Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development of a first-year ridge keel load model

This thesis documents the development of a new modelling approach for first-year ridge keel loads. The development involves a detailed review of previous and new ice rubble indentation and shear strength experiments. A systematic regression analysis of compiled laboratory data sets is used to establish a basic approach to keel load modelling, analogous to that for soil retaining problems. Experiments pioneering the modelling of first-year ridge keels with sand are also described. The dry sand tests afforded a high degree of control which led to the development of a new sand force prediction model that was adapted and calibrated for ice keel modelling. -- The advantage of the new first-year ridge keel load model is that new effective structure width and keel shape models are utilized, ridge width is factored in and surcharge effects are considered. The model shows excellent agreement with a large body of new experimental data and the best field data available. Also, it is closed-form, has been successfully applied to both vertical and conical structures, and is based on fundamental earth pressure equilibrium mechanics as are other approaches already in the literature. A further advantage is that ice rubble shear strength yield criteria used in the model have been thoroughly examined so that associated parametric uncertainties are quantified and reduced. An in situ technique for testing the shear strength of ridge keels is developed and direction for future field work and modelling efforts is given.
POWERFUL RANDOM ARRAYS: ADVANTAGES AND FIELDS OF APPLICATIONS

Principles of developing of powerful two-dimensional phased arrays with a random distribution of elements on a surface (so-called random arrays) are discussed. Essential advantages of such arrays in comparison with frequently used arrays with a regular distribution of elements are shown. The construction and parameters of a recently developed random array are presented. Various applications of random arrays are discussed. For example, in medicine, they can find wide practical use for noninvasive ablation of targeted deeply located structures, often of complex shape, within the human body. Another potential application is the development of tactile displays to transfer touch sensory information to a person by means of an ultrasound method based on the effect of radiation pressure. On such a display, it is possible to synthesize promptly varying patterns having, in general, complex configurations (geometrical figures, letters, numerals, symbols, etc.). Such potential is of interest for the development of perspective robotic techniques and systems, sensors, automated control systems, and also human–machine interfaces based on the use of tactile sensations. Such arrays can be used also for the development of systems that enable blind persons, using tactile sensations, to perceive textual information presented on the display.
AN ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF UNDESIRABLE OUTPUTS ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF UNITED STATES MOTOR CARRIERS

Title of Document: AN ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF UNDESIRABLE OUTPUTS ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF UNITED STATES MOTOR CARRIERS Rodrigo A. Britto, Ph.D., 2012 Directed By: Professor Thomas M. Corsi, Department of Logistics, Business, and Public Policy Robert H. Smith School of Business The U.S. economy depends heavily on the trucking industry as it moves 70% of the entire nation’s freight. With the inclusion of $295 billion in truck trade with Canada and $195.6 billion in truck trade with Mexico in 2007, it is apparent that any disruption in truck traffic will lead to rapid economic instability (ATA Releases: American Trucking Trends 2008 – 2009, 2008). Yet, the critical nature of the trucking industry comes at a societal price. Indeed, undesirable outputs, e.g., truck crashes and associated injuries and fatalities, have very significant economic and human consequences. This dissertation uses Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to investigate the impact of undesirable outputs on the productivity of the motor carrier industry during the years 1999-2003. Previous DEA studies at the firm level have focused on the relationship between inputs and desirable outputs. The proposed approach in this dissertation simultaneously considers both the positive and negative outputs. This dissertation addresses two key problems with the DEA analysis technique previously identified by Yang and Pollit (2009): i.e., failure to take into consideration undesirable outputs and the failure to assess the impact of exogenous variables on the DEA scores of individual firms. As a result, this study will provide a new perspective into the productivity of U.S. motor carriers by incorporating both of these considerations into a more comprehensive DEA analysis. It will also provide opportunities to evaluate how individual firms might change their mix of inputs in order to simultaneously maximize desirable outputs and minimize undesirable ones. An Assessment of the Impact of Undesirable Outputs on the Productivity of United States
Opening access to higher education to all? What motivates academic staff in traditional universities to adopt elearning?

This paper will examine the question of how traditional universities can open their programmes to students who are unable to attend on-campus, focusing in particular on the key role of academic staff in adopting innovative approaches to teaching and learning. The Universal declaration of Human Rights (1948) Art 26 included the right to education and the equal accessibility to higher education to all on the basis of merit. Yet, six decades later, it is clear that this has not happened, with participation in higher education limited in many countries on the basis of class, income and geographical location (Spronk 2008). While a number of countries have adopted strategies to increase participation in higher education among school leavers, there is still a substantial proportion of adults who have not had access to higher education, and who are prevented from doing so by a wide range of factors. Distance education and developments in elearning offer the potential to open access to higher education, yet, despite the many achievements of distance educators, particularly in specialist open universities, it cannot be claimed that distance education has been mainstreamed in traditional universities. The term ‘elearning’ has come into use since the late 1990s, and is often equated with open distance learning, however, it is important to remember that these two terms are not synonymous. Elearning can serve a spectrum of learners, at one extreme, by enhancing the quality of on-campus lectures with online resources, and at the other extreme, by replacing oncampus attendance with a range of technological resources and supports. To date, the adoption of elearning in higher education institutions has served to enhance the quality of learning for on-campus students, but has not yet translated into a substantial increase in opportunities for part-time and distance learners. The OECD report on elearning strategies adopted in institutions in thirteen countries supports this contention, finding that enhancing on-campus learning was the leading rationale for adopting elearning, whereas distance learning did not feature as a strong rationale in over half of the institutions surveyed (OECD 2005: 88). Another report on elearning strategies in Japan found that while over 70% of institutions had adopted some form of elearning, less than 10% made courses available to off-campus students (Latchem, 2007). The Sloan survey of 2,500 US colleges and universities reported that over 3.5 million students took at least one fully online course during the fall 2006 academic term, however just 35% of institutions said they were providing fully online programmes, 31% were offering online courses but not fully online programmes and 34% had no online offerings (Allen and Seaman 2007: 5).
Agile Software Requirements: Lean Requirements Practices for Teams, Programs, and the Enterprise

We need better approaches to understanding and managing software requirements, and Dean provides them in this book. He draws ideas from three very useful intellectual pools: classical management practices, Agile methods, and lean product development. By combining the strengths of these three approaches, he has produced something that works better than any one in isolation. From the Foreword by Don Reinertsen, President of Reinertsen & Associates; author of Managing the Design Factory; and leading expert on rapid product development Effective requirements discovery and analysis is a critical best practice for serious application development. Until now, however, requirements and Agile methods have rarely coexisted peacefully. For many enterprises considering Agile approaches, the absence of effective and scalable Agile requirements processes has been a showstopper for Agile adoption. In Agile Software Requirements, Dean Leffingwell shows exactly how to create effective requirements in Agile environments. Part I presents the big picture of Agile requirements in the enterprise, and describes an overall process model for Agile requirements at the project team, program, and portfolio levelsPart II describes a simple and lightweight, yet comprehensive model that Agile project teams can use to manage requirementsPart III shows how to develop Agile requirements for complex systems that require the cooperation of multiple teamsPart IV guides enterprises in developing Agile requirements for ever-larger systems of systems, application suites, and product portfolios This book will help you leverage the benefits of Agile without sacrificing the value of effective requirements discovery and analysis. Youll find proven solutions you can apply right nowwhether youre a software developer or tester, executive, project/program manager, architect, or team leader.
A COMPARISON OF TRADITIONAL, ONLINE AND HYBRID METHODS OF COURSE DELIVERY

With the availability of the Internet as a learning tool educators are faced with the challenge of whether to use this tool for course delivery and, if so, to what extent and in what manner it should be incorporated into the curriculum. This study takes an empirical look at course design and delivery factors that impact student perceptions of learning and course satisfaction. Students completed surveys addressing a variety of issues as they relate to traditional classroom courses, Internet courses and a hybrid of the two. Results of the study suggest that the use of hybrid methods of course delivery -- incorporating elements of both the traditional classroom and webbased instruction -- may provide an optimal "mix" for student learning. Implications of the results are discussed.
Spirulina-Enriched Pasta as Functional Food Rich in Protein and Antioxidant

Functional foods are considered foods that have a beneficial impact when ingestion. The present work aims to prepare functional food in the form of pasta rich in antioxidants and protein by enrichment with different Spirulina levels (SP). To achieve this aim, acute and chronic toxicity of SP were evaluated in experimental animals. Antioxidant activity, total phenolic compound content, physicochemical, rheological, and sensorial parameters were evaluated in pasta samples. Volatile compounds were investigated in pasta samples using SPME-GC-MS. Spirulina indicated complete safety in acute and chronic toxicity studies. Protein content in pasta increased with the increment of SP. Rheological parameters, color, and cooking quality were increased following SP level while; dough stability was decreased. Sensory evaluation of pasta samples was acceptable up to 5% SP. Total phenolic compound content was increased in pasta with increasing S SP’s level and reaches its maximum value at level 10% SP (3.12 mg GAE/g). Antioxidant activity was reduced in cooked pasta compared to uncooked. Twenty-five volatile compounds were identified in fresh pasta samples (0 & 2.5% SP). Hexanal and 2-pentylfuran were the highest volatile compounds in pasta samples. Spirulina is completely safe and could be used in the preparation of functional foods. Spirulina-enriched pasta is a rich source of protein and antioxidants. The enrichment of pasta caused a reduction in sensory scores with an increase in the addition level. This reduction may be due to the low concentration of 2-pentylfuran and hexanal as flavor compounds.
FATIGUE STRENGTH ENHANCEMENT BY MEANS OF WELD DESIGN CHANGE AND THE APPLICATION OF ULTRASONIC IMPACT TREATMENT

Over the past four years extensive research has been done in the area of fatigue enhancement of fracture critical details on bridges. This includes the aspect of evaluating different weld designs and post weld treatment approaches. With the development of high strength steels and their use within the bridge industry further emphasis has been placed on this research. fatigue tests have been conducted on samples manufactured from high strength steel supplied from two different international steel manufacturers, Swedish Steel and Nippon Steel Corporation. During this time full size girders manufactured using HPS-70W and full size rolled-web girders using HPS-60W, with welded A588 steel attachments (stiffeners and cover plates), have been tested at Lehigh University. This presentation serves to report the results to date of these studies and provide some insight into the conclusions drawn in consideration of fatigue fracture details on bridge girders. Specific emphasis will be focused on weld design options and the benefits achieved by ultrasonic impact treatment. The study covered areas of new welded structures as well as repair procedures and fatigue improvement techniques. The presentation addresses recommended procedures to be considered in the design and manufacture of new bridge members, as well as specific field applications for retrofit treatment conducted on bridges currently in use. This systemwide approach to fatigue enhancement and consideration of weld design during bridge manufacturing covers areas of significant concern to design engineers and bridge maintenance engineers. With this paper the authors hope to prove that the combination of new weld design and ultrasonic impact treatment eliminates fatigue as a concern in design.
Failure analysis, modeling, and prediction for BlueGene/L

OF THE DISSERTATION Failure Analysis, Modeling, and Prediction for BlueGene/L by Yinglung Liang Dissertation Directors: Professor Yanyong Zhang The growing computational and storage needs of scientific applications mandate the deployment of extreme-scale parallel machines, such as IBM’s BlueGene/L, a 64K dual-core processor system. One of the challenges of designing and deploying such systems in a production setting is the need to take failure occurrences into account. Once the large scale system equipped with a failure predictability, the fault tolerance and resource management strategies of the system can be improved significantly, and its performance can be highly increased. This dissertation is based on the Reliability, Availability and Serviceability (RAS) events generated by IBM BlueGene/L over a period of 142 days. Using these logs, we performed failure analysis, modeling, and prediction. Filters are created to reveal the system failure behaviors, three preliminary models are identified for the failures, and finally, three failure predictors are established for the system. We heavily use data mining and time series analysis techniques for this dissertation. Our comprehensive evaluation demonstrates that our Bi-Modal Nearest Neighbor predictor greatly outperforms the other two (RIPPER and LIBSVM based), leading to an F-measure of 70% and 50% for a 12-hour and 6-hour prediction window size.
Notch Stress Convergence Studies for H and P Formulation Finite Elements

Abstract : In the present investigation both 2D and 3D linear elastic analyses have been undertaken to assess the accuracy and computational resources associated with the use of h-element and p-element formulations. All analyses have been undertaken for a local stress-concentrating feature, which is typical of aircraft structures, namely a circular hole in a remotely loaded plate. Here highly accurate results are obtained for both element formulations, and it is found that the p-elements offer large savings in analysis times. Subsequently a relationship is developed and validated for both 2D and 3D meshes to determine an equivalent non-uniform h-element mesh density, which will yield the same accuracy as a fully converged p-element mesh. This provides a useful transferable tool for designing cost-effective h-element meshes, obviating the need for multiple mesh refinement iterations. Finally, it is demonstrated numerically that p-elements of order five and above, can be used to predict accurate through-thickness peak stresses, in a typical plate modelled with only one element through its full thickness.
Attentional tunneling and the head-up display

Twenty instrument-rated flight students flew simulated landing approaches to a realistic graphics generated airport, using either a head-up display (HUD) of instrument landing systems (ILS) instruments or the same display positioned 8.5 deg. head down. Responses to discrete events appearing either on the ground environment or on the instrument display assessed the pilot's ability to switch attention between these domains. Unexpected events also occurred once (per subject) in each domain. The results revealed that flight path control and attention switching to the instrumnet display was better supported by the HUD, while this advantage disappeared for attention switching to the environment, and for detection of unexpected events. The results are discussed in terms of the attention strategies employed in sampling multiple information sources.
Preliminary Kalman Filter Design to Improve Air Combat Maneuvering Target Estimation for the F-4E/G Fire Control System.

Abstract : Currently, the F-4E/G uses a Wiener-Hopf filter for estimating target position, velocity, and acceleration during air combat maneuvering. As implemented, the errors between the actual target variables and the estimate of these variables are too large. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of replacing the Wiener-Hopf filter with a Kalman filter in order to obtain better estimates. The evaluation is made by first designing an appropriate preliminary design Kalman filter and then testing the design through a Monte Carlo computer simulation analysis. The computer simulation results indicate that the Kalman filter is capable of significantly outperforming the Wiener-Hopf filter and as such should be developed into a final design. The Kalman filter contains nine states (three relative target position, three total target velocity, and three total target acceleration states). Filter propagation is based on linear time-invariant dynamics primarily because of the limited capabilities of the on-board aircraft computer. The linear dynamics permits propagation by a state transition matrix. Measurement updates use six measurements (range, range rate, azimuth angle, elevation angle, azimuth rate, and elevation rate) available on the F-4. Both continuous time sampled-data and discrete-time sampled-data designs are included. (Author)
Explorative analysis of a predictive score for patients with metastatic, castration resistant prostate cancer undergoing radioligand therapy with [177Lu]Lu-labeled prostate-specific membrane antigen

Background: Up to 60% of patients with metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) treated with [177Lu]Lu-labeled prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) radioligand therapy (RLT) achieve partial biochemical response with a decrease of >50% in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. The remaining fraction of patients, however, do not respond to RLT. The aim of this explorative analysis was to identify pretherapeutic factors for the prediction of response. Methods: 46 patients (age = 68 years [53-87]) with mCRPC who consecutively underwent RLT with [177Lu]Lu-PSMA (median applied activity = 6 GBq [2.9-6.2]) were included and analysed retrospectively. Association of different clinical and laboratory factors and parameters from pretherapeutic 68Gallium-PSMA positron emission tomography (PET) with the outcome of RLT was tested (Fisher’s test). Outcome was defined as PSA changes 8 weeks after the second RLT (partial response [PR], PSA decrease >50%; progressive disease [PD], PSA increase ≥25%; stable disease [SD], others). Significant risk factors were combined in a predictive score.Results: Median pretherapeutic PSA was 79 ng/ml. Thirty percent of the patients showed a post-treatment PR (median: 73% PSA decrease), 35% SD (median: 17% PSA decrease) and 35% PD (median: 42% PSA increase). Significant predictors for PD were alkaline phosphatase (ALP) >135 U/l (p=0.030), PSA >200 ng/ml (p=0.036), and maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of the “hottest lesion” in pretherapeutic PET <45 (p=0.005). The predictive score including PSA, ALP, and SUVmax could separate 2 distinct groups of patients: ≤2 risk factors (81% PR or SD, 19% PD) and 3 risk factors (10% PR or SD, 90% PD). Conclusion: The presented predictive score allowed a pretherapeutic estimate of the expected response to RLT. This is hypothesis generating. Prospective trials are needed to test these predictive risk factors
Acoustic models of consonant recognition in cochlear implant users

Normal-hearing adults have no difficulty in recognising consonants accurately, even in moderately adverse listening conditions. By contrast, users of multichannel cochlear implants have difficulty with the accurate perception of consonants, even in good listening conditions. Cochlear implant users are known to show systematic deficits in recognition of consonant features, with perception of the place feature, which relies on spectral information, being worst. These deficits may be attributed both to signal distortions introduced by the processing of the implants and to other factors, in particular the spectrotemporal distortions which occur at the interface between electrode array and auditory nervous system, including cross-channel interaction. The objective of the work reported here was to attempt to partial out the relative contribution of these different factors to consonant recognition. This was achieved by comparing cochlear implant users’ perceptual errors, analysed in terms of information transmission, with errors made by normal-hearing subjects listening to acoustic models of implant processing, in various conditions. Two initial experiments were undertaken to develop and refine an acoustic model of the Nucleus 24 cochlear implant. Findings from these two experiments informed the design of the main acoustic model experiment, which was undertaken in parallel with a further experiment involving users of the Nucleus 24 device. In both experiments, subjects listened to nonsense syllables with and without the addition of stationary background noise, in three different configurations of implant processing parameters. Additionally, in the acoustic model experiment, a simulation of cross-channel spread of excitation, or “channel interaction”, was varied. Results showed that acoustic model experiments were predictive of the pattern of consonant feature transmission in cochlear implant users with better baseline consonant recognition scores. Deficits in consonant recognition in this subgroup could be explained by the loss of phonemically relevant acoustic information in speech due to the nature of cochlear implant processing, while channel interaction appeared to play a smaller role in accounting for problems in consonant recognition. The work also evaluated the effect of changes in channel number and stimulation rate and failed to find any changes in consonant recognition as these parameters were varied. The lack of a stimulation rate effect was consistent with acoustic measurements of the temporal modulation transfer function of the processor, which showed almost no change across stimulation rates.