Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sraffa and Leontief Revisited: Mathematical Methods and Models of a Circular Economy

Introduction. Sometimes new results in one scientific field can help to study quite other branches. In the new book we observe application of various mathematical methods to study circular economics. The purpose of the paper is to give information about the new book “SRAFFA AND LEONTIEF REVISITED: Mathematical methods and models of a circular economy”. The academic editor Walter de Gruyter-Oldenbourg has published this monography in January 2020 in English language. Results. This book contributes to the increasing call for a comprehensive perception of economic production processes. The book is dedicated to Wassily Leontief’s concept of Input-Output Analysis and to Piero Sraffa's seminal book “Production of Commodities by Means of Commodities”. Single product and joint production industries of a circular economy are described, consequently using matrix algebra. The central role of the Perron-Frobenius Theorem for non-negative matrices, specially Perron-Frobenius eigenvalues and eigenvectors is revealed as a common basis of Sraffa’s and Leontief’s approaches and applied to clarify the basic economic assumptions which are inherent to economic production processes. Conclusions. The book addresses young researchers wishing to explore the foundations of circular economy, practitioners wishing to examine the potential of Sraffa’s price models in connection to Leontief’s Input-Output analysis. Advanced undergraduate, graduate, PhD students and their instructors in economics, political science or applied mathematics, who seek to understand Sraffa and the recent developments of the circular economy of inter industrial and national economy will find numerous examples with complete solutions, presented by a rich, formal, mathematical methodology, revealing the economic content of the results. Detailed examples and visualizing graphs are presented for applications of various mathematical methods. Keywords: Input-Output analysis, circular economy, Perron-Frobenius Theorem, non-negative matrix.
Co-toxicity of Endotoxin and Indoxyl Sulfate, Gut-Derived Bacterial Metabolites, to Vascular Endothelial Cells in Coronary Arterial Disease Accompanied by Gut Dysbiosis

Gut dysbiosis, alongside a high-fat diet and cigarette smoking, is considered one of the factors promoting coronary arterial disease (CAD) development. The present study aimed to research whether gut dysbiosis can increase bacterial metabolites concentration in the blood of CAD patients and what impact these metabolites can exert on endothelial cells. The gut microbiomes of 15 age-matched CAD patients and healthy controls were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing analysis. The in vitro impact of LPS and indoxyl sulfate at concentrations present in patients’ sera on endothelial cells was investigated. 16S rRNA sequencing analysis revealed gut dysbiosis in CAD patients, further confirmed by elevated LPS and indoxyl sulfate levels in patients’ sera. CAD was associated with depletion of Bacteroidetes and Alistipes. LPS and indoxyl sulfate demonstrated co-toxicity to endothelial cells inducing reactive oxygen species, E-selectin, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) production. Moreover, both of these metabolites promoted thrombogenicity of endothelial cells confirmed by monocyte adherence. The co-toxicity of LPS and indoxyl sulfate was associated with harmful effects on endothelial cells, strongly suggesting that gut dysbiosis-associated increased intestinal permeability can initiate or promote endothelial inflammation and atherosclerosis progression.
Hearing conservation : in occupational, recreational, educational, and home settings

This is a book that will be of great service to practitioners involved in developing, implementing, and maintaining hearing conservation programs. -- Canadian Hearing Report According to the National Institutes of Occupational Safety and Health, approximately 30 million employees are exposed to dangerous noise levels at work and an additional nine million workers are at risk for hearing loss from other ototoxins such as metals and solvents. Millions of children and young adults are also at risk for noise-induced hearing loss in non-occupational settings. Hearing Conservation: In Occupational, Recreational, Education, and Home Settings is the most current text to cover all major topics related to noise-induced hearing loss, including the military, construction, manufacturing, mining, transportation, the music industry, the home environment, education settings, and recreational arenas. From the underlying principles of hearing loss to audiometric testing procedures to assessment of hearing conservation programs, this book is packed with information for audiologists and other members of the interdisciplinary team who provide hearing conservation services for at-risk groups. Special Features: * Many examples of audiometric data, that enhance understanding of all types of hearing impairment, test procedures, and standard threshold shift calculations * Protocols for comprehensive audiological, tinnitus, and auditory processing evaluations * Clinical pathways and follow-up action steps when a standard threshold shift is confirmed, including decisions about worker compensation in occupational settings * Assessment of the effectiveness of a wide range of hearing conservation programs and correction of deficiencies, along with training, educational, and motivational techniques * The most current information about hearing protection and enhancement devices, related regulations, selection and fitting, and training workers in how to use them for optimal results Comprehensive in scope, easily accessible, and useful to both clinicians and investigators,Hearing Conservation: In Occupational, Recreational, Education, and Home Settings is essential for audiologists, occupational hearing conservationists, otolaryngologists, internists, occupational nurses, noise control engineers, and any other practitioner who plays a role in developing, implementing, and maintaining hearing conservation measures. It is also an excellent text for graduate level audiology courses in hearing conservation.
Modelling the endothelial cell response to fluid flow

In vitro endothelial cells respond to fluid flow by elongating in the direction of flow. How the mechanical signal is transformed into an organised and directed response is poorly understood. The most studied and crucial aspects to this response are; actin filament alignment, mechano-transduction, signal transduction, Rho GTPase localised activation and lamellipodium formation. The goal of this project is to understand how these separate facets interact and lead to a coordinated response. The flow is modelled over a 3D virtual cell, which naturally gives the force the flow exerts on the cell surface via a boundary integral representation. This force is coupled to a Kelvin-body model of mechano-transduction which links, via a focal adhesion associated protein, Src, to a partial differential equation model (PDE) of the Rho GTPases Rac and Rho. The PDEs are integrated over a 2D projection of the 3D cell giving a time course for protein concentration at any point in the cell. It is demonstrated that a mechano-transducer that can respond to the normal component of the force is likely to be a necessary (though perhaps not sufficient) component of the signalling network. In some processes cross talk between the GTPases is thought to be important in forming spatially segregated zones of activation, for example in the front and back of migratory cells. This research shows that local signalling in endothelial cells could be initiated by the force normal to the surface of the cell and maintained by limited diffusion. Modelling indicates the EC signalling response to fluid flow may be attenuated by a change in morphology. Rac and Rho activation and deactivation are validated against experimentally reported time courses that have been taken for whole cell averages. However it will be demonstrated that these time courses do not characterise the process and therefore there is a need for more quantitative local measure of protein activation.
Identifizierung von Sprechermerkmalen durch Zuhörer unterschiedlicher Altersstufen und Expertise

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund In dieser Arbeit wurde untersucht, inwieweit Zuhörer bestimmte Merkmale ihnen unbekannter Sprecher anhand des alleinigen Hörens ihrer Stimmaufnahmen identifizieren können (physische Merkmale, Akzent/Dialekt, Rauchverhalten, Bildungsstand, Persönlichkeit, Erscheinungsbild). Es gab mehrere Zuhörergruppen unterschiedlicher Altersstufen und Expertise. Das Ziel der Arbeit war somit der Vergleich der Stimmerkennung von Kindern/Jugendlichen und Erwachsenen sowie von Laien und phonetisch geschulten Zuhörern. Material und Methoden 197 Probanden, gegliedert in 4 Gruppen (Grundschüler, Gymnasiasten, Studierende, Fachärzte für Phoniatrie und Pädaudiologie), wurden Stimmaufnahmen von 23 Sprechern vorgespielt. Anhand dessen sollten sie einen Fragebogen über die Merkmale der Sprecher ausfüllen. Ergebnisse Im Hinblick auf die einzelnen Merkmale erzielten die Probanden variable Ergebnisse und identifizierten Geschlecht, Alter, ausländische Akzente und teilweise Bildungsstand der Sprecher mit höherer Genauigkeit, während ihnen richtige Einschätzungen der anderen Kategorien wie Körpergröße, Body-Mass-Index, Dialekt und Rauchverhalten weniger häufig gelangen. Die Zuhörer im Grundschulalter erreichten zwar in allen außer 2 Kategorien signifikant weniger korrekte Antworten als die Gymnasiasten, Studierenden und Phoniater, jedoch gelangen auch ihnen bereits häufig richtige Zuordnungen über dem Zufallsniveau. Die von Phoniatern und Studierenden als erwachsenen Laienhörern erzielten Ergebnisse unterschieden sich in keiner Kategorie signifikant. Schlussfolgerung Eine Altersabhängigkeit der Stimmerkennung bzw. der dafür benötigten Fähigkeiten konnte bestätigt werden. Die professionell geschulten Zuhörer hatten keinen eindeutigen Vorteil gegenüber den erwachsenen phonetischen Laien.
SOI Design: Analog, Memory and Digital Techniques

Preface. Acknowledgements. 1. Overview. 2. SOI Materials. 3. Components. 4. SOI Modeling. 5. Layout for SOI. 6. Static SOI Design. 7. Dynamic SOI Design. 8. SOI SRAMs. 9. SOI DRAMs. 10. SOI Analog Design. 11. Global Design Issues. 12. Low Power Design. 13. SOI in Development. Appendix 1: Internet Sites (issue 1.0). Appendix 2: Trade Mark / Technology Information (issue 1.0). Index. About the Authors.
Development of Methods to Control Cold Temperature and Fatigue Cracking for Asphalt Mixtures

Pavement distresses caused by low and intermediate temperatures are a significant source of problems for highway agencies. While many tests have been developed to address this type of distress, few of them are considered practical for day to day operations. This report presents a methodology for controlling low temperature properties of asphalt mixtures by using the Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR). Through a rigorous statistical analysis, the number of replicate samples needed for valid conclusions was determined so that the test can be used for quality control/quality assurance during asphalt construction. Viscoelastic modeling was employed to evaluate the effect of aggregate size. The prediction of thermal stress is also presented. It was concluded that the BBR is a viable tool to determine low temperature properties of asphalt mixtures. Finally, a specification was drafted and an example is shown where the proposed methodology was used to control the quality of a field project.
LA PREVENZIONE DEL CYBERBULLISMO A SCUOLA. UN APPROCCIO A MOLTEPLICI LIVELLI

Il contributo propone la definizione di un modello a molteplici livelli per la prevenzione e l’intervento sul cyberbullismo, che include il piano della promozione della salute, della prevenzione di comportamenti a rischio (universale, selettiva e indicata), del trattamento dei potenziali disturbi conseguenti, fino alla riabilitazione. Dopo l’approfondimento della definizione del fenomeno del cyberbullismo e del quadro teorico attuale volto alla spiegazione del fenomeno, il contributo analizza la letteratura internazionale e nazionale sugli interventi evidence-based di prevenzione del fenomeno. In accordo al modello a molteplici livelli, il contributo mostrerà come interventi di prevenzione universale siano efficaci solo in alcuni casi e solo per alcuni bambini e adolescenti, mentre per altre situazioni di maggior rischio necessitino interventi più consistenti e continuativi nel tempo e con componenti specifiche. In the current article the definition of a multi-tired model for the prevention of cyberbullying is proposed. This model includes the level of health promotion, the level of prevention differentiated in universal, selective and indicated prevention, the level of treatment of possible consequent problem behaviors or symptoms, and finally the level of rehabilitation. Starting with an updated review of the literature about the definition of cyberbullying and about the theoretical models of explanation, the article will focus on the issue of evidence-based interventions at an international and national level. According to a multi-tired approach, the moderators of the efficacy of the main universal intervention will be analysed, stressing the need to integrate more intensive and individualized interventions.
Distributed generation and demand side management : applications to transmission system operation

Electricity networks are undergoing a period of rapid change and transformation, with increased penetration levels of renewable-based distributed generation, and new influences on electricity end-use patterns from demand-manageable loads and micro-generation. This creates a number of new challenges for the delivery of a reliable supply of electrical energy. The main aim of this PhD research is to provide a methodology for a more detailed and accurate assessment of the effects of wind-based distributed generation (DG) and demand side management (DSM) on transmission network operation. In addition, the work investigates the potential for co-ordinated implementation and control of DG and DSM to improve overall system performance. A significant amount of previous literature on network integration of DG and DSM resources has focused on the effects at the distribution level, where their impact is direct and often easily observed. However, as penetration levels increase, DG and DSM will have a growing influence on the operation and management of the bulk transmission system. Modelling and analysis of the impact of embedded and highly-dispersed DG and DSM resources at transmission voltage levels will present a significant challenge for transmission network operators in the future. Accordingly, this thesis presents a number of new approaches and methodologies allowing for a more accurate modelling and aggregation of DG and DSM resources in power system studies. The correct representation of input wind energy resources is essential for accurate estimation of power and energy outputs of wind-based DG. A novel modelling approach for a simple and accurate representation of the statistical and temporal characteristics of the wind energy resources is presented in the thesis. An "all-scale" approach to modelling and aggregation of wind-based generation is proposed, which is specifically intended for assessing the impact of embedded wind generation on the steady state performance of transmission systems. The methodology allows to include in the analysis wind-based generation at all scales and all levels of implementation, from micro and small LV-connected units, through medium-size wind plants connected at MV, up to large HV-connected wind farms. The thesis also presents an assessment of the potential for DSM in the UK residential and commercial sectors, based on the analysis and decomposition of measured demands at system bulk supply points into the corresponding load types. Using a section of the Scottish transmission network as a case study, a number of DG and DSM scenarios are investigated in detail. These results demonstrate the importance of accurately modelling the interactions between the supply system and various DG and DSM schemes, and show that the aggregated effects of highly-distributed DG and DSM resources can have significant impacts on the operation of the bulk transmission system.
Innovation and entrepreueurship centres for the development of biotechnology in the region of Lodz

Centres of innovation and entrepreneurship create a specific institutional infrastructure allowing the develop-‐ ment of innovative businesses. The article examines science and technology parks as well as technology transfer centres and then presents those that are present in the region of Lodz, discussing the potential influ-‐ ence that they may have on the development of the biotechnology sector in the region.
A Simulation-based Decision Support System for Electric Power Demand Management Considering Social Network Interactions

A two-level agent-based modeling framework is proposed for the electric power system to solve the problems of renewable energy utilization and demand-side management. While in the detailed level of the framework the customers and utility companies are modeled as agents to represent electricity demand and supply performances of the electricity retail market, respectively, the high level reflects the aggregated performance of the considered electricity market via state space models. To connect the two levels, a social network is introduced as a dynamic medium for the interactions among customer agents. While the customers’ consumption behaviors are modeled at lower level and affected by each other, their individual performances contribute to the system performance in the high level. This dissertation concerns three problems. First, the problem of renewable energy adoption concerns penetration process of distributed solar generation systems with various incentive policies (i.e., Income Tax Credits and Feed-in Tariff) for renewable energy. The proposed hybrid model incorporates agent-based modeling and system dynamics techniques to simulate the solar system diffusion process among the residential customers. Second, the demand-side management problem focuses on scheduling the Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) charging under different scenarios of demand response programs (i.e., Time-of Use and Real-time Pricing). For the Time-of Use (TOU) program, the decision-support analysis results from simulationbased optimization for both customers and the utility company. For the Real-time Pricing (RTP) program, the discussion is based on design of experiments in order to find proper
Development of a process and toolset to study UCAV flight mechanics using computational fluid dynamics

The work carried out during this project used a computational Fluid Dynamics code to generate aerodynamic tabular models and aircraft manoeuvre simulations. As an outcome of this work, a validation of the aerodynamic prediction tools and an assessment of tabular models for aircraft flight dynamics applications was made. The Stability and Control Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle has been used as a demonstration case. Validation of computational fluid dynamics methods was carried out for highly nonlinear flow topologies using wind tunnel measurements. Integral data, pressure tap measurements and particle image velocimetry information was compared against the predictions over two configurations. Each one had a different leading edge shape distributed along the span of the model. One was sharp throughout with varying leading edge thickness and the other one was mainly rounded. Results showed a good agreement in longitudinal force and moment predictions for low angles of attack. High angles were dominated by a double vortex structure which was very sensitive to incidence angle and leading edge shape. Some wind tunnel effects were noticed in the measurements when predictions were made with and without sting. Overall the numerical predictive capabilities for low and high angles of attack were deemed good for the purpose of flight dynamics model generation. Two methods for predicting manoeuvering flight aircraft loads are presented in this thesis. A tabular aerodynamic model based on numerical predictions was generated for the sharp configuration. Kriging interpolation was used to populate a model consisting of tables of lateral and longitudinal aerodynamic characteristics. Further to this, longitudinal dynamic derivatives were predicted for the test case in hand using forced oscillation numerical predictions. Aircraft geometric characteristics were approximated based on real aircraft data. A set of controls were designed and implemented for the purpose of manoeuvering flight predictions. A code was implemented to predict realistic aircraft manoeuvres based on an existing program. At the core of this method was a commercial optimisation Matlab code called DIDO. Using this and the nonlinear, six degree of freedom equations of motion, purposedly designed aircraft manoeuvres were predicted. The motions were then replayed using time-accurate simulations and the predicted loads were compared against the tabular predictions. In this manner, the validity of the tables of aerodynamic data were benchmarked against a more reliable and expensive numerical method. The static based predictions showed good agreement with the replays for slow manoeuvres at low angles of attack. As manoeuvres became more aggressive, noticeable disagreement was present in the aircraft loads, particularly in the lateral characteristics during periods of large rates of change in attitudes. Hysteresis effects during manoeuvering flight were seen to produce large spreads in data in the angle of attack domain which the predicted dynamic derivatives were unable to capture.
Comparison of candidate solar array maximum power utilization approaches. [for spacecraft propulsion

A study was made of five potential approaches that can be utilized to detect the maximum power point of a solar array while sustaining operations at or near maximum power and without endangering stability or causing array voltage collapse. The approaches studied included: (1) dynamic impedance comparator, (2) reference array measurement, (3) onset of solar array voltage collapse detection, (4) parallel tracker, and (5) direct measurement. The study analyzed the feasibility and adaptability of these approaches to a future solar electric propulsion (SEP) mission, and, specifically, to a comet rendezvous mission. Such missions presented the most challenging requirements to a spacecraft power subsystem in terms of power management over large solar intensity ranges of 1.0 to 3.5 AU. The dynamic impedance approach was found to have the highest figure of merit, and the reference array approach followed closely behind. The results are applicable to terrestrial solar power systems as well as to other than SEP space missions.
Decision Support System for a Real-Time Field Service Engineer Scheduling Problem with Emergencies and Collaborations

Repeated replanning with a heuristic for solving a type of vehicle routing problem was used in a dynamic routing and scheduling problem. This problem occurs when field service engineers are assigned a sequence of jobs to attend. The jobs are geographically distributed, and not all jobs to be undertaken are known in advance of planning. This dynamic occurrence of job requests is stochastic. Jobs are assigned an emergency level, which is highest for repair jobs involving a person in danger. In addition, some jobs require two engineers; such jobs are referred to as collaborative. The presented approach reschedules the pending jobs in an event-driven manner (i.e., every time a new repair job is required). The event-driven scheduling process ensures that jobs of high importance, with a high emergency level, are completed promptly. This approach to event-driven replanning will allow companies to plan for real-world scenarios with significantly fewer resources than are used in practice.