Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Weighted Airman Promotion System: Standardizing Test Scores

Abstract : The U.S. Air Force has three major independent systems that affect the health of its enlisted force: the manpower system, the strength management system, and the enlisted promotion system. Because the current organizational structure lacks broad coordinating and control mechanisms, this independence spawns policies and procedures that occasionally work at cross-purposes. We discuss these systems at length in Air Force Enlisted Force Management: System Interactions and Synchronization Strategies (Schiefer et al., 2007). That monograph proposes multiple follow-on efforts, and this study fulfills one of those recommendations. Specifically, we examine the practice of not standardizing the test scores that are part of the enlisted promotion system. This practice produces results that are inconsistent with two overarching policies. First, Air Force Policy Directive 36-25 requires that the enlisted promotion system identify those people with the highest potential to fill positions of increased grade and responsibility. We show that not standardizing test scores means that the Air Force emphasizes longevity and testing ability differently across and within specialties to identify individuals with the highest potential. Our second concern deals with differences in promotion opportunity. While the testing dimension of the enlisted promotion system allows members to influence their own destinies, not standardizing scores means that members of specialties in which testing carries more weight have more control than members of other specialties do. This produces random promotion opportunity differences across Air Force specialty codes (AFSCs), thus violating an equity principle that can be traced to a 1970s-era strategic plan for enlisted force management known as the Total Objective Plan for Career Airman Personnel (TOPCAP).
Prevalence of Bacterial Urinary Tract Infection and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns Among Diabetes Mellitus Patients Attending Zewditu Memorial Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background Urinary tract infection (UTI) is caused by colonization and growth of microorganisms within the urinary system. Diabetic patients are more prone to bacterial UTI due to impaired host defense and high glucose concentration in urine. Surveillance of uropathogens and their antibiogram is a key to patient management. Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July, 2018. Urine samples were collected for culture and identification based on the standard protocol. An antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST) was done for all isolates using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. Data were entered into Epi-data version 3.2. 1 and exported to the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 20. Results Out of 225 participants, significant bacteriuria was reported in 9.8% of the cultures. Five species of bacteria were isolated and E. coli (63.6%) was the leading uropathogen, followed by K. pneumoniae (13.6%). Duration of diabetes, previous history of UTIs and symptomatic UTI were found to be strongly associated with significant bacteriuria. Gram-negative bacterial isolates showed high sensitivity to nitrofurantoin and meropenem (100%). In contrast, a high level of resistance to ampicillin, doxycycline and cefuroxime (100%) and to amoxicillin-clavulanate (94.4%) was observed. Gram-positive bacteria showed high level of resistance to penicillin (100%). Multiple-drug resistance (MDR) was high for Gram-negative bacteria (100%). Conclusion Previous history of UTIs and duration of diabetes were found to be important factors that increase the prevalence of UTI among diabetes patients. This study also showed a high prevalence of drug resistance to doxycycline, amoxicillin-clavulanate, cefuroxime and penicillin for both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Since therapeutic selection for empirical treatment and management should be based on knowledge of the local bacterial profile and antimicrobial response, we suggest physicians take this high resistance profile in to consideration when prescribing antimicrobials against the pathogens in question.
Measurer's Handbook: U.S. Army Anthropometric Survey, 1987-1988

Abstract : The purpose of this manual is to describe and explain the tools and procedures required for the precise and accurate measurement of U.S. Army men and women. The handbook contains instructions for the measurement of 132 directly measured dimensions of the body, and for obtaining additional head and hand data collected with the use of two pieces fo custom-designed equipment: an electronic headboard and a hand photometric system. Also included in this generously illustrated measurer's guide are instructions for locating and drawing the landmarks required to define and standardize the dimensions, suggestions for handling subjects, and a guide to the operations and care of the personal computers to be used to record and edit the data in the field. The measurements obtained in this anthropometric survey will form the basis for ensuring that Army clothing, equipment, and systems properly accommodate Army personnel who run the body-size gamut from small women to large men. Keywords: Anthropometry; Human factors engineering.
A systems thinking approach for modelling supply chain risk propagation

Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) is rapidly becoming a most sought after research area due to the influence of recent supply chain disruptions on global economy. The thesis begins with a systematic literature review of the developments within the broad domain of SCRM over the past decade. Thematic and descriptive analysis supported with modern knowledge management techniques brings forward seven distinctive research gaps for future research in SCRM. Overlapping research findings from an industry perspective, coupled with SCRM research gaps from the systematic literature review has helped to define the research problem for this study. The thesis focuses on a holistic and systematic approach to modelling risks within supply chain and logistics networks. The systems thinking approach followed conceptualises the phenomenon of risk propagation utilising several recent case studies, workshop findings and focus studies. Risk propagation is multidimensional and propagates beyond goods, finance and information resource. It cascades into technology, human resource and socio-ecological dimensions. Three risk propagation zones are identified that build the fundamentals for modelling risk behaviour in terms of cost and delay. The development of a structured framework for SCRM, a holistic supply chain risk model and a quantitative research design for risk assessment are the major contributions of this research. The developed risk assessment platform has the ability to capture the fracture points and cascading impact within a supply chain and logistics network. A reputed aerospace and defence organisation in UK was used to test the experimental modelling set up for its viability and for bridging the gap between theory and practice. The combined statistical and simulation modelling approach provides a new perspective to assessing the complex behavioural performance of risks during multiple interactions within network.
ANALISIS DAYA SAING EKSPOR BIJI KOPI INDONESIA DI PASAR GLOBAL TAHUN 2002-2017

ABSTRAK Indonesia merupakan salah satu negara pengekspor biji kopi terbesar di dunia yang menempati posisi keempat dalam mengekspor biji kopi di pasar dunia pada tahun 2017. Meskipun Indonesia termasuk negara pengekspor biji kopi terbesar di dunia, faktanya produksi kopi di Indonesia dari tahun 2002-2017 mengalami fluktuasi dan tidak bisa diprediksi dengan baik sehingga akan mempengaruhi permintaan ekspor biji kopi di pasar global. Tujuan dari penelitian ini yaitu menganalisis kondisi daya saing ekspor biji kopi Indonesia di pasar global pada tahun 2002-2017 dan mendeskripsikan peranan pemerintah dalam meningkatkan ekspor biji kopi Indonesia di pasar global. Metode dalam penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian kuantitatif dengan menggunakan pendekatan analisis keunggulan komparatif RCA, AR dan keunggulan kompetitif ECI, dan ditambah dengan analisis peramalan model ARIMA pada nilai ekspor biji kopi Indonesia. Hasil analisis yang didapat yaitu Indonesia mempunyai keunggulan komparatif dengan nilai RCA > 1, AR > 1 dan mempunyai keunggulan kompetitif dengan nilai ECI > 1 serta memenuhi faktor pendukung Berlian Porter dan hasil peramalan terhadap nilai ekspor mengalami peningkatan pada 10 tahun yang akan datang. Dapat disimpulkan bahwa Indonesia mempunyai keunggulan daya saing ekspor biji kopi pada tahun 2002-2017, baik keunggulan kompratif maupun keunggulan kompetitif. Kata Kunci : Biji Kopi Indonesia, Daya Saing Ekspor, Keunggulan Komparatif, Keunggulan Kompetitif,Pasar Global, Kebijakan Pemerintah
Experimental Determination of the Static Properties of a Towable VHF-UHF Horizontal Electrode Antenna

Abstract : The static properties of impedance, radiation resistance, spatial pattern, power gain, and frequency response have been investigated for an experimental horizontal electrode antenna in the frequency range of 150 to 400 MHz. This antenna was designed to receive low data rate satellite communications with optimum performance near 250 MHz when towed near the surface of the ocean. The observed power gain and frequency response are compared to those of an experimental slot antenna borrowed from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Lincoln Laboratories. It was found that the electrode antenna had at resonance (250 MHz) an impedance of 170 ohms, a radiation resistance of 0.37 ohms, a power gain of -18 dBi into a 50 ohm load (-16.5 dBi into a 170 ohm load) , and a 3 dB passband of about 140 MHz compared to the slot antenna's properties of -9.7 dBi static gain and 11.5 MHz passband. At incidence angles close to vertical the frequency response of the electrode antenna is described well by the expressions developed in the text. Reference material is cited to support the contention that the dynamical performance of the electrode antenna (while in tow) cannot be accurately predicted on the basis of static measurements alone. Nevertheless, because of the 7 dB advantage in static gain that the slot antenna exhibits over the electrode antenna, it is unlikely that the electrode antenna will offer an advantage except when bandwidths much greater than 10 MHz are required. (Author)
Does financial inclusion affect financial stability: Evidence from BRICS nations?

ABSTRACT:Looking the global trends of financial crises, it is obscure to draw any conclusion that whether greater financial inclusion is a threat or a safeguard for financial stability. In order to demystify the relationship the present study aims to examine the impact of financial inclusion on financial stability among the BRICS countries over the period 2005 through 2015. In order to accomplish this study we gathered data from various international data sources. Taking six different indicators of financial availability, accessibility and usability, this paper construct a single financial inclusion index for BRICS countries through Principle Component Analysis (PCA) method. Furthermore to know the causality between financial inclusion and financial stability, this study uses the Dumitrescue and Hurlin (2012) panel granger causality test. Additionally, to know the impact of financial inclusion on financial stability the system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimator has been applied. The empirical findings of this study depicts that financial inclusion has a negative and significant effect on financial stability. The major reasons of adverse effects of financial inclusion on financial stability is due to rapid expansion of credit to the private sectors, erosion of credit standards of the banks, difficulties in credit assessment, increase in non-performing assets, credit defaults of the borrowers, and inadequate supervision of the banking sector. With context to the control variables we have used inflation (INF) and GDP growth rate (GDPGR) as our control variables. The results of the control variables show that inflation has negative and significant effect on financial stability, whereas GDP growth rate has positive and significant effect on financial stability of the BRICS countries. Based on our empirical findings this study recommends the policymakers to take appropriate policy measures before implementing pro financial inclusive policies. The financial institutions are advised to strength their banking efficiency to supervise the credit standard and to improve the credit assessment procedure and to provide credit to its customers based on their strict vigilance. The countries are advised to adopt stringent lawsuit and legal procedures for credit default of the borrowers.
Product-Service Systems Conference-PSS , industry transformation for sustainability and business Bibliometric Analysis of the Product-Service System Research Field

The interest for the product-service system (PSS) approach has increased substantially in the last decade. New born research fields such as the PSS require the understanding of their knowledge structure as well as of their evolving structure of research collaborations. In this sense, the research field is better explained, supporting the alignment among new studies and an improved performance in the knowledge building. There are already papers in the literature that addressed the state-of-the-art in PSS, providing important guidance. However, they have not still focused on quantitative metrics, which are capable of providing a supplementary perspective. Therefore, this study aims at developing a bibliometric analysis of the PSS research field, looking for its current situation and possible evolution in terms of knowledge creation, collaboration networks and geographical distribution. A sample of 118 PSS papers published from 2002 to 2013 was collected in the Web of Science Database. Vantage Point, UCINET and NetDraw software was used to perform the bibliometric analysis. The results show a huge increase of the research field after 2011 and a balanced distribution of papers among authors. Europe and Asia are assigned to the majority of studies, showing strong collaboration networks among their institutions. Furthermore, journals with the highest number of PSS papers and the most cited papers are identified as well as the predominant knowledge topics addressed within the period. This study provides a holistic view of the PSS research field. It provides metrics regarding publications, which are useful for new entrants to identify the state-of-the-art and to understand their possible contributions to the research field. In addition, the investigation of collaboration networks shows the research groups in activity, highlighting opportunities for new collaborations and supporting the development of scientific policies. Finally, this study adopts quantitative metrics that can be reused for other studies in the future to update the status of the PSS research field or to perform similar analysis for other fields. © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. Peer-review under responsibility of the International Scientific Committee of the Conference is co-chaired by Prof. Daniel Brissaud & Prof. Xavier BOUCHER.
Physical, chemical, and sensory attributes of low‐fat, full‐fat, and fat‐free probiotic set yogurts fortified with fiber‐rich persimmon and apple powders

In this study, persimmon and apple powders obtained by freeze‐drying were incorporated into low‐fat, full‐fat, and fat‐free probiotic yogurts at 1% supplementation. Some physical, chemical, sensory attributes, and the viability of Lactobacillus acidophilus, were determined throughout storage of the yogurts at 4 ± 1°C for 14 days. The fat ratios significantly affected whey separation, water holding capacity, viscosity index, appearance scores, and the color parameters of the yogurts. The mineral (Ca, K, Na, Fe, and Zn) contents, and water holding capacity increased with increasing fat ratios. Supplementation with the fiber‐rich fruit powders had significant effects on acidity, water holding capacity and some textural, sensory and color parameters of yogurts. Fiber‐rich supplements, especially promoted the growth of probiotic bacteria. Yogurts produced with the addition of persimmon and apple powders had acceptable sensory characteristics. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Freeze‐drying technology is a useful method for producing dry fruit concentrates with applications as ingredients in foods, such as yogurt‐like products. The primary objective of this research was to develop a new functional dairy product with different fat ratios by supplementation with high‐fiber fruits and probiotic bacteria. As the most widely consumed fermented dairy product worldwide, yogurt supplemented with high nutrient value fruits, such as apple and persimmon, offers more nutritive and natural alternative to fruit‐flavored or sugar‐supplemented fruit yogurts. The work also aimed to improve the storage capacity and off‐season consumption of persimmons. Product diversity was enriched by producing yogurts with different fat ratios and fiber supplements for individuals with varying calorie needs and preferences. With this research, alternative uses were created for common dietary fibers, and a new type of improved fruit yogurt was produced.
Multivariate analysis of heat transfer and pressure drop in finned tube bundles

The exhaust gas from gas turbines contains a large amount of heat that can be utilized for process purposes or for further power generation. The heat recovery units on offshore platforms are required to be as compact and light as possible. During the design of waste heat recovery units correlations are used to estimate the heat transfer and pressure drop. The correlations in the literature have limited validity ranges. The aim of this project was to develop correlations with a wider range of validity than the correlations in the literature. Data from different experimenters, collected in databases, were used in order to establish the new correlations. The report can be divided into the following two parts: 1) Literature survey of multivariate analysis: A literature survey of the method of multivariate analysis was done. Here the aim was to find a method that could be used in order to develop the new correlations. The multivariate method called multiple linear regression was chosen. In order to select which variables to include in the multiple linear regression, the variable selection procedure called best subsets regression was carried out. The regression analysis was performed with the statistical software Minitab 16. 2) Regression analysis: The data from the two available databases for serrated and solid fins were used in the regression analysis. Correlations for heat transfer and pressure drop were developed for both serrated and solid fins. It was decided to develop two different versions for each correlation: The first version was using different dimensionless groups for fin geometry, while the second version was using Ar (defined by PFR (1976)) as fin geometry effect. For both versions the effect of the Reynolds number and the tube bundle layout was included. In addition, the effect of the segment height on the heat transfer and the pressure drop was investigated.
Association of Serum Uric Acid with Lung Function in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2007-2012: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Evidence regarding the relationship between serum uric acid and lung function was controversial. Therefore, this study is designed to investigate whether serum uric acid was independently related to lung function in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2007-2012) after adjusting for other covariates. Methods The present study was a cross-sectional study. The total participants from NHANES (2007-2012) were 30442. After exclusion of subjects, 9474 subjects remained for the final analysis. The target independent variable and the dependent variable were serum uric acid measured at baseline and lung function respectively. Covariates involved in this study included age, sex, race, income-poverty ratio, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, blood urea nitrogen, cholesterol, creatinine, total protein, FeNO, calcium, alcohol drinking, smoke, phosphorus and total bilirubin. Results The average age of 9626 selected participants was 37.12 ± 16.03 years old, and about 49.19% of them were male. Result of fully adjusted linear regression showed serum uric acid was negatively associated with FEV1, FEV and PEF after adjusting confounders (Odds ratio (OR)= for FEV1 [-21.28 (-32.26, -10.30)], for FVC [-26.79 (-40.56, -13.01)] and for PEF [-72.19 (-101.93, -42.46)]). FEV1 and PEF were found a non-linear relationship with serum uric acid and the inflection points was 6.5mg/dl and 7.3 mg/dl respectively. The effect sizes and the confidence intervals in FEV1 and PEF of the left and right sides of inflection point were -11.50 (-25.55, 2.54) and -48.07 (-74.49, -21.66), -38.17 (-71.91, -4.43) and -311.11 (-427.28, -194.94) respectively. Conclusions We find serum uric acid was negatively associated with FEV1, FVC and PEF in a general population. Besides, there is a threshold effect on the independent association between serum uric acid and FEV1 and PEF. Those results are only found in the general population. Further epidemiologic studies will still be required to confirm this reverse association between serum uric acid and lung function.
Microwave Imaging for Mammography using an Iterative Time-Domain Reconstruction Algorithm; Initial Experiments

Using the microwave imaging technique for mammographic imaging is an interesting application and a growing research field. Compared to X-ray mammography there is potentially a significant benefit in using microwaves in the diagnosis of breast cancer tumours due to the high contrast in the dielectric properties between tumour and surrounding tissue.In this paper a tomographic microwave imaging ex- periment using transient time domain field data for the reconstruction process. A 2D iterative gradient based al- gorithm based on the FDTD-method (Finite Difference Time Domain-method), is used for the image reconstruction. The reconstructions have been performed using air as the background medium. To simulate more tissue like conditions the antennas have also been immersed in water and different objects immersed in the water have been imaged. Two different antenna models in the computations have also been tested. The results are promising and encourages further research on this method
All-Metal Flared-Notch Array Radiator for Ultrawideband Applications

Abstract : This paper presents simulations and measurements of an all-metal flared-notch array element in both single-polarization and dual-polarization configurations. For broadside radiation, the ultrawideband radiator exhibits an operational bandwidth of 12:1 with active VSWR < 2. The simpleton manufacture feed consists of a direct coax-to-slot-line transition that mounts directly into the base of the element. The all-metal flared-notch elements are machined from common metal stock and fed via standard SMA coaxial connectors. No soldering is required for any part of the design including the feed and assembly is simple and modular. The array parts are machined using a high-precision wire-EDM cutting technology. This precision helps to ensure that measurements (in the 700 MHz to 9 GHz range) are repeatable and give close agreement with theory, even through multiple assembly cycles of the modular construction system. This paper presents results for a 32-element linear array of horizontal elements and also an 8x8 planar array of dual-polarized elements.