FAILURE PATIENTS

Over the last decades the healthcare domain has seen a tremendous increase and interest in methods for making inference about patient care using large quantities of medical data. Such data is often stored in electronic health records and administrative health registries. As these data sources have grown increasingly complex, with millions of patients represented by thousands of attributes, static or time evolving, finding relevant and accurate patterns that can be used for predictive or descriptive modelling is impractical for human experts. In this paper, we concentrate our review on Swedish Administrative Health Registries (AHRs) and Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and provide an overview of recent and ongoing work in the area with focus on adverse drug events (ADEs) and heart failure.
Solving inverse scattering problems in biological samples by quantitative phase imaging

Quantitative phase imaging (QPI), a method that precisely recovers the wavefront of an electromagnetic field scattered by a transparent, weakly scattering object, is a rapidly growing field of study. By solving the inverse scattering problem, the structure of the scattering object can be reconstructed from QPI data. In the past decade, 3D optical tomographic reconstruction methods based on QPI techniques to solve inverse scattering problems have made significant progress. In this review, we highlight a number of these advances and developments. In particular, we cover in depth Fourier transform light scattering (FTLS), optical diffraction tomography (ODT), and white‐light diffraction tomography (WDT).
Optimisation methods for model-driven engineering

Recently there has been increased interest in combining the fields of Model-Driven Engineering (MDE) and Search-Based Software Engineering (SBSE). Currently, when solving MDE-SBSE problems, in addition to the problem description, the user is required to manually provide design space exploration (DSE) information, encoded as model transformation rules and an optimisation algorithm. Performance and solution quality strongly depend on the right choice of transformations and optimisation algorithm. The aim of this research is to develop an approach to solving MDE optimisation problems, by removing the need to manually specify model transformations and an optimisation algorithm. The inputs required for the problem description are the metamodel, the initial model if one is available and a set of constraints and fitness functions. The remaining components needed for running the optimisation, are inferred from the given problem description. Solving this challenge allows domain experts to model optimisation problems using MDE and find good solutions without needing extensive knowledge about model transformations, constraint solving or optimisation.
Bipolarity, multipolarity, and the future

Richard N. RoSeCranCe is Professor of Political Science at the University of California, Berkeley. A leading student of international systems and the dynamics that sustain and transform them, he has authored Action and Reaction in World Politics (1963) and Defense of the Realm: British Strategy in the Nuclear Epoch (1967), as well as edited The Dispersion of Nuclear Weapons (1966). In this selection Professor Rosecrance traces a structure of the global international system that falls midway between the contrasting structures identified in the two previous selections. His invigorating analysis should press the reader to reassess again the prevailing structure and stability of world politics in the nuclear age. [Reprinted from The Journal of Conflict Resolution, X (1966) 314-27, by permission of the author and the publisher. Copyright 1966 by the University of Michigan. ]
Varicocele and Male Infertility: Evidence in the Era of AssistedReproductive Technology

Purpose: To evaluate the current literature on the varicocele treatment and impact on fertility. Materials and Methods: Pertinent articles were identified through PubMed search on varicocele repair and male infertility. Discussion: The proposed mechanisms of how varicocele results in impaired spermatogenesis and infertility include an altered or impaired testicular blood flow, increased scrotal temperature and oxidative stress as well as resulting sex hormone changes, reflux of adrenal hormones, and autoimmunity with anti-sperm antibody formation. The repair of varicocele as an infertility treatment is dependent on many factors such as the grade and size of the varicocele, unilateral or simultaneous bilateral repair, female partner’s age, the period during which the couple as failed to conceive and quality of the semen. Summary: Varicoceles can present in up to 40% of men presenting with infertility and published literature support the findings that varicocele adversely affect spermatogenesis. Surgical varicocelectomy is an effective treatment for improving the semen parameters in men and spontaneous pregnancy rate for couples with an infertile male partner who has low semen parameters and a palpable varicocele. Comparative studies favour the microsurgical subinguinal technique as the standard of care with highest rates of success and lowest rates of complications.
3D-BASIS-M: Nonlinear Dynamic Analysis of Multiple Building Base Isolated Structures

In long base isolated buildings the superstructure may consist of several parts separated by narrow thermal expansion joints. In such cases, neighboring bearings which support adjacent buildings are connected together at their top so that they form a common isolation and prevent impact at the isolation level. The analysis of such buildings constitutes the problem of a multiple base-isolated structure with a common basemat and isolation system. This situation can not be analyzed with the existing algorithms which are capable of analyzing only a single base-isolated structure. The torsional characteristics of the combined system are different than those of individual buildings on individual isolation systems. Hence, the combined system of several buildings on a common isolation system needs to be analyzed in its entirety rather than analyzing each building with its isolation system separately. In this paper an analytical model and an algorithm to analyze multiple buildings on a common isolation system are presented. Verification of the accuracy of the algorithm by comparison with results obtained using a general purpose finite element program are presented. A multiple building base-isolated structure is analyzed and the results are used to demonstrate the importance of analyzing the combined system as against analyzing individual buildings.
Direction-finding methods for cyclostationary signals in the presence of coherent sources

By exploiting the signal cyclostationarity, conjugate cyclic MUSIC presented by Gardner (1994), has been shown to be effective in performing signal-selective direction finding. However, a direct application of conjugate cyclic MUSIC in the presence of coherent signals of interest (SOIs) will result in ambiguity. To tackle the drawback of conjugate cyclic MUSIC, we present a scheme called the Hankel approximation method (HAM) in conjunction with conjugate cyclic MUSIC to cope with the performance deterioration due to coherent SOIs for a uniform linear array. Theoretical analysis shows that at least 2K sensor elements are required to resolve K coherent SOIs. Making use of the forward/backward (F/B) technique presented by Pillai and Kwon (1989), F/B HAM is further developed, which requires [3K/2] sensor elements to decorrelate K coherent SOIs, where [x] represents the integer part of x. Several simulation examples are also presented for illustrating the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Visualization of Changes in ArchiMate - Within the Application and Technology Layers

Enterprise architecture is periodically changed. The visualization of changes is demanded for communication of the teams implementing changes. In this paper, we use the modern cases of transformation of ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems to the Best of Breed solutions and the popular modeling language ArchiMate with its extensions to propose a method for visualization of changes. The method covers changes within the application and technology layers and their link to the business layer. It includes artifacts, principles and means for visualization. The method is tested with real cases of changes of ERP using the Best of Breed strategy.
Effects of High Night Temperature on Crop Physiology and Productivity: Plant Growth Regulators Provide a Management Option

Crop production is experiencing both increases in the frequency and intensity of high night temperatures (HNT) (IPCC, 2007). The HNT threatens the sustainability of crop production both currently and in the future. Recent meteorological data indicated faster increases in night temperatures (NT) than day temperatures (Alward et al., 1999). Experimental evidence also indicated the importance of assessing the effects of NT separately from the day temperature, as a smaller increase in NT can show a drastic decrease in crop production (Peng et al., 2004). Studies have indicated decreased crop yields as a result of HNT (Hall, 1992; Mohammed & Tarpley, 2009a). Apart from HNT, climate change will also increase a variety of environmental stresses affecting crop production, namely heat, drought, salinity, and relative humidity, hence farming in the future climate will have to be better adapted to a range of abiotic and biotic stresses. A long-term approach to negate the effects of abiotic stress is to develop stress-tolerant cultivars. The short-term approach includes the use of agrochemicals, especially those with plant growth regulator (PGR) capabilities, for the prevention and/or amelioration of various environmental stresses, including heat stress. Studies focusing on day temperature stress and, more recently, on NT stress have increased, but, studies looking at the effects of PGR under heat stress are rare (Ashraf & Foolad, 2007). This chapter primarily focuses on the effects of HNT on crop production and the beneficial effects of PGR (glycine betaine [GB] and salicylic acid [SA]) application against heat stress on crop production with special emphasis on rice (Oryza sativa L.) production.
Worker and Firm Heterogeneity in Wage Growth: An AKM Approach

This paper estimates a wage growth equation containing human capital variables known from the traditional Mincerian wage equation with year, worker and firm fixed effects included as well. The paper thus contributes further to the large empirical literature on unobserved heterogeneity following the work of Abowd, Kramarz, and Margolis [1999; Econometrica 67(2): 251–333]. Our main contribution is to extend the analysis from wage levels to wage growth. The specification enables us to estimate the individual-specific and firm-specific fixed effects and their degree of explanation on wage growth. The analysis is conducted using Danish longitudinal matched employer–employee data from 1980 to 2006. We find that the worker fixed effect dominates both the firm fixed effect and the effect of the observed covariates. Worker effects are estimated to explain 7–12 per cent of the variance in wage growth whereas firm effects are estimated to explain 4–10 per cent. We furthermore find a negative correlation between the worker and firm effects, as do nearly all authors examining wage level equations.
Entwicklung einer GUI-gestützten Datenbankanwendung zu Abfrage, Visualisierung und Reporting von Emissionsstudiendaten aus dem Luftverkehr

Das Institut fur Flughafenwesen und Luftverkehr beschaftigt sich mit Forschungen im Luftverkehr. Gegenstand der Forschung ist unter anderem die Untersuchung der Frage, wie sich das System Luftverkehr unter verschiedenen Einflussbedingungen verandert. Ziel der Arbeit ist es, eine Anwendung zu entwickeln und prototypisch zu implementieren, die es ermoglicht, Emissionskataster, d.h. raumlich untergliederte Raster von Emissionen, graphisch und tabellarisch auszuwerten und als Bericht zu exportieren. Um die Kataster zu visualisieren, mussten die Daten bisweilen handisch vorverarbeitet und anschliesend in eine GIS-Software ubertragen werden. Daher konnte die Ausfuhrung nur von Mitarbeitern mit GIS- und IT-Vorbildung durchgefuhrt werden. Die Ergebnisse wurden in heterogenen Formaten an verschiedenen Orten gespeichert. Da es fur alle wissenschaftlichen Mitarbeiter moglich sein soll, Auswertungen von Emissionskatastern vorzunehmen, wurde eine intuitiv bedienbare Anwendung mit graphischer Benutzeroberflache entwickelt. Diese wurde mit Hilfe der Entwicklungsumgebung NetBeans in der Version 6.9 als NetBeans Module-Suite, d.h. eine Zusammenstellung gekapselter Module, in der Programmiersprache Java implementiert und bereitet die Emissionskataster automatisiert auf. Beim Entwurf der softwaretechnischen Architektur wurde nach dem MVC-Entwurfsmuster vorgegangen. Die Emissionskataster liegen in einer MySQL-Datenbank vor. Ein Export der Ergebnisse ist in Form einer Weltkarte mit graphisch aufbereiteten Emissionsdaten und als Microsoft Excel-Dokument moglich. Mit Hilfe der entwickelten Anwendung lassen sich Auswertungen von Emissionskatastern ohne technisches Fachwissen vornehmen. Aufgrund des modularen Aufbaus ist es moglich, die Anwendung zu erweitern. So ist die Definition weiterer Auswertungstypen jederzeit moglich. Ferner ist es moglich, dass externe Firmen die Anwendung nutzen, sofern diese uber eine entsprechende Datengrundlage verfugen. Die erstellte Anwendung liefert ein Werkzeug zum Erstellen von Berichten, die fur die Bewertung der Klimawirksamkeit zukunftiger Flugplane und Flugzeug-Technologien wichtig sind.
Evaluation of Feature Extraction Techniques using Neural Network as a Classifier : A Comparative Review for face Recognition

Face recognition has a wide range of possible applications from person identification and surveillance to electronic marketing and advertising for selected customers. In facial recognition, there are different steps such as preprocessing, feature extraction and classification where feature extraction and classification are used to obtain maximum accuracy. In this research paper, different feature extraction techniques such as ASM, AAM, Gabor features, Template based, and several are critically reviewed. Apart from these, the different types of neural classification networks such as convolutional, backpropagation, radial basis function etc. in the domain of facial recognition are explored. The methods and algorithms developed in the current literature are studied and it is revealed that all the techniques are unique and have optimal performance. This research further makes a comparative analysis of these techniques based on their advantages and limitations.
Development of Physical and Optical Methods for In-shell Brazil Nuts Sorting and Aflatoxin Reduction

Physical methods for mechanically in-shell Brazil nut sorting by color, size, density and inner deterioration weredeveloped to assess nut quality and reduce aflatoxin contamination. Nuts were able to be sorted by color utilizing thestandard shell chromaticity components L*, a* and b* at ranges of 31.51 to 48.64, 4.09 to 10.07 and 11.90 to 22.95,respectively. It produced a homogeneous color batch and segregated the off-standard ones (darkest, lightest and stained). By size sorting utilizing three oval sectioned trays with the following dimensions 40x25, 35x23 and 20x19.5 mm[length x width] and vibration, nuts were sorted into three sizes Groups: I, II and III for large, medium and small,respectively. Through density sorting the light nuts (shell/nut
Marking behavior of Andean bears in an Ecuadorian cloud forest: a pilot study

Abstract Very little is known about marking behavior of the endangered Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus). Here, we present a first detailed description of Andean bear marking behavior obtained using camera traps. From November 2012 to April 2013, we inspected 16 bear trails in the Napo province of eastern Ecuador, and installed camera traps (n = 3) at marking sites to document their marking behavior. We obtained 22 video recordings of Andean bears, all of which were captured during daytime. Almost all recordings (n = 18) contained behavior associated with marking. Tree-rubbing was the main behavioral display at marking sites, and consisted of 4 common activities: (1) tree-sniffing, (2) rubbing the neck and/or shoulders, (3) rubbing the flanks, and (4) rubbing the back. Bears also claw-marked and urinated while rubbing trees. We only observed scent-marking from males. Consistent with other bear species, we suggest that Andean bears communicate intra-specifically through their marking behavior.
Public Responses to Co2 Storage Sites: Lessons from Five European Cases

Studies of the factors involved in public perceptions of CO2 storage projects reveal a level of complexity and diversity that arguably confounds a comprehensive theoretical account. To some extent, a conceptual approach that simply organises the relevant social scientific knowledge thematically, rather than seeking an integrated explanation, is as useful as any single account that fails to do justice to the contingencies involved. This paper reviews and assembles such knowledge in terms of six themes and applies these themes to five European cases of carbon capture and storage (CCS) implementation. We identify the main factors involved in community responses to CCS as relating to: The characteristics of the project; the engagement process; risk perceptions; the actions of the stakeholders; the characteristics of the community, and the socio-political context.
PRELIMINARY PHARMACOGNOSTIC EVALUATION AND PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDIES ON LEAF OF ASYSTASIA DALZELLIANA ( NEELKANTH )

The leaves of Asystasia dalzelliana (Acanthaceae) are reported to have great medicinal value in folk system of medicine. However, very limited work has been carried out on the drugs used in folk system toward documenting its ethno medicinal uses and establishing its phytochemical and pharmacognostic fingerprints. Studies were therefore carried out to determine the phytochemical and pharmacognostic profile of Asystasia dalzelliana. Pharmacognostic evaluation including examinations of morphological and microscopic characters, determination of leaf constant, moisture content, ash value, powder analysis, and extractive values. The phytochemical analysis of the various extract of powdered leaf revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, steroids, terpenes and flavonoids.
Magmatic Evidence for Carbonate Metasomatism in the Lithospheric Mantle underneath the Ohře (Eger) Rift

Magmas erupted in intracontinental rifts typically form from melting of variable proportions of asthenospheric or lithospheric mantle sources and ascend through thick continental lithosphere. This ascent of magma is accompanied by differentiation and assimilation processes. Understanding the composition of rift-related intracontinental volcanism is important, particularly in densely populated active rift zones such as the Ohře (Eger) Rift in Central Europe. We have sampled and analysed nephelinites from Železna hůrka (Eisenbuhl), the youngest (<300 ka) Quaternary volcano related to the Ohře Rift where frequent earthquake swarms indicate continuing magmatic activity in the crust. This nephelinite volcano is part of a larger eruptive centre (Mýtina Maar) representing a single locality of recurrent volcanism in the Ohře Rift. We present a detailed petrographic, mineralogical and geochemical study (major and trace elements and Sr–Nd–Hf–O isotopes) of Železna hůrka to further resolve the magmatic history and mantle source of the erupted melt. We find evidence for a highly complex evolution of the nephelinitic melts during their ascent to the surface. Most importantly, mixing of melts derived from different sources and of strong chemical contrast controls the composition of the erupted volcanic products. These diverse parental melts originate from a highly metasomatized subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) source. We use a combined approach based on mineral, glass and whole-rock compositions to show that the mantle underneath the western Ohře Rift is metasomatized dominantly by carbonatitic melts. The nephelinites of Železna hůrka formed by interaction between a carbonatitic melt and residual mantle peridotite, partial crystallization in the lithospheric mantle and minor assimilation of upper continental crust. Thermobarometric estimates indicate that the stagnation levels of the youngest volcanism in this part of the Ohře Rift were deeper than the focal depths of recent earthquake swarms, indicating that those are not directly linked to magma ascent. Furthermore, close mineralogical and geochemical similarities between the Železna hůrka nephelinite and fresh kimberlites may point towards a genetic link between kimberlites, melilitites and nephelinites.
Hands-Free, Heads-Up Control System for Unmanned Ground Vehicles

Abstract : This paper describes work to develop a hands-free, heads-up control system for Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) under an SBIR Phase I contract. Industry is building upon pioneering work that it has done in creating a speech recognition system that works well in noisy environments, by developing a robust key word spotting algorithm enabling UGV Operators to give speech commands to the UGV completely hands-free. Industry will also research and develop two sub-vocal control modes: whisper speech and teeth clicks. Industry is also developing a system that will enable the Operator to drive a UGV, with a high level of fidelity, to a location selected by the Operator using hands-free commands in conjunction with image segmentation and video overlays. This Phase I effort will culminate in a proof-of-concept demonstration of a hands-free, heads-up system, implemented on a small UGV, that will enable the Operator have a high level of fidelity for control of the system.