Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Measuring physical activity in obese populations using accelerometry

The thesis is concerned with objectively measuring human physical activity through accelerometry, and compares the effectiveness of algorithms between obese and non-obese groups. The thesis comprises three studies: Classification of Aerobic and Gym-based Exercises from Accelerometer Output. This study investigated whether accurate classification could be achieved from hip- or ankle-mounted accelerometers for a programme of aerobic exercises and free-living activities. It also examined whether accuracy was affected by obesity, and whether a single classifier could be applied across BMI groups. The study achieved high classification accuracies (85% for hip and 94% for ankle) for both obese and normal BMI groups using the same approach across groups. Walking Speed Estimation Using Accelerometry. This study aimed to develop a speed estimation model that was applicable across BMI groups, and which utilised a hip-mounted accelerometer. To achieve this, multiple accelerometer signal features were evaluated for use in a linear speed estimation model, and performance was compared between obese and normal BMI groups. The speed estimation algorithm achieved overall RMSE of 0.08ms-1 for a mixed BMI group, which is comparable with previous research using homogeneous groups. Prediction of Energy Expenditure from Accelerometer Output. This study aimed to identify physiological and anthropometric parameters for use in an improved energy expenditure estimation model. Model performance was tested on a mixed BMI group. The energy expenditure prediction model incorporating subject attributes showed around 20% improvement over the standard model. This research found that current approaches to activity classification using accelerometry are equally applicable to obese groups and normal BMI groups. Walking speed prediction was shown to be possible from a hip-mounted accelerometer for both obese and normal BMI groups. Energy expenditure estimation is improved by including subject-specific parameters in the prediction model. Accelerometry is, therefore, a suitable tool for measuring different aspects of physical activity for obese and mixed BMI groups.
Innovation and transformation in the Swedish manufacturing sector, 1970-2007

This doctoral thesis investigates changes in the volume and character of Swedish manufacturing sector innovation output between 1970 and 2007, a time span composed of both extended periods of relative prosperity and decline. More specifically, it examines whether changes in the number of innovations, the character of the innovating firms, and the distribution of innovations across industries are generally associated with any such period. Significant differences in received accounts of structural transformation in the Swedish manufacturing sector motivate the study. A newly compiled database containing observations of nearly 4000 innovations is explored. It is found that innovation output is at its greatest during the economically stagnant period running from 1975 and until the first years of the 19 80s. Furthermore, innovations produced in this period are more novel than those of any other period. Innovation output observed in the relatively prosperous period 1994-2007 is meager and generally less novel. There is a marked increase in small firm innovation; from the early 1980s onwards, small firms are the most important source of innovation. The increase cuts through the entire period and stands in contrast with the economically important role traditionally considered to be played by large firms in the Swedish economy. Innovation output is found to shift from being primarily achieved in the capital goods sector to being subsequently developed in fields such as instruments, telecom products, and software. With regard to the revolutionary growth of microelectronics characterizing the period, the Swedish manufacturing sector is found to be competent in implementing such technology and to be primarily a receiver rather than a supplier of microelectronic components. (Less)
From silence to voice: Examining the empowerment potential of mobile phones to women in Sri Lanka The case of dependent housewives

Over the past few decades, at an unprecedented rate, mobile phone has penetrated Sri Lanka, triggering much hype and investment as well as multiple socioeconomic implications. Yet, examining the developmental impact of mobile phones has, however, drawn surprisingly little attention in Sri Lanka with no studies focusing primarily on the impact of mobile phones on the empowerment of women. Therefore, this paper, applying primarily qualitative methodology, attempts an investigation of the empowering effect of mobile phones to dependent housewives in poor households in Sri Lanka. The study found that access to mobile phones was certainly empowering for the women: mobile phones unequivocally strengthened and expanded their social circle and support networks as an instrument of sociability; it led them domesticate technology, thus challenging negative societal attitudes towards women as technophobic luddites; it reduced their information poverty, enabling and facilitating access to information; and, opened them up a “newer”, non-traditional space of fun, something which demonstrated a clear manifestation of choice and power. However, the study unveiled that the women’s use of mobile phones was largely controlled within the household, mainly because they did not have their own income to maintain their phones, but to rely on the spouse, the conventional family provider, thus calling for the need for women’s financial autonomy. Those women who legally owned their mobile phones had control over them relative to those who lacked legal ownership. In conclusion, mobile phones can play a significant role in empowering women and thus, recommends considering it as a tool in the policy agenda for women’s empowerment in Sri Lanka.
Energy harvesting from a vortex ring impinging on an annular ionic polymer metal composite

The energy exchange between a vortex ring and an annular ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) plate is explored during impact. The vortex ring axis of symmetry is aligned with the geometric center of the annulus, and the ring radius is slightly larger than the hole in the structure. Experimental results show that as the vortex ring approaches the IPMC, the plate initially deflects towards the approaching ring. Upon impact, the plate is pushed away from the impacting vortex ring, while a secondary vortex ring is formed at the edge of the hole, which subsequently propagates away from the IPMC. The mechanical strain of the plate during the impact results in a current through the IPMC, which is measured in order to estimate the energy harvesting capacity of this configuration. This preliminary study suggests that ≈ 0.001 % ? > of the initial vortex ring energy can be transduced into electrical energy. An analytical model is developed to assess the energy harvesting capacity as a function of the vortex ring circulation. The model is in good agreement with experimental results, and shows a direct proportionality between the vortex ring circulation and the energy generated by the IPMC.
Computational and Experimental Validation of the Active Morphing Wing

An advanced computational and experimental analysis has been performed upon a conventional aircraft wing with two outboard morphing partitions that are variable in twist and dihedral angles. Results are generated with the intention of drawing meaningful comparisons with initial trends in aerodynamic and structural efficiency that have been observed in previous optimization studies. Computational results are obtained with the DLR, German Aerospace Center TAU computational fluid dynamics code, both for an aircraft wing in high-speed flight and for a wing modeled at low speed with wind-tunnel wall constraints. An experimental testing has been performed at the University of Bristol 7×5 ft low-speed wind tunnel. An outer-twist variation of ±3 deg and dihedral angles from planar up to 90 deg C-wing geometries are tested for a range of incidence angles. Results demonstrate varying levels of agreement between each form of analysis method, and offer insight into the aerodynamic and structural tradeoff required t.
Exploring the microbiome of the built environment: A primer on four biological methods available to building professionals

Building professionals are increasingly being called upon to conduct indoor microbial investigations as they remediate moisture-damaged buildings and design new, healthy, sustainable buildings. Characterizing the indoor microbial community present in the built environment is challenging and complicated by the vast array of biological methods available to building professionals. Furthermore, the particular biological technique employed to study an indoor environment can have a significant impact on the results obtained. This study evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of four biological methods suitable for indoor microbial investigations: culturing, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), Sanger sequencing, and pyrosequencing. The results obtained from a study of four buildings are used to evaluate the merits of each bioanalytical approach. In each of the four study sites, the microbial-laden dust recovered on HVAC filters was used to provide a passive, long-term sample of the indoor air. Culturing of the microorganisms recovered from the dust was the least expensive method tested but provided a limited characterization of the microbial community present. qPCR provided the most specific information about the presence and quantity of target microorganisms but this method requires a priori knowledge of the species of interest and specifically designed primers that may not enumerate unanticipated species. Sanger sequencing provided microbial identification at the species level but lacked coverage to fully describe the microbial community present. Pyrosequencing provided in-depth sequence coverage of the microbial community present (to the genus level) but the vast dataset generated required increased computational analysis and data storage. Nevertheless, pyrosequencing when coupled with qPCR for target species quantification represents a viable approach that should become more accessible to building professionals as user-friendly software for analyzing sequencing results becomes available and more commercial laboratories offer these services.
Low-cost 3D-printable Prosthetic Foot

Home 3D printing technology is rapidly evolving from a means of creating low-fidelity trinkets, to becoming a robust and viable method of batch production. This paper explores the potential that this technology has on the manufacture of prosthetic feet for children from developing countries ‐ specifically referring to the variance in sizes as the child grows. An exploration of the design process undertaken in an industrial design honours year demonstrates how a low-cost (approx. AUD$15.00 at wholesale material prices), 3D-printed prosthetic foot has a comparable, if not better, performance level than a SACH foot ‐ the type of foot typically donated to provide aid to those from developing countries who would otherwise be unserved. Prototyping was undertaken using a hobby-level printer (the Makerbot Replicator 2) and Polylactic Acid (PLA) filament. This method of prototyping allowed the designer to undertake rapid iterations of the prototype to undergo basic testing using autoethnographic methods. The prosthesis’ ability to be modified and produced on-site, ondemand could potentially redefine the opportunities available to prosthetists for accommodating varying gait patterns when providing low-cost aid to developing countries.
Spatial variability of field topography and wheat yield in the Palouse region of the Pacific Northwest

Measurement and analysis of the spatial variability of fields are two important aspects of site-specific crop management. In this study, data for wheat yield, ground slope and aspect were intensively collected from five fields in the Palouse region of Washington using a set of sensors and a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. A Geographic Information System (GIS) database was developed to manage the field-collected data and information from topographic maps and to group the data from each field into different regions for analysis. Relative elevation differences across the five fields ranged from 29 to 70 m. Slope steepness ranged from 0 to 30° with field means of 9 to 12°. Geostatistical analyses showed that the spatial patterns of variability in wheat yields differed not only from one field to another but also from one region to another within a field. The ranges of influence in wheat yield for the five whole fields were from 55 to 86 m, while those for the within-field regions varied from 20 to over 100 m. Regression analyses indicated that topographic attributes including elevation, slope and aspect had significant effects on wheat yield. These topographic attributes could explain 13 to 35% of the variability in wheat yield for the whole fields, though 49 to 84% of the yield variability could be explained by topography in some regions within the five fields. These results provided useful quantitative information about the influence of topography on crop yield in the Palouse region.
Simulated annealing approach to the optimal design of automotive suspension systems

This paper presents an approach for the design optimisation of suspension springs, such as coil springs, torsion bar springs, steel leaf springs and composite leaf springs, using a Simulated Annealing algorithm. Around 14.39% of coil spring mass and 7.12% of torsion bar spring mass are reduced. In the case of steel leaf springs, 14.40% of mass, under two variables condition and 16.58% of mass, under three variables condition are reduced. Similarly, 22.93% of mass under two variables condition and 29.28% of mass under three variables condition are reduced in the optimisation process of composite leaf springs. When the composite leaf spring is compared with the conventional steel leaf spring, the mass reduction obtained before optimisation is 83.52% and mass reduction obtained after optimisation is 85.16% in the case of two variables condition and 86.03% in the case of three variables condition for the same load carrying capacity and stiffness.
The prevalence and predictors of high blood pressure in Kherameh cohort study: a population based study on 10663 persons in south of Iran

Background: Hypertension (HTN) is an important risk factor for Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) mortality and morbidity among Iranians. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of HTN and some of its related factors in south of Iran.Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted on the data of the Persian cohort study in Kherameh. The participants consisted of 10663 people aged 40-70 years. HTN was defined as either Systolic/Diastolic Blood Pressure (SBP/DBP) greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHg or taking medications. Pre-HTN was defined as SBP = 120-139 mmHg and/or DBP = 80-89 mmHg. The logistic regression method was used to identify the factors associated with pre-HTN and HTN.Results: The prevalence of pre-HTN and HTN was 18.8% and 27.7%, respectively. Male gender, old age, being unemployed, low education level, high Body Mass Index (BMI), no smoking, diabetes, Cerebro-cardiovascular disease, suffering from another chronic disease, family history of CVD, and negative family history of cancer and other chronic diseases were independently associated with pre-HTN (p<0.05). All variables, except for gender, smoking, and family history of cancer, were significantly associated with HTN. Drug abuse was also correlated to HTN (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study revealed the increased prevalence of HTN in rural and urban areas. Therefore, the health system needs to develop strategies to raise the accessibility of screening and diagnostic services. Keywords: Prevalence, Risk factor, Blood pressure, Pre-hypertension
Comparision of lateral, medial, and posterior approaches in the surgical treatment of pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to compare the functional and radiological results of lateral, medial, and posterior surgical approaches in pediatric patients undergoing open reduction and internal fixation for supracondylar humerus fractures. METHODS A total of 86 patients were included in the study. The clinical and radiographic results of the treatment in patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation with lateral, medial, and posterior approaches were evaluated. Flynn’s criteria were used in the evaluation of cosmetic and clinical results. Comparisons were made between the groups in terms of Baumann angle, lateral capitellohumeral angle, and post-operative complications. RESULTS There was no statistically significant difference between the three groups in terms of complications. No statistically significant relationship was observed between Flynn’s criteria and surgical approaches. When the relationship among post-operative range of motion (ROM) and surgical approach was evaluated, no extension defect was found in any of the patients, but a significant relationship was found between post-operative flexion ROM and surgical approach (p=0.011). CONCLUSION Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning are preferred in cases of pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures. However, when this method cannot be applied, lateral, medial, and posterior approaches are the possible open reduction methods, that can be safely preferred.
Table of Integrals, Series, and Products

Introduction. Elementary Functions. Indefinite Integrals of Elementary Functions. Definite Integrals of Elementary Functions. Indefinite Integrals of Special Functions. Definite Integrals of Special Functions. Special Functions. Vector Field Theory. Algebraic Inequalities. Integral Inequalities. Matrices and Related Results. Determinants. Norms. Ordinary Differential Equations. Fourier, Laplace, and Mellin Transforms. Bibliographic References. Classified Supplementary References.
Field measurement of local ice pressures on the ARAON in the Beaufort Sea

ABSTRACT This study conducted four field measurements of local ice pressure during the icebreaking voyage of the icebreaking research vessel “ARAON” in the Chukchi and Beaufort seas from July to August of 2010. For measurements, 14 strain gauges, including 8 strain gauge rosettes, were set on the bow of the port side. Influence coefficients were determined using a finite element model of the instrumented area and they were used to convert the measured strains on the hull structure to local ice pressures. The converted maximum pressure was calculated as 2.12 MPa on an area of 0.28 m2. Pressure-area curves were developed from the surveyed pressure data and the results were compared with previously measured data. The study results are expected to provide an understanding of local ice pressures and thus be useful in the structural design of ice class ships.
Risk management practices of leading UK cost consultants

Risk management (RM) is now widely accepted as an important tool in the management of projects. Through a series of semi‐structured interviews with RM facilitators, current practice is explored. The findings provide a number of soft benchmarks. Interest in RM comes largely from educated clients and is regularly adopted as an integrated front‐end service. Ongoing RM studies throughout the project life cycle are limited largely to the public sector and utilities. The use of RM workshops and the production of risk registers are commonplace. The use of Monte Carlo simulation through specialist software is widespread as a means of obtaining a greater degree of confidence in project budgets. There is scepticism regarding the usefulness of complex risk analysis techniques and a predisposition to rely on judgement based on experience. The use of historical data is limited. Evaluation of the service is informal and there is a relative lack of training and skills development underpinning RM provision.
Effects of ground impact on traumatic brain injury in a fender vault pedestrian crash

The present study replicated a series of vehicle–to–pedestrian crashes involved in a right–corner frontal impact up to a secondary or ground impact. The results showed that post–impact pedestrian kinematics and subsequent kinetics are not easily predictable and are considerably affected by the vehicle front structure and impact speed. The Head Injury Criterion (HIC), calculated with a resultant linear acceleration of the head, reached around 1000 or higher because of secondary head strike even at 25 km/h. Similarly, the maximum rotational acceleration of the head resulted in higher values owing to ground impact rather than primary head strike. This study has also suggested the importance of accounting for both linear and angular acceleration pulses applied to the head to assess the potential risk of sustaining Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) due to eventual contact with the ground even at low impact speeds, and this should be a focus of future research.
Nonlinear transistor modelling based on measurements results

A new method for the characterization of microwave measurements has been developed. This method is based upon I(V) and S-parameters measured under pulsed condition thus avoiding the trapping and the thermal effects. The ability of the test-set-up to derive accurate nonlinear models for FET or HBT devices is demonstrated and a model verification with a high power FET has been performed demonstrating the need for accurate nonlinear modelling in the whole working domain.
The VR Book: Human-Centered Design for Virtual Reality

Virtual reality (VR) can provide our minds with direct access to digital media in a way that seemingly has no limits. However, creating compelling VR experiences is an incredibly complex challenge. When VR is done well, the results are brilliant and pleasurable experiences that go beyond what we can do in the real world. When VR is done badly, not only is the system frustrating to use, but it can result in sickness. There are many causes of bad VR; some failures come from the limitations of technology, but many come from a lack of understanding perception, interaction, design principles, and real users. This book discusses these issues by emphasizing the human element of VR. The fact is, if we do not get the human element correct, then no amount of technology will make VR anything more than an interesting tool confined to research laboratories. Even when VR principles are fully understood, the first implementation is rarely novel and almost never ideal due to the complex nature of VR and the countless possibilities that can be created. The VR principles discussed in this book will enable readers to intelligently experiment with the rules and iteratively design towards innovative experiences.
CFD Analysis of a Launch Vehicle with Reverse Flow Nozzles-A Validation Study

CFD analysis has been carried out over a typical wind tunnel model Launch Abort System (LAS) Configuration. The viscous turbulent flow studies have been carried out to generate aerodynamic coefficients at Mach 1.6, various angles of attack under jet-on and jet-off conditions using the PARAS-3D code. The present CFD solver is validated using the aerodynamic coefficient of LAS data obtained through CFD and Wind Tunnel experiments. The comparison shows good match with experimental data at lower angles of attack and reasonable match at higher angles of attack under jet-off and jet-on conditions. This study shows that CFD can be applied to predict the aerodynamic coefficients and flow field analysis of launch vehicle with reverse flow jets.