Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hazard characterization for alternative intensity measures using the total probability theorem

Since their inception in the 1980s, simplified procedures for the analysis of liquefaction hazards have typically characterized seismic loading using a combination of peak ground acceleration and earthquake magnitude. However, more recent studies suggest that certain evolutionary intensity measures (IMs) such as Arias intensity or cumulative absolute velocity may be more efficient and sufficient predictors of liquefaction triggering and its consequences. Despite this advantage, widespread hazard characterizations for evolutionary IMs are not yet feasible due to a relatively incomplete representation of the ground motion models (GMMs) needed for probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA). Without widely available hazard curves for evolutionary IMs, current design codes often rely on spectral targets for ground motion selection and scaling, which are shown in this study to indirectly result in low precision of evolutionary IMs often associated with liquefaction hazards. This study presents a method to calculate hazard curves for arbitrary intensity measures, such as evolutionary IMs for liquefaction hazard analyses, without requiring an existing GMM. The method involves the conversion of a known IM hazard curve into an alternative IM hazard curve using the total probability theorem. The effectiveness of the method is illustrated by comparing hazard curves calculated using the total probability theorem to the results of a PSHA to demonstrate that the proposed method does not result in additional uncertainty under idealized conditions and provides a range of possible hazard values under most practical conditions. The total probability theorem method can be utilized by practitioners and researchers to select ground motion time series that target alternative IMs for liquefaction hazard analyses or other geotechnical applications. This method also allows researchers to investigate the efficiency, sufficiency, and predictability of new, alternative IMs without necessarily requiring GMMs.
Analysis of Pedestrian and Bicycle Casualties with Regional Panel Data

An analysis is presented of pedestrian and bicycle casualties by using cross-sectional time series data for the regions of Great Britain. A fixed-effect negative binomial model is used that accounts for heterogeneity in the data and the distributional properties of count data. Various factors associated with those killed and seriously injured as well as with slight injuries are examined. These include the average age of vehicles in the region, the road length of various road classes, vehicle ownership in the region, per capita income, per capita expenditure on alcohol, age cohorts, and various proxies for medical technology improvements. Various specifications of the models are estimated. Generally, it is found that more serious pedestrian injuries are associated with lower-income areas, increases in percent of local roads, increased per capita expenditure on alcohol, and total population. Statistical effects are more difficult to detect in models with serious injuries for bicyclists, but alcohol expenditure is strongly associated with increased injuries. This work has implications for transport policy aimed at increasing the modal share of pedestrians and bicyclists. Further research is needed to clearly understand some of the trends found in the analysis, especially the effect of changes in medical care and technology on total injuries.
NUMERICAL MODELING OF ZnxCd1-xS/ZnxCd1-xTe SOLAR CELLS BY AMPS-1D

Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) thin film solar cell has long been recognized as a leading photovoltaic candidate for its high efficiency and low cost. The efficiency of CdTe based solar cell can be increased using ternary material as window and absorber layer. In this study a new solar cell structure was proposed, where Zinc Cadmium Sulfide (ZnxCd1-xS) was used as window layer and Zinc Cadmium Telluride (ZxCd1-xTe) was used as an absorber layer with an added advantage of variable band gap. By varying the composition of the zinc content, the band gap was varied between 2.42-3.7eV for ZnCdS and 1.45-2.25eV for ZnCdTe respectively, thereby increasing the cell’s performance in the lower wavelength region, resulting in higher efficiency. In this work the band gap of ZnxCdx-1Te layer is used 1.53eV which is in the optimum range, can be achieved with Zn composition of 0.09. Incorporation of Zn can be reduced the window and absorber layer thickness significantly, which eventually will reduce the material cost, save processing time and energy required for fabrication. The numerical simulation has been performed using AMPS1D simulator to explore the possibility of higher efficiency and stable ultra thin ZnCdS/ZnCdTe cell with suitable Back Surface Field (BSF). The performance parameters were found better in the modified cell structure. The effect of BSF layer and the operating temperature on the cell performance parameters was also investigated in this work. The cell structure of Glass/ZnO/Zn2SnO4/ZnCdS/ZnCdTe/ZnTe/Ni showed highest conversion efficiency of 21.17% than other cells with different BSF. The cell with Cu2Te BSF showed better stability with TC of - 0.15%/°C in the operating temperature range from 25˚C to 40˚C. After 40˚C temperature the cell with Cu2Te/Mo gives better stability as its efficiency remains almost unchanged in the operating temperature up to 100˚C with a TC 0.01%/˚C.
Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) system of systems

The Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) is the modern, cost effective follow-on to the Defense Support Program (DSP). SBIRS will support four broad mission areas: missile warning, missile defense, technical intelligence, and battlespace characterization. Like DSP, SBIRS will provide missile launch warning and attack assessment to the strategic and theater command centers. SBIRS additionally supports national and theater missile defense as well as technical intelligence and battlespace characterization. The SBIRS architecture includes constellation of satellites in high and low altitude orbits. Four satellites in geosynchronous (GEO) orbit and two sensors on multi-mission satellites in Molniya orbit (HEO, Highly Elliptical Orbit) comprise the high altitude component of the constellation. The Low Earth Orbit (LEO) configuration has not yet been selected, but it will likely include from eighteen to forty satellites. The SBIRS processing and reporting will be consolidated at a Mission Control Station (MCS) in the Continental United States (CONUS). The MCS will be developed first and go on-line in 1999 to support the DSP system; the high altitude satellites will be developed and launched next, starting in 2002; and the low altitude satellites will be launched last, starting in 2006. Lockheed-Martin will develop the SBIRS System of Systems and High Component. The SBIRS system Of systems architecture is referred to as "High now, Low later".
Proof of Concept for Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for High Mast Pole and Bridge Inspections

Bridges and high mast luminaires (HMLs) are key components of transportation infrastructures. Effective inspection processes are crucial to maintain the structural integrity of these components. The most common approach for inspections is visual examination by trained and experienced inspectors. A proposed approach to assist inspectors during the visual inspection process is to use small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) equipped with high-definition cameras to transmit video data of structural components in near real time. The use of sUAS as tools for structural inspections can significantly reduce costs and safety risks associated with inspectors and motorists, and improve the effectiveness and accuracy of structural health evaluations. Following a systems engineering approach, a proof-of-concept initial study was conducted to identify system limitations and gain insights into the expected usefulness of sUAS as tools for structural inspections. Extensive indoor controlled experiments using industrial fans were conducted to evaluate sUAS flight response in controlled wind conditions, to measure image quality in different flight scenarios, and to determine image quality in low-light conditions. Altitude, payload, and maneuverability tests were conducted to understand sUAS performance and limitation parameters related to their use for transportation infrastructure inspections. In full coordination with Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), limited field tests were conducted to collect image data of underside bridge sections and HMLs. The collected images were of similar quality than those collected by inspectors during previous inspections. In addition, a basic sUAS flight training program was developed, and a preliminary cost analysis was conducted to estimate the cost for using sUAS as tools during inspections. Preliminary results showed potential cost savings in man-hours by using an sUAS approach instead of conventional methods. Overall, results provided evidence that significant benefits can be obtained from using sUAS during bridge and HML inspections. However, there still exist gaps that need to be addressed in order to use these aerial systems safely and effectively in practice. Various future research areas are identified to close these gaps and increase the general understanding of sUAS for structural inspections.
Determinants of Customers’ Bank Selection Decision in the Mfantsiman Municipality of Ghana

The prominence of financial institutions in the development of an economy is well established. In Ghana various reforms in the financial sector have made the Ghanaian banking industry an intensely competitive proposition. This study, investigated the determinants of customers’ bank selection decision in the Mfantseman Municipality in Ghana. A descriptive cross-sectional survey research design was employed for the study. Data was acquired using self-administered questionnaires from bank customers. Multinomial logistic regression statistical method was used to analyse the data. The findings disclosed a significant relationship between customers’ choice of bank and advertising, branding, distance to bank location and types of electronic product offered by banks. It was recommended that banks should embark on aggressive advertising campaign on the benefits of their products and services, improve upon their brand image and financial stability. Banks should also come out with more electronic products that are relevant to the changing needs of potential customers.
Evaluation of wood characteristics of tropical post-mid rotation plantation Eucalyptus cloeziana and E. pellita: Part (c) Wood quality and structural properties.

This study provides information about wood quality, structural properties, processing characterists and product suitability of wood harvested from fast-grown hardwood plantations. Wood quality attributes tested included density, extractive content, unit shrinkage, heartwood proportion and sapwood width. Structural properties tested included small clear and full section strength and stiffness, hardness, joint group, visual grade assessment and natural vibration-based grade assessment. The variation between the inner, intermediate and outer heartwood zones and the variation between provenances was also tested. Overall, the wood qualtiy attributes measured for 19 year-old E. cloeziana and 15 year-old E. pellita plantation material fall between those expected from the wood of mature, native forest trees and those found in younger plantation material of the same species.
Integrated calorimetric microreactor in low-temperature cofired ceramic (LTCC) technology

Object of this work 1) Explore the feasibility of an LTCC microreactor • Chemical stability: compatible with HCl, NaOH, . • Thermal stability to >100°C 2) Achieve a high degree of integration • Temperature measurement • Reactant flow measurement • Temperature control • Calorimetric chamber
Cumulated dose long term effects in charge coupled devices

Dark current postirradiation evolution in Charge Coupled Devices (CCD) has been experimentally studied versus time and temperature. Early work shows that this current still increases after irradiation over thousands of hours at 300 K. Raising the temperature tends to increase or decrease the dark current, depending on postirradiation experimental conditions. The results can be interpreted, either considering the interface states density, or using the dependence of generation rate on surface potential. The authors show that thermal activation in irradiation tests must be used only after a critical analysis of physical mechanisms and device structure. <<ETX>>
Examining Long-Term Impact of California Safe Routes to School Program

California was the first state to legislate a Safe Routes to School (SR2S) program under Assembly Bill 1475 (1999). SR2S funds construction projects that make it safer for children to walk or bicycle to school and encourages a greater number of children to choose these modes of travel for the school commute. The main goal of this project was to assess the long-term impact of program-funded engineering modifications on walking and bicycling levels and safety. Improvements were evaluated with a targeted method to determine the countermeasures that resulted in safety and mode shift. The major results indicated that the safety of pedestrians increased within 250 ft of an infrastructure improvement, such as a sidewalk. There was also evidence of mode shift near improvements. Positive results for safety and mobility, as well as improved data collection for funded programs, should make SR2S programs competitive among other transportation needs.
Comparison of Oral Health Status Between Special Needs and General Public Schoolchildren Aged 11-13 Years, Nepal

Background:Children with physical disabilities are at greater risk of health problems including oral health. Dental caries is the most common among the aforementioned group and requires special dental treatments procedures. However, it is less clear on the severity of oral health problems among children with disabilities when compared to the general population. This study aimed to determine the current oral health status of children with disabilities aged 11-13 years and compared with general public schoolchildren of the same age. In this study, special needs children are referred to as children who have various physical disabilities and need specialized services or help.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 158 children (79 special needs and 79 general public schoolchildren) aged 11-13 years studying in special needs and general public schools in Kathmandu and Lalitpur Districts, Nepal. Dental examination was performed by using a mouth mirror and a probe according to WHO criteria and methods (1997). Results: Among the 79 special needs children, there were visually impaired (16.5%), hearing and speech impaired (25.3%), and orthopedically challenged (58.2%). Prevalence of dental caries among special needs children was high (75.9%) as compared to that of general public schoolchildren (65.8%). The means DMFT of special needs and others were 3.07 and 2.59 respectively. The means of Missing teeth between special needs and others were statistically significant (p<0.05). Only 8.8% of special needs children had good oral hygiene while 32.9% of the others had good oral hygiene. Moreover, untreated caries among special needs children was also higher than that of general children 62% compared with 54.4%. Conclusions: Nepalese special needs children are at higher risk of oral health problems due to their physical limitation in maintaining oral health care. They have poorer oral health compared to general children. Moreover, dental treatment for the group is limited to simple tooth extraction, and most caries is left untreated. It is imperative the policy that extends oral health preventions for children with disabilities into their community be implemented.
Antimicrobial effect of silver nanoparticles produced by chemical reduction on Staphylococcus aureus and Escheirchia coli.

Background and Objective: Due to development of microbial resistance against chemical antimicrobial agents, recently, special attention has been paid to effects of silver nanoparticles and its the antimicrobial impact. In this study the antibacterial effects of different concentrations of silver nanoparticles on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was investigated. Materials and Methods: Silver nanoparticles were produced by chemical reduction. Manitol salt agar media and eosin methylene blue media were used as specific media for S. aureus and E. coli , respectively, and Mueller-Hinton media was used to examine the antimicrobial properties of the cultures. Trials were conducted in a completely randomized full factorial design with 6 replications (P < 0.05). One qualitative factor was kind of bacteriumin and two other quantititative factors were duration of microbial contact with nanosilver (1, 12, 24, 48 h) and concentration of nanoparticles (5, 10, 25, 50 ppm). Results: The results showed that all three factors have significant impacts on microbial growth, but kind of bacterium and nanoparticle concentration showed more significantinfluence in comparison to contact time. In low concentration of nanosilver, E. coli showed more resistant to presence of nanparticle incomparison to S. aureus . The minimum inhibitory concentration of silver nanoparticles for S. aureus and E. coli was 5 and 10 ppm. A concentration of 50 ppm of silver nanoparticles completely eliminated both bacteria. Conclusion: The results suggest that effective factors on antimicrobial activities of silver nanoparticles are the type of bacteria, exposure time to silver nanoparticles, and concentration of nanoparticles. E. coli were significantly more resistant to silver nanoparticles in comparison to S. aureus .
Propulsion system performance enhancements on REMUS AUVs

This paper details recent efforts on drag reduction, vehicle shape and propulsion system modifications, and propeller design for the REMUS class of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV). Drag reduction was accomplished by tow-tank measurements of an existing design to itemize the sources of drag. The vehicle shape and main propulsion system were modified to use magnetic torque transfer through a seawater collar to eliminate a rotating shaft seal. Propeller design efforts consisted first of a trade-off analysis of blade number, RPM, vehicle speed and blade shape to determine an optimum design and then refinement of that design for production version. The combined effect of these efforts resulted in a four fold reduction in propulsion power at the same speed of the previous design, and an increase in maximum achievable speed by almost a factor of two. These propulsion system performance improvements combined with recent changes in energy capacity for the vehicle result in a total per mission range of 120 km at 1.5 m/s for an endurance of 20 hours.
A lean approach to product development in small and medium manufacturing enterprises in New Zealand

Product Development (PD) is a multifaceted and challenging process, more so in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) due to issues such as the resource constraints, high dependency on suppliers and the modern day competitiveness. For countries such as New Zealand, where 99.54 % of firms belong to the SME category, the significance of improving the PD system is enormous. These firms have to ‘do a great deal with very little’. The various PD management solutions that have been successfully deployed in large companies require “alterations” or customisation for application in SMEs. The research work presented in this thesis addresses the growing interest in the application of a distinctive best practice, one of the most recent, and promising solutions to product innovation in SMEs: (Toyota’s) ‘Lean Product Development System’. The Lean philosophy has proven time and again as a holistic system to enhance efficiency of the entire supply chain by optimising all internal processes; in addition to bringing about responsiveness to external environment. According to studies conducted by prominent research institutes across the world, Toyota’s excellence is equally seen in its PD as in manufacturing, where projects take half the time of its US equivalents, with four times the productivity, and consistent top quality. In line with the industry trend in exploration of Lean system to PD across the world, this study focuses on: "Evolving a broad framework for PD that incorporates Lean principles for application in Small and Medium Enterprises. " In-depth action research within a SME environment showed that Lean Product Development Systems is one solution that provides ideal balance of being a systems based, process oriented, interactive expert managed approach with a clear customer / value focus for these firms. Aspects such as flexibility of engineering infrastructure, the CAD/CAM proficiency, flat organisation structure aiding better communication, and the continuous learning attitude prevalent within SMEs corresponds closely to that in Toyota, and were identified to be great enablers for Lean deployment. On the other hand, few areas were found to pose challenges to the Lean approach within SMEs: including resource scarcity, the dependency on suppliers, and lack of concept reuse, among others. On the whole, the findings have led to the development of a customized framework for Lean innovation in SMEs that addresses the knowledge, people, process, leadership, management, and planning elements, topped with measures to minimize effects of the identified obstacles.
Expanding the focus of ID check for age verification : factors influencing attendants behavior in ID validation in compliance with sales legislation of age-restricted products

Compliance with sale legislation of age-restricted products to prohibit accessibility of minors inculcates the importance of identity document (ID) validation, because it is legally imperative that valid IDs are the required and acceptable means for identification of persons in legal and social transactions. This impliedly calls on ingrained responsibility of vendors in ensuring they only accept valid documents for the purpose of age verification. Studies have also revealed that false ID ownership by adolescents contributes to heavy consumption, increased perceived accessibility and increased perceived availability of these risky products. Therefore, this research employed a 35-item online questionnaire to probe the factors that influence ID validation behaviors of 164 attendants, who work at various outlets where alcohol, tobacco products and gambling products are being sold in nine of the twelve provinces in the Netherlands. Using multiple linear regressions, results show that training quality has positive effect on attendants’ actual behavior, self-reported behavior, proficiency and ability in validating IDs. Time constraint negatively influences attendants’ self-reported behavior, but positively influences their ability to validate IDs. Sanction has a positive influence on both self-reported behavior and ability to validate IDs. Social influence was found to be a positive predictor of attendants’ proficiency in validating IDs. These imply that there is need for more refined training to upgrade the knowledge and skills of vendors and improve their time management for ID validation. Higher enforcement might also improve compliance and curb negative social influence which encourages deviance. Policy should also emphasize the importance of ID validation during ID checks when selling age-restricted products.