Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Game Mastering a Pervasive Larp. Experiences from Momentum

Runtime Game Mastering is a powerful tool in steering a pervasive game according to an artistic vision, while yet it enables ample opportunities for participant improvisation and initiative. A game mastered game can be collaboratively created by the designers and the participants. In this article, we discuss how game mastering was realized in Momentum ; a pervasive Larp which seamlessly blended reality and fiction into a consistent and coherent whole. We discuss a number of techniques that were used and how they influenced the game.
The dynamic impacts of electric vehicle integration on the electricity distribution grid

This thesis is mainly concerned with the modeling of electric vehicle charging station and its dynamic interactions with distribution grid. The thesis starts with the literature review of the technical developments in wind generation and electric vehicle integration into power grids. Then the equivalent model of electric batteries is developed and implemented in MATLAB/Simulink. The model is used to evaluate the terminal voltage and power variation during the battery charging and discharging periods. The concept of electric vehicle fast charging station is summarized and its detailed simulation model is designed for the integration of the electric vehicle batteries with the distribution network. In addition, the modeling of a wind turbine with DFIG is presented. As a wind generator requires the fault ride-through ability, crowbar protection is considered in the simulation model. Based on the above, the interactions between electric vehicle charging stations and active distribution grid with wind turbines are investigated. The focus is to examine the possibility of bi-direction power flow control capability of EV charging stations in providing the voltage support for distribution network operations to improve the fault-ride-through of adjacent wind turbines. Simulations are used to illustrate the feasibility as well as the effectiveness of the proposed control concept. Potentially such voltage support from EV charging station can be developed as ancillary services in smart distribution grid operations.
Screening of organic substrates for a permeable biobarrier to remediate nitrate contaminated groundwater

Easily available organic substrates (e.g., peanut, walnut and almond shells and luffa sponge) were evaluated as potential filter material for permeable biobarrier systems. Higher removal efficiencies and rate constants were observed for lower (20%) substrate (e.g., peanut, walnut and luffa sponge) percentages indicating to the importance of substrate percentage. Rate constants were higher for total inorganic nitrogen removal (≥0.137 mg N/L/d) than for nitrate removal (≥0.127 mg N/L/d) in the batch bioreactors promising the capability of microorganisms in consuming substrate released nitrogen compounds. Continuous flow biobarriers revealed greater removal efficiencies (<1 mg NO3−–N/L) and rate constants (≥2.38 mg NO3−–N/L/d) that were related to better microbial performance with increased substrate contact. Different dissolved oxygen levels observed for peanut shell (≤7.45 mg O2/L) and luffa sponge columns (<3 mg O2/L) were indicating to the existence of different mechanisms and microorganisms during simultaneous heterotrophic nitrification and aerobic or anoxic denitrification. Luffa sponge was found to be the best candidate as a biobarrier substrate for a longer timescale, although walnut and almond shells may be excellent materials both supporting the denitrification process and permeability of barrier system.
Hybrid Access Cache Indexing Framework Adapted to GPU

Hash tables, as a type of data indexing structure that provides eﬃcient data access based on key values, are widely used in various computer applications, especially in system software, databases, and high-performance computing ﬁeld that requires extremely high performance. In network, cloud computing and IoT services, hash tables have become the core system components of cache systems. However, with the large-scale increase in the amount of large-scale data, performance bottlenecks have gradually emerged in systems designed with a multi-core CPU as the core of the hash table structure. There is an urgent need to further improve the high performance and scalability of the hash tables. With the increasing popularity of general-purpose Graphic Processing Units (GPUs) and the substantial improvement of hardware computing capabilities and concurrency performance, various types of system software tasks with parallel computing as the core have been optimized on the GPU and have achieved considerable performance improvements. Due to the sparseness and randomness, using the existing parallel structure of the hash tables directly on the GPUs will inevitably bring high-frequency memory access and frequent bus data transmission, which aﬀects the performance of the hash tables on the GPUs. This study focuses on the analysis of memory access, hit ratio, and index overhead of hash table indexes in the cache system. The hybrid access cache indexing framework CCHT (Cache Cuckoo Hash Table) adapted to GPU is proposed and provided. The cache strategy suitable to diﬀerent requirements of hit ratios and index overheads allows concurrent execution of write and query operations, maximizing the use of the computing performance and concurrency characteristics of GPU hardware, reducing memory access and bus transferring overhead. Through GPU hardware implementation and experimental veriﬁcation, CCHT is shown to have better performance than other cache indexing hash tables while ensuring cache hit ratios.
Scramjet Combustor Development: A Review

In the development of scramjet engine, the combustor presents the most formidable problems. Combustor is the critical section due to practical constraints of suitable material, mixing and flame holding in the short span of length. The complex phenomenon of supersonic combustion involves turbulent mixing, shock interaction and heat release in supersonic flow. The flow field within the combustor of a scramjet engine is very complex and poses challenge in design and development of supersonic combustor. Sufficient and rapid fuel-air mixing to achieve the desired chemical reaction and heat release within the short residence time, minimization of stagnation pressure loss resulting in high combustion efficiency are the requirements in the design of supersonic combustor. This paper reviews the efforts in the development of supersonic combustors across the globe and details the efforts made with emphasis on fuel injection, mixing and flame stabilization schemes. Research efforts in the United States, Russia, France, Germany, Australia and Japan have been brought out and contemporary work on the subject in the above countries as well as China and India have been discussed. Keywords: Scramjet, combustor, supersonic combustion
Comparative study of DST interpolation approach of fractional orders

In this paper, comparative study of DST interpolation approach of various order by using different fractional derivatives are presented. First the definition of different fractional order derivatives like Grunwald-Letnikov, Weyl’s and Conformable are reviewed. Next, Fractional derivative of a discrete signal is determined after applying the DST interpolation approach. Next, the DST-IV method approach transfer function are obtained with the help of index-mapping technique. Lastly, some computative problems are discussed for checking the effectiveness of digital fractional order differentiators for design of proposed method using the integral square error formula. Error values of various fractional order derivatives have been presented in the form of table.
Residential Docks and Piers: Inventory of laws, regulations, and policies for the Southeastern United States

While the homes threatened by erosion and the developer illegally filling in marshlands are the projects that make the headlines, for many state regulatory programs, it’s the residential docks and piers that take up the most time. When is a dock too long? What about crossing extended property lines? And at what point does a creek have too many docks? There are no easy answers to any of the dock and pier related questions. Each state has to craft the laws and policies that are best for its natural resources and its political and legal environment. At the same time, mistakes in judgment can be costly for the organization, the homeowner, and the natural resources. At the request of the Georgia Coastal Management Program, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal Services Center compiled an inventory of dock information for four states—Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Federal laws, state laws and regulations, permitting policies, and contact information are included in a tabular format that is easy to use. (PDF contaions 18 pages)
Study of Inkjet Printing as an Ultra-Low-Cost Antenna Prototyping Method and Its Application to Conformal Wraparound Antennas for Sounding Rocket Sub-Payload

Study of Inkjet Printing as an Ultra-Low-Cost Antenna Prototyping Method and Its Application to Conformal Wraparound Antennas for Sounding Rocket Sub-Payload by Maimaitirebike Maimaiti, Master of Science Utah State University, 2013 Major Professor: Dr. Reyhan Baktur Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering Inkjet printing is an attractive patterning technology that has received tremendous interest as a mass fabrication method for a variety of electronic devices due to its manufacturing flexibility and low-cost feature. However, the printing facilities that are being used, especially the inkjet printer, are very expensive. This thesis introduces an extremely cost-friendly inkjet printing method using a printer that costs less than $100. In order to verify its reliability, linearly and circularly polarized (CPd) planar and conformal microstrip antennas were fabricated using this printing method, and their measurement results were compared with copper microstrip antennas. The result shows that the printed microstrip antennas have similar performances to those of the copper antennas except for lower efficiency. The effects of the conductivity and thickness of the ink layer on the antenna properties were studied, and it is found that the conductivity is the main factor affecting the radiation efficiency, though thicker ink yields more effective antennas. This thesis also presents the detailed antenna design for a sub-payload. The subpayload is a cylindrical structure with a diameter of six inches and a height of four inches. It has four booms coming out from the surface, which are used to measure the variations of the energy flow into the upper atmosphere in and around the aurora. The sub-payload has iv two types of antennas: linearly polarized (LPd) S-band antennas and right-hand circularly polarized (RHCPd) GPS antennas. Each type of antenna has various requirements to be fully functional for specific research tasks. The thesis includes the design methods of each type of antenna, challenges that were confronted, and the possible solutions that were proposed. As a practical application, the inkjet printing method was conveniently applied in validating some of the antenna designs. (85 pages)
The role of software development standards in requirements analysis and design.

Abstract : Software is the most expensive aspect of computer systems. It also has the potential to have the greatest adverse impact on the system. This thesis examines the role of software standards in the early development phases of requirements analysis and design. Both the costs and benefits associated with the use of standards are evaluated. Tools and techniques that support the use of standards are identified and evaluated for use in producing software that is usable and maintainable. Current Navy software development guidelines are identified and evaluated with respect to current industry practices. The anlaysis indicates that software standards are essential in the development life cycle. Navy guidelines do mandate the use of such standards in the development of mission critical computer software. The importance of frequent reviews and the use of supporting tools and techniques is emphasized. (Author)
Visualization and pressure measurements of the oscillatory flow in a jet pump

In closed-loop thermoacoustic engines a time-averaged mass flux known as Gedeon streaming can exist [18]. This Gedeon streaming results in a heat leak that causes the efficiency of the engine to decrease. A narrowed, tapered tube section, known as a jet pump, can suppress this time-averaged mass flux. By taking advantage of asymmetry in hydrodynamic end effects a pressure drop can be imposed across the jet pump [18]. In this bachelor's assignment a jet pump is designed with a geometry chosen in order to impose such a pressure drop. For experimentation with this jet pump a test section is introduced within an experimental set-up consisting of a loudspeaker, a cone, and a resonator tube. This experimental set-up is used at the University of Twente for research in thermoacoustics. Two different sets of experiments are performed with the jet pump section: pressure measurements and flow visualization experiments. The results of the pressure measurements are analyzed and compared with an analytical model as well as a simulated model. The models show a clear match with the experimental results; however, this remains only an initial estimation. To obtain qualitative images of the flow field of the acoustic wave at several instances in time the existing technique of smoke flow visualization [20] is extended and optimized. The main features which are altered are the camera triggering and the method of smoke injection. Various images are captured at a range of pressure amplitudes displaying clear flow patterns. However, the technique of smoke flow visualization remains problematic and a clear image of the flow field of one period of the acoustic wave was not obtained.
The COVID States Project #55: Social Isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic

Overall, the levels of social isolation have increased since the first waves of the pandemic, in spring, 2020, but have been showing signs of improvement since January 2021. After its initial increase, the percentage of socially isolated respondents declined most among those with high income and education. We also observed a relatively faster drop in isolation among religious and older Americans. Conversely, unemployed and low SES respondents have barely recovered from the increases in social isolation suffered earlier in the pandemic. In addition, different types of support are not equally available across demographics. Men are substantially more isolated than women with respect to emotional support (but about equal in terms of economic); and white respondents are more socially isolated with respect to economic support; but less isolated emotionally relative to other racial/ethnic groups. Finally, we find a strong association between social isolation (specifically, in terms of relationships available for emotional support) and moderate to severe depressive symptoms.
Literature review of work based learning: October 2008

This work is the foundation for a process which will be elaborated and expanded as our knowledge and understanding of work based learning (WBL) develops. The main aim and purpose of the review is to help practitioners, policy makers and researchers to focus more effectively on relevant questions, issues or sources of evidence to inform their own research or practice in WBL in higher education. This is so that they may be able to improve the quality of the learning opportunities and processes for people already undertaking work. It scopes existing literature with a view to dissemination and reflection. The main concern of this review is work based learning where the learning outcomes are recognised through higher education awards and academic credit. The focus is on pedagogic issues relating to the provision of work-based modules and programmes, and other courses aligned to higher education awards.
Transcription Factors Linked to the Molecular Signatures in the Development of HCC on a Cirrhotic Background

Mechanisms underlying the regulation of gene expression in cancer have been surveyed for decades to find novel prognostic factors and new targets for molecular targeted therapies in cancer. Because most cases of liver cancer are associated with liver cirrhosis, we aimed to analyze the gene expression signatures and the gene regulatory mechanism in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on a cirrhotic background using high-throughput data analysis. In the present study, three valid array-based datasets containing HCC and liver cirrhosis samples were obtained to identify common differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Moreover, a comprehensive data analysis was conducted based on RNA-Seq data and using Kaplan-Meier curve analysis to find molecular signatures that reduce patients' overall survival rate. Furthermore, we proposed a gene regulatory network (GRN) to explore the possible regulatory mechanism of these molecular signatures by transcription factors in HCC progression from cirrhosis. Besides, we analyzed protein-protein interactions, gene ontology (GO), and pathway enrichment to elucidate the cellular and molecular function of the GRN elements in HCC. In this way, we found a list of 231 molecular signatures in HCC derived from cirrhosis. We also found the importance of TCF4, RUNX1, HINFP, KDM2B, MAF, JUN, NR5A2, NFYA, and AR as key differentially expressed transcription factors (DETFs) in the progression of HCC from cirrhosis. In conclusion, the identified molecular signatures and their transcription factors propose candidate prognostic markers and possible molecular targets in the progression of HCC.
Numerical Simulation Of GuidedWaves In Thin Walled Composite Structures

Numerical Simulation Of Guided Waves In Thin Walled Composite Structures by Kalyan Sreenivas Nadella Chair: Professor Carlos E. S. Cesnik The success of guided waves (GW) in the area of nondestructive evaluation/testing (NDE/NDT) has spurred their utilization in structural health monitoring (SHM). GW present promising possibilities in developing SHM systems as they can travel long distances over the structure’s surface, and also through its thickness. In addition to damage detection, GW are capable of providing the overall degradation state of the material in terms of stiffness change. Wave propagation has been studied extensively for isotropic materials, but studies for composite structures are still in the beginning stages. A good understanding of the GW propagation is required to build robust and reliable SHM systems. It has been shown that Local Interaction Simulation Approach (LISA), a numerical method based on finite difference transformations, is capable of efficiently and accurately modeling GW generation, propagation, and damage interaction in engineering structures. First, the basic theoretical development for the University of Michigan Local Interaction Simulation Approach (UM-LISA) is presented. Then LISA is extended to model three-dimensional (3D) multi-layered orthotropic structures with nonuniform cell aspect xvii ratios. The iterative equations for the simulations are extended for orthotropic materials in a non-principal axis frame, which will benefit in modeling generic laminated composite structures. The validation studies are performed against experimental data. UM-LISA is further developed to model the piezoelectric actuator effects. The iterative equations are extended for piezoelectric materials by taking into account the electromechanical coupling of the governing equilibrium equations. New constitutive and compatibility conditions are considered to account for the coupling in the electrical and mechanical parameters. The iterative equations calculate mechanical displacements in an explicit time marching scheme, whereas the electric potentials are calculated using an implicit scheme. Studies are carried out to demonstrate the improvements in modeling GW generation using piezo-coupled version of the UM-LISA framework. These studies demonstrate the advantages of UM-LISA as an advanced multiphysics numerical framework to model GW generation and propagation in thin-walled composite structures.
Ultra-Wideband Sensor-Communication

One of the fundamentals concerns in wireless communications with battery operated terminals is the battery life. Basically there are two ways of reducing power consumption: the algorithms should be simple and efficiently implemented (at least in the wireless terminals), and the transmit power should be limited. In this document is considered discrete time, progressive signal transmission with feedback [ramstad]. For forward Gaussian channel, with an ideal feedback channel, the system performs according to OPTA (Optimal Performance Theoretically Attainable[berger]). In this case, with substantial bandwidth expansion through multiple retransmissions, the power can be lowered to a theoretical minimum. In the case of a non-ideal return channel the results are limited by the feedback channel's signal-to-noise ratio. Going one step forward, a more realistic view of the channel will consider fading due to multiple reflections, especially in indoors scenarios. In this thesis it is discussed how to model the channel fading and how to simulate it from different probability distributions. After, some solutions to avoid, or at least reduce, all the undesirable effects caused by the fading will be proposed. In these solutions, the fading characteristics (power and dynamic range) and the application requirements will play a vary important role in the final system design. Finally, a realistic signal will be tried to be sent in a realistic scenario. This will be audio transmission over fading channels. Then, the results will be compared in general terms to a similar equipment such as generic wireless microphone system.
Continuation rates for staff noncommissioned officers, in a non-obligor status, serving in the selected Marine Corps Reserve

Abstract : This thesis examines factors that influence the retention of male Staff Noncommissioned Officers (SNCOs) in the Selected Marine Corps Reserve who have completed their six-year initial military obligation. The data were extracted from the Reserve Components Common Personnel Data System. Logit regression was used to measure the influence of various demographic and military variables on retention to 15 years and retention to 15 years. Models were developed to assess the probability of a Marine SNOC staying to 15 years of service and 15 years of service, respectively. The thesis identified four significant factors that influence retention in the 15-year model, and five significant factors in the 18-year model. In both models, single Marines with no dependents are more likely to separate from the Selected Reserves than married Marines with dependents. Staff Sergeants (E6) are more likely to separate from the Selected Reserves than Gunnery Sergeants (E7), while Master Sergeants/First Sergeants and Master Gunnery Sergeants/Sergeants Major are more likely to reach the 15 and 18-year milestones than E7s. Serving in a combat support occupational field proved to be a significant predictor in the 18-year model, but it was not useful in the 15-year model.