Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparing of the Natural Radioactivity in Soil Samples of University at Al-Husseineya and Al-Mothafeen Sites of Kerbala, Iraq

Abstract: Radioactivity must be studied in soil to see the changes in the doses of human exposure. In this study, natural radioactivity and radiological hazard indices in soil samples of the Faculty of Agriculture (Al-Husseineya site) and the Faculty of Medicine (Al-Mothafeen site) in Kerbala Governorate were determined using gamma-ray spectroscopy. The results showed that the mean values of specific activity (in units of Bq/kg) and standard errors of: 238U, 232Th and 40K at Al-Husseineya site was 21.7±7.2, 9.43±3.2 and 335.8±82.2, respectively, while at Al-Mothafeen site, the mean values and standard errors were 22.4±8.8, 11.2±3.3 and 333.1±70.7, respectively. Radiation maps of natural radioactivity (238U, 232Th and 40K) at Al-Husseineya and Al-Mothafeen sites were mapped using geographic information system (GIS) technology. Moreover, most results in the present study fall within the acceptable levels, as defined by OCDE, UNSCEAR and ICRP. Therefore, there is no significant radiological hazard at the sites which were studied. Keywords: Radiological hazard, Natural radioactivity, Soil, NaI (Tl), Gamma-ray, Karbela University.
Wind characteristics and energy potential assessment in Akure, South West Nigeria: econometrics and policy implications

This paper analysed 11 years of daily mean wind-speed data, measured at Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria, using Weibull and Rayleigh distribution functions. While both distributions showed good agreements in extreme-value estimation patterns, investigation of their wind-speed characteristics modelling criteria, using goodness-of-fit statistics, revealed that the wind data followed the Weibull more than Rayleigh. Monthly wind-speed of Akure city ranged from 1.41 to 4.24 m/s by the Weibull fittings and from 1.40 to 4.16 m/s by the Rayleigh fittings. Overall results, of 2.71 m/s (Weibull) or 2.70 m/s (Rayleigh) mean wind-speed and 18.51 W/m2 (Weibull) or 22.26 W/m2 (Rayleigh) mean power density, indicated Akure a low wind-speed site, requiring low wind-speed turbine for generating wind energy. Econometric analyses of power output simulations using such turbine system resulted in affordable wind energy cost. These bear policy implications for sustainable wind energy usage in this and similar regions of the world.
Effect of electrode geometry on high energy spark discharges in air

Belmouss, Mounia. M.S.A.A. , Purdue University, May 2015. Effect of Electrode Geometry on High Energy Spark Discharges. Major Professor: Sally P. M. Bane. The government, aerospace, and transportation industries are deeply invested in developing new technologies to improve the performance and maneuverability of current and future aircraft while reducing aerodynamic noise and environmental impact. One of the key pathways to meet these goals is through aerodynamic flow control, which can involve suppressing or inducing separation, transition and management of turbulence in boundary layers, increasing the lift and reducing the drag of airfoils, and gas mixing to control fluctuating forces and aerodynamic noise [1]. In this dissertation, the complex flow field following a spark discharge is studied for a range of geometries and discharge characteristics, and the possibilities for using the induced flow for aerodynamic control are assessed. This work shows the influence of the electrode configuration on the fluid dynamics following the spark discharge and how the hot gas evolution gives rise to various physical phenomena (i.e. generation of turbulence, inducing vorticity, and gas mixing) that can be used to modify the flow-field structure near the boundary layer on an aerodynamic surface.
Advanced Aerodynamic Optimization System for Turbomachinery

To further improve the efficiency of turbomachinery, an advanced aerodynamic optimization system has been developed for the turbomachinery blade optimization design. The system includes parametric modeling, evaluation system, and optimization strategy modules. The nonuniform rational B-spline technique is successfully used for parametric modeling of different blade shapes. An in-house viscous flow code, which combines the lower-upper symmetric-Gauss-Seidel Gaussian elimination (LU-SGS-GE) implicit scheme and the modified fourth-order monotone upstream-centered schemes for conservation laws total variation diminishing (MUSCL TVD) scheme, has been developed for flow field evaluation, which can be replaced by other computational fluid dynamics codes. The optimization strategy is defined by different cases in the system. Parallel optimization technique was used to accelerate the optimization processes. Three test cases were optimized to improve the efficiency by using the system. These cases are the annular turbine cascades with a subsonic turbine blade, a transonic turbine blade, and a subsonic turbine stage. Reasonably high efficiency and performance were confirmed by comparing the analytical results with those of the previous ones. The advanced aerodynamic optimization system can be an efficient and robust design tool to achieve good blade optimization designs in a reasonable time.
CREM and activities at the modern workplace : a study of the variables influencing the use of workplaces in an activity based office design

Purpose Service oriented organizations have difficulties finding evidence based office design suited for new ways of working. This study provides CRE managers with information on factors that influence the activities at workplaces in an activity based office environment, and can be used for further development of office design. Design/methodology/approach Based on literature research a conceptual model is developed that shows the relations between the workplace characteristics, physical environment, organization characteristics, user characteristics, and the use of activity based workplaces. Hypotheses are proposed based on the model. Data is collected in 3 office environments in Belgium and the Netherlands, providing 90.890 observations. Specifically, a Bayesian belief network (BN) was used to derive and represent the causal relationships between all variables included. A major advantage of a BN is that the network structure takes direct and indirect relationships between the variables into account. The first network addresses the relationships between use of workplaces and CRE/organizational characteristics, without looking at user characteristics. The second network contains only data of occupied workplaces to study the influence of user characteristics. Both networks were used to test the hypothesis and predict the use of workplaces under (future) conditions. Findings According to the activity based philosophy, an employee performs an activity on the workplace that has the most suitable functional characteristics. Both networks, however, show more complex relations between the variables and expose relationships between environmental characteristics, workplace functionality and activity. The second network confirms that user characteristics influence use of the workplace as well. It can be concluded that a CRE manager should develop at least two types of workspace to support all activities in a service oriented organization.
A framework for assessing the sustainability of brownfield developments

Abstract In England, the development of urban brownfield sites is a significant planning policy aimed at supporting urban regeneration and protecting the countryside. Brownfield sites are required, in policy, to be developed in a sustainable way. However, determining what this means in practice is unclear. This paper presents a framework for assessing the sustainability of brownfield developments, devised to clarify the stakeholders in land reuse and establish how sustainability can be achieved on reused sites. The framework has been used in research investigating the sustainability of five brownfield developments in England. The performance of the framework in this research is assessed and its potential practical use outlined.
A New Look at Predicting Gas-Well Load-Up

This paper discusses results of field tests conducted to verify minimum flow rate (critical rate) required to keep low-pressure gas wells unloaded and compares results to previous work. This paper also covers liquid yield effects, liquid sources, verification that wellhead conditions control onset of load-up, and effects of temperature, gas/liquid gravities, wellbore diameter, and packer/tubing setting depth.
An inductive phase delay in the retarding field region of Schottky barrier BARITT diodes

A numerical integration of Poisson's equation and the current equation is performed using the constant hole density at the Schottky barrier as a boundary condition. The resulting small-signal device admittances are in good agreement with experimentally observed values. Better negative conductance is predicted at low current densities when the phase shift near the Schottky barrier is included in the analysis.
Development of Electronic Ballast for a Compact Lamp Based on the Neutral-point-type Back-boost Inverter

This paper presents new circuit of the electronic ballast based on neutral-point-type back-boost inverter for compact fluorescent lamps. Electronic ballasts for compact fluorescent lamps don't need to satisfy the IEC standard Class C, and the regulation is looser than it. However, it is important to reduce the harmonics of input current, because the compact fluorescent lamp seems to be used widely in future. This paper shows analyses of circuit operations and experimental results, and proves that the proposed circuit is effective for reduction of harmonics of input-current and also effective for improvement of input power factor.
A new current measuring principle for power electronic applications

A new isolated current measurement principle named HOKA is presented. A current probe based on this principle has been realized. It was designed for a current rating of 200 A. The probe incorporates two different sensors: a Hall sensor and an air coil. DC currents of 200 A as well as transients with a di/dt of 2.5 kA//spl mu/s have been measured with a relative error of 5%.
Dietary Behaviours May Modulate the Association Between Common MC4R Genetic Variants and Obesity and Its Comorbidities: The 1000PLUS Cohort Study.

Background: The MC4R gene harbours one of the strongest susceptibility locus for obesity, and its metabolic consequences. The objective of this study was to analyze whether dietary factors may attenuate the MC4R genotypes effects on obesity and its comorbidities.Methods: In 819 adult participants, genotyped for MC4R SNPs (rs17782313, rs12970134, rs633265, rs1350341) the anthropometric measurements, total body fat, visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), blood glucose, insulin, total-, LDL-, HDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides concentrations were assessed. The daily macronutrient intake was calculated based on the three-day food intake records, and daily physical activity based on the validated questionnaire. The ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests were used, and multivariate linear regression models were developed to evaluate the effects of diet on obesity and related factors in various genotypes carriers.Results: The CC genotype (rs17782313) carriers, being in the upper quantiles of protein intake, presented significantly higher VAT, VAT/SAT ratio, fasting blood glucose and triglyceride concentrations, and an increase of energy derived from proteins was associated with significantly higher BMI (Est. 5.74, R2=0.12), body fat content (Est. 8.44, R2=0.82), VAT (32.59, R2=0.06), and VAT/SAT ratio (Est. 0.96, R2=0.05). The AA genotype carriers (rs12970134) being in the upper protein intake quantiles presented higher BMI, body fat, SAT and VAT volume, waist circumference, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides and total cholesterol concentrations. Individuals carrying the AG and GG genotypes in the upper carbohydrate intake quantile had significantly lower body weight, waist circumference, insulin resistance and fasting insulin levels. An increase of energy derived from proteins by AA carriers was associated with significantly higher VAT (Est. 19.95, R2=0.06) and VAT/SAT ratio (Est. 0.64, R2=0.05). Conclusions: Our findings provide evidence that associations of the common MC4R SNPs with obesity and its comorbidities is modulated by dietary intake, and may be useful for genome-customized diets for obesity prevention.Trial registration. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03792685. Date of registration: 3Jan2019 (retrospectively registered), https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03792685.
Modelling and parametric analysis of a squeeze film damper with central groove

In this work, a theoretical analysis of a squeeze film damper (SFD) with central groove has been carried out. A program has been developed, using Microsoft Visual C++. Damper length and diameter of 50 mm and 60 mm have been taken. Input data include the damper clearance, damper length and groove parameters and oil specification. Effect of all these factors on the resonance frequency, damping and inertia coefficient has been examined. Results of this study show that the damper parameters have a clear effect on the damping and inertia coefficients. A good agreement was found for the excitation frequency effect on the normalised inertia and damping coefficients.
Powering low-power implants using PZT transducer discs operated in the radial mode

This paper reports experimental results that are used to compare operation characteristics of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) piezoelectric ceramic discs operated in the radial mode. The devices are driven to radially vibrate at their lowest fundamental resonant frequency and thus transmit and receive power when immersed in a liquid phantom. A number of 1 mm × 10 mm (thickness × diameter) PZT discs are characterized experimentally within a propagation tank and results discussed. On the basis of these measured characteristics, a novel application is developed and reported for the first time. This consists of a tuned LC resonator circuit which is used at the receiving disc to maximize sensitivity as well as a Seiko start-up IC S-882Z which is employed to charge a capacitor that drives a PIC microcontroller (μC) once the voltage exceeds 2 V DC. We show that a mean input power of 486 mW RMS results in 976 μW RMS received over a range of 80 mm and that this is sufficient to periodically (every 60 s) power the μC to directly drive a red LED for 5 ms with a current of 4.8 mA/flash. This approach is suitable for low-power, periodically activated analogue bio-implant applications.
Key success factors and their performance implications in the Indian third-party logistics (3PL) industry

This paper uses the extant literature to identify the key success factors that are associated with performance in the Indian third-party logistics service providers (3PL) sector. We contribute to the sparse literature that has examined the relationship between key success factors and performance in the Indian 3PL context. This study offers new insights and isolates key success factors that vary in their impact on operations and financial performance measures. Specifically, we found that the key success factor of relationship with customers significantly influenced the operations measures of on-time delivery performance and customer satisfaction and the financial measure of profit growth. Similarly, the key success factor of skilled logistics professionals improved the operational measure of customer satisfaction and the financial measure of profit growth. The key success factor of breadth of service significantly affected the financial measure of revenue growth, but did not affect any operational measure. To further unravel the patterns of these results, a contingency analysis of these relationships according to firm size was also conducted. Relationship with 3PLs was significant irrespective of firm size. Our findings contribute to academic theory and managerial practice by offering context-specific suggestions on the usefulness of specific key success factors based on their potential influence on operational and financial performance in the Indian 3PL industry.
Output feedback SSR damping controller design based on modular discrete-time dynamic model of TCSC

This paper presents the use of a modular, sample invariant, six samples per cycle, discrete-time model of a thyristor controlled series capacitor (TCSC) for output feedback-based subsynchronous resonance (SSR) damping controller (SSDC) design. An SSDC is used to alleviate the instability of torsional modes caused by external fixed capacitors used in conjunction with a TCSC. It is found that damping torque analysis-based design of an SSDC using a non-local signal like generator slip is straightforward and the resulting SSDC has a simple compensator structure. On the other hand, the residues and pole-zero configuration with the line current magnitude as a feedback signal are such that it is relatively more difficult to obtain a robust design, especially if several subsynchronous torsional modes are present. Eigenvalue analysis and digital simulation studies indicate that the TCSC model can accurately predict the behaviour of a TCSC with and without a damping controller.
A diagnostic expert system to overcome construction problems in rigid highway pavement

AbstractConstructing highway pavements faces complex problems, which are affected by multiple factors, where solution is nearly impossible without expert assistance. Diagnosing such construction problems and suggesting most suitable cost efficient solutions requires significant engineering expertise, which might not be available in all construction sites due to inadequate resource and remote locations. Developing an expert system in this domain is a very effective way to help novice engineers to overcome these problems and to learn about them. Moreover, the system can be used as an archive to document engineering knowledge and to share expertise among the experts in this domain. This article describes the development and evaluation stages of such a system, including knowledge acquisition, knowledge representation, system building, and system verification and validation. The initial knowledge is acquired from literature reviews. More expert knowledge is elicited through interviews and questionnaires. This .
Prioritizing Scour Vulnerable Bridges Using Risk

The purpose of this study is to develop a method for assessing the risk associated with scour threat to bridge foundations. In response to numerous scour-related bridge failures, the Federal Highway Administration has mandated that states evaluate all bridges over water for scour. The Federal Highway Administration recently released HEC-18 to serve as a guidance manual in evaluating scour. In evaluating bridge scour, however, foundation information is needed to quantify vulnerability to scour damage, and this information is not available for many bridges. The methodology developed in this study will set priorities for bridge foundation information gathering. The risk of scour failure is calculated as the product of the cost associated with failure and the probability of scour failure. The method is based on data (much of which is subjective) contained in the National Bridge Inventory. The risk determines the ranking of bridges for foundation data gathering in support of scour evaluation; high-calculated risks could vanish if substantial foundations are discovered.
Prognose der Bauwerksschädigung unter Hochwassereinwirkung

Die Quantifizierung der Schadenspotentiale infolge Hochwasser setzt realistische Zusammenhänge zwischen Einwirkungs‐ und Verlustkenngrößen voraus. Da sich herkömmliche Schadensfunktionen auf den Zusammenhang zwischen Fluthöhe und den versicherungsseitig nachvollziehbaren Kosten für eine bestimmte Nutzungsklasse (wie z. B. Private Wohngebäude) beschränken, fehlt die notwendige Differenzierung nach den für die Widerstandseite relevanten Merkmalen. Aufgrund der enormen Streubreiten der Daten war es bisher nicht möglich, die auch für allgemeine Schadensprognosen bzw. spezifische Kosten‐Nutzen‐Analysen erforderlichen Beziehungen in einer vertrauenswürdigen Form zu präzisieren.
Economic Potential of Solar Thermal Power Plants With Direct Steam Generation Compared With HTF Plants

The direct steam generation (DSG) in parabolic trough collectors is a promising option to improve the mature parabolic trough solar thermal power plant technology of the solar energy generating systems (SEGS) ; in California. According to previous studies (Langenkamp, 1998, "Revised LEC Projections and Discussion of Different DSG Benefits, " Technical Report No. DISS-SC-QA-02, Almeria, Spain; Price, et al., 2002, "Advances in Parabolic Trough Solar Power Technology, " ASME J. Sol. Energy Eng., 124(2), pp. 109-125; Zarza, E. , 2002, "DISS Phase II Final Report, " Technical Report EU Contract No. JOR3-CT98-0277, Almeria, Spain], the cost reduction in the DSG process compared with the SEGS technology is expected to be 8-25%. All these studies were more or less preliminary since they lacked detailed information on the design of collector fields, absorber tubes required for steam temperatures higher than 400°C, and power blocks adapted to the specific needs of the direct steam generation. Power blocks and collector fields were designed for four different capacities (5 MW el , 10 MW el , 50 MW el , and 100 MW el ) and different live steam parameters. The live steam temperature was varied between saturation temperature and 500°C and live steam pressures of 40 bars, 64 bars, and 100 bars were investigated. To assess the different cases, detailed yield analyses of the overall system were performed using hourly data for the direct normal irradiation and the ambient temperature for typical years. Based on these results, the levelized costs of electricity were determined for all cases and compared with a reference system using synthetic oil as heat transfer fluid. This paper focuses on two main project findings. First, the 50 MW el DSG system parameter comparisons are presented. Second, the detailed comparison between a DSG and a SEGS-like 100 MW el system is given. The main result of the investigation is that the benefit of the DSG process depends on the project site and can reach an 11 % reduction in the levelized electricity cost.
A decision support tool for technical processes optimization in drinking water treatment

AbstractIn water treatment, the technical processes study aims generally to deal with problems that natural processes are unable or only inadequate to perform. The technical systems aim for a good control of process and therefore a good stability. This is the case of coagulation process in drinking water treatment by removing suspended particles. It requires a good knowledge of raw water characteristics to ensure adequate choice of the coagulant rate. Without the adequate coagulant, this method is not effective. The good coagulation control is therefore essential to guarantee the reliability of the water treatment and the final quality of water produced. This paper presents a neural approach in combination with a fuzzy methodology to study the impact of raw water characteristics on the coagulation process control. Using the concepts of evolutionary algorithms, we developed a decision support tool using fault detection, data validation-reconstruction, and predictive control methods to predict the optimum c.