Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Frequency Dependence of the UWB Indoor Propagation Channel

Ultra wideband (UWB) is seen as a major technology for future high rate, short range radio links. For the development of UWB-based communication systems for indoors, an accurate knowledge of the propagation channel is necessary. However, most of the available studies regarding the UWB radio channel concentrate on the lower frequencies of the FCC-defined spectrum mask, and experimental data is generally missing for the evaluation of the frequency dependence of the channel parameters. In this paper, an extensive sounding campaign is presented, where the UWB channel is probed from 3.1 GHz to 11.1 GHz in a typical indoor environment. Following a thorough analysis of the effect of the antennas on the measured data, a characterisation of the main propagation parameters is presented, with a specific interest on their frequency dependence. A frequency power decay close to the theoretical loss of 20 dB per decade is observed. Other typical parameters, such as the environment dependent path loss exponent, the delay spread or the power delay profile decay exponent show limited variations with increasing frequency. This behaviour may be explained by the characteristics of the main building materials constituting indoor environments, which present a relative stability in the frequency range of interest. (7 pages)
Characterization of Pavement Layer Interfaces.

The aim of this research was to derive constitutive models for the interfaces of flexible pavement layers and to determine the effects of interface condition on pavement performance. A simple constitutive model was derived for the asphalt layer interfaces using data provided by laboratory direct shear tests at several normal load levels. In the model the shear displacement is proportional to the shear stress until the shear strength of the interface is reached. Field shear tests at several levels of normal load were used to study the bond between asphalt surface layers and granular or soil-cement bases. The interface constitutive models were integrated into the ABAQUS finite element model to prove the significant impact of the interface condition on pavement life.
Cluster, Divergence and Principal Component Analysis of Niger seed (Guizotia abyssinica (L. f.) Cass.) Genotypes

Niger seed is among the most important oilseeds in Ethiopian Agriculture. The genetic divergence of niger seed genotypes collected from diverse ecologies of Ethiopia were evaluated using simple lattice design based on 12 quantitative traits to assess the genetic diversity of Ethiopian niger seed genotypes using multivariate techniques. Cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into five distinct groups. Each group showed admixtures of accessions rather than traceable patterns of geographical origin. The highest inter cluster distance was observed between cluster IV and V (D2=94.75) and the lowest divergence was observed between cluster II and IV (D2=19.80). The first five Principle components explained 81 % of the total variation. The first component strongly influenced by days to flowering (-0.438) and number of head (0.377). Component two highly influenced by yield per plot (-0.542) and oil content (-0.532). Number of seed per head (0.623), number of primary branch and days to maturity (0.651) strongly influence component three, four and five respectively. Therefore, the study indicates the existence of genetic divergence among the tested genotypes and the possibility to identify divergent material with desirable agronomic features for the development of new superior niger seed cultivars through hybridization and selection by crossing accessions from different clusters.
A systematic consideration of the human and technical elements in the implementation of lean manufacturing cells

Some manufacturing companies are successful, while many others fail in their efforts to implement lean philosophies and practices into their manufacturing operations. Although the technical process flows and cell designs meet the standards and criteria specified in the literature, these companies most often do not fully consider the impact of the human element in the management of change. It is hypothesized that an approach that combines the implementation of lean manufacturing cells with technical, human and lean practices considerations will result in improved cell performance. This research investigates how to create and implement such a system and evaluate its impact on a manufacturer’s cell performance. A questionnaire is developed, based on literature and industry research, to collect employee perceptions regarding the importance rating and implementation levels of the technical, human and lean practices within a manufacturing cell. Manufacturing cell performance data is collected and analyzed in concert with the questionnaire to prove the hypothesis. The approach is piloted at an aero engine manufacturer and the results are provided. The findings indicate that as a foundation, manufacturing cells must achieve a certain level of implementation in the technical areas of machines, methods, and materials. With all else equal, manufacturing cells that achieve higher implementation levels of the human and lean practices, also achieve higher cell performance.
Evaluation of Influence Factors to Crack Initiation of LTPP Resurfaced Asphalt Pavements Using Parametric Survival Analysis

Survival model with Weibull hazard function was employed to evaluate the influence of different factors on the crack initiation of resurfaced asphalt pavement. Data from SPS-5 experiments of Long Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) program were used to conduct the analysis. The initiation time of four types of cracks including the alligator (fatigue) crack, longitudinal crack on wheel path, non-wheel path longitudinal crack and transverse crack were evaluated. Analyzed factors include overlay thickness, traffic volume, freeze index, mixture (using RAP or virgin) and mill (or no mill) before overlay. It was found that traffic level was a significant factor for all of the four types of cracks. High traffic level accelerated the initiation of cracking. Thick overlay delayed the initiation of cracking except for the non-wheel path longitudinal crack, which is mainly caused by poor construction. Severe freeze thaw conduction accelerated the occurrence of the non-wheel path longitudinal and transverse cracks; whereas, mill before overlay significantly retarded the occurrence of the two types of cracking. Incorporating 30% recycled asphalt material in the overlay accelerated the initiation of longitudinal crack on wheel path, but did not influence the initiation of other three types of cracking.
Effectiveness of Corporate Governance Attributes on Disclosure of Non-Financial Information in Developing Economies

The study examines how corporate governance attributes enhance disclosure of non-financial information in developing economies using a case study of companies listed on selected Stock Markets in Sub-Saharan Africa. Corporate governance attributes such as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) non-duality, board size, board composition, audit committee independence, block and director shareholdings are examined while controlling for firm size, profitability and leverage. The study adopts a quantitative research approach where panel data is obtained to carry out a comparative analysis of companies listed on stock markets of South Africa, East Africa and Nigeria. The data is collected from annual reports of each company for a period of four years and is analysed to obtain Random- Effects Multiple regression models. Findings indicate that the effect of CEO Non-duality, board size and having a higher proportion of non-executive directors on boards is significant and positive. Block ownership of shares and directors’ shareholdings have a negative effect on disclosure of non-financial information. However, the study does not provide evidence to suggest that Audit committee independence affects non- financial information disclosure. The major contribution of the study is to establish corporate governance attributes that play a vital role in disclosure of non-financial information using a comparative analysis of listed companies in Sub-Saharan Africa. The paper is the first of its kind in developing economies. various corporate governance attributes on corporate disclosure has been empirically tested thus, guiding the growth and operations of stock markets in these economies. The study provides guidance to stock market players and regulators on roles of chairman board of directors and chief executive officer, effectiveness of board size and composition, block and director shareholding on enhancing financial reporting and disclosure of non-financial corporate information. Provision of information is key to both potential and existing shareholders to make informed investment decisions.
Realistic Scenes Reproduction Based on Total Variation

In order to completely record all the information of realistic scenes, high dynamic range (HDR) images have been widely used in virtual reality, photography and computer graphics. A simple yet effective tone mapping method based on total variation is proposed so as to reproduce realistic scenes on low dynamic range (LDR) display devices. The structural component and texture component are obtained using total variation model in logarithmic domain. Then, the dynamic range of the structural component is compressed with an adaptive arcsine function. The texture component is processed by Taylor series. Finally, we adjust the saturation component using sigmoid function and restore the color information. Experimental results demonstrate that our method outperforms existing methods in terms of quality and speed.
Influence of recovery modalities on team sport performance, perceptions and physiological variables

Purpose: In order to cope with the demands and stress of training and competition many team sports have begun to utilise contrast water therapy as their preferred recovery modality. Although popular, there may be an inability to access necessary facilities when at sporting venues or overseas therefore contrast showers may prove to be a convenient, accessible and effective alternative. Research examining the influence of contrast showers on sport performance and psychological and physiological variables is lacking. Therefore, this study sought to examine the effects of contrast showers and contrast water therapy on vertical jump and repeated agility performance, skin and core temperature and psychological measures following a netball specific circuit in elite female netball players. Methods: Eleven elite netball players completed three experimental sessions (randomised crossover design) followed by one of three post-exercise recovery interventions; (1) contrast water therapy (CWT, 38oC and 15oC), (2) contrast showers (CS, 38oC and 18oC) and (3) passive recovery (PAS, seated rest 20oC). For each trial, participants performed a fatiguing netball specific circuit followed by one of the recovery interventions. Repeated agility, repeated vertical jump, skin and core temperature and muscle soreness were measured before, immediately after, 5 hours post and 24 hours post-exercise. Results: No significant differences (p> 0.05) were evident between conditions for exercise performance (vertical jump, repeated agility). Post-exercise CWT and CS provided similar cooling effects through decreased skin temperature (Tskin) results and a delayed drop in core temperature (Tcore) of (-1.0%) when compared to a passive condition. Perceived perceptions overall were greater in the CWT (18.95 ± 13.77) and CS (17.70 ± 12.98) conditions when compared with a passive recovery (72.80 ± 14.26). Furthermore, a significant (P<0.001) change in perception of CS recovery conditions was observed pre and post condition indicating a significant favourable change in perception. Conclusion: Although no improvements in performance were noted after CWT or CS, neither modality negatively influenced performance. Furthermore, both CWT and CS resulted in faster cooling responses and greater perceptions of recovery when compared with passive sitting. For this reason, it is suggested that CWT and CS are viable recovery modalities that can be used to help increase recovery in netballers after intense training or competition scenarios.
Thromboembolic complications in COVID-19 disease , a brief update

Роль коагулопатии при тяжелой новой коронавирусной инфекции еще предстоит выяснить. Механизмы коагулопатии можно суммировать по двум основным направлениям: пути, обусловленные воспалением, и пути, связанные со специфическими вирусами. Частота тромбоэмболических событий высока, при этом тромбоэмболия легочной артерии является наиболее частым тромбоэмболическим осложнением. Низкомолекулярный гепарин считается основным профилактическим и терапевтическим средством у пациентов с COVID-19. Лечение тромбоэмболических осложнений следует начинать без промедления во всех случаях с определенным или клинически подозреваемым диагнозом, подтвержденным или нет определенными диагностическими методами.
Aerodynamic Response of Slender Suspension Bridges

During the planning of long, slender suspension bridges a lot of aerodynamics has to be taken into account. This thesis focus on one phenomenon; vortex induced vibrations. The purpose of the work has been to learn theory about how the response is obtained and how tuned mass dampers can suppress movement of the bridge girder. The focus has been on the vertical modes,knowing that vortex induced vibrations could happen for torsional and sometimes for horizontal modes as well. By learning theory, and making small Matlab script a final Matlab script is developed to use in a multi mode, multi component case. The Matlab script is tested on data from the Hardanger bridge. The analysis of the Hardanger bridge indicate in the order of 0.1 meters maximum displacement response without the use of tuned mass dampers. The analysis indicate that one or several tuned mass dampers placed at locations where the eigen-mode they are supposed to damp out has its maximum, or is close to its maximum, is an efficient way to reduce the response. A damper is more effective when it has higher mass ratio, but the ratio of the increasing effect seems to decay for higher mass ratios. The value of the damping seems to adjust the difference between the value of the frequency response function at the eigen-frequency, and the peaks around. A higher damping ratio seems to give a smoother curve for the values consider in this case. The value of the frequency seems to adjust the relative height between the two peaks at each side of the eigen-frequency in the frequency response function. Den Hartogs optimization gives peaks at almost the same level. Frequency according to Den Hartog, and damping according to Den Hartog or slightly above seems to give good effect of the tuned mass dampers. In the Matlab script, the iteration process to find the response, is done for the case with no damper, but the response term in the aerodynamic damping is neglected for the case of tuned mass dampers installed. That is because the response, if the damper is effective is negligible used in the expression for aerodynamic damping. This would be my recommendation to further work, to investigate the consequences of neglecting this term.
Review of Current Damage-Level Criteria for Longitudinal Barrier Repair

To protect motorists and avoid tort liability, highway agencies expend considerable resources to repair damaged longitudinal barriers, such as w-beam guardrails. With limited funding available, though, highway agencies are unable to maintain all field-installed systems in the ideal as-built condition. Instead, these agencies focus on repairing only damage that has a detrimental effect on the safety performance of the barrier. The distinction between minor damage and more severe performance-altering damage, however, is not always clear. The objective of this research is to determine current US and Canadian criteria on whether to repair damaged longitudinal barrier. Barrier repair policies were obtained via comprehensive literature review and a survey of US and Canadian transportation agencies. In an analysis of the maintenance procedures of 40 US States and 8 Canadian transportation agencies, fewer than one-third of highway agencies were found to have quantitative measures to determine when barrier repair is warranted. In addition, no engineering basis for the current US barrier repair guidelines could be found. These findings underscore the importance of the development of quantitative barrier repair guidelines based on a strong technical foundation.
Characterizing Veterans Crisis Line callers and regional follow-up efforts

ABSTRACT The Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) is a national resource offering Veterans 24/7 access to crisis responders and follow-up by a licensed mental health clinician at a Veterans Affairs medical center. This quality improvement project aimed to improve local suicide prevention efforts at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System by characterizing 344 VCL calls and outcomes. Data was extracted from documentation by national VCL responders and local Suicide Prevention Team members. Overall, most callers were assessed at low-to-moderate risk. VCL responders were more likely to assess callers reporting suicidal ideation (SI) as high-risk, but less likely to assess those reporting financial issues as high-risk. VCL calls about SI, about physical health, or that occurred on weekends were more likely to end with immediate evaluation (i.e., emergency room, evaluated by first-responders) compared to their respective comparison groups. VCL calls assessed as high-risk were more likely to report SI during local follow-up contact, whereas VCL calls ending in immediate evaluation (i.e., emergency room, evaluated by first-responders) were less likely to report SI during follow-up with the local VA clinician; 17% of VCL calls without SI reported SI at follow-up. Training of local Suicide Prevention Team members should include that SI can change rapidly and requires assessment regardless of SI during the VCL call.
Design of multihundredwatt DIPS for robotic space missions

Design of a dynamic isotope power system (DIPS) general purpose heat source (GPHS) and small free piston Stirling engine (FPSE) is being pursued as a potential lower cost alternative to radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTG's). The design is targeted at the power needs of future unmanned deep space and planetary surface exploration missions ranging from scientific probes to SEI precursor missions. These are multihundredwatt missions. The incentive for any dynamic system is that it can save fuel which reduces cost and radiological hazard. However, unlike a conventional DIPS based on turbomachinery converions, the small Stirling DIPS can be advantageously scaled to multihundred watt unit size while preserving size and weight competitiveness with RTG's. Stirling conversion extends the range where dynamic systems are competitive to hundreds of watts (a power range not previously considered for dynamic systems). The challenge of course is to demonstrate reliability similar to RTG experience. Since the competative potential of FPSE as an isotope converter was first identified, work has focused on the feasibility of directly integrating GPHS with the Stirling heater head. Extensive thermal modeling of various radiatively coupled heat source/heater head geometries were performed using data furnished by the developers of FPSE and GPHS. The analysis indicates that, for the 1050 K heater head configurations considered, GPHS fuel clad temperatures remain within safe operating limits under all conditions including shutdown of one engine. Based on these results, preliminary characterizations of multihundred watt units were established.
The Effects of Various Physical Training Programs on Short Duration, High Intensity Load Bearing Performance and the Army Physical Fitness Test

Abstract : The purpose of this study was to contrast the effects of different physical training programs on short duration, high intensity load bearing performance and Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) scores. Thirty-five soldiers were randomly assigned to one of four training groups: Group A, upper and lower body resistance training and high intensity endurance training (HEIT) which included interval training; Group B, upper body resistance training and HEIT; Group C, upper and lower body resistance training only; Group D, HEIT only. Training took place four times per week (M,T,Th,F) for 12 weeks. Pre- and post- training measures were obtained for a two mile load bearing task with a total load of 44.67 kgs. APFT was administered at the pre-, mid-, and post-training time points. The results demonstrate that only Group A and Group B made significant (p<0.05) improvements in the load bearing performance task. Groups A, B, and D improved all components of their APFT scores while Group C improved in push ups and sit ups only. The results of this study suggest that a combination of running and resistance training in necessary to improve short duration, high intensity load bearing performance. Keywords: Load bearing, Physical training, Physical performance, Muscle strength, Aerobic capacity, Exercise, Performance(Human).
Underpricing of Newly Issued Bonds: Evidence from the Swiss Capital Market

The pricing of newly issued bonds on the Swiss capital market is investigated over the years 1980-82. The results reveal a slight underpricing of new bonds at the issue date that is roughly equal to the difference in transactions costs between the markets for new and seasoned bonds. Underpricing is no longer observed when the new bonds start to be traded on the stock exchange, that is, after about two days. Tests of several hypothesis show that unexpected changes in interest rates over the offering period explain part of the underpricing. Copyright 1988 by American Finance Association.
The Market Effects of Going Green: Evidence from California’s Wholesale Reformulated Gasoline Market

This paper analyzes the market changes that occurred in California’s refining industry following the 1992 implementation of the California Air Resources Board’s Phase II reformulated gasoline regulations. This paper uses monthly panel data to determine the impact that these regulations have had on the disparity between California’s finished gasoline rack prices and that in other regions of the country. The findings suggest that large refiner compliance to Phase II increased the rack price of finished gasoline in California as compared with other regions. This relative price increase, which was likely triggered by the increased production costs associated with Phase II, is consistent with similar results found throughout the literature. However, as small refiners were required to comply with these regulations, this analysis finds that the premium paid for finished gasoline in California increased significantly. This additional increase in the rack price differential, along with trends in industry concentration, suggests that Phase II may have disproportionately disadvantaged California’s small refiners, causing increased profits and market share for larger competitors.