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The mixed signal of respiratory waveform and heartbeat waveform detected by the Laser-Doppler system is processed with an intermediate-frequency (IF) interference filtering method, an enhanced extraction method and a waveform-fixing method. To filter the IF interference signals and the noise scatters in the time-frequency graph, the filtering method based on coefficient of variation (CoV) values and the enhanced curve extraction method based on noise-scatter theory are utilized in vital signal analysis. To decouple the respiratory signal and the heartbeat signal in time domain, the waveform-fixing method based on second-order difference theory is utilized in signal decoupling. This method as an algorithm is applied in the computer simulation and laboratory environments. The results show that the above methods can extract the mixed waveforms and identify the respiratory rates and heart rates in real experimental data. The IF interference signal can be filtered adaptively, and the accuracy of the analyzed rates can be improved to about 95%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advancement of information and communication technology has driven innovation in various aspects of education, including computer laboratory learning. Traditional computer laboratories often face challenges in terms of time, cost, and accessibility. To address these challenges, this study developed a virtual computer laboratory learning system integrated with social media and video conferencing. This system is designed to provide flexible access, allowing students to learn and practice anytime and anywhere. The integration of social media aims to enhance interaction and collaboration between students and instructors, while video conferencing enables real-time learning sessions with direct interaction. The research methods used include system design, software development, and system testing. The results showed that the virtual computer laboratory learning system integrated with social media and video conferencing can facilitate learning and is expected to be an innovative solution in information technology education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction It is critical to develop and implement lab-based computer experiments that simulate real-world tasks in order to characterize operational requirements and challenges or identify potential solutions. Achieving a high degree of laboratory control, operational generalizability, and ease-of-use for a task is challenging, often leading to the development of tasks that can satisfy some facets but not all. This can result in insufficient solutions that leave real-world stakeholders with unsolved problems. Materials and Methods This issue is addressed using a customized passive sonar simulator application that provides extensive researcher control over the design and manipulation of a sonar task; a visual appearance and cognitive demand similar to a true submarine-based sonar task; and a convenient and short training routine for sonar novices. The task requires participants to watch for multiple signal sources of varying appearance and salience and subsequently classify these signals into their respective categories. Results The current study investigated the effects of stimulus signal strength and signal density on sonar task performance—including metrics of classification accuracy, classification confidence, and response times—finding an interaction between signal density and signal strength that resulted in greater performance errors with high signal density at the weakest signal strength. Conclusions The lab-based sonar application provides new possibilities for research, not limited to signal intensity and signal density but also through the manipulation of parameters such as the number of unique targets, target appearance, and task duration. This application may illuminate the operational demands that each of these factors may have on operator behavior within the dynamic tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A substantial amount of literature has shown that the input flooding and enhancement (Textual enhancement, TE) technique helps learners to perceive and acquire target features implicitly. Previous studies explored the efficacy of computer-assisted TE interventions in Second Language Acquisition with diverse techniques, but animation has not yet been sufficiently taken into consideration. In this paper, we developed an animation-based TE intervention to promote the primary school children' acquisition of the linguistic features of English question sentences. The results suggested that learners in experimental group improved their performances in producing questions and statements with a large effect size, as they were found to spontaneously put extra efforts in exploring the related knowledge of the visually enhanced forms. The study presumed that the animation-based TE intervention would stimulate participants' awareness and curiosity of the target forms, which consequently led to improved performance in tasks both involving precursor knowledge and newly acquired knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article deals with the application of the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) methodology to identify the most weighty factors that are associated with student performance on large-scale assessments, amongst them, the permanent assessment system for basic education "SPAECE" test. The DEA Slacks-Based-Measure (SBM) model was used to estimate the relative efficiency of school units in the city of Sobral (CE), one of the most prominent Brazilian counties in the educational scenario. It was evident that the presence of libraries, computer labs, sports courts and rooms for special care in school units constitutes a significant factor associated with the high performance of students, impacting, therefore, school efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, with the widespread supply of very powerful laboratory and computer equipment, it is expected that the analyses conducted for geotechnical problems are carried out with very high precision. Precise analyses lead to better knowledge of structures' behavior, which, in turn, reduces the costs related to uncertainty of materials' behavior. A precise analysis necessitates a precise knowledge and definition of the behavior of the constituent materials, which itself requires applying an appropriate constitutive model to show the behavior of materials. Constitutive models used in the generalized plasticity framework are very powerful constitutive models for the simulation of sand behavior. However, the simulation of a cyclic behavior in these models, especially the simulation of the undrained cyclic behavior, is not well-recognized. In this study, in order to eliminate the weakness of generalized constitutive models under cyclic loading, a new equation is presented to substitute the so-called coefficient of the discrete memory factor to consider the loading history in such a way that the plastic modulus is modified during reloading and, as a result, more appropriate predictions of sand behavior are obtained. The performance accuracy of the proposed coefficient was evaluated in accordance with the experimental data. Finally, the results show that after using the modification of the loading history coefficient, predictions of the constitutive model are significantly improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood is known for its temperature-dependent and hysteretic sorption behaviour. Several hysteresis models can be found from the literature, but the temperature-dependency of sorption especially in cold temperatures has received less attention. In this paper, we show experimental results for low-density fibreboard, which can be obtained with relatively inexpensive equipment and used for constructing temperature-dependent EMC function. The results were applied in the numerical analyses of a previous laboratory experiment involving an exterior wall with an LDF layer as sheathing. The optimal parameters for hysteresis models were determined by the least-squares data fitting approach. Our conclusion is that both the temperature-dependency and hysteresis in sorption behaviour must be included and with proper model parameters in the hygrothermal model in order to obtain satisfactory results when modelling LDF sheathing in a cold climate. Existing literature related to these aspects in hygrothermal modelling is scarce, and more experimental and computational research is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Internet of Things (IoT) is gradually changing the way teaching and learning take place in on-campus programs. In particular, face capture services improve student concentration to create an efficient classroom atmosphere by using face recognition algorithms that support end devices. However, reducing response latency and executing face analysis services effectively in real-time is still challenging. For this reason, this paper proposed a pedagogical model of face recognition for IoT devices based on edge computing (TFREC). Specifically, this research first proposed an IoT service-based face capture algorithm to optimize the accuracy of face recognition. In addition, the service deployment method based on edge computing is proposed in this paper to obtain the best deployment strategy and reduce the latency of the algorithm. Finally, the comparative experimental results demonstrate that TFREC has 98.3% accuracy in face recognition and 72 milliseconds in terms of service response time. This research is significant for advancing the optimization of teaching methods in school-based courses, meanwhile, providing beneficial insights for the application of face recognition and edge computing in the field of education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Safe autonomous vehicle (AV) operations depend on an accurate perception of the driving environment, which necessitates the use of a variety of sensors. Computational algorithms must then process all of this sensor data, which typically results in a high on-vehicle computational load. For example, existing lane markings are designed for human drivers, can fade over time, and can be contradictory in construction zones, which require specialized sensing and computational processing in an AV. But, this standard process can be avoided if the lane information is simply transmitted directly to the AV. High definition maps and road side units (RSUs) can be used for direct data transmission to the AV, but can be prohibitively expensive to establish and maintain. Additionally, to ensure robust and safe AV operations, more redundancy is beneficial. A cost-effective and passive solution is essential to address this need effectively. In this research, we propose a new infrastructure information source (IIS), chip-enabled raised pavement markers (CERPMs), which provide environmental data to the AV while also decreasing the AV compute load and the associated increase in vehicle energy use. CERPMs are installed in place of traditional ubiquitous raised pavement markers along road lane lines to transmit geospatial information along with the speed limit using long range wide area network (LoRaWAN) protocol directly to nearby vehicles. This information is then compared to the Mobileye commercial off-the-shelf traditional system that uses computer vision processing of lane markings. Our perception subsystem processes the raw data from both CEPRMs and Mobileye to generate a viable path required for a lane centering (LC) application. To evaluate the detection performance of both systems, we consider three test routes with varying conditions. Our results show that the Mobileye system failed to detect lane markings when the road curvature exceeded ± 0.016 m−1. For the steep curvature test scenario, it could only detect lane markings on both sides of the road for just 6.7% of the given test route. On the other hand, the CERPMs transmit the programmed geospatial information to the perception subsystem on the vehicle to generate a reference trajectory required for vehicle control. The CERPMs successfully generated the reference trajectory for vehicle control in all test scenarios. Moreover, the CERPMs can be detected up to 340 m from the vehicle's position. Our overall conclusion is that CERPM technology is viable and that it has the potential to address the operational robustness and energy efficiency concerns plaguing the current generation of AVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expansive unsaturated soils present challenges in construction due to their moisture-induced behavior. This study proposes empirical equations to estimate the maximum wetting depth over time. Laboratory experiments and numerical analyses using SEEP/W software investigate wetting depth considering time and sand content in coastal and inland regions. Results reveal the significant influence of sand content on maximum soil moisture depth, emphasizing a recommended content above 30% to mitigate heave. The equations offer practical tools for assessing wetting depth, accounting for temporal and spatial variations. This research highlights the importance of wetting depth in addressing soil-related concerns and provides a foundation for further exploration of related factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Quasi-Impedance-Source Inverter (Quasi-Z inverter) is an interesting DC-AC converter topology that can be used in applications such as fuel cells and photovoltaic generators. This topology allows for both boost capability and DC-side continuous input current. Another very interesting feature is its reliability, as it limits the current when two switches on one leg are conducting simultaneously. This is due to an extra conduction state, specifically the shoot-through state. However, the shoot-through state also causes a loss of performance, increasing electromagnetic interference and harmonic distortion. To address these issues, this work proposes a modified carrier-based control method for the T-Type single-phase quasi-Z inverter. The modified carrier-based method introduces the use of two additional states to replace the standard shoot-through state. The additional states are called the upper shoot-through and the lower shoot-through. An approach to minimize the number of switches that change state during transitions will also be considered to reduce switching losses, improving the converter efficiency. The proposed modified carrier-based control strategy will be tested using computer simulations and laboratory experiments. From the obtained results, the theoretical considerations are confirmed. In fact, through the presented results, it is possible to understand important improvements that can be obtained in the THD of the output voltage and load current. In addition, it is also possible to verify that the modified carrier method also reduces the input current ripple. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the fire load data in educational, office and library buildings, obtained through an extensive inventory survey. This data collection effort is prompted by a growing need to simulate compartment fires, wherein estimating realistic fire scenarios is essential to assess the level of fire severity in a structure, and consequently the strength of the various structural members at elevated temperatures. The attributes of compartment fires primarily depend upon the fuel load and its composition, compartment dimensions, ventilation characteristics, and construction materials. Despite an acute need, fire load data across the world is scarce and outdated, and does not reflect the change in the type of materials in‐use today. The survey data presented in this paper is collected from 108 rooms in 10 educational buildings, 51 rooms in three office buildings, and 13 rooms in a library building. This paper also presents the composition of fire loads and the levels of ventilation in these buildings. The studies show that fire loads can vary significantly depending on the room‐use; thereby basing fire load values solely on the overall category of a building may result in either conservative or unsafe design. This study also finds that certain room types (e.g., computer labs) have significant plastic‐based fuels, indicating that typical modelling recommendations based on cellulosic fuels for heat release rate, combustion heat, etc. may not always be appropriate. The paper finally examines the statistical distribution that best describes the measured values of the fire load densities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A life‐long beacon for Lebbeus Woods was his understanding of the ideas of second‐order cybernetics and attempts to assimilate them into his architectural projects. An introduction to this discourse was provided in Urbana‐Champaign in the early 1960s by his most important intellectual mentor, cyberneticist Heinz von Foerster. Poised at the intersection of architecture and cybernetics, Ben Sweeting charts some of the lines of their interactions and friendship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some of Lebbeus Woods's formative years were spent on the 'flat, treeless plain' at the University of Illinois School of Architecture and at various home and studio addresses in Urbana‐Champaign. Architectural historian Sharon Irish describes the dynamic setting of this urban stage and Woods's personal and professional preoccupations of the time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wireless monitoring systems for the marine environment are important for rapidly growing subsea developments. The power supply of wireless sensor nodes within the monitoring systems, however, is a major challenge. This study proposes a novel piezoelectric wave energy converter (pWEC) device to power the wireless sensing nodes. Unlike previous studies, the proposed device utilizes contactless pWEC technology in which a spring pendulum provides a two-stage frequency amplification of 3.8 times for low-frequency wave environments. The pWEC device consists of a floating body, inner pendulum, spring pendulum, magnets and piezoelectric sheets. In order to harvest the energy from relatively low frequency ocean waves, the pWEC device is designed to have an enhanced energy-capturing frequency. The effects of internal pendulum mass, spring pendulum weight, pendulum length and spring stiffness on wave energy absorption are investigated using theoretical and numerical analysis combined with laboratory experiments. The slider that drives the motion of the piezoelectric sheet vibrates at up to 3.8 times the wave frequency. To test the piezoelectric generators in the laboratory environment, a mechanical structure is set up to simulate the motion of the external floating body and the internal wave energy converter under the action of waves. When the four piezoelectric plates are arranged horizontally, the average output power per plate is increased by 2.4 times, and a single piezoelectric plate can generate an average of 10 mW of power. The proposed piezoelectric wave energy converter device has the potential to provide long-term energy supply for small ocean monitoring platforms at remote locations with reasonable wave energy resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] Fire is a frequent security incident in computer laboratories; it might devastate internal equipment and stored data and seriously threaten the lives and properties of personnel. Therefore, an effective fire warning method must be adopted to recognize the potential fire status in computer laboratories and promptly transmit graded fire warning information. However, the existing fire warning methods based on the Euclidean, Lance--Williams, and cosine distances suffer from the problems of low warning accuracy and inability to recognize the potential fire status of computer laboratories in time. Then, a fire risk early warning method for computer laboratories is proposed based on the discrimination of Mahalanobis distance. [Methods] First, various sensors arranged in the computer laboratory are utilized to detect the relevant gas concentration, temperature, radiant light intensity, current magnetic field intensity, and smoke and dust concentrations in the computer laboratory. Subsequently, reference matrices of different states are established based on typical samples, and different elements in the vectors composed of the detected indicator contents are given different weights. Afterward, the fire to which the indicator content belongs is determined based on the weighted Mahalanobis distance. Subsequently, the fire hazard level to which the indicator content belongs is determined based on the weighted Martensitic distance (i.e., very-high-risk level, higher-risk level, medium-risk level, medium-to low-risk level, and low-risk level). Finally, different solutions are adopted according to different fire hazard levels to eliminate fire hazards in computer laboratories. In the experimental phase, first, the coverage area of each sensor and the minimum number of sensors required to implement the method by calculation based on the size of a real computer laboratory are obtained. Second, a certain class of sensors in computer laboratories is removed, and the remaining four environmental data on fire risk warnings in computer laboratories are used to determine the reasonable weights corresponding to the relevant gas concentration, temperature, radiant light intensity, current magnetic field intensity, and smoke and dust concentrations in the Mahalanobis distance discrimination. Afterward, the location of each sensor is changed according to different distribution rules to determine the optimal distribution of sensors in the computer laboratory. Finally, with the deployment of different numbers of sensors in the computer laboratory, the fire risk warning method based on weighted Mahalanobis distance discrimination in the computer laboratory is compared with the fire risk warning methods based on Euclidean, Lance--Williams, and cosine distances to further validate the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method. [Results] The experimental results show that, compared with other fire risk warning methods, the proposed method based on weighted Mahalanobis distance discrimination exhibits a high warning accuracy. Its overall fire warning accuracy is maintained at approximately 80% even when the minimum number of sensors are placed in the computer laboratory, and the average warning accuracy of the method is increased to 90% after increasing the number of sensors in the computer laboratory. [Conclusions] Therefore, the proposed method based on weighted martensitic distance discrimination is more accurate and effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the development of electronic (e-learning) assessment methods and forced their use worldwide. Many instructors and students had to familiarize themselves with the form of distance education. During and since Covid-19 in Hungary, at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Debrecen, the written part of the Comprehensive Exam in Mathematics is organized in a computer lab of the university using an online test. Our goal is that the results of the tests may be as reliable as possible in terms of measuring the students' knowledge, and thus the grades given based on the test results would be realistic. In this paper, we show the analysis of a sample written exam and compare the real exam results of students who were prepared for the comprehensive exam during Covid-19 and who have participated in face-to-face education since then. The tools provided by the Moodle system necessary for comparison are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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OpenMC is a state-of-the-art Monte Carlo neutron transport simulation code that uses the Python programming language as an API. OpenMC supports eight burnup simulation algorithms. This study presents the results of choosing an integration method for modeling the burnup of fuel assemblies with burnable poisons for VVER-1000 reactors. Burnup simulation results from OpenMC were compared with those reported in the OECD benchmark. Eight different numerical integrators can be used to model burnup in the OpenMC code: PI, CE/CM, LE/QI, CE/LI, CF4, EPC-RK4, SI-CE/LI, SI-LE/QI. The test results showed that the SI-CE/LI and SI-LE/QI integrators require significantly more time to calculate one burnup step than the others with the same accuracy, so they were excluded from further consideration. The PI integrator showed low integration accuracy at the same burnup steps with other integrators. However, PI has a high performance compared to other integrators, and as the integration step decreases, it converges to one solution, which can be chosen as a reference for assessing the quality of other integrators. On the basis of the results obtained using the fine step PI integrator, it was decided to use the CE/LI integrator for further work. The results obtained with CE/LI were compared with those obtained with the VVER-1000 LEU and MOX benchmark for the codes MCU, TVS-M, WIMS8A, HELIOS, and MULTICELL and showed good agreement. Thus, we can conclude the applicability of the CE/LI integrator as part of OpenMC for modeling the burnup of fuel assemblies containing burnable poisons. During the work, the resources of the high-performance computer center of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI were used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of laboratory tests of CFRP (carbon fiber-reinforced polymer) laminates, which allowed the development of numerical material models. The obtained data were used in a further stage to perform numerical simulations of four variants of medical tabletops, differing, among other features, in the shape of the cross-section. Maximum deflections and effort in the composite material were analyzed. The final step was to perform a laboratory test for one of the tabletop versions, the results of which confirmed the correctness of the numerical calculations. This work is aimed at both researchers and designers involved in the practical application of fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Would another origin of life resemble Earth's biochemical use of amino acids? Here, we review current knowledge at three levels: (1) Could other classes of chemical structure serve as building blocks for biopolymer structure and catalysis? Amino acids now seem both readily available to, and a plausible chemical attractor for, life as we do not know it. Amino acids thus remain important and tractable targets for astrobiological research. (2) If amino acids are used, would we expect the same L-alpha-structural subclass used by life? Despite numerous ideas, it is not clear why life favors L-enantiomers. It seems clearer, however, why life on Earth uses the shortest possible (alpha-) amino acid backbone, and why each carries only one side chain. However, assertions that other backbones are physicochemically impossible have relaxed into arguments that they are disadvantageous. (3) Would we expect a similar set of side chains to those within the genetic code? Many plausible alternatives exist. Furthermore, evidence exists for both evolutionary advantage and physicochemical constraint as explanatory factors for those encoded by life. Overall, as focus shifts from amino acids as a chemical class to specific side chains used by post-LUCA biology, the probable role of physicochemical constraint diminishes relative to that of biological evolution. Exciting opportunities now present themselves for laboratory work and computing to explore how changing the amino acid alphabet alters the universe of protein folds. Near-term milestones include: (a) expanding evidence about amino acids as attractors within chemical evolution; (b) extending characterization of other backbones relative to biological proteins; and (c) merging computing and laboratory explorations of structures and functions unlocked by xeno peptides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a modification of class D zero-voltage-switching (D-ZVS) resonant inverter for ultrasonic cleaning applications. The output power is controlled using the adjustable duty of a buck converter. Combined with a phase-locked loop control, the switching frequency of the inverter is automatically adjusted to maintain a lagging phase angle under load–parameter variations during the cleaning process. With the proposed modification, the inverter maintains ZVS throughout the power control range. Moreover, the snubber capacitor connection is used to reduce turn-off losses. The control algorithms are implemented using digital signal processing (TMS320F28335 for buck converter and TMS320F28379D for inverter). The proposed method for a 100-W piezoceramic ultrasonic transducer (PZT) is verified using computer simulation and laboratory experimental results and is found to be more efficient than other methods. The operating frequency and power ranges under investigation are 36.5–36.96 kHz and 15–95 W, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigated the awareness and use of Web 2.0 tools by students at BA ISAGO University, Botswana. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from the targeted respondents. The results revealed that students are quite familiar with most Web 2.0 tools, such as Facebook, Twitter, media sharing tools, Google Drive, and instant messaging. Even though students are very familiar with and aware of the identified tools, the study found that most students hardly used them. Some of the reasons given by the students include inadequate numbers of computers available to be used by the students in the computer laboratories and limited access to Internet services as well as power failures. Based on these findings, the study recommended integrating a large part of using Web 2.0 tools in the curricula and improving the university infrastructures to facilitate higher uptake and improvement in student skills and the drive to use the tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional computer laboratory teaching is constrained by fixed experiment content and resources, making it difficult to meet the personalized needs of different learners. However, personalized teaching, due to the high overall time cost of assessing the abilities of the learner population and low execution efficiency, is challenging to implement. To address these issues, a student competence assessment model based on decision trees and large models is proposed. Furthermore, a personalized recommendation tool is designed, which automatically recommends learning materials or experimental tasks based on the learner's level, enhancing the efficiency of personalized laboratory teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modeling of rates of biochemical reactions—fluxes—in metabolic networks is widely used for both basic biological research and biotechnological applications. A number of different modeling methods have been developed to estimate and predict fluxes, including kinetic and constraint‐based (Metabolic Flux Analysis and flux balance analysis) approaches. Although different resources exist for teaching these methods individually, to‐date no resources have been developed to teach these approaches in an integrative way that equips learners with an understanding of each modeling paradigm, how they relate to one another, and the information that can be gleaned from each. We have developed a series of modeling simulations in Python to teach kinetic modeling, metabolic control analysis, 13C‐metabolic flux analysis, and flux balance analysis. These simulations are presented in a series of interactive notebooks with guided lesson plans and associated lecture notes. Learners assimilate key principles using models of simple metabolic networks by running simulations, generating and using data, and making and validating predictions about the effects of modifying model parameters. We used these simulations as the hands‐on computer laboratory component of a four‐day metabolic modeling workshop and participant survey results showed improvements in learners' self‐assessed competence and confidence in understanding and applying metabolic modeling techniques after having attended the workshop. The resources provided can be incorporated in their entirety or individually into courses and workshops on bioengineering and metabolic modeling at the undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computer laboratories are learning environments where students learn programming languages by practicing under teaching assistants' supervision. This paper presents the outcomes of a real case study carried out in our university in the context of a database course, where learning SQL is one of the main topics. The aim of the study is to analyze the level of engagement of the laboratory participants by tracing and correlating the accesses of the students to each laboratory exercise, the successful/failed attempts to solve the exercises, the students' requests for help, and the interventions of teaching assistants. The acquired data are analyzed by means of a sequence pattern mining approach, which automatically discovers recurrent temporal patterns. The mined patterns are mapped to behavioral, cognitive engagement, and affective key indicators, thus allowing students to be profiled according to their level of engagement in all the identified dimensions. To efficiently extract the desired indicators, the mining algorithm enforces ad hoc constraints on the pattern categories of interest. The student profiles and the correlations among different engagement dimensions extracted from the experimental data have been shown to be helpful for the planning of future learning experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the discussion on celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the foundation of the Entomological Society of Queensland (ESQ). Topics include recap on the history of the ESQ in 1923 there were more professional entomologists in Queensland than in the rest of Australia combined; and Fruit flies being a gift that keeps on giving and have been a popular subject of ESQ talks.

In this paper, we propose the concepts of linguistic single and intervalvalued hybrid intuitionistic fuzzy multi-set (LSIVHIFMS) and linguistic single and interval-valued hybrid intuitionistic fuzzy multi-value (LSIVHIFMV) by merging linguistic intuitionistic fuzzy sets (values) and linguistic interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets (values). The main contribution of a LSIVHIFMS or a LSIVHIFMV, which contains hybrid information, is the presentation of a qualitative and sensitive assessment tool for multi-criteria group decision making (MCGDM). We also define some algebraic operations between LSIVHIFMVs and provide a weighted arithmetic aggregation operator with the help of these operations by considering t-norms and t-conorms. Then, we give a score and an accuracy function to rank LSIVHIFMVs. Moreover, we give a MCGDM method based on the proposed aggregation operator and score function. This method is applied to a real life MCGDM problem (selection of the company problem to establish a computer laboratory) and the comparison analysis is given with the existing methods to show the efficiency of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the discussion on computational archaeological minds to an essential component of standard recording, archiving, and modeling spatial data in archaeology. Topics include demonstrated how diferent environmental factors usually considered infuential in the location of sites/monuments, such as geology, climate, and vegetation; and social sciences in Africa and for Africa where geospatial intelligence seems to be driving a revolution.

Exciting recent advances in genome sequencing, coupled with greatly reduced storage and computation costs, make genomic testing increasingly accessible to individuals. Already today, one's digitized DNA can be easily obtained from a sequencing lab and later used to conduct numerous tests by engaging with a testing facility. Due to the inherent sensitivity of genetic material and the often-proprietary nature of genomic tests, privacy is a natural and crucial issue. While genomic privacy received a great deal of attention within and outside the research community, genomic security has not been sufficiently studied. This is surprising since the usage of fake or altered genomes can have grave consequences, such as erroneous drug prescriptions and genetic test outcomes. Unfortunately, in the genomic domain, privacy and security (as often happens) are at odds with each other. In this article, we attempt to reconcile security with privacy in genomic testing by designing a novel technique for a secure and private genomic range query protocol between a genomic testing facility and an individual user. The proposed technique ensures authenticity and completeness of user-supplied genomic material while maintaining its privacy by releasing only the minimum thereof. To confirm its broad usability, we show how to apply the proposed technique to a previously proposed genomic private substring matching protocol. Experiments show that the proposed technique offers good performance and is quite practical. Furthermore, we generalize the genomic range query problem to sparse integer sets and discuss potential use cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with the calibration and validation of a numerical procedure for the analysis of pile performance in soft clays during seismic soil–pile–superstructure interaction (SSPSI) scenarios. Currently, there are no widely accepted methods or guidelines. Centrifuge and shaking table model tests are often used to supplement the available field case histories with the data obtained under controlled conditions. This paper presents a new calibration method for establishing a reliable and accurate relationship between full-scale numerical analysis and scaled laboratory tests in a 1g environment. A sophisticated approach to scaling and validating full-scale seismic soil–structure interaction problems is proposed that considers the scaling concept of implied prototypes as well as "modelling of models" techniques that can ensure an excellent level of accuracy. In this study, a new methodology was developed that can provide an accurate, practical, and scientific calibration for the relationship between full-scale numerical analysis and scaled laboratory tests in the 1g environment. The framework can be followed by researchers who intend to validate their seismic soil–structure interaction findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic fibrosis (PF) is a part of the pathogenesis in most pancreatic disorders and plays a crucial role in chronic pancreatitis development. The aim of our study was to investigate a relationship between PF grade and signs in resected pancreatic specimens, and the results of both multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) post-processing parameters and fibronectin (FN), hyaluronic acid (HA), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, and MMP-9 serum levels. The examination results of 74 patients were analyzed. The unenhanced pancreas density (UPD) value and contrast enhancement ratio (CER) showed statistically significant differences in groups with peri- and intralobular fibrosis grades, an integrative index of fibrosis, inflammation in pancreatic tissue, and pancreatic duct epithelium metaplasia, while the normalized contrast enhancement ratio in the venous phase (NCER VP) significantly differed with the perilobular fibrosis grade, integrative fibrosis index, and inflammation (p < 0.05). The blood FN level showed a weak positive correlation with the intralobular fibrosis grade (rho = 0.32, p = 0.008). The blood level of HA positively correlated with the presence of prominent and enlarged peripheral nerves (rho = 0.28, p = 0.02) and negatively correlated with the unenhanced pancreas density value (rho = −0.42, p = 0.0001). MMP-1 and MMP-9 values' intergroup analysis and correlation did not show any statistical significance. The UPD value, NCER VP, and CER, as well as blood levels of FN and HA, could be used in non-invasive PF diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A theoretical model of dynamic susceptibility and magnetoviscous effect in non-dilute polydisperse ferrofluids with magnetically interacting particles is proposed. This system is considered as homogeneous magnetic colloid of interacting particles, without any heterogenous aggregates. Analysis is based on the mathematically regular approximation of the pair interparticle interaction combined with the effective field method, which leads to very good agreement with the laboratory and computer experiments in the case of dilute ferrofluids with non-interacting particles and with computer simulations of monodisperse ensembles of magnetically interacting ferromagnetic particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental teaching is an important component of computer practical teaching, and students can better absorb the knowledge learned in class by conducting experiments in computer laboratories. However, there are still some deficiencies in current computer laboratories that need to be supplemented with new technologies. Therefore, this article studied the innovative model of computer laboratories based on cloud computing, aiming to upgrade computer laboratories through cloud computing technology. This article experimentally tested the utilization rate of computer laboratory rooms before and after using cloud computing. Through data analysis, it was found that the utilization rate of computer laboratory rooms after using cloud computing could reach a maximum of 92% and a minimum of 79%. The utilization rate of traditional computer rooms was highest at 68% and lowest at 50%. From this experimental data, it could be seen that cloud computing showed good performance in computer laboratories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article deals with the exhaust emissions from aircraft turbine engines, which is related to the rapidly growing market for this type of aircraft and its contribution to toxic emissions. The test carried out was done on a business jet turbine engine exhaust pollutants. The test object was the DGEN 380 engine. In order to determine the toxic composition of the exhaust gas as a function of the engine's operating range, an experiment related to the actual engine was conducted in the first stage. The test performed on the static thrust stand of the DGEN 380 turbine engine provided the necessary data on the parameters of the working medium for further research. The actual rotational characteristics of the engine were obtained. It was also determined numerically using GasTurb software. A high correspondence between experimental and calculated parameters was obtained, which gave the possibility of using them in further analyses of the exhaust gas pollutants of the studied engine. The correspondence of the results showed the correctness of the computational model built, thus predestining it for use in further analysis. This paper presents a model of the reverse-flow combustor made for numerical thermal-fluid studies. The thermalfluid analysis of the model was performed in the ANSYS Fluent environment. The calculations were performed for three shaft speed. The numerical analysis provided information on changes in pollutant components of the exhaust gas of the DGEN 380 aircraft turbine engine as a function of changes in the shaft speed range. The results showed that the levels of nitrogen oxides depend greatly on shaft speed. The model built and the numerical analyses conducted also provided information about the zones inside of liner casing that affect significantly the amount of pollutant compounds obtained, which can then be used in the work on improving the design in terms of reducing the engine exhaust pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article was written to present a new solution for a phase-shifting transformer and to show that, in many aspects, the proposed device is more functional and improved when compared to the other currently available phase-shifting structures. The article shows the construction of the new phase-shifting transformer, with longitudinal and transverse voltage regulation. The proposed device's functionality and available operation states are compared to other existing solutions. Selected steady-state variants of the operation of the proposed transformer were checked based on computer simulations and the laboratory model presented in detail in the article. Convergence between measurements and simulations was achieved. Power flow calculations were also performed in the five-node electrical power system model. In these calculations, two variants of the proposed device's work were considered and compared with the asymmetric phase shifter. The tests confirmed in the proposed structure, both angle and voltage regulation, enabled maintaining a constant active power flow. The authors show that the proposed solution combines the advantages and functionality of various types of phase shifters while, at the same time, being characterized by a much simpler structure, which results in a two-times-lower cost of the device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: orthopedic residency training was established in the West African sub-region a few decades ago, but sub-specialty in arthroscopy has only become established in the last decade. This study was aimed at evaluating available arthroscopy training resources and their impact on skill acquisition by orthopedic residents. Methods: this was a cross-sectional study involving the use of a structured online survey of consultant orthopedic surgeons and orthopedic resident doctors. Details relating to the structure of training and challenges with training and recommendations for improved training were enquired. Results: one hundred and two responses were received. There were 95% males (73) and 5% (4) females among the residents and 92% (23) males and 8% (2) females among the responding consultants. Of the residents, 47% (36) were registrars while 53% (41) were senior registrars. Seventy-six percent (77) were residents and twenty-five (24%) were consultants. Didactic lectures were the most impactful available training adjunct. Only 3% (2) of the residents had access to dry laboratory sessions with no specified number of practice hours attached. There was no computer simulation laboratory or cadaveric laboratory training facility for arthroscopy training in any of the training centres. Ninety-two percent (23) of the responding consultants would prefer a 6 - 12-month rotation in arthroscopy for residents. Fiftythree percent (41) of the residents had regular opportunities to participate in arthroscopic surgeries. Conclusion: orthopedic residency in arthroscopy in Nigeria is emerging and can be improved upon by increasing the available training resources and trained personnel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RoboLab enables students to perform real radiochemistry experiments without being physically present in a laboratory. Remotely controlled experiments are accessed through a web interface to a physical laboratory. The laboratory equipment is interfaced to a computer that both controls the equipment and provides feedback to the web user. A generic software template, using a cloud service, was developed to facilitate easy communication between the web browser and the control system. The sixth and most recent RoboLab, aiming at the production and measurement of 234mPa (T1/2 = 1.16 min), has been successfully developed and implemented using this template. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]