Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Numerical Simulation of Natural Convection in Three-dimensional Cavities with a High Vertical Aspect Ratio and a Low Horizontal Aspect Ratio

In this article a commercial computational fluid dynamic program is used to study the effect of the horizontal aspect ratio on heat flow through cavities with a high vertical aspect ratio (cavities typically found in vertical window frames with internal cavities). The cavities studied have two opposite isothermal vertical walls separated by four adiabatic walls. The vertical aspect ratios are 20, 40, and 80 and the horizontal aspect ratios range from 0.2 to 5. Simulations of two-dimensional cavities are also included. The simulations show that three-dimensional cavities with a horizontal aspect ratio larger than five can be considered as being two-dimensional cavities to within 4% when considering heat transfer rates. Nusselt number correlations for the different horizontal aspect ratios are included. Complex multicellular flow is presented for one of the three-dimensional cavities.
A qualitative study exploring the challenges of humanitarian organisations

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the underlying issues of humanitarian disaster relief logistics in order to provide an understanding of the challenges facing humanitarian organisations in a wider context.Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes a qualitative approach, adopting a two‐dimensional multi‐strategy research design, culminating in a model of theoretical understanding.Findings – The results suggest that operational issues encountered in humanitarian logistics are symptomatic of wider issues affecting humanitarian organisations. In understanding this, challenges were identified that, if overcome, could make for more effective relief missions.Research limitations/implications – In terms of implications, this paper provides an opportunity for further research, including the testing of the suggested model against an extended sample size which could include senior managers of humanitarian organisations (involved in strategising), and United Nations representative(s). Practical i.
Diabetes mellitus and postoperative blood glucose value help predict posthepatectomy liver failure in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background Many complications after hepatectomy can lead to perioperative death, among which posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is the leading one. Existing studies suggest that one of the most important risk factors for PHLF is cirrhosis. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is an important factor in the occurrence of cirrhosis, and the exact relationship between HBV infection and PHLF is not obvious. Diabetes mellitus and postoperative blood glucose are closely associated with liver regeneration, but its exact relationship with PHLF remains unclear. Methods We collected clinical indicators from 920 adult patients treated at the Liver Surgery and Transplantation Center of West China Hospital of Sichuan University from April 2009 and April 2019. We conducted a univariate analysis find out the risk factors of PHLF, follow by a multivariate analysis to ascertain the independent risk factors. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to evaluate the predictive efficiency of each risk factor. Results Following hepatectomy, 205 (22.2%) of patients were diagnosed with PHLF. Several variables were confirmed to related with PHLF significantly: diabetes [P<0.01, odds ratio (OR) =10.845, 95% confidence interval (CI): 5.450-21.579], HBV (P<0.01, OR =0.345, 95% CI: 0.187-0.635), blood glucose on the first postoperative day (post-BG1) (P=0.027, OR =1.059, 95% CI: 1.006-1.115), blood glucose on the third postoperative day (post-BG3) (P=0.021, OR =1.085, 95% CI: 1.012-1.162), blood glucose on the fifth postoperative day (post-BG5) (P=0.014, OR =1.119, 95% CI: 1.023-1.225), postoperative total bilirubin (post-TB) (P<0.01, OR =1.160, 95% CI: 1.133-1.187), and liver cirrhosis (P<0.01, OR =0.982, 95% CI: 0.561-1.717) identified to be independent risk factors of PHLF. Conclusions Diabetes, HBV, post-BG1, post-BG3, and post-BG5 are related to the development of PHLF, and diabetes and post-BG can be used as predictors of the development of PHLF in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Use of Search Engines by Postgraduate Students of the University Of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, South East Nigeria

The paper discusses search engines and its use by postgraduate students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Five research questions were formulated to guide the study while descriptive survey was adopted for the study. Data was generated using questionnaire to find out level of exposure and extent of use of search engines and its implications to the research output of post graduate students. Data was finally analyzed using frequency tables and percentages. It was found among many other things that post graduate students are not very much exposed to search engines available in the web; and so do not use it in their various literature search. This was attributed to their poor exposure to the Internet and various available search engines. On this note, it was recommended that the need for use of search engines relevant to their fields must be emphasized and therefore should be exposed to them thoroughly through lecturers, seminars, conference, etc. It was also recommended that postgraduate students should employ self help through frequent use of internet and reading of textbooks to as to be aware of different search engines relevant to their field and then have a quality research.
Open Resonator for Quasi-Optical Gyrotrons - Structure of the Modes and Their Influence

Abstract The influence of the resonator geometry on the design of quasi-optical gyrotrons is presented. Basic equations and relevant properties of quasi-optical resonators are reviewed. Since confocal resonators radiate an equal amount of power from each mirror, non-confocal resonators have to be used in order to maximize the output-coupling on one side. Technical constraints on ohmic power losses and mirror diameter are discussed. Using numerical solutions of the quasi-optical resonator equations, the influence of the actual electromagnetic field profile on the electronic efficiency is calculated for several cases.
Improving the performance of stormwater detention basins by real-time control using rainfall forecasts

Dry detention ponds are commonly implemented to mitigate the impacts of urban runoff on receiving water bodies. They currently rely on static control through a fixed limitation of their maximum outflow rate. Real-Time Control (RTC) allows optimizing their performance by manipulation of an outlet valve. This study developed several enhanced RTC scenarios of a dry detention pond located at the outlet of a small urban catchment near Québec City, Canada. The catchment's runoff quantity and TSS concentration were simulated by a SWMM5 model with an improved wash-off formulation. The control procedures rely on rainfall detection, on measures of the pond's water height, and in some of the RTC scenarios on rainfall forecasts. The implemented RTC strategies allow a substantial improvement of the pond's performance - the TSS removal efficiency increases from 46% (current state) to about 90% - while remaining safe and taking a mosquito-breeding risk constraint into account.
Informal interaction in construction progress meetings

The small amount of published research into construction project meetings demonstrates some of the principal difficulties of investigating such sensitive business environments. Using the Bales Interaction Process Analysis (IPA) research method, data on group interaction were collected. A project outcome, namely whether the project was within contract budget, was used as a basis of enquiry between interaction patterns. Analysis was concerned with the socio‐emotional (relationship building) and the task‐based components of communication and the positive and negative socio‐emotional interaction characteristics. Socio‐emotional interaction was found to be significantly greater in the projects completed within budget. Socio‐emotional interaction is used to express feelings in relation to tasks and it serves as the flux that creates and sustains the group's social framework, which is crucial in a project environment. The data provide an indication of the importance of informal communication in the maintenance of relationships within project meetings.
Derivation of Environmental Soil Quality Guidelines for 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene Using the CCME Approach

The Protocol for the Derivation of Environmental and Human Health Soil Quality Guidelines of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment was used to prepare preliminary Environmental Soil Quality Guidelines (SQGE) for 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT). A thorough literature search led to the compilation of the existing toxicological data. Calculated Environmental Soil Quality Guidelines for TNT are SQGE=0.02 mg/kg (preliminary value) for agricultural land use and 86 mg/kg for residential/park, commercial/industrial land use. Because of the lack of sufficient scientific information on the effects of TNT in soil on microbial processes, this type of evaluation was not possible. For oral toxicological data, laboratory animals were used instead of grazing and foraging species to determine the ingestion guideline since no related literature was found. Furthermore, this work has led to the identification of avenues of future research necessary to complete the task at hand. The research should focus on specific studies involving direct contact between the organisms and the soil, in order to: (1) develop a database of effects of TNT on microbial processes, (2) study the effects of TNT ingestion on birds and grazing herbivores, (3) determine plant bioconcentration factors, and (4) observe in situ the toxic effects after direct contact exposure.
Ion Transport in Organic Electrolyte Solutions for Lithium-ion Batteries and Beyond

The performance of metal-ion batteries at low temperatures and their fast charge/discharge rates are determined mainly by the electrolyte (ion) transport. Accurate transport properties must be evaluated for designing and/or optimization of lithium-ion and other metal-ion batteries. In this review, we report and discuss experimental and atomistic computational studies on ion transport, in particular, ion diffusion/dynamics, transference number, and ionic conductivity. Although a large number of studies focusing on lithium-ion transport in organic liquids have been performed, only a few experimental studies have been conducted in the organic liquid electrolyte phase for other alkali metals that are used in batteries (such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, etc.). Atomistic computer simulations can play a primary role and predict ion transport in organic liquids. However, to date, atomistic force fields and models have not been explored and developed exhaustively to simulate such organic liquids in quantitative agreement to experimental measurements.
Safety Considerations during Different Stages of a Project Life Cycle in the Manufacturing Industry

At sites with multiple employers, efficient safety management is essential to ensure safety for both customers and providers. However, implementing effective safety management is challenging, particularly for companies that provide services. Provider companies encounter difficulties managing the safety of service projects for many reasons, including the variety of customers and changes in work environment. Proper preparation and integration of safety into the different project life cycle stages improves safety, but the topic has not received much attention to date. This article discusses the integration of safety considerations into service projects. Material was collected from Finnish manufacturing companies via interviews and a questionnaire. The results show that systematic methods for developing and producing services have not been adopted in the provider companies, but these are often implemented as a result of practical experience. On the other hand, providers and customers both believed that safety is taken into account during different stages of a given service project—safety issues were to some extent taken into account during the tendering and contract stages of a project, and preventive safety measures were commonly implemented during the delivery of services. However, safety performance often was not evaluated after completion of work. For this reason, companies may not have an accurate estimation of each other's safety performance in these types of multi‐employer situations. The results of this study can be used in provider organizations to help systematize safety considerations during service projects and to focus efforts on the most essential points of service project safety management.
Accelerating capacitance computation for interconnects in high speed MCM by Pade approximation

The boundary element approach based on the dielectric Green function with Pade approximation is presented for the first time to compute the capacitance matrices for multiconductor interconnection lines in high speed multichip modules (MCMs). Numerical experiments show that this method is more efficient than those based on the total charge Green function.
Tangent-to-curve transition on two-lane rural roads based on continuous speed profiles

AbstractIn the road geometric design process, speed variation along the road segment is one of the most popular criteria to evaluate road consistency, hence the importance of estimating operating speed and its variations. Most of the estimation models are based on speed spot data collection, usually assuming some hypotheses like operating speed remains constant at curves and speed variations take place entirely at preceding tangent. This paper presents the results of the study of the deceleration phenomenon using a new methodology based on data collection by global positioning system devices. By means of this new methodology, not only new and more accurate models can be developed, but also the previous hypotheses can be checked and new studies can be carried out. Tangent-to-curve speed variations have been evaluated, comparing the 85th percentile speed differential (Δ85V) and the differential of the 85th percentile operating speed (ΔV85), analyzing the percentage of deceleration length that takes place at.
Influence of Rigid Body Motions on Rotor Induced Velocities and Aerodynamic Loads of a Floating Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine

This paper discusses the influence of rigid body motions on rotor induced velocities and aerodynamic loads of a floating horizontal axis wind turbine. Analyses are performed with a simplified free wake vortex model specifically aimed at capturing the unsteady and non-uniform inflow typically experienced by a floating wind turbine. After discussing the simplified model in detail, comparisons are made to a state of the art free wake vortex code, using test cases with prescribed platform motion. It is found that the simplified model compares favourably with a more advanced numerical model, and captures the essential influences of rigid body motions on the rotor loads, induced velocities and wake influence.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Investigation of Winter-Weather Speed Variability in Sport Utility Vehicles, Pickup Trucks, and Passenger Cars

The different characteristics of sport utility vehicles (SUVs), pickup trucks, and passenger cars put the smaller vehicle at a disadvantage in a crash. A larger difference in the speed of two vehicles can also increase crash severity, and increases in speed variability on a roadway can decrease overall safety. Research investigated whether drivers of SUVs, pickup trucks, and passenger cars choose different vehicle speeds during winter weather. Vehicle speed, roadway condition, time of day, and vehicle type were recorded during normal and winter-weather conditions. The results indicated that winter-weather vehicle speeds for all three vehicle types were significantly less than normal and that during the day a large percentage of the speed reduction occurs after snow begins to accumulate in the gutter pans of the roadway. Vehicle speed variability also increases during winter-weather conditions. The average SUV speed was statistically higher than the average passenger car speed during the day for four of the five winter-weather roadway surface conditions observed. The magnitude of the speed differences increased with roadway snowcover, but it was always less than 5.6 km/h (3.5 mph). The winter-weather speed differences between passenger cars and SUVs, although small, may have safety implications. The safety of winter-weather roadways may be lower than before the increase in SUV use, more-severe winter-weather crashes may occur between passenger cars and SUVs, more SUV run-off-the-road crashes might occur, and the safety benefits of larger vehicle characteristics may be smaller than believed.
From cardiac to respiratory rate, from cardiac sounds to pulse velocity: a noncontact unified approach for the monitoring of vital signs by means of optical vibrocardiography

In this paper we report experimental data obtained using a novel, non contact and unified approach for the monitoring of some important vital parameters: Heart Rate, Heart Rate Variability, Respiration Rate, Filling Time, Pulse Transit Time. The measurement approach - named optical vibrocardiography (VCG) - has been recently described by some of the authors for what concerns the assessment of a single parameter or measurement and technical aspects. Here, we discuss the experimental setup realized to operate optical VCG in order to measure the previously cited vital parameters. We present two novel configurations for the assessment of the respiration rate and the pulse transit time. The quantities measured by optical VCG have been compared with the ones measured with golden standard instrumentations; the comparison reference instruments has shown differences with no statistical and clinical significance. Optical VCG therefore can be considered a valid, fully non-contact measurement method for the assessment of vital signs, with the additional advantage that such parameters can be assessed using one single instrument instead of a set of dedicated devices.
Assessment of Adaptive Reuse of Heritage Shop Houses for Sleep Lodging in Malaysia: Fulfilment of Conservation Guidelines

This study focuses on the compliance of adaptive reuse of historic shop houses for sleep lodging with reference to the Guidelines for Conservation Areas and Heritage Buildings by Majlis Perbandaran Pulau Pinang (MPPP). Through this research, awareness towards the compliance of building conservation guidelines for heritage shop houses will be clarified accordingly. The goal of this study is to determine and extract vital clauses and components of Guidelines for Conservation Areas and Heritage Buildings (GCAHB) towards adaptive reuse of heritage shop houses so that revitalization of these buildings can be ensured when changing the original function of the property. The aim is also to evaluate the compliance of the adaptive reuse of heritage shop houses with the GCAHB, and, lastly, to provide recommendations for adaptive reuse of heritage shop houses, also in compliance with the GCAHB. Additionally, heritage building owners can use this dissertation as a reference whenever they intend to adaptively reuse their buildings. Furthermore, recommendations in this research could be used for future reference.
New tunable synthetic floating inductors

Three new active RC synthetic floating inductance circuits are proposed which realise lossless f.i. and series and parallel RL impedance, respectively employing three and two second-generation current conveyors as active elements. The novel features of the new circuits are that (i) in contrast to available operational-amplifier circuits for f.i. s, the circuits presented here do not require component matching for the desired realisation; (ii) the new circuits employ a minimum possible number of passive elements (only two resistors and a capacitor); (ii) in all the new circuits, the inductance value is independently controllable through a single resistance.
Reliability analysis for wind turbines

Modern wind turbines are complex aerodynamic, mechanical and electrical machines incorporating sophisticated control systems. Wind turbines have been erected in increasing numbers in Europe, the USA and elsewhere. In Europe, Germany and Denmark have played a particularly prominent part in developing the technology, and both countries have installed large numbers of turbines. This article is concerned with understanding the historic reliability of modern wind turbines. The prime objective of the work is to extract information from existing data so that the reliability of large wind turbines can be predicted, particularly when installed offshore in the future. The article uses data collected from the Windstats survey to analyse the reliability of wind turbine components from historic German and Danish data. Windstats data have characteristics common to practical reliability surveys; for example, the number of failures is collected for each interval but the number of turbines varies in each interval. In this article, the authors use reliability analysis methods which are not only applicable to wind turbines but relate to any repairable system. Particular care is taken to compare results from the two populations to consider the validity of the data. The main purpose of the article is to discuss the practical methods of predicting large-wind-turbine reliability using grouped survey data from Windstats and to show how turbine design, turbine configuration, time, weather and possibly maintenance can affect the extracted results. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley &Sons, Ltd.
Uncertainty driven service cost estimation for decision support at the bidding stage

Service cost estimation attempts to predict future costs associated to the design and delivery of services that support goods and equipment or the actions of customers. In particular, the bidding stage poses challenges due to the uncertainties that are experienced originating from lack of information and knowledge about service requirements. This research paper presents and analyses the benefits of using the Uncertainty Tool for Assessment and Simulation of Cost (U-TASC). U-TASC offers a methodology to improve service cost estimation during the bidding stage of service contracts through a systematic process to identify, evaluate and integrate uncertainty to cost. A case study is applied with three contracting scenarios within a major multinational aerospace organisation. Lessons learnt from the development and evaluation of the U-TASC methodology are used to discuss applications, generalisation potential, limitations and future research potentials.