On Steering Swarms

The main contribution of this paper is a novel method allowing an external observer/controller to steer and guide swarms of identical and indistinguishable agents, in spite of the agents' lack of information on absolute location and orientation. Importantly, this is done via simple global broadcast signals, based on the observed average swarm location, with no need to send control signals to any specific agent in the swarm

A first assessment of operator compliance and dolphin behavioural responses during swim-with-dolphin programs for three species of Delphinids in the Azores

The popularity of swim-with wild dolphin programs around the world is fast growing, with the studies required to investigate their impact lagging behind. In the Azores, species targeted include the short-beaked common (Delphinus delphis), the bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus) and the Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis). To evaluate the effects of this activity on local dolphin populations, and thus provide support for management decisions, dolphin response data were collected onboard commercial boats off São Miguel Island between 2013 and 2015. All three species revealed high degree of neutral and avoidance behaviours, and very low approach rates. Tursiops showed higher frequency of neutral responses than Delphinus, while Stenella both avoided and approached more frequently than the other species. When boats intersected the path of dolphin groups, avoidance responses were more likely and the duration of swims was shorter. Swims were also shorter when animals were resting and travelling, and when groups were smaller. The operators generally complied with the legislation, except in respect to the number of swim attempts per dolphin group, which was higher than the legal maximum. Improvement of the current legislation and concurrent reinforcement of controls is essential to avoid detrimental long-term effects of this activity on dolphin populations in the Azores.This research was partially supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the COMPETE – Operational Competitiveness Programme and national funds through FCT – Foundation for Science and Technology, under the project PEst-C/MAR/LA0015/2013, by the Strategic Funding UID/Multi/04423/2013 through national funds provided by FCT – Foundation for Science and Technology and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), in the framework of the programme PT2020 and by cE3c funding (Ref:UID/BIA/003329/2013). It was also partly supported by CIRN (Centro de Investigação de Recursos Naturais, University of the Azores), and CIIMAR (Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Porto, Portugal). A. Cecchetti was supported by the Regional Fund for Science through the scholarship M.3.1.2/F/036/2011. K.A. Stockin was supported by a Royal Society of New Zealand Te Aparangi Rutherford Discovery Fellowship.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Predicting Shear Strength of RC Columns Using Artificial Neural Networks

A primary objective in the seismic design of structures is to ensure that the capacity of individual members of a structure exceeds the associated demands. For reinforced concrete (RC) columns, several parameters involving steel and concrete material properties control behavior and strength. Furthermore, it is unrealistic to simply consider the shear strength calculation as the sum of concrete and steel contributions while accounting for axial force when, in fact, all those parameters are interacting. Consequently, it is challenging to reasonably estimate the shear capacity of a column while accounting for all the factors. This study investigates the viability of using artificial neural networks (ANN) to estimate the shear capacity of RC columns. Results from ANN are compared with both experimental values and calculated values, using semi-empirical and empirical formulas from the literature. Results show that ANNs are significantly accurate in predicting shear strength when trained with accurate experimental results, and meet or exceed the performance of existing empirical formulas. Accordingly, ANNs could be used in the future for analytical predictions of shear strength of RC members

Cost effective flat plate photovoltaic modules using light trapping

Work in optical trapping in 'thick films' is described to form a design guide for photovoltaic engineers. A thick optical film can trap light by diffusive reflection and total internal reflection. Light can be propagated reasonably long distances compared with layer thicknesses by this technique. This makes it possible to conduct light from inter-cell and intra-cell areas now not used in photovoltaic modules onto active cell areas

An investigation into the perspectives of providers and learners on MOOC accessibility

An effective open eLearning environment should consider the target learner’s abilities, learning goals, where learning takes place, and which specific device(s) the learner uses. MOOC platforms struggle to take these factors into account and typically are not accessible, inhibiting access to environments that are intended to be open to all. A series of research initiatives are described that are intended to benefit MOOC providers in achieving greater accessibility and disabled learners to improve their lifelong learning and re-skilling. In this paper, we first outline the rationale, the research questions, and the methodology. The research approach includes interviews, online surveys and a MOOC accessibility audit; we also include factors such the risk management of the research programme and ethical considerations when conducting research with vulnerable learners. Preliminary results are presented from interviews with providers and experts and from analysis of surveys of learners. Finally, we outline the future research opportunities. This paper is framed within the context of the Doctoral Consortium organised at the TEEM'17 conference

Sustainable and Green Information Systems: Preparing the next generation of practitioners.

Sustainable development and green computing issues are increasingly important for computing professionals. Preparing the next generation of implementers and developers requires that Higher Education providers develop curriculum to reflect this. There are a number of drivers behind this – encompassing industry and professional body demands, policy makers’ directives, as well as institutional commitments to sustainability. Other reasons include the effectiveness of this topic as a way to address particular issues in engagement and recruitment to computing courses. When considering “sustainability" or ("green-ness") in teaching, we should consider the appropriateness and suitability of material, and target it at an appropriate level. There are also choices about how to present the material so as to match students’ motivation, which can reflect gender and other demographic issues. Institutions can adopt different approaches, such as specialised courses as components of wider programmes, or as specialised courses in their own right. Some approaches integrate the topic into undergraduate teaching, treating environmental impact as a design constraint within a solution. This paper reports on some of these variations and directs readers to an online resource to enable colleagues interested in this topic to share ideas and approaches. Whilst the focus is on computing, many of the issues are transferrable to other STEM disciplines

Domestic market potential for tree products from farms and rural communities: Experience from Cameroon

This publication summarizes the results of research carried out by NRI in Cameroon during 1995-96 on the domestic market potential for tree products from farms and rural communities. The study arose from concern that agroforestry projects, which generally aim to reduce the pressure on natural forests by planting trees on farmland, were inadequately addressing the associated marketing needs. As a consequence, many of the projects were failing. The research reported here sought to characterize the markets for non-timber tree products (NTTPs) and highlight constraints to the development of markets for traditional and emerging NTTPs. The research in Cameroon was paralleled by a study in the Brazilian Amazon carried out by IFPRI; ODA provided funding for both studies. The work began with an inventory of products and subsequent identification of marketing chains. Four products were selected as case studies and were used to explore issues relating to valued added, domestication and the role of NTTPs as sources of income. The marketing of the four products was well-established and appeared to be relatively competitive, in spite of some concerns over lack of information at farmer level. There was growing demand for the products, apparently matched by increasing supply. The wholesalers, who source the products in the forest fringe communities and sell them on to retailers, were the most dynamic links in the marketing chains. The impetus to domesticate NTTPs seemed always to be farmer-driven, and occurred when a product important for subsistence and income needs was not readily available from the forest. However, the role of NTTPs within the farming system is important; they must fit into a complex strategy which includes seasonal smoothing of income, production and labour needs. Also, tree-planting is a long-term investment which is unlikely to be undertaken if land tenure is insecure. In conclusion, areas are highlighted for future research. These include: technical aspects of cultivation, processing and storage; identification of products which will be in greater demand as a result of urbanization; the role of NTTPs in the livelihood strategies of particularly vulnerable groups (including the landless) in the forest fringe communities

Tracking and data system support for the Mariner Mars 1969 mission. Volume 2: Midcourse maneuver through end of nominal mission

Tracking and data system support for Mariner Mars 1969 mission from midcourse maneuver through end of nominal missio