Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
First principles modeling of thermal sensation responses in steady-state and transient conditions

This is the third of a trilogy of papers, from the PhD work of Fiala, supervised by Lomas, that brings an engineering approach to thermal comfort modelling. The first paper in 1999, appeared in the Journal of Applied Physiology and the second, in this RAE period, was ‘Fiala D, Lomas KJ and Stohrer M, Computer prediction of human thermoregulatory and temperature responses to a wide range of environmental conditions, Int Journal of Biometeorology (Int Soc B), Vol 45, pp 143-159, (2001), ISSN 0020-7128’. Over 14 other journal and conference papers in this RAE period, with Fiala or Lomas, or both, as (co) authors, has brought the work to the attention of researchers in many fields of endeavour. There have been around 11 conference and seminar invitations. The work was advanced via an EPSRC grant, Asymmetric radiant fields and human thermal comfort (GR/R03495/01), which was completed in 2004. The work was rated by referees as Internationally Leading for both its Research Quality and Scientific Impact. The recently completed EPSRC project, which applies the model to the design of window systems, Vacuum window design optimisation and thermal comfort implications (GR/S08633/01), was rated by referees as Tending to Internationally Leading for its Research Quality and its Scientific Impact. The model has been used by many outside the buildings field, for example: NASA; Transsolar, Germany; Michigan Technical University; Technical University of Eindhoven; Thermo Analytics, Calvet, MI, USA; WL Gore (eg Goretex) UK; Technical University of Denmark; MTRE, Israel; the US Air Force Research Laboratories; and the World Meteorological Office that is using the model to develop a Universal Comfort Index for use in weather reporting (See also RA5 Esteem). Stohrer (University of Applied Sciences, Stuttgart) provided financial support and some co-supervision of Fiala's PhD work.
Visual Prediction of Rover Slip: Learning Algorithms and Field Experiments

Perception of the surrounding environment is an essential tool for intelligent navigation in any autonomous vehicle. In the context of Mars exploration, there is a strong motivation to enhance the perception of the rovers beyond geometry-based obstacle avoidance, so as to be able to predict potential interactions with the terrain. In this thesis we propose to remotely predict the amount of slip, which reflects the mobility of the vehicle on future terrain. The method is based on learning from experience and uses visual information from stereo imagery as input. We test the algorithm on several robot platforms and in different terrains. We also demonstrate its usefulness in an integrated system, onboard a Mars prototype rover in the JPL Mars Yard. Another desirable capability for an autonomous robot is to be able to learn about its interactions with the environment in a fully automatic fashion. We propose an algorithm which uses the robot's sensors as supervision for vision-based learning of different terrain types. This algorithm can work with noisy and ambiguous signals provided from onboard sensors. To be able to cope with rich, high-dimensional visual representations we propose a novel, nonlinear dimensionality reduction technique which exploits automatic supervision. The method is the first to consider supervised nonlinear dimensionality reduction in a probabilistic framework using supervision which can be noisy or ambiguous. Finally, we consider the problem of learning to recognize different terrains, which addresses the time constraints of an onboard autonomous system. We propose a method which automatically learns a variable-length feature representation depending on the complexity of the classification task. The proposed approach achieves a good trade-off between decrease in computational time and recognition performance.
Studies on genetic diversity in selected rice (Oryza sativa L.) landraces of Tamil Nadu

A total of 50 traditional rice landraces of Tamil Nadu were characterised for 12 biometric traits and the data were subjected to principal component analysis and cluster analysis to determine the contribution in variation, diversity level and the strength of association prevailing between grain yield and its related traits. Out of 12 Principal components, four exhibited more than 1.0 eigenvalues and contributed to 73.58 per cent of the total variability. PC1 alone accounts for about 39.15 per cent, while PC2, PC3, PC4 contributed 14.39, 11.00 and 9.04 per cent for total variability, respectively. Through agglomerative clustering, the landraces were grouped into five clusters. The landraces present in cluster I (G1, G18, G23, G26, G31, G32, G36, G39, G43, G44, G45) and cluster V (G30 and G45) were found to be with contrasting characters making them ideal parents for further utilization in rice breeding programmes.
Influence of floor egg shell cleanliness and cleaning treatment on hatchability and chick quality

A total of 3,600 floor eggs from a 59-week-old Cobb 500 parent flock were collected to examine the effects of shell cleanliness and cleaning treatment on incubation results. The eggs were divided into two equal groups according to the cleanliness of the shell: eggs with a visually clean shell (clean eggs) and eggs with a dirty shell (dirty eggs). Depending on the cleaning treatment, clean and dirty eggs were divided into three equal groups: eggs that were not cleaned at all (intact), eggs that were cleaned with metal wire (scraped eggs) and eggs that were washed (washed eggs). Cleaning treatment significantly affected egg weight loss (p = 0.057). The hatchability of set eggs was under significant influence of egg cleanliness (p = 0.018), while the hatchability of fertile eggs was under significant influence of egg cleanliness (p = 0.003) and cleaning treatment (p = 0.029). Significant influence of shell cleanliness (p = 0.000) and cleaning treatment (p = 0.000) on egg contamination was also observed. Early, middle and total embryonic mortality were not significantly influenced by shell cleanliness and cleaning treatment, in contrast to late mortality which was under significant influence of egg cleanliness (p = 0.028). The number of first grade chicks per incubator tray was significantly influenced by egg cleanliness (p = 0.018). Chick weight and length were not significantly affected by shell cleanliness and cleaning treatment. The study showed that washed eggs had a higher weight loss compared to intact and scraped eggs. Dirty eggs had a lower hatchability, a higher percentage of contamination and late mortality as well as a lower number of first grade chicks per incubation tray, compared to clean eggs. Cleaning treatments did not have a significantly positive effect on the incubation results of either clean or dirty eggs. Washing treatment had a particularly negative effect on dirty eggs as they had reduced hatchability and increased contamination. The absence of a positive effect of scraping and washing treatment on the incubation results makes justification of these cleaning treatments for floor eggs doubtful.
An investigation of the flowfield through a variable geometry turbine stator with vane endwall clearance

Abstract Variable geometry turbines provide an extra degree of flexibility in air management in turbocharged engines. The pivoting stator vanes used to achieve the variable turbine geometry necessitate the inclusion of stator vane endwall clearances. The consequent leakage flow through the endwall clearances impacts the flow in the stator vane passages and an understanding of the impact of the leakage flow on stator loss is required. A numerical model of a typical variable geometry turbine was developed using the commercial CFX-10 computational fluid dynamics software, and validated using laser doppler velocimetry and static pressure measurements from a variable geometry turbine with stator vane endwall clearance. Two different stator vane positions were investigated, each at three different operating conditions representing different vane loadings. The vane endwall leakage was found to have a significant impact on the stator loss and on the uniformity of flow entering the turbine rotor. The leakage flow changed considerably at different vane positions and flow incidence at vane inlet was found to have a significant impact.
Effects of soft pellicle frame curvature and mounting process on pellicle-induced distortions in advanced photomasks

Lithography registration errors induced by the attachment of soft pellicles on reticles can significantly affect wafer overlay performance for sub-90 nm lithography chip manufacturing. Intel Corporation, Mitsui Chemicals, and the University of Wisconsin Computational Mechanics Center (UW-CMC) have conducted an extensive experimental study to quantify and minimize the pellicle-induced distortions in order to meet advanced mask manufacturing requirements. A comprehensive design of experiment was elaborated to evaluate the effects of frame curvature, adhesive gasket compliance, and mounting load on pellicle-induced distortions for soft pellicle systems. A frame curvature measurement tool was custom-made at the UW-CMC, employing an MTI Instruments capacitive sensor. A TA Instruments dynamic mechanical analyzer was used to determine the elastic modulus of the adhesive gasket materials. Registration measurements were conducted by Intel on test reticles on a 21 × 21 array of grid points, before and after pellicle attachment, to obtain pellicle-induced distortion results. Results characterize the influence of attachment process, type of adhesive gasket, frame curvature, reticle guiding plate configuration, and attachment load on pellicle-induced distortions.
Industrialized construction in the Swedish infrastructure sector: core elements and barriers

Improving productivity and innovation is a central challenge in all industries, but particularly in construction where improvements have been slow. To meet this challenge, a recent investigation into the actions of Swedish government clients has recognized needs to improve planning during project procurement phases, increase numbers of turnkey contracts and raise industrialization of the sector. In response, the Swedish Transportation Administration has launched a research and innovation programme to foster an industrial approach and identify ways to increase the standardization of products and processes. However, increasing industrialization has been difficult to achieve in the project-based construction industry except in the process-based housing sector. Further, there has been little research on the concept of industrialized infrastructure construction and barriers to its implementation. Opinions and attitudes of clients, consultants and contractors in the infrastructure sector were investigated in relation to the core elements of industrialized construction, and the barriers hindering its development. Opportunities and obstacles related to both product and process standardization for continuous improvements and the relationships between clients and contractors are revealed. Hence, the implementation of industrialized construction requires tightly focused governance at the outset of projects and profound changes to established attitudes, norms and regulations.
How Does Professional Development Impact on 
Teachers' Use of an Interactive Whiteboard 
in New Zealand Primary Classrooms?

My research examined how professional development impacts on teachers' use of an interactive whiteboard in New Zealand primary classrooms. The research, in the form of a survey and qualitative case study, specifically looked at the professional development experienced by teachers with an IWB and contextual factors that enhance and constrain the introduction of an IWB for teachers learning to use it in their class programme. It also explored how an IWB is used in the classroom programme. Sociocultural theory provided the theoretical framework to analyse the data. The findings of the research showed that professional development featured as both an enhancing and constraining factor. This was determined by the content of the activity. Sustained professional development appeared to have the most impact on teachers' IWB use. The data examined how and why teachers like to use an IWB, and the impact of the unique and multi-media features of the IWB had on teacher pedagogy and students. Recommendations are made for effective professional development for IWB users and areas for further research are discussed.
Balance Sheet Asset Liquidity and Stock Returns: Future Cash Flow Volatility Signaling.

We study the relationship between balance sheet asset liquidity and subsequent period returns. Our measure of balance sheet asset liquidity is negatively and significantly associated with subsequent period stock returns. More liquid firms earn significantly higher levels of returns over the subsequent period which is consistent with investor perceptions that liquidity is positively associated with risk. Relying on the existing literature related to balance sheet asset liquidity and precautionary savings, we find that firms with highly liquid balance sheets also realize significantly higher levels of cash flow volatility. This represents one possible explanation for why investors perceive more liquid firms as riskier than their less liquid counterparts. JEL classification: G12
Power quality detection with classification enhancible wavelet-probabilistic network in a power system

A model of disturbance detection for harmonics and voltages using wavelet-probabilistic network (WPN) is proposed, which is a two-layer architecture, containing the wavelet layer and probabilistic network. It uses the wavelet transformation (WT) to extract the features from various disturbances and probabilistic neural network (PNN) to analyse the translation patterns from time-domain distorted wave and perform classification tasks. The proposed WPN detects the disturbances of harmonics and voltages, and has been tested for the power quality problems caused by harmonics, voltage sag, voltage swell and voltage interruption. It has also been compared with wavelet networks as well as combined the WT and conventional neural networks. The test results show that this simplified network architecture enhances the classification performance and shortens the processing time for detecting disturbing events.
Comparison of shoulder range-of-motion and stiffness between volunteers, Hybrid III and THOR Alpha in static frontal impact loading

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare the shoulder range-of-motion and stiffness between volunteers and 50th percentile dummies in static loading conditions simulating frontal collisions. Five volunteers a Hybrid III and a THOR Alpha were positioned in a test rig where both arms were statically loaded in the forward-upward direction at 90°, 135° and 170° angles while the sternum was supported. The distances between right shoulders and sternums were estimated by means of photo analysis. The photo analysis showed that the volunteers’ range-of-motion was at least three times larger for the maximum load (200 N/arm) than those of the Hybrid III and the THOR Alpha. The results indicate that the biofidelity of the dummies used today in full-frontal, oblique and offset frontal collisions may be improved by redesigned shoulder complexes. The dummies would then better predict the human kinematics and the loading of the chest by various restraint systems.
A vibration method for measuring the thickness of concrete road slabs in situ

Summary A method has been devised for determining the thickness of concrete road slabs by measuring, at the surface of the slab, the velocity of propagation of vibrations at audio and ultrasonic frequencies. A vibration generator acting vertically on the surface of the slab produces vibrations of known frequency which are detected by a pick-up. The pick-up is moved progressively away from the generator and positions are noted at which the vibrations at the generator and pick-up are in phase. The distance between successive positions gives the wavelength (λ) of the vibrations; the velocity of propagation is determined from the product of the wavelength and frequency. In the frequency range from 1,000 c/s to 4,000 c/s, the vibrations are identified asffexural waves and their velocity (V) depends upon the frequency, the thickness (T), and the elastic constants of the concrete slab. At frequencies above 50 kc/s, the velocity is constant, and the propagation becomes sensibly independent of the frequency and th.
How to make HIV vertical transmission prevention good value for money in settings with very low HIV prevalence? Using economic evaluation guiding policy in the Philippines

Background: Preventing mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus is important due to the impact of the disease to the women and their children’s health. Established guidelines have recommended strengthening the ability to detect and treat HIV as early as possible. This study attempts to explore cost-effective PMTCT interventions in a low incidence, low-middle income setting such as the Philippines that can be replicated in other similar country settings.Methods: The study utilized a model-based cost-effectiveness analysis through a decision tree analysis. The decision tree reflected the first ANC visit of a pregnant woman in the Philippines. Vertical transmission program was explored as ten possible PMTCT policy strategies including Do-nothing approach; status quo approach, which had 9% HIV testing, provision of tenofovir-based ART and neonatal prophylaxis, and automatic cesarean section; Eight universal screening policy strategies, which had 100% HIV testing and counselling, provision of tenofovir-based ART and neonatal prophylaxis with inclusion or exclusion of raltegravir for aggressive late antenatal care (ANC) HIV treatment on top of the ART given, breastfeeding or provision of substitute feeding, and normal delivery or cesarean section deliveryResults: Base case analysis revealed that policy strategy of universal HIV screening, with additional provision of raltegravir on those receiving late antiretroviral therapy, neonatal prophylaxis, and substitute feeding on normal delivery (urndnpsf) had the lowest ICER values among all policy strategies compared to status quo (₱291,170.26/QALY) and do nothing (₱291,710.26/QALY). Through universal screening coverage, at least 91% of the HIV cases in newborn may be averted. Cost of HIV test must be reduced by at least 45% to have a cost-effective PMTCT program. Alternatively, by performing group pre-test HIV counselling of at least three persons per session, the program will become cost-effective when compared to the unofficial Philippine threshold of ₱150,000/QALY.Conclusions: Model design on HIV testing among pregnant women allows exploration of costs and outcomes of PMTCT interventions that focused on a low prevalence, low-middle income setting. From the study, HIV testing can be a major cost constraint for PMTCT. Furthermore, by performing group pre-test HIV counselling instead of per individual, a cost-effective PMTCT program may be achieved.
The influence of mechanical pulp quality on the properties of filler-containing papers

The main part of this paper presents a study of the influence of the character of the mechanical pulp on the way a furnish responds to filler addition. Six different mechanical pulps were studied in mixtures with chemical pulp of two degrees of refining. The filler used was ECC grade C Kaolin. The presence of filler in the sheet always leads to a strength reduction and all mechanical pulps respond to a filler addition in a similar manner. Some differences were observed but they are probably due to experimental conditions and not to the character of the mechanical pulp. The relative change in strength properties is influenced neither by the amount of chemical pulp nor by the degree of refining of the chemical pulp. Other sheet properties such as density, surface roughness and light scattering coefficient were measured before and after calendering. It was found that the surface roughness level of the calendered sheets was directly related to the surface roughness level of the mechanical pulp hand sheets. The data obtained show that uniform quality of the mechanical pulp is essential but that a change in strength level of the chemical pulp leads to a relatively small effect on the strength properties of the sheet.
Empirical Shape Function of the Limit-Order Books of the USD/COP Spot Market

The following work aims to study the empirical properties of the limit-order books (LOB) of the USD/COP spot market. The article is organized as follows: The first section introduces important concepts and definitions. The second section characterizes limit-order book markets. The third section presents the dataset. The fourth and fifth sections depict the statistical properties of the limit-order book. The last section presents relevant conclusions.
Massive Open Online Courses from Ivy League Universities: Benefits and Challenges for Students and Educators

This paper gives in-depth understanding about the Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) from the Ivy League and other elite universities from across the world. As these courses are free, this led to revolutionary changes in higher education on a global scale. Along with benefits, it creates some challenges for students as well as for educators.
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF WINE ECONOMISTS AAWE WORKING PAPER No . 150 Economics WOMEN IN TOP ROLES IN THE WINE INDUSTRY : FORGING AHEAD OR FALLING BEHIND ?

This is the first known large-scale study in the literature to examine women in the wine industry. By investigating the top wine-producing states in Australia and using a unique database, women across CEO, winemaker, viticulturist, and marketing roles are tracked for the years 2007-2013, resulting in 16,763 firm year observations. By relying on social identity theory, a hypothesis is put forth that women’s representation in top roles is actually less than predicted. The hypothesis is confirmed. A hypothesis is also posited that women in South Australia have higher representation in top roles than women in any other wine-producing state. The hypothesis is partially supported. Finally, this study hypothesizes that were a wine firm has a woman CEO, the likelihood of women representation in the other roles studied increases, which finds support. The results are discussed, along with future research directions and limitations.
The Impact of Planning on Project Success - A Literature Review

Project planning is widely thought to be an important contributor to project success. However, does the research affirm its impact and give guidance as to how much effort should be spent planning? The literature in project management, and to a lesser extent in general management, is reviewed to find the reported link between planning and project success. Overall, the literature points to a strong link between planning and project success. A summary of the available studies shows unexpectedly consistent empirical results for the correlation of planning quality and success. The literature appears to be generally consistent showing an average value of R 2 = . 33 correlation with efficiency and R 2 = . 34 for overall project success. This indicates a significant impact if compared to the reported approximate 20-33% recommended planning effort.