Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Numerical Analysis of Normal Contact Stiffness of Rough Surfaces

A numerical model was proposed to investigate the contact behaviour of a solid with a rough surface squeezed against a rigid flat plane. We considered simulated hierarchical surface structures as well as scanned surface data obtained by the profilometry of isotropically roughened specimens. The simulated and treated surfaces were characterised using statistical and fractal parameters. The evolution of contact stiffness under increasing normal compression was analysed through the total truncated area at varying heights, in order to relate contact mechanics to different surface parameters employed for surface characterisation. For a relatively small surface interference, the predicted stress-dependent normal contact stiffness of both scanned and simulated surfaces is in good agreement with experimental observation from nanoindentation tests, revealing a power-law function of the normal load, with the exponent of this relationship closely depending on the fractal dimension of rough surfaces. The numerical results show that the amplitude of a fractal rough surface mainly contributes to the magnitude of the contact stiffness at a given normal load.
A theory for understanding and quantifying moving target defense

The static nature of cyber systems gives attackers a valuable and asymmetric advantage time. To eliminate this asymmetric advantage, a new approach, called Moving Target Defense (MTD) has emerged as a potential solution. MTD system seeks to proactively change system configurations to invalidate the knowledge learned by the attacker and force them to spend more effort locating and re-locating vulnerabilities. While it sounds promising, the approach is so new that there is no standard definition of what an MTD is, what is meant by diversification and randomization, or what metrics to define the effectiveness of such systems. Moreover, the changing nature of MTD violates two basic assumptions about the conventional attack surface notion. One is that the attack surface remains unchanged during an attack and the second is that it is always reachable. Therefore, a new attack surface definition is needed. To address these issues, I propose that a theoretical framework for MTD be defined. The framework should clarify the most basic questions such as what an MTD system is and its properties such as adaptation, diversification and randomization. The framework should reveal what is meant by gaining and losing knowledge, and what are different attack types. To reason over the interactions between attacker and MTD system, the framework should define key concepts such as attack surface, adaptation surface and engagement surface. Based on that, this framework should allow MTD system designers to decide how to use existing configuration choices and functionality diversification to increase security. It should allow them to analyze the effectiveness of adapting various combinations of different configuration aspects to thwart different types of attacks. To support analysis, the framework should include an analytical model that can be used by designers to determine how different parameter settings will impact system security. A THEORY FOR UNDERSTANDING AND QUANTIFYING MOVING TARGET DEFENSE
Short-term and long-term results after intravitreal bevacizumab therapy for macular oedema in branch retinal vein occlusion

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the possible correlation between the short- and long-term effects of intravitreal bevacizumab on macular oedema after branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Material and methods: This prospective clinical study included fifteen eyes of patients with macular oedema after BRVO. Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), recorded in LogMAR units, central foveal thickness (CFT) and maximum foveal thickness (MFT) were evaluated at one month after first application and at least every 2 months for one year. PRN treatment protocol was used for all patients. Statistical calculation was performed with SPSS for Windows and Microsoft Excel. Results: Mean CFT decreased significantly (p<0,0001) from baseline 471,2 ± 151,7 μm to 285,9 ± 79,82 μm at 12 months. CDVA improved significantly (p<0,0001) from baseline 0,58 ± 0,34 to 0,1 ± 0,25 at the end of follow up period. Change from baseline in the CDVA after one month was significantly positively correlated with the change in CDVA after 12 months (r=0,76, p=0,001). Change in CFT after one month had a strong positive correlation (r=0,78, p=0,001) with change after 12 months. There was no statistically significant correlation between the number of injections and the changes in CDVA, CFT, MFT after a single injection. Conclusions: Single injection effects of bevacizumab may indicate long-term results on macular oedema after BRVO, but further and larger studies are necessary. Abbreviations: BRVO = Branch retinal vein occlusion, RVO = Retinal vein occlusion, CFT = Central foveal thickness, MFT = Maximum foveal thickness, VEGF = Vascular endothelial growth factor, MO = Macular oedema, CDVA = Corrected distance visual acuity, PRN = Pro-re-Nata, SD-OCT = Special-domain optical coherence tomography, FT = Foveal thickness, LogMAR = Logarithm of the Minimum Angle of Resolution, WHO = World Health Organization, RPE = Retinal pigment epithelium
The Evolution of Opportunistic Behavior of Participating Subjects during the Operation Period of PPP Projects

Most of the public-private partnership (PPP) projects have entered the operational period in China. Due to information asymmetry, opportunistic behavior exists in the operation period of PPP projects. The opportunistic behavior of the participating subjects is an obstacle to the success of PPP projects and one of the root causes of low project performance. To investigate the evolutionary law of this behavior, the payment matrix of the strategic interaction between the investors and the government is constructed based on evolutionary game theory. Using MATLAB to simulate the evolutionary state and through the analysis of the evolutionary behavior of the interaction process, the influence of individual strategy choice on group behavior is revealed. The results show that the path evolution system of opportunistic behavior during the operation period of PPP projects can converge in two states, “good” and “bad,” and the determining factor is the relative returns of investors under various strategies. Reasonable incentives and penalties and reduced regulatory costs can effectively discourage opportunistic behavior. By regulating the parameters, the path evolution of opportunistic behavior can be optimized, and the group behavior can be induced to a good state. The research results can provide a reference for reducing the opportunistic behavior of participating subjects and improving the success rate of the PPP projects.
Case of study: Photovoltaic faults recognition method based on data mining techniques

Data Mining techniques have been applied to data collected from a 222 kWp CdTe (Cadmium Telluride) photovoltaic (PV) generator to predict faults or special conditions that occurs due to shadows, bad weather, soiling, and technical faults. Five types of errors have been distinguished and its impact on the PV system performance has been evaluated. Up to date, this computing approach has needed the simultaneous measurement of environmental attributes that an array of sensors collected. This study presents a model to assess the state of the PV (photovoltaic) generator and an algorithm that classifies its state without measuring ambient conditions. The result of a 222 kWp CdTe PV case study shows how the application of computing learning algorithms can be used to improve the management and performance of the photovoltaic generators and underlines the environmental parameters as clue attributes to find faults during the PV performance. Although the application of this method requires computational effort, the r.
Learning Experiences Designed to Develop Algebraic Thinking: Lessons from the ICCAMS Project in England

Algebra provides powerful tools for expressing relationships and investigating mathematical structure. It is key to success in mathematics, science, engineering and other numerate disciplines beyond school as well as in the workplace. Yet many learners do not appreciate the power and value of algebra, seeing it as a system of arbitrary rules. This may be because teaching often emphasises the procedural manipulation of symbols over a more conceptual understanding. In this chapter, we will draw on our experiences from the Increasing Competence and Confidence in Algebra and Multiplicative Structures (ICCAMS) study in order to look at ways in which learning experiences can be planned. In doing so, we will discuss how representations can be used, and the relationship between algebra and other mathematical ideas strengthened. We will also discuss how formative assessment can be used to nurture a more conceptual and reflective understanding of mathematics.
An Experimental Study on the Strength and Crack Healing Performance of E. coli Bacteria-Induced Microbial Concrete

The most commonly used building material in the construction industry is concrete. However, the weak features of concrete are its low ductility and limited tension capacity and hence crack development with the increase in load. These cracks get more worsened by the intrusion of water and salt present in the composition and hence causing deterioration and reducing the longevity of the material. This study focuses on an innovative approach to mitigate concrete’s fractures and flaws by utilizing microbiologically induced calcite (CaCO3) precipitation (MICP) excited by Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria to improve the performance of cementitious building materials. The study investigated the development of microbiological concrete in plain water using only one culture density (OD600 0.5 ± 0.1). In this study, two water-to-bacterial mix ratios (75 : 25 and 50 : 50) were used and compared to the conventional concrete (100 : 0). 100-mm cube-sized specimens cured for a period of 7, 28, 90, and 365 days were tested for compressive strength, water absorption capacity, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), and SEM analysis, which were performed on the samples at regular intervals. According to the results of these experiments, microbial concrete with the 50 : 50 ratio exhibited the highest strength for all curing times. From the water absorption test of samples, it is found that the absorption of the materials got reduced due to the infusion of microorganisms in concrete. On the other hand, the UPV test showed high velocity than the control samples for specimens with an OD600 0.5 ± 0.1. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis performed on distinct concrete groups at the age of 28 days showed fewer voids in the concrete lumps due to the increase in water substitution rate caused by microbial culture.
Appendix D: Analysis of the Cap and Trade Features of the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act (S. 2191) ∗

Since this report was completed there has been an effort in the Senate to draft legislation that would unify support behind common legislation. One result is the Climate Security Act (S. 2191) sponsored by Senators Lieberman and Warner. In this appendix we provide an analysis of the Act’s provisions as they relate to key features governing the cap-and-trade system, comparing results with the analysis in the body of the report. The analysis does not consider other features of the bill, such as the effects of how auction revenue is used, which could affect the overall cost estimates. Some of these other features are discussed, but not quantitatively analyzed, in Section D4. Also, as noted in the body of the report many uncertainties exist in projecting policy costs of an emissions constraint, including the rate of economic and emissions growth, the evolution of conditions abroad, the potential cost and availability of new technology, and different ways of interpreting the provisions of the legislation. The body of the report investigates the effects of varying some of these conditions, but we do not attempt in this short appendix to re-investigate the sensitivity of the results to key assumptions. Thus, the results presented here are based on one representation of the future conditions in a particular model.
Metal‐Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition of Oxide Perovskite Films: A Facile Route to Complex Functional Systems

Perovskite oxide type materials exhibit a great profusion of unique functional properties and for this reason they have been named inorganic chameleon. Nevertheless, their actual applications require the availability of these systems in thin‐film form synthesized through a simple, scalable, and straightforward technique. Metal‐organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) has been shown to be an outstanding process to prepare thin films of multi‐component oxides. Herein, the focus is devoted to oxide perovskite thin films on both single crystal and non‐single crystal substrates through MOCVD processes. This study discusses the principles and the basic rules governing conventional, plasma‐enhanced, and liquid‐assisted MOCVD processes. Among a plethora of oxide perovskites, several classes of functionalities belonging to the perovskite class: from superconductors to dielectrics and giant‐k dielectrics, from colossal magnetoresistance to ionic conductors, piezoelectrics and ferroelectrics, are explored in detail.
Empirical study of freeway interchange crash characteristics and influence areas

Factors that affect drivers at interchanges are various and include changing lanes, changes in speed limits, and lengths of speed-change lanes. State Departments of Transportation (DOTs), local authorities, and transportation researchers use reported crash locations for analysis, neglecting the functionality of speed-change lanes. This may lead to the inaccurate prediction of the number of crashes and non-optimum geometric designs. This study used a newly proposed method for locating crashes by the functionality of speed-change lanes instead of exact crash location for safety analysis. Missouri crash reports were reviewed to determine how police officers located crashes. In addition, the functional and physical classification methods were compared. Crash distributions were presented for different types of facilities, such as freeway segments, speed-change lane segments, and ramp segments, in order to better understand the safety of different interchange-related facilities. In addition, on the basis of crash data, the safety influence areas were estimated using empirical data. By using functional classification, more crashes were assigned to speed-change lanes than ramps or freeways that had been assigned through the use of physical classification. Mainline freeway segments still generated the most crashes in interchanges under functional classification (62.09%), with speed-change lanes second (21.21%). The interchange influence area determined in this research was 2000 ft. , which is longer than the 1500 ft. discussed in previous studies.
Orthopaedic Biomaterials in Research and Practice

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Implementing Character Education and Behavior Improvement in Moroccan Secondary Schools

Character education has recently become an important area of concern and research among researchers and stakeholders in the field of education worldwide. The emergence of character education as an area of research, theory, and policymaking has been motivated by a generally noted increase of violence and misbehavior among students in educational institutions, which negatively affects the school environment and effectiveness as well as students’ performance, achievement and success. It has also been driven by the increasing awareness of the fundamental role and mission of education and educational institutions in instilling in learners the values and character traits of citizenship. In this context, the objective of this research is to investigate the impact of implementing character education and the improvement of students' behavior in Moroccan secondary schools. To collect data, the questionnaire and the semi-structured interview were used to elicit information from teachers and students on their opinions and perceptions of the impact of implementing character education programs and activities on students’ behavior improvement. The most important findings of this study confirm that character education does not constitute a mainstream practice in the classroom and its institutional context. In this respect, this article presents some suggestions to integrate effective character education programs in policy making, teachers training, and students’ life in the classroom and Moroccan school contexts.
A Practical Guide to Distributed Scrum

Succeed with Scrum in Even the Largest, Most Complex Distributed Development Projects Forewords by Ken Schwaber, Scott Ambler, Roman Pichler, and Matthew Wang This is the first comprehensive, practical guide for Scrum practitioners working in large-scale distributed environments. Written by three of IBMs leading Scrum practitionersin close collaboration with the IBM QSE Scrum Community of more than 1000 members worldwidethis book offers specific, actionable guidance for everyone who wants to succeed with Scrum in the enterprise. Readers will follow a journey through the lifecycle of a distributed Scrum project, from envisioning products and setting up teams to preparing for Sprint planning and running retrospectives. Each chapter presents a baseline drawn from conventional Scrum, then discusses additional issues faced by distributed teams, and presents specific best-practice solutions, alternatives, and tips the authors have identified through hard, empirical experience. Using real-world examples, the book demonstrates how to apply key Scrum practices, such as look-ahead planning in geographically distributed environments. Readers will also gain valuable new insights into the agile management of complex problem and technical domains. Coverage includes Developing user stories and working with Product Owners as a distributed team Recognizing and fixing the flaws Scrum may reveal in existing processes Engaging in more efficient Release and Sprint planning Conducting intense, brief daily Scrum meetings in distributed environments Managing cultural and language differences Resolving dependencies, performing frequent integration, and maintaining transparency in geographically distributed environments Successfully running remote software reviews and demos Brainstorming what worked and what didnt, to improve future Sprints This book will be an indispensable resource for every team leader, member, product owner, or manager working with Scrum or other agile methods in any distributed software development organization.
Developing a mapping from affective words to design parameters for affective design of apparel products

The development of an emotion-based (or affect-based) apparel design system has become an important issue nowadays due to the customer’s increased demand for apparel products not only in the aspect of function but also of aesthetics or affect/emotion. This paper presents a study on developing a mapping from affective words to design parameters. The technique employed to develop this mapping is neural networks (NNs). Both linear NNs and higher-order NNs were applied. An example was taken to illustrate and validate the developed mapping. There are two main contributions from the study. The first is that this mapping is the first in the domain of apparel design, and with it, the computer-aided affect-based design for apparel becomes possible. The second one is the provision of some empirical knowledge for the evaluation of so-called higher-order NNs.
Pathophysiological Link between Insulin Resistance and Adrenal Incidentalomas

Adrenal incidentalomas are incidentally discovered adrenal masses greater than one centimeter in diameter. An association between insulin resistance and adrenal incidentalomas has been established. However, the pathophysiological link between these two conditions remains incompletely characterized. This review examines the literature on the interrelationship between insulin resistance and adrenal masses, their subtypes, and related pathophysiology. Some studies show that functional and non-functional adrenal masses elicit systemic insulin resistance, whereas others conclude the inverse. Insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and the anabolic effects on adrenal gland tissue, which have insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptors, offer possible pathophysiological links. Conversely, autonomous adrenal cortisol secretion generates visceral fat accumulation and insulin resistance. Further investigation into the mechanisms and timing of these two pathologies as they relate to one another is needed and could be valuable in the prevention, detection, and treatment of both conditions.