Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Initiation of Particle Movement in Turbulent Open Channel Flow

The objective of this thesis is to investigate the flow conditions that lead to coarse grain entrainment at near incipient motion conditions. Herein, a new conceptual approach is proposed, which in addition to the magnitude of hydrodynamic force or flow power, takes into account the duration of the flow event. Two criteria for inception of grain entrainment, namely the critical impulse and critical energy concepts, are proposed and compared. These frameworks adopt a force or energy perspective, considering the momentum or energy transfer from each flow event to the particle respectively, to describe the phenomenon. A series of conducted mobile particle experiments, are analyzed to examine the validity of the proposed approaches. First a set of bench-top experiments incorporates an electromagnet which applies pulses of known magnitude and duration to a steel spherical particle in a controlled fashion, so as to identify the critical level for entrainment. The utility of the above criteria is also demonstrated for the case of entrainment by the action of turbulent flow, via analysis of a series of flume experiments, where both the history of hydrodynamic forces exerted on the particle as well as its response are recorded simultaneously. Statistical modeling of the distribution of impulses, as well as conditional excess impulses, is performed using distributions from Extreme Value Theory to effectively model the episodic nature of the occurrence of these events. For the examined uniform and low mobility flow conditions, a power law relationship is proposed for describing the magnitude and frequency of occurrence of the impulse events. The Weibull and exponential distributions provide a good fit for the time between particle entrainments. In addition to these statistical tools, a number of Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference Systems employing different input representations are used to learn the nonlinear dynamics of the system and perform statistical prediction. The performance of these models is assessed in terms of their broad validity, efficiency and forecast accuracy. Even though the impulse and energy criteria are deeply interrelated, the latter is shown to be advantageous with regard to its performance, applicability and extension ability. The effect of single or multiple highly energetic events carried by certain coherent flow structures (mainly strong sweep events) with regard to the particle response is also investigated.
Employment around first birth in two adverse institutional settings: Evidence from Italy and Poland

Abstract This paper analyses women’s employment behaviour around first birth in Italy and Poland. These two countries have much in common as far as their cultural and institutional frameworks are concerned. However, they also display key differences that allow us to better investigate how the country-specific factors mediate women’s employment behaviour around the first birth. Our findings reveal substantial differences in women’s behaviour across educational groups and between the two countries. We conclude that conditions for combining work and family, although important, are not the only determinants of women’s fertility and employment decisions, and that other country-specific factors are also highly influential. Keywords: Women’s employment, first childbirth, Italy, Poland, event history analysis ----- Erwerbstatigkeit im Umfeld der ersten Geburt in zwei gegensatzlichen institutionellen Rahmungen: Ergebnisse aus Italien und Polen Zusammenfassung In diesem Artikel wird das Erwerbsverhalten von Frauen in Italien und Polen im Umfeld der Geburt des ersten Kindes analysiert. Diese beiden Lander haben hinsichtlich der kulturellen und institutionellen Rahmenbedingungen viel gemeinsam. Sie weisen jedoch auch zentrale Unterschiede auf, die es uns erlauben, genauer zu untersuchen wie die landerspezifischen Faktoren das Erwerbsverhalten von Frauen im Umfeld der Erstgeburt beeinflussen. Unsere Ergebnisse zeigen, dass substanzielle Unterschiede im Verhalten uber Bildungsgruppen hinweg und zwischen den beiden Landern bestehen. Wir kommen zu dem Schluss, dass die Bedingungen der Vereinbarkeit von Arbeit und Familie zwar wichtig, aber nicht die einzigen Determinanten fur die Entscheidungen der Frauen hinsichtlich der Fertilitat und der Erwerbstatigkeit sind. Andere landerspezifische Faktoren sind dabei ebenfalls sehr einflussreich. Schlagworte: Frauenerwerbstatigkeit, Erstgeburt, Italien, Polen, Ereigniszeitanalyse
User Experience Design (UXD): a survey of user interface development practices in Malaysia

Despite the growing interest on user experience (UX) in the field of Human Computer Interaction (HCI) in other countries, little is known on how the UX approach is applied in the development of interfaces in Malaysia. An online questionnaire is distributed to the Information Technology (IT) development practitioners to identify what is the product/system development process in-practice and whether User Experience Design (UXD) is incorporated into that process. Majority of the respondents in this study claimed to embed UXD in the development life cycle. The result shows 75 percent of the respondents received formal education in HCI. However, when asked about difficulties to practice HCI/usability/UX, the respondents revealed a concerned to the increase of development time and declared to have lack of understanding to apply the terms. While current ongoing projects are mostly Web-based development, the highest rank of methodology in-use is rated as waterfall model. For this reason, the result of the study must be interpreted with caution. Further investigation should be conducted in practice using complimentary data collection methods such as interviews and end product evaluations. This study is an important empirical basis for many HCI practitioners who struggle to introduce HCI/usability/UX into the development process practices in Malaysia.
Moringa: A multipurpose potential crop – A review

Moringa oleifera Lam. , historically, is regarded as nutrient rich food supplement with immense medicinal and therapeutic values. Literature reveals multipurpose applications of different parts of Moringa such as leaves, flowers, pods, seeds and roots. Fruits of Moringa are a major source of vitamin C, i.e., 120 mg per 100 g fresh sliced pods. It is used in functional and traditional foods, e.g., in making soups, weaning foods, amala, biscuits, bread, cake and yoghurt as well as cheese and has the ability to preserve foods. In various medicinal applications, it works as antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antihyperglycemic, antidiabetic and antimicrobial agent and in agricultural uses as animal feed, forage crop, natural plant growth enhancer and bio-pesticide. This review article presents the various uses, of Moringa discovered through past years of research in animal and human subjects as well as in other experimental studies, besides, the possibility of including the species for diversity and sustainability.
The Limitations and Opportunities to Implement Environmental Management System in Malaysia

This paper highlights the extent of the Environmental Management System (EMS) implementation in building and construction industry in Malaysia. It has been found from the literature review and the research done, that the implementation of the EMS approaches in building professional organisations is still at the infancy stage. This paper also presents some approaches that can be taken to address the present obstacles that hinder a wider implementation of environmental sustainable development
A novel multiport cylinder dryer.

A multiport dryer design concept that could create breakthroughs in the drying of pulp and paper is under development. The feasibility of this novel concept was demonstrated in a proof-of-concept test. Experiments were performed in a specially designed test apparatus to investigate the condensing heat-transfer characteristics of a single channel (representative of a multiport cylinder dryer) under typical operating conditions. The experimental results showed that multiport cylinder-dryer technology provides very high heat-transfer coefficients of 15,000 W/m{sup 2}{center_dot}K (2600 Btu/h{center_dot}ft{sup 2} {sup o}F) and a highly uniform distribution of cylinder-wall temperature. These experimental results suggest that a multiport cylinder dryer can increase the rate of paper drying compared with a conventional cylinder dryer. The increased dryer efficiency translates into either a reduction in the number of dryers at the same level of production or an increase in the rate of production with the same number of dryers.
Specification of data properties to identify anomalies in scientific sensor data

Environmental scientists use advanced sensor technology such as meteorological towers, wireless sensor networks and robotic trams equipped with sensors to perform data collection at remote research sites. Because the amount of environmental sensor data acquired by such instruments is increasing, the ability to evaluate the accuracy of the data at collection time and to check that the instrumentation is operating correctly become critical in order to not lose valuable time and information. The goal of the research is to define a solution, based on software-engineering techniques, to support the scientist's ability to specify data properties that can identify anomalies in scientific sensor data collected by instruments in remote locations. The research effort included deriving a data property categorization from the findings of a literature survey of 15 projects that collected environmental data from sensors and a case study conducted in the Arctic. More than 500 published data properties were manually extracted and analyzed from the surveyed projects and the Arctic case study with scientists, who were collecting hyperspectral data using robotic tram systems. The data property categorization catalogs recurrent data patterns that have been used by scientists. The Specification and Pattern System (SPS) from the software-engineering community was used as a model to develop a system, called Data Specification and Pattern System (D-SPS), to define patterns and scopes of data properties based on the data property categorization. D-SPS provides the foundation for the Data Property Specification (DaProS) tool that can assist scientists in specification of sensor data properties. A series of experiments were conducted in collaboration with experts working with Eddy covariance (EC) data from the Jornada Basin Experimental Range to determine if the approach for specifying data properties is effective for specifying data properties and identifying anomalies in sensor data. A complementary sensor data verification tool was developed to verify the expert-specified data properties over the EC data. The approach successfully identified and distinguished anomalies due to environmental variability events from anomalies due to equipment malfunctioning. In addition, this work also identified key factors that influence the effectiveness of the data anomaly detection process.
Work Zone Optimization for Multiple-Lane Highway Resurfacing Projects with Time Constraints and Alternate Route

Work zones for pavement resurfacing on multiple-lane highways often require closing two or more lanes at a time, one lane for access and the other(s) for resurfacing. This paper develops a work zone optimization model for multiple-lane highways with time-dependent inflows, a detour, access lanes, and time constraints. Two algorithms SAUASD (Simulated Annealing for Uniform Alternatives with a Single Detour) and SAMASD (Simulated Annealing for Mixed Alternatives with a Single Detour) developed in our previous studies are used to find the best schedules and diversion fractions for successive work zones. The objective is to minimize total cost, including agency cost and user cost. Four possible time constraints (none, AM, PM, AM+PM) are analyzed in our numerical examples for six-lane highway work zones. Thus, traffic management plans are developed with uniform or mixed alternatives for successive zones within a multiple-lane highway resurfacing project.
Predictors of physical activity in older adults experiencing an emergency hospital admission: a prospective cohort study

Background Reduced mobility may be responsible for functional decline and acute sarcopenia in older hospitalised patients. The drivers of reduced in-hospital mobility are poorly understood, especially during the early phase of acute hospitalisation. We investigated predictors of in-hospital activity during a 24-hour period in the first 48 hours of hospital admission in older adults. Methods This was a secondary analysis of a prospective repeated measures cohort study. Participants aged 75 years or older were recruited within the first 24 hours of admission. At recruitment, patients underwent a baseline assessment including measurements of pre-morbid functional mobility, cognition, frailty, falls efficacy, co-morbidity, acute illness severity, knee extension strength and grip strength, and consented to wear accelerometers to measure physical activity during the first 7 days (or until discharge if earlier). In-hospital physical activity was defined as the amount of upright time (standing or walking). To examine the predictors of physical activity, we limited the analysis to the first 24 hours of recording to maximise the sample size as due to discharge from hospital there was daily attrition. We used a best subset analysis including all baseline measures. The optimal model was defined by having the lowest Bayesian information criterion in the best-subset analyses. The model specified a maximum of 5 covariates and used an exhaustive search. Results Seventy participants were recruited but eight were excluded from the final analysis due to lack of accelerometer data within the first 24 hours after recruitment. Patients spent a median of 0.50 hours (IQR: 0.21; 1.43) standing or walking. The optimal model selected the following covariates: functional mobility as measured by the de Morton Mobility Index and two measures of illness severity, the National Early Warning Score, and serum C-reactive protein. Conclusions Physical activity, particularly in the acute phase of hospitalisation, is very low in older adults. The association between illness severity and physical activity may be explained by symptoms of acute illness being barriers to activity. Interdisciplinary approaches are required to identify early mobilisation opportunities.
For the Win: How Game Thinking Can Revolutionize Your Business

Take your business to the next level--for the win Millions flock to their computers, consoles, mobile phones, tablets, and social networks each day to play World of Warcraft, Farmville, Scrabble, and countless other games, generating billions in sales each year. The careful and skillful construction of these games is built on decades of research into human motivation and psychology: A well-designed game goes right to the motivational heart of the human psyche. In For the Win, authors Kevin Werbach and Dan Hunter argue persuasively that gamemakers need not be the only ones benefiting from game design. Werbach and Hunter are lawyers and World of Warcraft players who created the world's first course on gamification at the Wharton School. In their book, they reveal how game thinking--addressing problems like a game designer--can motivate employees and customers and create engaging experiences that can transform your business. For the Win reveals how a wide range of companies are successfully using game thinking. It also offers an explanation of when gamifying makes the most sense and a 6-step framework for using games for marketing, productivity enhancement, innovation, employee motivation, customer engagement, and more. In this illuminating guide, Werbach and Hunter reveal how game thinking can yield winning solutions to real-world business problems. Let the games begin!
Assessing Canada’s Support of International Students [Working Paper]: A Comprehensive Review of Canada’s Retention and Settlement of its “Model Immigrants”

Abstract The aim of this research paper is to present the findings of an extensive literature review related to barriers international students experience transitioning to employment and permanent residency in Canada. International students who wish to work in Canada temporarily have difficulty receiving employment because of limited co-operative education opportunities and a lack of professional networks. The lack of settlement services, the numerous complexities of immigration policies, and the minimal awareness among students hinder the process for these individuals to immigrate to Canada permanently. These realities hold significant policy implications for the federal and provincial levels of government because Canada continues to admit educated and skilled labour in order to address national priorities such as long-term labour shortage and population decline. International students, especially those who hope to secure employment and permanency in Canada, are an attractive population, given the Canadian education and social capital they have received upon completion of their studies. This report will also provide a comprehensive review of several best practices and policy suggestions in addressing the challenges described above. Additionally, I will offer some practical recommendations for those involved in this transition process.
Range Characterization Studies at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska: 2001 and 2002

Abstract : The U.S. Army Alaska seeks to conserve and protect natural resources on lands used for combat training exercises. Some of these exercises require live fire of ordnance containing high explosives. One aspect of managing the ranges so as to mitigate the environmental consequences of training is to identify the location, extent, and potential migration of munitions residues in soils, surface waters, and groundwater. This report summarizes analytical results for soil samples collected from firing points and some impact areas at the Donnelly Training Area near Delta Junction, Alaska. Explosives residues are for the most part undetectable or at very low concentrations (parts per billion) in the soils of impact areas. The exceptions are soils near or under partial ordnance detonations, targets, and rocket motor debris. We found high concentrations (parts per thousand) of TNT in soils next to partially detonated 500-lb and 2000-lb bombs; moderate concentrations (parts per million) of RDX and TNT around targets; and moderate concentrations (parts per million) of NO under rocket motor debris. At firing points used for 105-mm howitzers, 2,4-DNT is detectable in surface soils at parts-per-million concentrations. This analyze is associated with burned and unburned fibers of propellant that are sprayed to distances of at least 100 m from the muzzle. The highest concentrations of 2,4-DNT were in soils where excess propellant is burned for disposal. Because of the very low soil clean-up levels listed by the State of Alaska for this compound, appropriate and reproducible laboratory and field sampling procedures need to be developed to monitor this analyze.
Developing an organisational framework for sustaining virtual city models

This research thesis presents an organisational framework for the management of virtual cities for hosts to adopt when seeking to produce and maintain a virtual city for use as a tool for urban planning related activities. The framework functions as an over-arching business model or structure, a general methodology for defining the organisational processes of virtual city enterprises. In achieving this aim, the research outlines standards and protocols for its creation, legal issues for its distribution and suggested processes for the update of 3D data. The diverse issues and needs of various stakeholders are addressed (Horne et al., 2006) in order to challenge the organisational issues and common concepts involved in creating, hosting and managing a city model (Voigt et al., 2004). Preliminary investigations showed that extensive research has been carried out on 3D and virtual city modelling techniques and their application, but the theoretical organisational and management issues for hosting 3D virtual city models needs to be addressed (Hamilton et al., 2005; Dokonal and Martens, 2001) through a ‘guiding source book’ for the creation and use of 3D city models(Bourdakis, 2004). This thesis explores the current state of virtual city modelling and its origins through literature research as well as an investigation into suitable business modelling practice. Pilot studies and an interview process with current virtual city hosts informed the research of current practice in the field. An organisational framework is subsequently put forward that combines elements from each of these investigations using a business model ‘canvas’ that can be adopted by current or prospective hosts and adapted to suit their circumstances, applications and users. The framework addresses the technical aspects of establishing a virtual city model, such as 3D data capture methods, spatial data infrastructure and modelling protocols in order to present a roadmap for virtual city enterprises. This correspondingly outlines a development from traditional and static datasets of geometry in ‘3D city models’ to more serviceable and user-centric ‘virtual city enterprises’. The organisational framework introduces 7 key areas that virtual city hosts should address for sustaining their enterprise that encompasses the technologies and expertise. Hence, this research makes significant contribution to knowledge by bringing together the many considerations that virtual city hosts must consider when creating a sustainable process to support urban planning.
Correlates of Obstacle Course Performance Among Female Soldiers Carrying Two Different Loads

Abstract : To examine correlates of obstacle course performance, ii female volunteers (mean +/- SD: 25.3 +/- 5.5 yrs, 166 +/- 6.5 cm, 61.3 +/- 6.7 kg) negotiated an obstacle course (low hurdles, zig-zag run, low crawl, overload horizontal pipe, wall, and sprint) with a 14 kg fighting load and a 27 kg approach load. Predictive variables included Army physical fitness test (APFT: pushups, situps, and 3.2 km run) scores, treadmill VO2(sub max) and anthropometric variables. For the 14 kg load, pushups and situps correlated moderately (p < 0.1) with time to negotiate the low crawl and pipe. With the 27 kg load the APFT score correlated moderately with zig-zag and low crawl times, body height correlated (p < 0.1) with hurdles and zig-zag times, and VO2(sub max) correlated with zig-zag and pipe performance. Only 55% of wall traversal attempts with the fighting load and 27% with the approach load were successful, and 800% of pipe traversal attempts with the fighting load and 300% with the approach load were successful. Because so many volunteers could not negotiate these stations, times for the segments were not included in the analysis of total course time. Pushups (r = - 0.54, p < 0.1) and situps (r = - 0.62 p < 0.1) best predicted course time wit the 14 kg load, while the APFT score (r = - 0.57. r < 0.1) best predicted time with the 27 kg load. Aerobic fitness and muscular endurance play important roles in obstacle course performance. As measures of these abilities, the total APFT score and its pushup and situp sub-scores can serve as field expedient predictors of obstacle course performance.