Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatial Transferability and Updating Analysis of Mode Choice Models in Developing Countries

ABSTRACT This article examines the spatial transferability of mode choice models in developing countries. An evaluation of the updating procedure and sample size are also included in the study. Because of the insufficiency of model coefficients in explaining differences in unmeasured modal attributes, naïvely transferring a model is not recommended. An understanding of the transport characteristics in both the estimation context and the application context is required, in order to justify whether a variable is transferable or not. Four updating procedures – updating alternative specific constants (ASCs), updating ASCs and scale parameter, the combined transfer estimator and Bayesian updating associated with three sets of small sample sizes – are applied to improve transferability. In general, the first three approaches produce significant improvements. It is also proposed that a minimum small sample size of 400 observations is necessary for updating purposes.
Reflections on Curriculum Development by a New Academic

New members of academic teaching staff will encounter any number of issues and problems in their first year. This paper discusses the issues encountered in the first year of a lecturing post and the efforts put into writing and compiling a new, core level 3 module. The paper explores experiences of curriculum development, discusses lessons learnt and exhibits reflections based on the knowledge accumulated from attendance on a Professional Development Programme designed specifically for new teaching staff. Emphasis rests on the design and implementation of the course, with specific focus on intentions, content, assessment and delivery. Reflections on peer and student feedback are also provided.
Detemining the Thickness of Barriers and Well of Resonance Tunneling Diodes by Specified I-V Characteristic

In this paper, a method of determining physical dimension of Double Barrier Quantum Well (DBQW) of Resonance Tunneling Diodes (RTDs) is presented by using I-V characteristic governing on them. In this procedure, first we have used performance metrics related to RTDs I-V characteristic such as Peak to Valley Current Ratio (PVCR), peak current density (JP), valley current density (JV) and Voltage Swing (VS), and by some other arbitrary points, we have fitted a curve to the RTD current-voltage equation by MATLAB software. Then we have obtained the physical parameter of I-V equation and adjusted some of them with modification coefficients. Next, by choosing the material of barriers and the well and amount of doping, we have calculated the thicknesses of both. To review the mentioned method, the experimental result of I-V characteristic of the sample structure DBQW is considered and we have come to this idea that the dimensions gained out of this method are highly correlated with those of the experimental sample.
Research on Facility Layout Problems Based on Ant Colony Algorithm

In this paper, we propose a variant of the QAP-based facility layout problem: the fixed-point facility layout problem (FFLP). Based on Ant Colony algorithm , we design the modified ant algorithm for solving the general facility layout problem (GFLP). In addition, we also design the ant algorithm for FFLP by increasing the operator of data preprocessing. Analyze the impact of the different parameters values on the results by a lot of data testing. Experimental results show that the algorithm has strong capability of global search and rapid speed of convergence.
Virtual Class Room Using Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

The latest contribution towards teaching and learning process is the use of technology to establish a virtual class room (VCR). As of now, no attempts have been made to establish a VCR based on Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET) for a residential institution where the VCR itself can be mobile within a distance of 1km. Whereas a virtual classroom is one that can be immediately established, and whose members can be dynamically added or removed, the group structure of the members can be reorganized dynamically any where within the range at any time. The virtual classroom can support urgent and timely learning activities, thus improving learning effectiveness. For example, a teacher may establish a virtual classroom from their residence, students located around 1Km taking the opportunity to form an ad hoc group to improve the teaching learning process at any time using IEEE802.11 g.
Design of Circular Patch Microstrip Antenna with Egg Slot for 2.4 GHz Ultra-Wideband Radio Frequency Identification (UWB RFID) Tag Applications

This paper discusses concerning design of circular patch microstrip antenna for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags application in microwave band. Circular microstrip antenna is designed with an egg slot on the ground plane and feed line to get ultra wideband. The design of microstrip antenna using Phenolic White Paper-FR2 with dielectric constant (or) =4.5. Based on simulation results, the antenna shows it works at frequency 2128-4807 MHz with gain of-17,398 dBi. The rectangular stub, caused the decreasing of bandwidth but the gain increase. By adding a rectangular stub on the ground plane, antenna works at frequency 1166 3475 MHz with increasing gain of-2,733 dBi.
Activity of Saponin in the parts of the medicinal plant Abutilon indicum

In different aspects of life, plants form a vast field of uses such as furniture, ornaments, decoration, stationary, buildings and others. Among those uses of plants are the medical ones because of the vast varieties of plant types, the low cost and the wide range of safety when use them. Mallow family includes small trees diversity of different parts like herbs, shrubs and flowering plants. Considering the chemical structure, it confines huge range of compounds like vitamins, alkaloids, saponin glycosides, proteins, carbohydrates, flavonoids and others. Because the Abutilon indicum has reported to have analgesic, antioxidant, laxative, anthelmintic and diuretic properties, it was chosen to be the topic of study in this review. Of these mentioned compounds saponin comes on priority and it was extracted from different plants beside abutilon such as sugar beet, soymilk, strawberry, plum and chickpea. The defense system of plants bases on saponin as it forms the attack line against pathogens. Saponin can be found in percentage about 30% in the leaves of Abutilon indium and it is seen to have cholesterol and glucose lowering properties beside antitumor ones. The study about the pharmacological properties of A. Indicum in Iraq area was recommended by the author to establish its effects against chronic diseases depending different doses in experimental animals.
Bitcoin Double-Spending Proﬁtability Analysis

—Blockchain is a technology invented to enable the decentralized digital currency, Bitcoin, for secure and private asset transfer and storage. As a cryptocurrency, Bitcoin should be difﬁcult to double-spend. This paper analyzes the proﬁtability of double-spending Bitcoin over a blockchain. We ﬁrst introduce the major attacks that can be performed to double-spend Bitcoin. Next, we derive the proﬁtability for attackers to perform such attacks. We provide a quantitative characterization between the risk of double-spending and the number of blocks to be added to the blockchain before a transaction is accepted. Our ﬁndings are useful to both Bitcoin users and miners. Miners can obtain more insight into the mining process and potential methods to maximize their proﬁts.
AN EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF IN-VEHICLE COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEMS

This report describes a simulator study in which seven candidate in- vehicle CAS (collision avoidance systems) were compared as to their effects on driving behavior in car-following situations. The use of the CAS systems studied is accompanied by behavioral changes affecting the way in which the driving task is performed. In general, the following effects seem to be associated with the availability of a CAS: 1) a change in the distribution of time headways, in particular a reduction in the occurrence of very short headways, 2) an increase in driving speed, 3) an increase in acceleration and deceleration levels and 4) an increase in time spend driving in the left land of the road.
Quartz Crystal Resonators and Oscillators for Frequency Control and Timing Applications

Abstract : Subjects covered include: applications of frequency standards; types of oscillators (quartz and atomic); quartz resonator properties; quartz growing, sweeping, and material characteristics; Q and its significance; resonator and oscillator stability, including aging, short-term instability, frequency vs. temperature characteristics, oscillator circuit caused instabilities, frequency vs. drive level effects, acceleration effects, the effect of shock, and radiation effects; emerging technologies; atomic frequency standards; comparison of the major oscillator types; oscillator specifications and selection guidelines; time and timekeeping; clock errors; relativistic time; time transfer; time and frequency subsystem; and other applications of quartz resonators. The goal of this document is to assist in presenting to the nonspecialist the most frequently encountered concepts in frequency control and timing. The document originated as a set of hard copies of presentation visual graphs(i.e., vugraphs). Quartz, Quartz crystal, Quartz resonator, Quartz oscillator, Resonator, Oscillator, Stability, Aging, Allan variance, Phase noise, Frequency control, Frequency standard, Clock, Time, Timekeeping, Atomic frequency standard, Rubidium standard, Cesium standard, Atomic resonator, Radiation effects, Vibration effects.
Segment set-based part input sequencing in flexible manufacturing systems

In competitive and uncertain business environments, manufacturing firms face various challenges requiring quick response, customisation and cost effectiveness to sustain competitive advantage. This paper proposes a segment set-based approach for the part input sequencing problem of flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs). The segment set theorems are built for the development of the segment set-based approach for the problem. A numerical study is done using simulation, and validated through statistical analyses. Our approach results in the significant performance improvement of the FMSs. Managerial implications are discussed. Further research is also provided.
Malicious Hackers: A Framework for Analysis and Case Study

Abstract : Recent years have seen an increase in the number and severity of Information Operations (IO) attacks upon DoD resources. At a higher level, the US as a whole has come under cyber attack by individuals and groups seeking thrills, monetary gain, publicity for their causes, and myriad other goals. This effort develops a first cut model of individual hacker mentality that can be utilized to improve threat assessment, mitigate Information Assurance (IA) vulnerabilities, and improve risk assessment. Further, it is a first step toward automated characterization of Information Warfare (IW) attacks based upon hacker types. All hackers are not the same. In order to best deal with their actions and the intent behind their actions, one must understand who they are. Many hackers are not malicious, in that they hack for the thrill of learning and to "look around". However, others are intent upon gathering information for gain (profit or intelligence aspects), corrupting data or denying access to the system, or to see what harm they can cause. Research for this effort specifically focused on malicious hackers working for nation states, although the basic framework presented applies in part to any type of hacker. This results in advances in the way that hackers are classified and profiled, with a better understanding of their values, skills, and approaches to hacking. Responses can then be tailored to specifics of a given class of hackers. The model developed is illustrated by a case study.
Passive intermodulation considerations in antenna design

The author outlines the causes of PIM (passive intermodulation) measurement techniques, and proven means of PIM reduction. Material and geometry considerations are examined. It is pointed out that PIM is an important consideration in high-channel-capacity communications systems. Ferrite materials and geometries with high current densities show particularly poor PIM performance. Environmental effects often degrade PIM performance. Although results are difficult to quantify, it is concluded that heeding a few basic design recommendations will decrease PIM levels. <<ETX>>
Magnetically Reusable Fe3O4@NC@Pt Catalyst for Selective Reduction of Nitroarenes

A novel reusable Fe3O4@NC@Pt heterogeneous catalyst was synthesized by immobilizing platinum on nitrogen-doped carbon magnetic nanostructures. It was characterized by infrared analysis (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The catalytic efficiency of Fe3O4@NC@Pt was investigated by reduction of nitro aromatic compounds. The catalyst showed good catalytic activity, wide range of substrates, and good chemical selectivity, especially for the substrates of compounds containing halide and carbonyl groups. The magnetically catalyst can readily be reused up to ten cycles without loss of catalytic activity. Moreover, the key pharmaceutical intermediate Lorlatini can be facilely achieved through this strategy.
Cost Effective Operating Strategy for Unit Commitment and Economic Dispatch of Thermal Power Plants with Cubic Cost Functions Using TLBO Algorithm

This paper deals with a Unit Commitment (UC) problem of a power plant aimed to find the optimal scheduling of the generating units involving cubic cost functions. The problem has non convex generator characteristics, which makes it very hard to handle the corresponding mathematical models. However, Teaching Learning Based Optimization (TLBO) has reached a high efficiency, in terms of solution accuracy and computing time for such non convex problems. Hence, TLBO is applied for scheduling of generators with higher order cost characteristics, and turns out to be computationally solvable. In particular, we represent a model that takes into account the accurate higher order generator cost functions along with ramp limits, and turns to be more general and efficient than those available in the literature. The behavior of the model is analyzed through proposed technique on modified IEEE-24 bus system.
Early Career Teaching Progression: Examining Canadian Teachers’ Experiences During their First Five Years in the Profession

ABSTRACT Our pan-Canadian research study examined the differential impact of teacher induction and mentorship programs on the early-career teachers’ retention. Using the results from a pan-Canadian Teacher Induction Survey (N = 1343), we compared ECTs’ experiences with induction, mentorship and career development within their first five years. Findings point to a shift in the needs of teachers within the first five years, suggesting that with time career supports and job satisfaction decrease and consideration of leaving the profession increases. Based on convergences and divergences across five years, we offer implications for policy, practice, and research.
Exposure to a Subinhibitory Sulfonamide Concentration Promotes the Spread of Antibiotic Resistance in Marine Blue Mussels (Mytilus edulis)

Although antibiotic resistance has become a significant and growing threat to public and environmental health, the occurrence and prevalence of this phenomenon in seafood have not been extensively explored. This study aims to evaluate the impact of subinhibitory antibiotic concentrations on the spread of antibiotic resistance in mussels. Marine blue mussels were exposed to 100 μg/L sulfamethoxazole (SMX); then, the presence of genes conferring resistance to sulfonamides (sul1 and sul2) and the class 1 integron-integrase gene (intI1) and the bacterial community composition associated with the gastrointestinal tract were investigated. Results showed that all analyzed genes were present in mussels, even in those not exposed to SMX. Moreover, exposure to SMX caused a significant increase in the absolute copy number of sul1 in mussels, although no significant changes were observed for sul2 and intI1 genes. Because the bacterial community composition was not affected by SMX exposure, the increase for sul1 may b.
How Unions Impact on the State of the Psychological Contract to Facilitate the Adoption of New Work Practices (NWP)

This article draws together empirical research in the psychological contract, trust, unions and NWP literatures to draw conclusions on the way in which unions impact on NWP. It finds that strong unions that have a co-operative relationship with management prevent and heal breaches in the psychological contract and facilitate a virtuous trust cycle that is important to the implementation of NWP. This has significant implications for theory and practice, particularly in anti-union institutional contexts that are focused on union avoidance, suppression and substitution.
Association of handwriting between Chinese Hanzi and Roman systems in the Chinese community of Klang Valley

ABSTRACT This study aims to investigate the cross-language relationship between Chinese Hanzi and Roman handwriting systems in the Chinese community of Klang Valley. The samples were examined under characteristics such as slant, alignment, ending strokes, words dimensions, spacing, letter stalks, the height of t-bars and margins for both languages. Spearman’s Rank Correlation and McNemar Bowker tests were applied for the continuous and descriptive data analysis respectively due to their significance association using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 23. The results showed a significant strong positive correlation between the left margins (R 2 = 0.936, p < 0.001) and widths (R 2 = 0.734, p < 0.001). Moderate positive correlation was obtained between heights (R 2 = 0.690, p < 0.001), right margins (R 2 = 0.626, p < 0.001), stalks (R 2 = 0.586, p < 0.001), height of t-bars (R 2 = 0.499, p < 0.001) and intrawords (R 2 = 0.410, p < 0.001). The McNemar Bowker test revealed a significant association between slants (X(6) = 42.702, p < 0.001), ending strokes (X(3) = 38.400, p < 0.001) and baseline (X(10) = 21.904, p = 0.016). The findings were statistically significant (p˂0.05) for all the means measured. Based on the result, an association of handwriting between the two languages exists, despite the structural variation in the writings. This indicates that there is a correspondence in the handwriting of an individual when using two different language systems.
Construction of a patient observation system using KINECTTM

Improvement in the positional accuracy of irradiation is expected by capturing patient motion (intra-fractional error) during irradiation. The present study reports the construction of a patient observation system using Microsoft® KINECTTM. By tracking movement, we made it possible to add a depth component to the acquired position coordinates and to display three-axis (X, Y, and Z) movement. Moreover, the developed system can be displayed in a graph which is constructed from the coordinate position at each time interval. Using the developed system, an observer can easily visualize patient movement. When the body phantom was moved a known distance in the X, Y, and Z directions, good coincidence was shown with each axis. We built a patient observation system which captures a patient's motion using KINECTTM.
Adcult USA: The Triumph of Advertising in American Culture

Preface1. Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz: American Culture Awash in a Sea of Advertising2. We Build Excitement: The Delivery of Adcult3. Strong Enough for a Man but Made for a Woman: The Work of Adcult4. Halo Everybody, Highlow: Adcult and the Collapse of Cultural Hierarcy5. Takes a Licking, but Keeps on Ticking: The Future of Adcult Selective BibliographyIndex
Complications of Polycystic Kidney Disease and Relation With Disease Progression: An Observational Retrospective Study

Background: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a renal inherited disease characterized by the growth of bilateral renal cysts that lead to deterioration in renal function and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). These patients frequently present complications like urinary tract infection, acute pyelonephritis, acute or chronic pain, renal lithiasis or high blood pressure (HBP). The aim of this study is to compare the renal evolution in ADPKD patients with renal complications and/or HBP compared to those without complications nor HBP.Methods: Observational retrospective study of 29 ADPKD patients with normal renal function and <70 years followed up in our center. Clinical and analytical information of 2010, 2015 and 2017 were determined.Results: 29 patients were enrolled with a median age of 41 years [34-54], eighteen women (62,1%) and eleven men. Median of estimation of glomerular function rate (eGFR) was 85.8ml/min [70.7-115.6] in 2010, 76.0 ml/min [57.0-99.9] in 2015 and 63.1ml/min [45.0-95.8] in 2017. Eight patients (27.6%) have never had kidney complication nor HBP. Nine patients (31.0%) have normal blood pressure, 6 others (20.7%) have well controlled high blood pressure (HBP) and 14 (48.3%) have badly controlled HBP. When patients were divided between those who have never presented a complication (C-) and those who present renal complication and/or HBP (C+), the first group presented better kidney function. When patients were segregated into those who have never presented complication or well-controlled HBP (CHBP-) and those with renal complication and/or badly-controlled HBP (CHBP+) no differences were found at the initial eGFR, but a faster worsening of kidney function in CHBP+ group.Conclusions: In ADPKD patients, the decrease in eGFR is significantly important in individuals showing complications (including HBP) compared to those who did not present complications. Individuals with complications and badly-controlled HBP show even greater differences in kidney function decrease compared with patients without complications or well controlled HBP.
The Global Innovation Scoreboard 2008: The Dynamics of the Innovative Performances of Countries

The new Global Innovation Scoreboard 2008 (GIS 2008) is developed.It aims at providing an overview on the main trends, results and determinants of the innovative performance of countries across the world. Compared to the 2008 European Innovation Scoreboard, the GIS 2008 uses older data (1995 – 2005 compared with 2002-07 in the EIS) and a reduced set of indicators (9 indicators compared to 29 in the EIS). One of the main results obtained in the First Part of the Thematic Paper is the fact that the accumulation of technological capabilities is a structural phenomenon within the economic systems. Consequently, to address the dynamics of this process a ten-year period of time is taken in consideration in the GIS 2008.