Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Integrated Multimedia Learning System for Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines: RICEM

A cost-effective multimedia learning system, RICEM, for reciprocating internal combustion engines was proposed in this study. This system contained the graphical introduction of engine components, engine structure animation, feedback and assessment based on Mayer’s multimedia learning cognitive theory. Reciprocating internal combustion engines are used all over the world to drive compressors, pumps, electric generators, motor ships and other equipments. We used multimedia software to construct the learning system. An experiment comprising of two groups of 30 participants separately was conduct to test the effectiveness and showed that there was a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test score in the RICEM group, as compared with the control group. This study suggested that a collaborative application appeared to be promising in supporting effective learning of modern technology, by combining the integration of learning theory and multimedia design.
Pumping properties of the hybrid single-electron transistor in dissipative environment

Pumping characteristics were studied of a hybrid normal-metal/ superconductor single-electron transistor embedded in high-Ohmic environment. Two 3 μm long microstrip resistors of CrOx with a sum resistance R≈80 k were placed adjacent to the transistor. Substantial improvement of pumping and a reduction of the subgap leakage were observed in the low-megahertz range. At higher frequencies (0.1-1 GHz), pumping performance deteriorated compared to reference devices without resistors by the slowdown of tunneling and by electronic heating.
Communication Constraints for Distributed Secondary Control of Heterogeneous Microgrids: A Survey

Heterogeneous microgrids provide a promising solution for accommodating different distributed energy resources (DERs) and enhancing the system performance in terms of reliability, resilience, flexibility, and energy efficiency. With the penetration of microgrids, the cyber-enabled distributed control techniques are playing an increasingly important role in microgrids for coordinating a multitude of heterogeneous and spatially distributed DERs. To identify the influence of communication constraints on the reliability and stability operation of heterogeneous microgrids, this survey presents a comprehensive review and comparison of cyber-enabled distributed control techniques for microgrid's secondary control layer. Local controls of an unavailable state signal are calculated in a distributed and cooperative matter according to merely invoked cyber messages. Then, the recent developments in the communication constraints of distributed controlled microgrids are discussed. Specifically, the communication constraints (e.g., time-varying network topology, communication delay, noise disturbance, limited communication bandwidth, uncertainties of communication links, and cyber attacks) on the operation of the distributed controllers and the possible challenges are presented and compared. Finally, a short discussion section is contained to summarize the existing research and suggest some interesting research directions along with several open issues that are critical to further exploring the promising research area.
Enhancing graduate employability in hospitality, leisure, sport and tourism

This paper is work-in-progress. The purpose of the paper is to describe the aims, context and methodology of a recently approved Fund for the Development of Teaching and Learning (FDTL) Phase 5 project. The aim of the project is to develop, implement and evaluate a range of curriculum interventions to enhance the employability of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism (HLST) students
Hybrid Dimensionality Reduction for Outlier Detection in High Dimensional Data

The infrequent data objects in a dataset containing important characteristics are called outliers. Dimensionality reduction techniques are used for reducing the memory requirement and processing time while handling high dimensional datasets. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is one of the most commonly used techniques for reducing the dimensions in high dimensional datasets. Autoencoders (AE) are used in deep learning for dimensionality reduction. In this paper, we evaluate the performance of these dimensionality reduction techniques for outlier detection task and also propose a hybrid dimensionality reduction technique that can be used in the preprocessing step of many machine learning models. Experimental results using publicly available datasets show that the proposed method outperforms the PCA method and autoencoder based method in outlier detection tasks using isolation forest.
Mirror Sampling Characteristics of Drivers

Driver behavior in obtaining information through rearview mirrors and head turns was analyzed for novice, young experienced, and mature drivers during daytime driving on a freeway route. No significantly different mirror sampling patterns were obtained when the horizontal fields of view of the plan left side and inside mirrors were expanded by approximately 25%. Some difference in behavior did occur between the mature and the other drivers, expecially in mirror use when driving straight ahead. The total time to obtain information for left merges was significantly larger than for left and right lane changes and a right merge. Finally, the time required to obtain information to make a decision for a left or right lane change without execution was considerably less than the time needed when the maneuver was actually executed. /HSRI/
Flood control and urban drainage management in Brazil

On the outskirts of many of Brazil's citites, poor people illegally occupy public areas, without sanitation or other infrastrucutre and often in flood-prone areas. This article outlines urban plans that take into account the need for a flood storage area, alternative living space for the poor, and compensation for private land owners.
Use of metered data analysis to improve building operation and maintenance: Early results from two federal complexes

Metered data analysis of a building's energy consumption is rapidly becoming a vital part of an energy audit. Approaches used vary depending on the purpose of the analysis, the availability, level of detailed information, and the complexity of the building being considered (MacDonald and Wasserman, 1987). One approach, adapted from a university prototype, has been shown to be capable of identifying operation and maintenance problems by comparing actual energy consumption with normalized energy consumption (Haberl, 1986). This idea, the use of a comparative model to detect abnormal behavior, is at the very heart of intelligent diagnostic systems (Richardson, 1985). A fully developed system has the capabilities of providing continuous monitoring and expert-level diagnostics for complex building energy systems. This paper discusses the application of such an approach to two federal complexes. 23 refs., 16 figs., 1 tab.
Optimization model for aggregate blending

An optimization model of aggregate blending is presented that considers gradation, cost, and design requirements and is applicable to the blending of any number of aggregates. The model is formulated as a quadratic programming problem that minimizes the mean deviation from midpoint specification limits, subject to constraints on the preceding requirements. The model is applied to a numerical aggregate blending problem. Sensitivity analysis is performed to show how the model can also be used to minimize cost or to provide a trade-off between mean deviation and cost. Extensions of the model to accommodate special practical cases are examined.
Converging Infrastructures: Intelligent Transportation and the National Information Infrastructure

From the Publisher: This collection explores the opportunities for and possible implications of coordination between two of the major pieces of emerging infrastructure in the United States: Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and the National Information Infrastructure (NII). Based on a recent workshop that was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation, MIT, and Harvard, Converging Infrastructures frames the programmatic, organizational, and technical issues involved.
Enriching Hippocampal Memory Function in Older Adults Through Real-World Exploration

Age-related structural and functional changes in the hippocampus can have a severe impact on hippocampally-dependent memory performance. Here we test the hypothesis that a real-world spatial exploration intervention will improve hippocampally-dependent memory performance in healthy older adults. We found that following our intervention, participants’ lure discrimination index (LDI) was significantly higher than it was at baseline, while traditional recognition scores remained relatively unchanged. These results point to the viability of a spatial exploration intervention for improving hippocampally-dependent memory in older adults.
Mutuality in a coached adult sport team: the masters team sport model of interdependence

ABSTRACT Coach-athlete relationships are an important factor influencing sport experiences. Research has focused on understanding relational approaches to coaching Masters athletes primarily as they are applied to individual-sport athletes. This study explored relational coaching strategies within a Masters all-women team context, the nature of dyadic relationships between a coach and each team member, and interdependence in the broader team. We employed multiple semi-structured interviews with 11 competitive Masters synchronised skaters (MSks) and their coach, and in-person observations over the course of a season. Following interpretative phenomenological analyses, we found interdependence extended beyond the coach-athlete dyad plane, that the coach engaged directly and indirectly in two other social-relational planes to foster mutuality in the team, and that MSks cultivated interdependence on their own. In light of the inadequacy of prevalent coach-athlete models to account for these complexities, we introduce the Masters Team Sport Model of Interdependence: a comprehensive model of mutual interdependence accounting for coach-athlete dyads, coach-team interactions, and mutual relationships amongst MSks.
Effects of Chrysin Against Isoniazid-Induced Lung Injury in Rats

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of chrysin (CH), one of the natural flavonoids, against isoniazid lung damage caused by isoniazid (INH), which was widely used in the treatment of tuberculosis. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups: a control group, INH-treated group, CH alone treated group 50 mg / kg, INH + CH 25 mg / kg treated group, and INH+ CH 50 mg / kg treated group. It was determined that INH caused oxidative damage by decreasing antioxidant enzyme activities such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) and increasing lipid peroxidation (LPO). In addition, it was found that the administration of CH to INH-treated rats increased GSH level and antioxidant enzyme activities, and decreased lipid peroxidation. It was observed that the nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf-2) and oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression levels were up-regulated in the INH-treated group, and the expression of NF-κB increased in the INH-treated group in the immunohistochemical examination, and the CH administration, on the other hand, decreased the levels of these markers. Taken together, these results suggested that CH had beneficial effects in INH-induced lung toxicity by maintaining the oxidant-antioxidant balance and decreasing NF-κB, HO-1
Fiber optics without fiber

Low-power infrared beams, which do not harm the eyes, are the means by which free-space optics (FSO) technology transmits data through the air between transceivers, or link heads, mounted on roof-tops or behind windows. It works over distances of several hundred meters to a few kilometers, depending upon atmospheric conditions. The authors believe that FSO could be the ultimate solution for high-speed residential access. Instead of hybrid fiber-coax systems, hybrid fiber-laser systems may turn out to be the best way to deliver high data rates directly to the home.
Quality Assessment of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Based Visual Inspection of Structures

This paper discusses the application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) for visual inspection and damage detection on civil structures. The quality of photos and videos taken by using such airborne vehicles is strongly influenced by numerous parameters such as lighting conditions, distance to the object and vehicle motion induced by environmental effects. Whilst such devices feature highly sophisticated sensors and control algorithms, specifically the effects of fluctuating wind speeds and directions affect the vehicle motion. The nature of vehicle movements during photo and video acquisition in turn affect the quality of the data and hence the degree to which damages can be identified. This paper discusses the properties of such flight systems, the factors influencing their movements and the resulting photo quality. Based on the processed data logged by the high precision sensors on the UAV the influences are studied and a method is shown by which the damage assessment quality may be quantified.
Constructors and innovation credits in green building projects

Purpose – As green buildings have become more widely accepted, constructors (general contractors, construction managers and subcontractors) have become more involved and are playing an increasing role in the success of these projects. As a result, constructors need and want a better understanding of their roles and responsibilities in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) projects, while exploring ways to provide a “value‐added” service to the projects. Past research has identified “Innovation in Design (ID)” credits as a potential “value‐added opportunity” for constructors to become preferred members of LEED project teams. Similar opportunities may also exist on Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) project teams. This paper seeks to address these issues.Design/methodology/approach – The methodology encompassed an overview of “Innovation Credits (IC)” in LEED‐NC, BREEAM green building guidelines and an analysis of the ID category in LEED‐NC from a constru.
Identification of differentially expressed genomic repeats in primary hepatocellular carcinoma and their potential links to biological processes and survival

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest cancers. Research on HCC so far primarily focused on genes and provided limited information on genomic repeats, which constitute more than half of the human genome and contribute to genomic stability. In line with this, repeat dysregulation was significantly shown to be pathological in various cancers and other diseases. In this study, we aimed to determine the full repeat expression profile of HCC for the first time. We utilised two independent RNA-seq datasets obtained from primary HCC tumours with matched normal tissues of 20 and 17 HCC patients, respectively. We quantified repeat expressions and analysed their differential expression. We also identified repeats that are cooperatively expressed with genes by constructing a gene coexpression network. Our results indicated that HCC tumours in both datasets harbour 24 differentially expressed repeats and even more elements were coexpressed with genes involved in various metabolic pathways. We discovered that two L1 elements (L1M3b, L1M3de) were downregulated and a handful of HERV subfamily repeats (HERV-Fc1-int, HERV3-int, HERVE_a-int, HERVK11D-int, HERVK14C-int, HERVL18-int) were upregulated with the exception of HERV1_LTRc, which was downregulated. Various LTR elements (LTR32, LTR9, LTR4, LTR52-int, LTR70) and MER elements (MER11C, MER11D, MER57C1, MER9a1, MER74C) were implicated along with few other subtypes including Charlie12, MLT2A2, Tigger15a, Tigger 17b. The only satellite repeat differentially expressed in both datasets was GSATII, whose expression was upregulated in 33 (>90%) out of 37 patients. Notably, GSATII expression correlated with HCC survival genes. Elements discovered here promise future studies to be considered for biomarker and HCC therapy research. The coexpression pattern of the GSATII satellite with HCC survival genes and the fact that it has been upregulated in the vast majority of patients make this repeat particularly stand out for HCC.
Effects of Desiccation, Water Velocity, and Nitrogen Limitation on the Growth and Nutrient Removal of Neoporphyra haitanensis and Neoporphyra dentata (Bangiales, Rhodophyta)

Seaweeds have been verified to effectively reduce the nutrients of aquaculture wastewater, and to increase the economic output when commercially valuable species are utilized. Pyropia/Porphyra/Neopyropia/Neoporphyra species are important seafood resources globally, and their growth and bioremediation capacities are affected by diverse biotic and abiotic stressors. In this study, we investigated the effects of desiccation (0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 h of air exposure), water velocity (0.1, 0.2, and 0.5 m s−1), and the nitrogen limitation period (1, 2, and 3 d) on the relative growth rates (RGR) and nutrient removal rates of Neoporphyrahaitanensis and Neoporphyradentata. The RGRs and NO3-N removal rates of the two species decreased significantly with increasing desiccation periods. A higher water velocity of 0.5 m s−1 had a greater negative impact on the RGRs and NO3-N and PO4-P removal rates than 0.1 and 0.2 m s−1. N. haitanensis exhibited a greater tolerance to water motion than N. dentata. Additionally, the RGRs and NO3-N and PO4-P removal rates were significantly different among the nitrogen limitation periods. N. haitanensis and N. dentata exhibited different nitrogen usage strategies after nitrogen limitation and recovery. These results provide valuable information relating to the excessive nutrient removal from aquaculture wastewater by Neoporphyra species.
Multi-Omic integration after carbon monoxide toxicity in a child reveals gene transcripts related to Parkinson and Multiple Sclerosis

Background This report highlights the unique transcriptomic and lipidomic changes noted in a 4-year-old African American female patient exposed to a house fire. She required admission to the pediatric Intensive care unit due to organ failure that resulted from CO and cyanide toxicity. Patient was neurologically intact initially but later developed neurological symptoms consistent with Parkinsonism, a transient state resembling Parkinson’s Disease. Results An integrative omics-based approach was used to examine both gene expression and the lipidome of the patient which was then compared to 4 control patients. Total blood RNA from a PaxGene®collection system was correlated to plasma-based metabolomics measured over three time points and correlated with the clinical condition of the patient. We see significant elevation of the Parkinson’s associated gene ( SELENOT ) on day one. This gene plays a crucial role in the protection of dopaminergic neurons against oxidative stress in Parkinson's disease. The Multiple Sclerosis linked gene DDX39B which mediates ATP hydrolysis during pre-mRNA splicing was increased on day 8. We noted increased UGCG gene expression which correlated with increased ceramide lipids on lipidome analysis. The elevated ratio of hexosylceramide to its ceramide precursor is indicative of an elevated UGCG mediated ceramide glucosyltransferase activity. This correlation of clinical symptoms with both increased gene activity and lipid dyshomeostasis is unique, highlighting the potential of personalized omics. ConclusionsIn clinical practice, the ability to predict and quantify neurological injury using gene expression has the potential to make meaningful changes to management. This report shows the potential for real time transcriptomics and metabolomics to modify not only initial therapy, but the eventual physical rehabilitation of patients exposed to neurotoxins.
Evaluation of post‐Fukushima Japanese electricity strategies: A stochastic simulation model

Japan has not settled on a coherent long‐term electricity strategy for its post‐Fukushima reality. In this analysis, a stochastic electricity sector simulation model is formulated and used to evaluate alternative strategies prescribing different generation mixes for 2050. The generation mix evolves deterministically, demand is endogenous, and social cost of carbon is randomly sampled. The model treats fossil fuel prices and advanced technology cost dynamics stochastically. Monte Carlo simulation produces a distribution of net present social cost for each strategy, and the alternatives are assessed based on the median (expected cost) and standard deviation (risk). Aggressively expanding renewables is a promising strategy; it has the lowest expected cost and moderate risk. Whether this is preferred to substantial nuclear generation is sensitive to parameter assumptions, but a general finding is robust: severely limiting nuclear generation and substituting liquefied natural gas (LNG) and other fossil fuels is costly and risky. Principal component analysis confirms the vulnerability of such strategies to LNG price and social cost of carbon uncertainty. Japan's dominant short‐term response to Fukushima has been a dramatic decrease in nuclear generation coupled with increased use of fossil fuels, particularly LNG. This study suggests that continuing this approach would constitute a poor long‐term Japanese electricity strategy. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ISO 9000 series ‐ Certification and performance

In this article, the relationship is studied between certification on the ISO 9000 series and the performance of organizations. It is often claimed that ISO certification generates an improvement in the performance of organizations. This research aims to find out if ISO certification indeed results in better performance outcomes for organizations. This is of importance, for example, for those organizations that seek ISO certification in order to improve their performances. To test the hypothesis, an instrument is developed to measure the performance. The performance of organizations is operationalized through five performance indicators, which were derived from the literature: production process, company result, customer satisfaction, personnel motivation, and investment on means. Besides this main research interest the question is posed if other factors can explain for the performance. The concept of motivation is introduced which is the focus of the second part of the study.