Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lockerby, Duncan A. and Reese, Jason (2008) A simple method for capturing some complex physics of gas flows in MEMS. In: 8th World congress on computational mechanics / 5th European Congress on Computational Methods in Applied Sciences and Engineering ECCOMAS

One difficulty in accurately modelling micro-scale gas flows is that the flow behaviour is generally dominated by the influence of any solid bounding surfaces. The nonequilibrium phenomena introduced by a solid surface are qualitatively different to that generated by the variation of hydrodynamic variables alone; if the wall is assumed to behave like a Maxwellian emitter, a discontinuity is introduced in the distribution function. Continuum-based methods (such as those, including the conventional Navier-Stokes equations, which can be derived from perturbation series solutions of the Boltzmann equation) are unable to resolve properly the region of local non-equilibrium that exists one or two molecular mean free paths from the wall in any gas flow near a surface. This region is called the “Knudsen layer” or “kinetic boundary layer” and recent comparisons of Knudsen layer predictions from a number of current high-order equation sets and concluded that none could be considered both reliable and accurate [1]. This is problematic for the future design and application of micro and nano flow devices because the momentum and energy fluxes from the region of the Knudsen layer to the boundaries has a critical influence on the overall flow behaviour. Although not definitively proving that continuum equation sets are incapable of accurately modelling near-wall behaviour, there is therefore strong evidence to suggest that — if continuum equations are to be used at all — alternative phenomenological approaches may be just as useful in these non-equilibrium regions. In this paper we demonstrate a simple phenomenological technique for introducing nonequilibrium effects caused by the presence of solid surfaces into the current fluid dynamics framework. By combining a new model for slip boundary conditions with a near-wall scaling of the Navier-Stokes constitutive relations, we obtain a model that is much more accurate at higher Knudsen numbers than the conventional second-order slip model. We show that it provides good results for Poiseuille (see figure 1) and combined Couette/Poiseuille flow, and that it can predict the stress-strain-rate inversion that molecular simulations show is evident in the latter. The model’s generality to nonplanar geometries is demonstrated by examining low-speed flow around a micro-sphere. It shows a marked improvement over conventional predictions of the drag on the sphere, although there are some questions regarding its stability at the highest Knudsen numbers.
Oxidative Stress in Invertebrate Systems

Invertebrates have been valuable research models in the discovery of many scientific principles owing to the numerous advantages they provide. Throughout the life cycle, many of them thrive in pathogen-rich environments, manage harsh weathers, exposed to a number of allochemicals, and adapt well to both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Their remarkable ability to cope up with the enormous oxidative stress generated in all these circumstances, make them attractive models in this field of research. Endocrine control of oxidative stress in insects is recently emerging. Adipokinetic hormone, glucagon, ecdysteroids and juvenile hormone have been implicated in antioxidative protective role in insects. Drosophila and Caenorhabditis elegans have provided the largest body of evidence addressing the free radical theory of ageing. Oxidative stress is also induced by pesticides/insecticides. In mollusks, pesticides exert their biological effects via generation of ROS. Oxidative stress has been shown to be associated with exposure to several organophosphorous compounds and different classes of pyrethroids. Malathion is a potential hazard to the environment. Adverse effects induced by malathion in earthworms and insects have been reported. Information is now available in great detail on the role of ROS in modulating insect immunity during parasite invasion and bacterial infection. In Drosophila melanogaster ROS are actively produced in the midgut at a basal level in the presence of commensal microbiota and highly generated upon bacterial challenge. The involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mosquito immunity against bacteria and Plasmodium was investigated in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae . The concentration of ROS increased in sand fly midguts after they fed on the insect pathogen Serratia marcescens . Elevated oxidative stress was previously reported for a mosquito line experimentally infected with Wolbachia , indicating that oxidative stress may be important for Wolbachia -mediated antiviral protection. In a nutshell, this chapter highlights the current advances of oxidative stress in invertebrate model systems and its implications.
Network Security Issues in The Internet of Things (IoT)

 Abstract — This paper surveys a broad range of other research works in order to discuss network security issues in the Internet of Things (IoT). We begin with setting the scene generally with an outline of IoT, followed by a discussion of IoT layer models and topologies. After this, IoT standardization efforts and protocols are analysed, before we discuss in depth vulnerabilities, attacks and mitigations with regard IoT. It is concluded that ample research and narrative exists for protocols and vulnerabilities but less on mitigations, particularly with regard Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) for IoT, and resource constraints on devices are a considerable obstacle in strengthening security.
Codon Usage Bias is not Significantly Different between the High and the Low Expression Genes in Human

Though the synonymous codons encode the same amino acid, these codons are not used randomly in a genome, a phenomenon known as codon usage bias. In lower organisms such as bacteria and yeast, codon usage bias is different between the high and the low expression genes, suggesting the role of translational selection on codon usage bias in these organisms. Unlike the above organisms, the chromosomes of human is composed of regions with distinct G+C compositions, known as isochores, which attributes to a large variation in codon usage bias among genes. Therefore, direct comparison of codon usage bias between the high and the low expression genes is not a correct approach to understand the role of translational selection on codon usage bias in human. In this study, we segregated genes of human into different G+C composition groups. Then the comparison of codon usage bias between the high and the low expression genes was done within each G+C composition group. Our study suggested that there is no significant difference in codon usage bias between the high and the low expression genes in human. We believe that the evolution of codon usage bias in human is not following the same selection mechanism that is operating in lower organisms.
What works in coach learning, how, and for whom? A grounded process of soccer coaches’ professional learning

Abstract Research into sport coaches’ learning previously relied on descriptive learning histories and retrospective coach perceptions that revealed little detail about the processes and outcomes involved. More recent nuanced approaches have started to evidence the idea that coaches actively integrate multiple experiences as interconnected modes of learning, influenced by pre-existing biography. A learning theory specific to coaching that can explain how practitioners dynamically interact with learning environments is a necessary addition to advance understanding, inform professional development opportunities and move the field forward. This research aimed to address this gap by investigating the learning of 25 English youth soccer coaches. Longitudinal semi-structured interviews and video stimulated recall interviews were used to elicit knowledge use in practice, associated sources of learning, and moderating factors. Data were organised and analysed using techniques and principles of grounded theory. A substantive grounded theory is presented to explain the filter process whereby individuals adopted, adapted and rejected elements of their experiences, leading to uneven learning in apparently similar situations. The findings suggest that coaches actively constructed and experimented with knowledge for use in socially situated coaching practice, through double-loop individual and contextual level filters, and ‘reflective conversations’. Questions of ‘what works’, how and for whom in this context of coach learning are addressed for the first time. Elucidation of these processes can enhance professional learning and practice through advancing evidence based ‘theory in context. ’ Video abstract Read the transcript Watch the video on Vimeo
Gap between Perceived and Desired Levels in Commercial Banks inMadurai

Customer perception is an important component of bank’s relationship with its customers. A customer may make such comparisons for each part of an offer called ‘‘domain-specific satisfaction’’ or for the offer in total called ‘‘global satisfaction’’. The working of the customer's mind is a mystery which is difficult to unfathomed and understanding the nuances of what perception the customer has to attain satisfaction is, a challenging task. The banks would recognize where they need to make changes to create improvements and determine if these changes, after implementation, have led to increased customer satisfaction. The present study is based on both primary and secondary sources. The primary data was collected from the customers of commercial banks by sample survey through structural interview schedule. Field work for this study was carried out by the researcher himself. The researcher had used the interview schedule for collecting data from bank customers.
A Crowdsourcing Approach to Identify Common Method Bias and Self-Representation

Pertinent questions on the measurement of social indicators are: the verification of data gained online (e.g., controlling for self-representation on social networks), and appropriate uses in community management and policy-making. Across platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and blogging services, users (sub)consciously represent themselves in a way which is appropriate for their intended audience (Qui et al., 2012; Zhao et al., 2008). However, scholars in the social sciences and computer science have not yet adequately addressed controlling for self-representation, or the propensity to display or censor oneself, in their analyses (Zhao et al., 2008; Das and Kramer, 2013). As such researchers on these platforms risk working with ‘gamified’, socially responding, or online disinhibitive (trolls) personas which goes above and beyond efforts to contain Common Method Biases (CMB) (Linville, 1985; Suler, 2004; Podsakoff et al., 2003). What has not been approached in a systematic way is the verification of such data on offline and actual personality. In this paper, we focus on the alignment of traditional survey methods with unobtrusive methods to gather profile data from online social media via crowdsourcing platforms.
An artificial neural network approach for assigning rating judgements to Italian Small Firms

Based on new regulations of Basel II Accord in 2004, banks and financial nstitutions have now the possibility to develop internal rating systems with the aim of correctly udging financial health status of firms. This study analyses the situation of Italian small firms that are difficult to judge because their economic and financial data are often not available. The intend of this work is to propose a simulation framework to give a rating judgements to firms presenting poor financial information. The model assigns a rating judgement that is a simulated counterpart of that done by Bureau van Dijk-K Finance (BvD). Assigning rating score to small firms with problem of poor availability of financial data is really problematic. Nevertheless, in Italy the majority of firms are small and there is not a law that requires to firms to deposit balance-sheet in a detailed form. For this reason the model proposed in this work is a three-layer framework that allows us to assign ating judgements to small enterprises using simple balance-sheet data.
A Geostatistical Approach to the Seasonal Precipitation Effect on Boro Rice Production in Bangladesh

Geographical assessments on the relationship between climate variability and crop production are important for planning adaptation programs to climate change impacts on Asian rice production. This paper analyses the seasonal precipitation consequences to irrigated crop yields, in opposition to the idea that irrigated crop yields are not affected by precipitation changes. Geostatistical methods are applied to assess changes in the patterns of seasonal precipitation and corresponding changes in the Boro crop production in Bangladesh. Surfaces depicting changes in the monsoon, non-monsoon and total precipitation from 2006 to 2007, and changes in three varieties of Boro crop yield and Total Boro yield from 2006-2007 to 2007-2008 crop year are generated through Splines, Inverse Distance Weighting and Ordinary Kriging methods. Performance evaluation of these models is also performed. The relationships between the surfaces of different precipitation seasons and the surfaces of different Boro yield seasons are then assessed. The results show that there is a significant correlation between seasonal precipitation changes and Boro yield changes with notable correlation coefficients and similarity in the patterns. A significant conformity of the high precipitation zones to the high Boro yielding zones is also depicted.
FINANCIAL CONDITION MODERATED THE EFFECTIVENESS OF AUDIT COMMITTEETOREDUCE EARNINGSMANAGEMENT

Some cases of financial fraud invite inquiries about the effectiveness of corporate governance mechanism in financial distress companies. This study empirically examines whether the financial distress moderate the impact of corporate governance mechanism to earnings management. The sample of this study is manufacturing companies listed at Indonesia Stock Exchange for period 2010 -2012. Discretionary accruals are used as a proxy for earnings management, while financially distressed and non-distressed firms are identified based on Altman Z-score test. Corporate governance mechanism is measured by four characteristics of the audit committee, i.e. size (total number of audit committee members), independence (audit committee composition), activity(frequency of audit committee meeting), and expertise (the number of audit committee have finance or accounting background). This study finds that (1) financial distress does not moderate the impact of total members of audit committee to earnings management; (2) financial distress does not moderate the impact of frequency of audit committee meeting to earnings management; (3) financial distress does not moderate the impact of audit committee composition to earnings management; (4)financial distress moderates the impact of audit committee finance/accounting knowledge to earnings management. These results suggestthat the effectiveness corporate governance is low, and finance/accounting literacy of audit committee should be alert. Beberapa kasus manipulasi keuangan pada perusahaan yang mengalami kesulitan keuangan mengundang pertanyaan terkait efektifitas mekanisme tata kelola perusahaan. Penelitian ini secara empiris menguji apakah kondisi kesulitan keuangan dapat memoderasi pengaruh mekanisme tata kelola perusahaan terhadap manajemen laba. Sampel dari penelitian ini adalah perusahaan sektor manufaktur yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia periode 2010-2012.Discretionary accruals digunakan sebagai proksi untuk manajemen laba, sedangkan kondisi kesulitan keuangan diidentifikasi menggunakan uji Altman Z-score. Mekanisme tata kelola perusahaan diukur dengan 4 karakteristik komite audit, yaitu ukuran (jumlah anggota komite audit), independensi (komposisi komite audit), aktivitas (frekuensi pertemuan komite audit), dan keahlian (jumlah anggota komite audit yang memiliki latar belakang keuangan atau akuntansi). Penelitian ini menemukan bahwa (1) kondisi kesulitan keuangan tidak memoderasi pengaruh jumlah anggota komite audit terhadap manajemen laba; (2) kondisi kesulitan keuangan tidak memoderasi pengaruh frekuensi pertemuan komite audit terhadap manajemen laba; (3) kondisi kesulitan keuangan tidak memoderasi pengaruh komposisi komite audit terhadap manajemen laba; (4) kondisi kesulitan keuangan memoderasi pengaruh jumlah anggota komite audit yang memiliki latar belakang keuangan atau akuntansi terhadap manajemen laba. Hasil ini menunjukkan bahwa efektifitas tata kelola perusahaan masih rendah dan anggota komite audit yang memiliki latar belakang keuangan atau akuntansi harus mewaspadainya.
The VISIR project - an Open Source Software Initiative for Distributed Online Laboratories

Blekinge Institute of Technology (BTH) in Sweden has started a project known as VISIR (Virtual Instrument Systems in Reality) together with National Instruments in USA and Axiom EduTech in Sweden to disseminate an online laboratory concept created at BTH using open source technologies in collaboration with other universities and organizations. The concept is about adding a remote operation option to traditional instructional laboratories to make them more accessible, irrespective of whether the students are on campus or mainly off campus. The BTH option is equipped with a unique interface enabling students to recognize on their own computer screen the instruments and other equipment most of them have previously used in the local laboratory. The first remote control option implemented is for an electronics laboratory and the second one is for a signal processing laboratory with emphasis on mechanical vibration experiments. The electronics lab option features remote circuit wiring using a virtual breadboard and a relay switching matrix combination. The goal is an international standard, enabling teams worldwide to expand and develop jointly this powerful approach into distributed online laboratories by using standardized software such as IVI (Interchangeable Virtual Instruments) and equipment platforms such as PXI (PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation) and LXI (LAN eXtensions for Instrumentation).
Depression And Social Involvement Among Elders

The present study has two aims: first, to explore how social involvement changes by age among European elders, and second, to disclose the relationship by age between social involvement and depression among study participants. The study used data from the Ageing and Retirement in Europe database (SHARE; 2004), subjecting a sample of 10207 elders aged 65 or older (Mean age = 73.84, SD = 6.84) to analysis in terms of the study questions. About 45% of the participants (n = 4601) were males and the remainder females (n = 5606). Study results determined that, without notable gender differences, European elders participate less in social activities with increasing age to statistically significant degrees; younger elders tend to be more socially involved and older elders less so. Symptoms of depression also emerged as negatively correlated with social involvement to statistically significant degrees when age was partialled out for both males and females. The study's findings imply that by increasing their social participation, European elders might be able to stave off feelings of depression.
A model for election night forecasting applied to the 2004 South African elections

A novel model has been developed to predict elections on the basis of early results. The electorate is clustered according to their behaviour in previous elections. Early results in the new elections can then be translated into voter behaviour per cluster and extrapolated over the whole electorate. This procedure is of particular value in the South African elections which tend to be highly biased, as early results do not give a proper representation of the overall electorate. In this paper we explain the methodology used to obtain the predictions. In particular, we look at the different clustering techniques that can be used, such as kmeans, fuzzy clustering and k-means in combination with discriminant analysis. We assess the performances of the different approaches by comparing their convergence towards the final results.
International price transmission on soft wheat markets: which role for policy variables in cointegration relationships?

This paper aims at considering policy regimes while studying international price transmission mechanisms. The focus is on the soft wheat market between the United States and the European Union in the years 1978-2003. EU domestic and border policies are expected to play a strong role; a theoretical framework is developed in which the basic idea is that the intervention price acts as a threshold above which the EU and the US price can interact. A composite variable, equal to the maximum between the intervention and the US price, is then introduced in a cointegration model and its relation with the EU price is studied. In addition to this, other models are estimated, in which the adjustment coefficients and the parameters of the cointegrating vector are allowed to vary according to the policy regime in place. All models yield consistent results. The EU price reaction to the long run relations suggests that the role of the US price can be understood only if policy regimes are adequately accounted for. To which extent the US price adjusts to disequilibria requires further research.
SLAM based on feature map for Autonomous vehicle

This paper is presented an simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) algorithm using ultrasonic for robot and electric compass, encoder, and gyro. Generally, localization based upon electric compass, encoder, and gyro can be measured just local position in workspace. However, actual robot must need an information of the absolute position in workspace to perform its mission, Absolute position in workspace could be calculated using SLAM algorithm. To implement SLAM in this paper, a map is built using ultrasonic sensor and hierarchical map building method. And then, we the map will be transformed into a feature map. The absolute position could be calculated using the feature map and map mapping method. As a test bed, we designed and construct an autonomous robot and showed the experimental performance of the proposed SLAM algorithm based on feature map. Experimental result, we verified that robot can found all absolute position on experiments using proposed SLAM algorithm.