Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Believable Bots: Can Computers Play Like People?

We share our modern world with bots chatbots to converse with, roombots to clean our houses, spambots to fill our e-mail inboxes, and medibots to assist our surgeons. This book is about computer game bots, virtual companions who accompany us in virtual worlds or sharpen our fighting skills. These bots must be believable, that is human players should believe they are interacting with entities operating at a human level bots are more fun if they behave like we do. This book shows how to create believable bots that play computer games, and it discusses the implications of making them appear human. The chapters in this book present the state of the art in research on and development of game bots, and they also look beyond the design aspects to address deep questions: Is a bot that plays like a person intelligent? Does it have emotions? Is it conscious? The topic is inherently interdisciplinary, and the work draws from research and practice in many fields, such as design, creativity, entertainment, and graphics; learning, psychology, and sociology; artificial intelligence, embodiment, agents, machine learning, robotics, humancomputer interaction, and artificial life; cognition and neuroscience; and evolutionary computing. The contributing authors are among the leading researchers and developers in this field, and most of the examples and case studies involve analysis of commercial products. The book will be of value to graduate students and academic researchers in artificial intelligence, and to engineers charged with the design of entertaining games.
Reduction of Bearing Currents in Inverter Fed Drive Applications by Using Sequentially Positioned Pulse Modulation

Abstract The phenomenon of bearing currents is known for a long period. Especially those which are caused by magnetic asymmetries have been investigated since the beginning of the 20th century Nowadays new kinds of bearing currents can be observed in inverter fed induction drives. Investigations done on these effects show that the switched operational mode – especially of voltage source inverters – causes a high frequency common mode voltage (CMV). This voltage supplies the common mode circuit of an electrical machine in which the bearings are a part oof. Therefore, to reduce the occurrence of bearing currents it is necessary to avoid or – at least – to minimise the common mode voltage in drive applications fed by voltage source inverters. A novel principle for such a purpose is the space vector based modulation with sequentially positioned pulses (SPP). With this modulation it is possible to reduce both the number of edges within the CMV and its amplitude to a great extent without influencing the modulation index. The present paper summarises the ideas which stand behind the principle of SPP and gives an overview over the major dependences from characteristics of the drive system. Moreover, the functionality and the compatibility to standard inverter fed drives is shown by means of simulations and measurements.
Residual Risk That Remains

The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases keeps increasing each year globally. As atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD) are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, it is important to take ample preventive measures. Despite lifestyle modifications and intensified lipid management, a significant proportion of patients are at "Residual risk". This review describes the various residual risk factors and the results of large-scale clinical trials conducted to address this issue in ASCVD. The major residual risk factors are classified in the inflammatory, thrombotic, and metabolic pathways. Results from the JUPITER and PROVE-IT TIMI 22 show that serum levels of hsCRP play a vital role in defining the residual inflammatory risk in high-risk individuals with hypercholesterolemia. Apart from hsCRP, IL-1, and IL-6 is also crucial in driving the inflammatory risk in patients with atherosclerotic disease. Besides statins, IL-1, IL-6 and chemokine inhibitors, and several other drugs are used to treat patients with residual inflammatory risk. To address the residual thrombotic risk, along with aspirin to reduce the vascular events, ATLAS ACS-2 TIMI 51 and COMPASS clinical trials demonstrated that rivoroxaban was found to be beneficial in improving the clinical outcome. As increased amounts of lipoprotein are linked with a raised risk of myocardial infarction, evolocumab and other novel therapies that target lipoprotein are under development. The role of triglycerides and HDL in atherogenesis is yet to be clearly elucidated. The emergence of SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1 RA in diabetes treatment has also proven beneficial in improving cardiovascular outcomes. It is essential to address the residual risk component for optimum management of patients with ASCVD. Keywords: Atherosclerosis; Residual risk; Inflammation; Thrombosis; Metabolic risk
A Highly Active Chondroitin Sulfate Lyase ABC for Enzymatic Depolymerization of Chondroitin Sulfate

Enzymatic preparation of low-molecular-weight chondroitin sulfate (LMWCS) has received increasing attention. In this work, a chondroitin sulfate lyase ABC (Chon-ABC) was successfully cloned, expressed, and characterized. The Km and Vmax of the Chon-ABC were 0.54 mM and 541.3 U mg−1, respectively. The maximal activity was assayed as 500.4 U mg−1 at 37 °C in pH 8.0 phosphate buffer saline. The half-lives of the Chon-ABC were 133 d and 127 min at 4 °C and 37 °C, respectively. Enzymatic preparation of LMWCS was performed at room temperature for 30 min. The changes between the substrate and product were analyzed with mass spectrometry (MS), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Overall, the Chon-ABC from Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron is competitive in large-scale enzymatic preparation of LMWCS for its high activity, stability, and substrate specificity.
The architecture of full services access network

Summary form only given. An international idea the full services access network (FSAN)-to create the conditions for the development and the introduction of access systems supporting a full range of narrow-band and broadband services is presented. Although it is recognized that the needs of each network operator differ because of the differing regulatory, business, and structural environments in each country, sufficient similarities exist in the needs for future access networks to suggest that significant benefits can be achieved through adopting a common set of requirements specification.
Pension systems in south-eastern Europe: what worked and what did not

Abstract Many south-east European states made the transition from socialist to market economies. All described here had to reform their pension systems to match the new context in which these operated. The experiences of 10 countries are reviewed – seven of which were once part of Yugoslavia. Some countries’ reforms were more radical than others. Five of them merely adapted the Bismarckian systems they had inherited; four others adopted the “three pillar” model that the World Bank had been propagating. One went further than that. The four who followed World Bank model were often forced to backtrack. Whatever the longer-term benefits, they generated their own shorter-term fiscal problems. Nonetheless, the most radical reformer gives some indications of possible ways forward. The south-eastern European states do not have financial markets that can support capitalised/funded pension systems. Nor do they have the resources to pay proportional pensions that, at the same time, keep retired people out of poverty. The article suggests that their governments should concentrate upon improving economic performance to satisfy longer term aspirations and on ensuring that pensioners are able to live properly if not luxuriously by using tax-financed transfer measures. Provision above this level can be secured through savings plans, but it must be accepted that the investments to secure those savings will have to be made abroad.
Potential of Retrofit Passive Flow Control for Small Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines

The present paper analyzes the effect of passive flow control (PFC) with respect to the retrofitting on small horizontal axis wind turbines (sHAWT). We conducted extensive wind tunnel studies on an high performance low Reynolds airfoil using different PFC elements, i.e. vortex generators (VGs) and Gurney flaps. QBlade, an open source Blade Element Momentum (BEM) code, is used to study the retrofitting potential of a simulated small wind turbine. The turbine design is presented and discussed. The simulations include the data and polars gained from the experiments and give further insight into the effects of PFC on sHAWT. Therefore several different blades were simulated using several variations of VG positions. This paper discusses their influence on the turbine performance. The authors focus especially on the start-up performance as well as achieving increased power output at lower wind speeds. The vortex generators reduce the risk of laminar separation and enhance the lift in some configurations by more than 40% at low Reynolds numbers. © 2016 ASME
High sensitivity surface plasmon resonance sensor based on D-shaped high birefringence photonic crystal fibre

A sensitivity refractive index (RI) sensor based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect in D-shaped high birefringence photonic crystal fibre (PCF) is presented and studied by the finite element method (FEM). Through the designing of air holes arrangement in PCF, the birefringence of optical fibre is improved and the SPR effect of y-polarized core mode is directionally excited. The designed D-shaped PCF with gold film in the damaged air holes enhances the interaction of the evanescent field with the external medium. Simulation results indicate that the sensor has a sensing range from 1.30 to 1.37, and the average spectral sensitivity is 10348.3 nm/RIU. The maximum spectral sensitivity of 19,288 nm/RIU and a high resolution of 5.18 × 10−6 RIU can be obtained at 1.37. This high sensitivity sensor has broad application prospects in life science and other research fields.
Augmented Reality “Smart Glasses” in the Workplace: Industry Perspectives and Challenges for Worker Safety and Health

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS Given advances in augmented reality head-worn display (AR HWD) technologies, “smart glasses” may become an everyday workplace tool in the foreseeable future, allowing workers to perform tasks hands-free while viewing real-time, task-relevant information within their visual field of view. Interviews with experts in several industries (e.g., chemical, medical, manufacturing, distribution) supported such future opportunities for AR HWD development, and underlined important practical concerns that should be overcome to bring smart glasses into mainstream, effective industrial use. Particularly, almost all interviewees believed that poorly designed interfaces for smart glasses may distract workers, yet saw potential in using well-designed AR HWD technology to improve workplace safety and health. This and earlier studies suggest that smart glasses can have important implications for human/task performance as well as workplace safety and health. Future research directions are discussed to promote and accelerate the safe adoption and implementation of AR HWD technologies in the workplace.
Single and Mixture Toxicity of Boron and Vanadium Nanoparticles in the Soil Annelid Enchytraeus crypticus: A Multi-Biomarker Approach

The increased use and production of new materials has contributed to Anthropocene biodiversity decrease. Therefore, a careful and effective toxicity evaluation of these new materials is crucial. However, environmental risk assessment is facing new challenges due to the specific characteristics of nanomaterials (NMs). Most of the available ecotoxicity studies target the aquatic ecosystems and single exposures of NMs. The present study evaluated Enchytraeus crypticus survival and reproduction (28 days) and biochemical responses (14 days) when exposed to nanoparticles of vanadium (VNPs) and boron (BNPs) (single and mixture; tested concentrations: 10 and 50 mg/kg). Although at the organism level the combined exposures (VNPs + BNPs) did not induce a different toxicity from the single exposures, the biochemical analysis revealed a more complex picture. VNPs presented a higher toxicity than BNPs. VNPs (50 mg/kg), independently of the presence of BNPs (additive or independent effects), caused a decrease in survival and reproduction. However, acetylcholinesterase, glutathione S-transferase, catalase, glutathione reductase activities, and lipid peroxidation levels revealed alterations in neurotoxicity, detoxification and antioxidant responses, depending on the time and type of exposure (single or mixture). The results from this study highlight different responses of the organisms to contaminants in single versus mixture exposures, mainly at the biochemical level.
All inkjet‐printed 6.95″ 217 ppi active matrix QD‐LED display with RGB Cd‐free QDs in the top‐emission device structure

Electroluminescence quantum dot devices (QD‐LEDs) show the promise in the development of future displays. For commercialization, the top emission device structure is more advantageous than the bottom emission device structure to realize the high aperture ratio full color displays. Moreover, it is essential to understand not only the device structure and characteristics of QD‐LEDs but also the challenging issues in inkjet‐printed devices. Here, we demonstrated the world first all inkjet‐printed Cd‐free active matrix QD‐LEDs based on getting over the hurdles of all inkjet printing process. Especially, we have fabricated QD‐LED devices by stacking 4‐soluble layers without intermixing and studied the factors affecting QD efficiency and QD printing and the influence of ETL solvent on QD. Inkjet‐printed QD‐LED devices have achieved 8 cd/A, 70 cd/A, and 8 cd/A current efficiency of red, green, and blue, respectively, on the basis of 250 nits of full white RGB panels. We believe that our work clarifies an encouraging step toward the practical application of Cd‐free based QD‐LED displays.
Use of Community Relations in Compensation Payment Process in Estate Management Practice: A Case Study of Kwale Industrial Park Acquisition

The engagement of a community in any project to be sited in it has always been recommended as the ideal step to take by government and organisations. However, bickering still ensues due to the non-diligent application of community relations, an arm of public relations, that guarantees a cordial relationship between an organisatio n/government and its host communities. Therefore, the principal intention of this conceptual study is on the relationship between Estate Management Practice and Community Relations. This study was conducted to examine what community relations activities are, and to investigate if community relations was applied in the compensation payment process in the case of Kwale Industrial Park Acquisition in Delta State, Nigeria. Persuasion theory served as the theoretical framework of the study. The researchers adopted the library research design and participant observation methods. Results indicate that community relations were partially applied in the compensation payment process. It was concluded that the Land Use Act, which prescribed the method of valuation to be used in acquisition and compensation, did not foresee the problem of gross inadequacies of compensation, and the pre-payment and post-payment disputes associated with it. The researchers, therefore, recommended, amongst others, that there should be public enlightenment from time to time to make the public understand the roles of estate surveyors and valuers, for this will, to a great extent, make the public cease patronising quacks in compensation exercises. Also, Government ministries, specifically the Ministry of Information, Ministry of Land, Surveys and Urban Development, Ministry of Housing, and other Ministries that have anything to do with communities, should have community relations department as an arm to handle community relations issues.
Antenna characterization based on backscattered electromagnetic waves

This paper proposes a Radar technique to reconstruct the intrinsic properties of antennas. The study presents the measurements and CST MWS simulations of the backscattered wave and Radar Cross Section (RCS) of two target‐antennas over a wide frequency range (1−8 GHz). A calibration process based on standard metal targets with well‐known RCS values, combined to a gating–time filter is used to extract the reradiate antenna mode with good accuracy. Based on a linear quadrupole model, the antenna transmission parameters are connected to the reradiate antenna mode and the system of equations is solved with several sets of measurements or simulations using multiple terminal load impedances. The antenna, gain and reflection coefficient both measured and simulated are reconstructed with the Radar technique and are compared to the results of conventional measurements and CST MWS simulations. The method is simple in its implementation and has proven to be effective.
Technology of Intelligent Distribution Terminal with the Ability of Updating Distribution Circuit Topology

With the increasing requirement of the self-adaptation topology change of distribution line, not only should FA realize distribution automation terminal plug and play, but also be able to adapt to changes in the topology of distribution lines. Distribution circuit topology model can reflect the connection of primary equipment and the parameters of distribution operation, which plays a very important role in the safe and stable operation of the distribution network. In the actual operation of the distribution network, in addition to changes in the topology caused by a device, distribution line load transfer, fault isolation, non fault area to restore power supply will also cause topology changes. Therefore, the static topology model and dynamic topology model of distribution lines are introduced as the basis for the realization of the topology adaptation of distribution lines.
Labour market institutions and immigration policy attitudes: The moderated impact of economic vulnerability

Abstract Political debates about immigration provoke strong nationalistic pushback from citizens, constraining the policymaking capacity of states. This paper investigates to what extent labour market policies shape economically motivated preferential divides among European citizens. On the one hand, I concentrate on prospective job loss threats indicative of economic grievances and assess the impact of unemployment risk exposure on immigration policy attitudes. On the other hand, as the original contribution of the paper, I contend that, if such an economically motivated explanation holds, this relationship should vary based on the labour market institutions in each country. Multi‐level analyses of 16 European countries over a decade since 2002 reveal a remarkably robust relationship between unemployment risks and more restrictive immigration policy attitudes. Importantly, more protective employment regulations seem to have a dampening effect on the impact of job loss threats on immigration policy attitudes. Conversely, there are larger attitudinal divides between the risk‐exposed and the more secure workers in countries with generous and expansive unemployment compensation policies. Overall, the paper helps explain the cross‐national variation in economically motivated cleavages about immigration policy attitudes in Europe.
UVA and UVB Radiation as Innovative Tools to Biofortify Horticultural Crops with Nutraceuticals

The consumption of fruits and vegetables is related to the prevention and treatment of chronic–degenerative diseases due to the presence of secondary metabolites with pharmaceutical activity. Most of these secondary metabolites, also known as nutraceuticals, are present in low concentrations in the plant tissue. Therefore, to improve the health benefits of horticultural crops, it is necessary to increase their nutraceutical content before reaching consumers. Applying ultraviolet radiation (UVR) to fruits and vegetables has been a simple and effective technology to biofortify plant tissue with secondary metabolites. This review article describes the physiological and molecular basis of stress response in plants. Likewise, current literature on the mechanisms and effects of UVA and UVB radiation on the accumulation of different bioactive phytochemicals are reviewed. The literature shows that UVR is an effective tool to biofortify horticultural crops to enhance their nutraceutical content.
Effects of Lactobionic Acid on Pig Growth Performance and Chemical Composition of Pork

Simple Summary Currently, due to different beneficial properties of lactobionic acid (calcium absorption, prebiotic, antioxidant, and preservative) it may find application in animal feed. However, data about its effect on animal husbandry product quality are limited. Common interest about the effect of feed supplements on pig growth performance and the chemical composition of pork is growing, which is important for farmers, meat processors and consumers. The feed supplemented with lactobionic acid promotes better utilization of feed in the digestive tract of pigs, resulting in a higher bioavailability of nutrients and a significant increase of pig live weight gain. Pork obtained from pigs fed with lactobionic acid supplemented feed had higher essential amino acid content. Fatty acid composition revealed slightly higher proportion of saturated fatty acids over unsaturated fatty acids. Further analysis of fatty acid composition indicated that the control group had better nutritional quality of fat. Abstract Lactobionic acid is an innovative product obtained in the fermentation process of cheese or curd whey, and it has several beneficial properties. Therefore, it may have potential application in animal feeding. Currently, lactobionic acid is not widely used yet in feeding farm animals. Therefore, the aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of lactobionic acid (LBA) on pig growth performance and pork quality. Two groups of pigs (control and trial, 26 piglets each) were completed. The control group received compound feed, whereas the trial group’s feed was supplemented with LBA (0.17 kg per 100 kg of feed). Carcass weight and meat pH were determined. The subcutaneous fat layer S (mm) was measured. Lean meat content was determined using the SEUROP classification. Amino acids and fatty acids in pork were evaluated. The addition of LBA to pig feed significantly increased the live weight gain and slaughter yield of pigs, but the samples had a slightly thicker backfat layer. Results obtained showed higher concentration of amino acids in the trial group but slightly lower pork fat quality in the same group. Lactobionic acid has the potential for applications in pig feeding.