Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The development of a metric for the accessibility and affordability of transport in South Africa

Accessibility and affordability of transport have a major impact on the people living in a country. Accessibility is defined as the ease with which people are able to reach activities or destinations (Litman, 2010a), whilst transport affordability is defined as the ability to purchase access (Litman, 2010b). In South Africa, the way in which accessibility and affordability of transport are currently measured is insufficient, as people’s needs are not taken into consideration. In this project, the objective is to develop metric, a standard of measurement, which quantifies the performance of these aspects within the transport system. The Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan is used as the study area since it is relatively isolated, providing a relevant representation of reality. The various factors that affect accessibility and affordability are researched in order to understand what impact these factors have on the transport system. Previous measures that have been used to assess accessibility and affordability in other countries, are taken into account when designing the metric. Data is gathered from a variety of sources, predominantly surveys carried out by Statistics South Africa. Using a synthetic population and a multi-agent transport simulation toolkit (MATSim), the transport system is simulated and used to test the feasibility of the metric. The development of a metric is a benefit to the government as it assists in the planning and assessing of the transport system in South Africa, as well as enabling the testing of strategies that will assist in uplifting the poor.
Hearing Science Fundamentals

Section I: Acoustics 1. Basic Acoustics Section II: Structure and Function 2. Anatomy and Physiology of the Conductive Auditory Mechanism 3. Anatomy and Physiology of the Sensorineural Auditory Mechanism 4. Anatomy and Physiology of the Central Auditory Mechanism Section III: Psychoacoustics 5. Normal Hearing 6. Masking 7. Loudness and Pitch 8. Differential Sensitivity Glossary Chapter Exercises
TOWARDS ADAPTIVE INCIDENT DETECTION ALGORITHMS

The development of an adaptive incident detection algorithm based on Probabilistic Neural Network (PNN) and optimised using a Genetic Algorithm for use in decision making by Traffic Management personnel is described. The training and testing of the GAPNN is described and the results compared with those obtained for the PNN alone. Since it is more accurate, the GAPNN detected more incidents than the PNN in a given time period after transfer to a new site. The better performance of the GAPNN tested before retraining than that of the PNN in the same circumstances is however at the expense of a longer period of training. (A*) For the covering abstract see ITRD E110327.
LOCK IT OR LOSE IT

Sales of powered two wheelers (PTWs) are soaring in the UK. PTWs are efficient users of road space, do not contribute to urban congestion, have low emissions and take up less parking room than cars. There is a lack of secure parking equipment for motorcycles or scooters in the UK. Many Police Crime Reduction Units are keen to enter into joint funding initiatives with local authorities to investing in secure PTW parking products. West Yorkshire Police Force purchased secure parking units and distributed them free to supermarkets and car parks. An alternative to purchasing is leasing. Secure parking units include low-level anchor rails or retractable ground anchors. Motorloc's secure parking system has an integral chain and storing locker. The most appropriate locations for PTW secure parking are often close to existing disabled parking areas.
Design for High Performance, Low Power, and Reliable 3D Integrated Circuits

This book provides readers with a variety of algorithms and software tools, dedicated to the physical design of through-silicon-via (TSV) based, three-dimensional integrated circuits. It describes numerous manufacturing-ready GDSII-level layouts of TSV-based 3D ICs developed with the tools covered in the book. This book will also feature sign-off level analysis of timing, power, signal integrity, and thermal analysis for 3D IC designs. Full details of the related algorithms will be provided so that the readers will be able not only to grasp the core mechanics of the physical design tools, but also to be able to reproduce and improve upon the results themselves. This book will also offer various design-for-manufacturability (DFM), design-for-reliability (DFR), and design-for-testability (DFT) techniques that are considered critical to the physical design process.
Responding to New Trends Through a Usability Approach

The high cost of fuel and the rising number of older drivers who will turn to transit are major trends transit services will need to accommodate in the near future. This article suggests that transit usability will be especially important as older people make their way from car to transit, and must learn how to navigate systems that are new to them. The article describes transit usability, and breaks it down into four areas: ease of use, effectiveness, comfort, and aesthetics. Each influence how people feel when using a product—including transit. The article then lists ways in which transit operators can achieve these important elements, including user testing. In addition, the article also warns that increased demand for paratransit service can overwhelm transit agency budgets. One way to reduce the need for paratransit is to design a service with higher usability for older travelers.
Taguchi techniques for image and pattern developing technology

The Taguchi Method (Quality Engineering) is a methodology for solving quality problems during product development. This text is designed specifically to help engineers working in the field of imaging and patterning science, and technology to get up to speed with the method. Using case studies, it outlines Taguchi's quality management steps: evaluation for functionality by means of only a dynamic SN ratio; inspection for reproducibility using the orthogonal array; and fine tuning for a functional target.
Proposed Method for Two Axis Tracking of PV Modules Using Advanced Microcontroller

In this study, a stand-alone photovoltaic power system was designed and implemented to operate as an application of a digital control system. Sun-tracker is implemented for improved efficiency of the system by keeping the solar module perpendicular to the sun's incoming rays. An experimental system was implemented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed system. Experimental results are given to verify the system's efficiency. A proposed method is employed to seek the maximum power point using two lighting sensors the data obtained from a two sensor is compared by microcontroller. Microcontroller is making PV module track the maximum sun light which leads to obtain a maximum power. The system is implemented using microcontroller and stepper motor and experimental work used to prove feasibility of the proposed method.
DEVELOPMENT OF TEST SCENARIOS FOR OFF-ROADWAY CRASH COUNTERMEASURES BASED ON CRASH STATISTICS

This report presents the results from an analysis of off-roadway crashes and proposes a set of crash-imminent scenarios to objectively test countermeasure systems for light vehicles (passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, vans, and pickup trucks) based on crash statistics. This analysis was conducted in support of the roadway departure research area of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Intelligent Vehicle Initiative. The first harmful event in target off-roadway crashes occurs off the roadway after a vehicle departs the road due to loss of control or crossing the edge of the roadway. Approximately 992,000 such crashes occurred in the U.S. in 1998 based on the National Automotive Sampling System (NASS) General Estimates System (GES) crash database -- 93% of these crashes involved light vehicles. These crashes were grouped into six pre-crash scenarios based on vehicle movements and critical events and were described in terms of their physical settings, contributing factors, and post-roadway departure events. Based on 1998 GES statistics, 85% of these off-roadway crashes occurred on non-freeways, 66% in rural areas, 82% away from junctions, 59% on two lanes of travel, and 61% below 55 mph speed limit. Speeding was cited as a contributing factor to the cause of the crash in 24% of these crashes, whereas alcohol was reported in 19% of these crashes. Moreover, inclement weather conditions or driver inattention/distraction might have contributed to about 44% of these crashes. After leaving the roadway, vehicles struck other parked vehicles (21%) and signposts (14%); some form of injury resulted in about 37% of off-roadway crashes. Finally, eight test scenarios were proposed and described in terms of roadway type, junction, number of lanes, curvature, shoulder, travel speed, and environmental conditions.
Ciudades resilientes en LAC: aportes desde la gestión de las aguas urbanas en Uruguay

Uruguay, al igual que el resto de los países de la región, está transitando hacia un cambio en la forma de comprender y actuar en las ciudades en relación con la gestión de aguas urbanas. El objetivo es tender a sistemas urbanos resilientes capaces de evaluar, planear y actuar para responder a todo tipo de obstáculos, ya sean repentinos o lentos, esperados o inesperados. En esta transición, las acciones en relación con las aguas urbanas son un motor de cambio ineludible. Se propone evidenciar la relevancia de las modalidades de planificación y gestión que apuntan a la resiliencia y logran adaptarse a entornos inestables, cambiantes, a partir de instituciones reflexivas, que aprenden de su propia práctica y se mantienen interconectadas. Se reflexiona en torno al proceso de desarrollo y aplicación de un conjunto de herramientas implementadas para la gestión de las aguas urbanas en los últimos diez años, haciendo énfasis en aquellas relacionadas a inundaciones urbanas y drenaje pluvial. La estrategia metodológica se basa en la triangulación de fuentes diversas, en particular, el análisis de dos relevamientos realizados en el año 2008 y 2018 y de productos generados en estos 10 años. La principal conclusión muestra importantes cambios hacia modelos más sostenibles y resilientes, aunque siguen existiendo fuertes desigualdades en las capacidades locales y en las acciones realizadas en las distintas regiones del país. Esto permite afirmar que el país está transitando hacia un cambio de modelo.
Modeling adaptive preview time of driver model for intelligent vehicles based on deep learning

In order to improve the adaptability and tracking performance of intelligent vehicles under complex driving conditions, and simulate the manipulation characteristics of the real driver in the driver–vehicle–road closed-loop system, a kind of adaptive preview time model for intelligent vehicle driver model is proposed. This article builds the intelligent vehicle driver model based on optimal preview control theory and the basic preview time is identified to minimize path error under various conditions based on particle swarm optimization. Then, the ideal compensation preview time is constructed in various conditions and the appropriate factors affecting compensation preview time are filtered out according to correlation analysis. Moreover, the architecture and training procedure of deep network is specified for compensation preview time prediction. Finally, the adaptive preview time is modeled by combining the basic preview time with the compensation preview time and the validity of adaptive preview time model is verified by the driver–vehicle–road closed-loop system under normal and aggressive driving conditions. The results show that the proposed adaptive preview time model can help intelligent vehicles better adapt complex driving conditions and effectively improve the path-following performance.
Factors related to drivers' perception of interference from in-vehicle activities

In-vehicle information systems are becoming more common in vehicles. Yet, safety concerns arise to the extent that drivers are becoming distracted from their driving responsibilities. Examining discrepancies between drivers' perceptions of (and attitudes towards) distractions and actual task involvement is important to our understanding of drivers' engagement in potentially distracting activities. We describe results from a test-track study that examined how drivers' perceived interference (PI) from 11 different in-vehicle activities related to perceptions of their driving skills and other variables. Drivers in our sample considered tasks that incurred higher levels of mental workload to be more detrimental to their driving performance. However, higher PI was not associated with reduced task involvement while driving. A regression analysis found that only ratings of comfort and mental demand were significant predictors of PI. We describe and discuss our findings in the context of driver safety and the application of in-vehicle systems.
Modeling the Effect of Environmental and Topographic Variables Affecting the Height Increment of Norway Spruce Stands in Mountainous Conditions with the Use of LiDAR Data

Differing levels of humidity, sunlight exposure or temperature in different areas of mountain ranges are fundamental to the existence of particular vegetation types. A better understanding of even local variability of trees may bring significant benefits, not only economic, but most of all, nature-related. The main focus of this study was the analysis of relationships between increment in stand height, age and the natural topography in the examined area. Among others, the following were examined with regard to their influence on the growing process: age, altitude above sea level (m a.s.l.), aspect and slope, topographic wetness index (TWI), and topographic position index (TPI) generated from an airborne laser scanning (ALS)-derived elevation model. To precisely calculate forest growth dynamics in mountain conditions for different spruce stands, repeated airborne lidar measurements from 2007 and 2012 were used (with resolution respectively 4 and 6 pts./m2). Detailed information on every stand including species composition, share of individual species, as well as their age, were acquired from the State Forests IT System (SILP). It was proven in this study, that environmental and topographic variables may have an impact on forest growth dynamics on even closely located areas. Apart from the age, the greatest influence on tree growth has an altitude above sea level, aspect and slope. The highest height increment of spruce was observed in the stands of up to 30 years old, those that had grown at an altitude under 850 m a.s. l. , on the slopes up to 15 degrees or on those which were on the northeastern exposure. The results obtained show that the physiology of species, even those that are well known, largely depends on local topographic conditions. The proven impact of different topography factors on the growth of spruce may be used while planning economic activities in precision forestry. Additional research with using multiple laser scanning in the context of other regions or other species may bring us better recognition of local growth conditions and in consequence, significantly better planning and higher revenues obtained from the sale of trees.
Silibinin sensitizes CD133+ hepatocellular carcinoma cells to cisplatin treatment through suppression of OPA1

Background: Drug resistance is still a major obstacle during the cisplatin-based chemotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recently, studies have indicated that the population of CD133+ cancer cells is partially responsible for the failure of cancer treatment. However, the potential mechanisms are still unclear.Methods: CD133+ HepG2 and Huh7 cells were sorted via flow cytometry. CCK-8 assay was used to detect the cytotoxicity of cisplatin and silibinin against HCC cells. Western blot assay was performed to detect the protein expression, cleavage of caspases and release of cytochrome c from mitochondria into cytosol. Flow cytometry analysis was used to measure the apoptotic rate of CD133+ HepG2 and Huh7 cells.Results: CD133+ HepG2 and Huh7 cells were observed to exhibit obvious resistance against cisplatin. However, co-treatment with silibinin significantly reduced the cisplatin resistance of CD133+ HepG2 and Huh7 cells. Furthermore, although CD133+ HepG2 and Huh7 cells were resistant to cisplatin-induced apoptosis, co-treatment with silibinin enhanced the cisplatin-induced apoptosis through promoting the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria into cytosol. In the mechanism research, we proved that silibinin inhibited the expression of OPA1 in CD133+ HepG2 and Huh7 cells. Under the stress of cisplatin, silibinin promoted the collapse of mitochondria and increased the release of cytochrome c. As a result, caspases-dependent apoptosis was induced in CD133+ HepG2 and Huh7 cells which were co-treated with cisplatin and silibinin.Conclusion: Silibinin sensitizes CD133+ HCC cells to cisplatin-induced apoptosis through suppression of OPA1.
Adobe PhotoDeluxe forファミリー4.0ガイドブック

はじめに 新しいＰｈｏｔｏＤｅｌｕｘｅで何ができるか知ろう—ＰｈｏｔｏＤｅｌｕｘｅはこんなにスゴイ！ 基本テクニック編・基本操作を覚えよう（ＰｈｏｔｏＤｅｌｕｘｅを使う準備をしよう；写真をパソコンに入力しよう；写真をキレイに修正しよう） 上級テクニック編・ひと味違うプロのワザ（写真の合成にチャレンジしよう；画像に文字を入れてみよう；写真を加工してアーティスト気分） 活用編・写真を共有してみんなで楽しもう（写真を印刷したりメールで送ろう；ＡｃｔｉｖｅＳｈａｒｅで写真を共有しよう） ブレンド効果・特殊効果一覧
A flexible coil array for high resolution magnetic resonance imaging at 7 Tesla

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), among other imaging techniques, has become a major backbone of modern medical diagnostics. MRI enables the non-invasive combined, identification of anatomical structures, functional and chemical properties, especially in soft tissues. Nonetheless, applications requiring very high spatial and/or temporal resolution are often limited by the available signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in MR experiments. Since first clinical applications, image quality in MRI has been constantly improved by applying one or several of the following strategies: increasing the static magnetic field strength, improvement of the radiofrequency (RF) detection system, development of specialized acquisition sequences and optimization of image reconstruction techniques. This work is concerned with the development of highly sensitive RF detection systems for biomedical ultra-high field MRI. In particular, auto-resonant RF coils based on transmission line technology are investigated. These resonators may be fabricated on flexible substrate which enables form-fitting of the RF detector to the target anatomy, leading to a significant SNR gain. The main objective of this work is the development of a flexible RF coil array for high-resolution MRI on a human whole-body 7 T MR scanner. With coil arrays, the intrinsically high SNR of small surface coils may be exploited for an extended field of view. Further, parallel imaging techniques are accessible with RF array technology, allowing acceleration of the image acquisition. Secondly, in this PhD project a novel design for transmission line resonators is developed, that brings an additional degree of freedom in geometric design and enables the fabrication of large multi-turn resonators for high field MR applications. This thesis describes the development, successful implementation and evaluation of novel, mechanically flexible RF devices by analytical and 3D electromagnetic simulations, in bench measurements and in MRI experiments.
Factors Affecting Quality Teaching and Learning Outcomes in Teacher Education in Sierra Leone

Education is the key for development of any nation and it depends on the quality of teachers. Knowledge, dedication, quality, professional commitment and motivation of teachers are the factors responsible for quality education and learner achievement. Producing such teachers is a major challenge for governments across the globe today. With the ever-increasing amount of knowledge today, teacher‟s job has been more challenging in the light of new pedagogical and psychological theories, philosophy, sociology and globalization. Well planned and imaginative Teacher education programmes are required today. Teacher education programme has to be critiqued, studied, reformed, rethought and reoriented today.
Stability Analysis of Switched DC-DC Boost Converters for Integrated Circuits

Boost converters are very important circuits for modern devices, especially batteryoperated integrated circuits. This type of converter allows for small voltages, such as those provided by a battery, to be converted into larger voltage more suitable for driving integrated circuits. Two regions of operation are explored known as Continuous Conduction Mode and Discontinuous Conduction Mode. Each region is analyzed in terms of DC and small-signal performance. Control issues with each are compared and various error amplifier architectures explored. A method to optimize these amplifier architectures is also explored by means of Genetic Algorithms and Particle Swarm Optimization. Finally, stability measurement techniques for boost converters are explored and compared in order to gauge the viability of each method. The Middlebrook Method for measuring stability and cross-correlation are explored here.
Leave the Driving to Them: Comparing Stress of Car and Train Commuters

This paper describes how it has long been theorized that there may be significant health risks for individuals who commute to work by driving in congested conditions. Conversely, it is widely thought that there may be commensurate benefits to individuals who take public transportation. A team of environmental psychologists have collected evidence that for the first time measured significant differences in stress levels among commuters who shifted to new transit services that reduced the number of transfers, and among commuters depending on whether they drove to work or used NJ TRANSIT rail service to New York City. This paper discusses two studies of New York-bound commuters using psychological and physiological indicators of stress in order to determine the effects of switching from a two-seat commuter rail trip to a one-seat ride using NJ TRANSIT’s Midtown Direct and Montclair Direct service. It also presents data on a third study that compared the stress levels of a sample of 122 auto commuters with those of a 164-member sample of rail commuters making similar trips to work. Results from the studies of Midtown Direct and Montclair Direct riders showed significant reductions in stress for those commuters who switched from a two-seat to a one-seat ride. The stress reduction benefit was found to be almost twice as significant for working mothers as compared to all others in the sample. For the study comparing auto and rail commuters, auto commuters showed significantly higher levels of reported stress, more negative mood, indicated the trip was significantly more effort, and felt that their trip was significantly less predictable compared to train commuters.
Analysis and Design of Integrated Circuit Antenna Modules

From the Publisher: With communications technologies rapidly expanding, the traditional separation of electronic circuits and antenna systems design is no longer feasible. This book covers various design approaches applicable to integrated circuit-antenna modules with the goal of placing the antenna, transmitter, and receiver all on a single chip. It emphasizes analysis and design involving the integration of circuit functions with radiating elements and addresses trends in systems miniaturization.