Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Crack growth monitoring using fundamental shear horizontal guided waves

Monitoring cracks in critical sections of steel structures is a topic of growing interest. Existing high-frequency ultrasonic techniques have good detection sensitivities but poor inspection coverage, requiring an impractical number of transducers to monitor large areas. Low-frequency guided waves are used for corrosion detection in pipelines but are insufficiently sensitive for many crack detection applications. The sensitivity can be improved using higher frequencies and by placing the receiving transducers closer to the defect. This study evaluates the monitoring performance of an SH0 mode system at frequencies just below the high-order mode cut-off. Baseline subtraction with temperature compensation was applied to experimental data generated by a ring of transducers on a 6-in diameter pipe. It was found that the residual signals after baseline subtraction were normally distributed so the random fluctuations could be reduced by coherent averaging; it was thereby possible to reliably detect a 2 mm × 1 mm notch simulating a crack located one pipe diameter along the pipe from the transducer ring. The damage detection performance at different locations along the pipe was assessed by analysing receiver operating characteristic curves generated by adding simulated defects to multiple experimental measurements without damage. At a fixed standoff distance, the damage detection performance increases with the square root of the number of averaged signals and is also improved by averaging the signals received by transducers covering the main lobe of the reflection from the defect. When the defect is located more than about one pipe circumference from the transducer ring, the optimal performance is obtained by averaging across all the transducers in the ring, corresponding to monitoring the T(0,1) pipe mode. Therefore, an SH0 mode monitoring system has great potential for crack monitoring applications, particularly for welds in pipes.
The Effect of Patellar Tendon Release on the Characteristics of Patellofemoral Joint Squat Movement: A Simulation Analysis

Objectives: This paper studies the patellar tendon release’s effect on the movement characteristics of the artificial patellofemoral joint squat to provide reference data for knee joint surgery. Methods: Firstly, the dynamic finite element model of the human knee joint under squatting was established. Secondly, in the above no-release models, the release of 30% of the attachment area at the upper end, the lower end, or both ends of the patellar tendon were conducted, respectively. Then the simulations of all above four models were conducted. Finally, the results of the simulation were compared and analyzed. Results: The simulation results show that, after releasing the patellar tendon (compared with the no-release simulation’s results), the relative flexion, medial-lateral rotation, medial-lateral tilt, and superior-inferior shift of the patella relative to the femur increased; the medial-lateral shift and anterior-posterior shift of the patella relative to the femur decreased. Conclusion: In this paper, the maximum flexion angle of the patella increased after the patellar tendon being released (compared with the no-release model), which indicated that the mobility of knee joint was improved after the patellar tendon release. The simulation data in this paper can provide technical reference for total knee arthroplasty.
An analysis of how knowledge is differentiated in a vocationally based curriculum for a new profession

Inspired by Muller’s (2009) ‘Forms of Knowledge and Curriculum Coherence’ and his theories relating to types of knowledge and curricula differentiation, this study interrogates knowledge in a vocational qualification, asking how it is differentiated in a vocationally based curriculum intended for a new ‘fourth generation’ profession (as opposed to ‘first generation’ professions such as medicine or engineering). The study specifically examines and compares two recontextualising processes; a vocational, unit-standards-based qualification intended for the fitness profession and its curriculum that is designed to meet the qualification’s requirements. The analysis reveals the type of knowledge developed in both. According to Muller (2009), market-related shifts have given rise to many new professions – fourth generation professions which he claims lack the epistemic foundation of traditional disciplines. To meet the growing demand for these emerging professions, institutions of higher education are being asked to make knowledge and skills more accessible through a range of sector-based, vocational and higher education pathways, leading to clearly-defined outcomes. According to Wheelahan (2007), reducing knowledge to observable outcomes or competencies simply produces a ‘fragmented and atomistic view of knowledge’. Thus, the concern is about knowledge and the call from many educational sociologists is for ‘powerful knowledge’; that increases access, encourages cumulative learning and enables its transferability (Young, 2008a, Wheelahan, 2007). Acknowledging the socio-epistemic nature of knowledge, this study focuses on the epistemic, exploring different types of knowledge in a vocationally based higher education setting. Working within the recontextualising field of Bernstein’s (2000) Pedagogic Device, the study explores types of knowledge and the organising principles that constitute knowledge practices within a South African vocational educational setting. Of particular interest to the study are ways in which conceptual knowledge increases through a process of concept-integration, and whether or not such knowledge informs practice. The analysis calls upon Maton’s (2000) Legitimation Code Theory (LCT), specifically LCT Semantics, to explore meanings in curriculum texts in order to identify different types of knowledge. In using LCT Semantics, conceptual and practice-based knowledge is identified and graded according to differing levels of conceptual complexity and context-dependence. While the analysis exposes a range of theoretical knowledges, from simple to relatively complex concepts which emanate from the disciplines that form exercise science, it also explains the nature of contextually based knowledge, shaped by the demands of vocational practice (Muller, 2009, Shay, 2013). This study reveals that, despite the segmental nature of its unit-standards-based qualification, it is possible for vocational curricula to ensure concept-building, while being informed by its vocational requirements.
PREVALENCE OF HCV GENOTYPES IN PATIENTS REPORTING IN TERTIARY HEALTH CARE HOSPITAL OF KARACHI

The present study was designed to see the variables which may affect the conventional treatment outcome by injection interferon in chronic hepatitis “C” patients. Among these variables hepatitis “C” genotype is most important, as it influences the duration and dosage of anti-viral therapy. To determine the frequency distribution of HCV genotypes, a study was conducted in a tertiary care centre of Karachi, the largest metropolitan city of Pakistan, where people of all ethnic origins are found. All the HCV positive patients, including inpatient admitted in hospital and outpatients, more than 18 years of age, reported for genotyping of HCV in the clinical laboratory of Dr. Ziauddin Hospital from May 2009 to April 2010 were studied. HCV genotyping was performed on a total of 457 patients who tested positive for presence of Hepatitis “C” viral RNA. The most prevalent genotype was type 3 with 392 (85.8%) cases, followed by type 1 with 51 (11.2%) cases. There were only two cases with a co-infection of type 1 & 3, while genotype 2, 4 and 5 were also seen in a few cases. Among the cases studied, there were higher proportion of females 276 (60.4%), dominating the HCV infected population. The present study revealed that genotype 3 was the most common genotype in patients with HCV infection in Karachi. Other genotypes were also present in the patients infected with HCV, but were of lesser frequency. To prevent the treatment failure it is advisable that before commencement of therapy, the genotype of the patient should be established so that appropriate treatment in correct dosage for optimal duration of time could be instituted.
Diagnostic accuracy of 64-slice multi-detector CT coronary angiography in the evaluation of coronary artery disease

Conventional coronary angiography (CCA) has been the gold standard for the detection of significant coronary artery disease (CAD). However, CCA is invasive and 2/3 of all CCA have been performed for the diagnosis of significant stenosis without intervention. Recently, the use of multi-detector CT (MDCT) coronary angiography has been rapidly evolving as a promising non-invasive method for the assessment of patients with CAD. With the advent of 64-slice MDCT scanner, both temporal and spatial resolutions of coronary CT angiography have further improved for the non-invasive detection of coronary stenoses. The diagnostic performance for the assessment of CAD has significantly improved, and the nonassessable proportion of segments significantly decreased with the newer generations of MDCT scanners. Namgung et al. reported that high diagnostic accuracy for 64-slice MDCT in the detection of significant stenosis (≥50% lumen diameter narrowing) on per segment (96% sensitivity and 97% specificity), per vessel (96% sensitivity and 97% specificity), and per patient analyses (100% sensitivity and 94% specificity). The negative predictive value for classification of segments, vessels, and patients with or without CAD was very high (99-100%). These findings indicate that 64-slice MDCT coronary angiography can be reliable as a gatekeeper of CCA in selected groups of patients. (Korean J Med 75:39-41, 2008)
Contractors perception of factors contributing to project delay: case studies of commercial projects in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Delay in construction projects is a situation where the project cannot be completed under the planned time. It is a common issue faced in the construction industry all over the world especially in developing countries. In the Malaysian construction industry, 17.3% of construction projects experience more than 3 months delay and some of them are abandoned. Hence, the study of factors contributing to delay is very important in order to reduce the number of projects that experience delay in project delivery. Three objectives of the research have been formulated, namely (1) to identify factors that contribute to delay in construction projects; (2) to analyse and rank the causes of delay rated by contractors; and (3) to study the effects of delay in construction projects. One hundred questionnaires were distributed during data collection stage and only 36 responses received. The respondents only consist of contractors and sub-contractors because the scope of the research focuses on contractors’ perception. The data collected was analysed using SPSS software. Seven factors that contribute to delay were identified through literature review, namely contractors’ financial difficulties, construction mistakes and defective work, labour shortage, coordination problems, shortage of tools and equipment, material shortage and poor site management. Of those factors, the three most important factors were found to be labour shortage, contractors’ financial difficulties and construction mistakes and defective works. Besides project delay, the research shows that cost overrun and extension of time (EOT) are the most common effects of delay in construction projects.
Ictal aggression in severely mentally handicapped people

Abstract Objective: To study the relationship between epilepsy and aggression in a population of severely mentally handicapped people. Methods: Comparing epilepsy and aggression variables in people with epilepsy without aggression, people with aggression without epilepsy, and people with both. The epilepsy variables were: seizure frequency, classification, anticonvulsant drugs, therapeutic drug monitoring, and neuroleptic drugs. Aggression variables were: frequency, direction, type, and neuroleptic drugs. Results: Prevalence of aggressive behaviour was similar in people with and without epilepsy (36%). Partial seizures were less prevalent in people with epilepsy and aggression. People with epilepsy were more likely to manifest unprovoked aggression directed against property. Conclusion: Some episodes of aggressive behaviour in people with epilepsy may be ictal in origin.
Spatio-Temporal Ensemble Method for Car-Hailing Demand Prediction

Accurate demand prediction plays a significant role in online car-hailing platforms. With ensemble learning, several models can be combined into a single demand predictive model, achieving low prediction error. Nevertheless, the existing ensemble methods are not intended for spatio-temporal data and thus cannot deal with it. In this article, a spatio-temporal data ensemble model is proposed to predict car-hailing demands. Treating the prediction results as various channels of an image, the proposed ensemble module first compresses and then restores the results using the fully convolutional network. Additionally, a skip connection is used to preserve both the fine-grained information in the shallow layers and the deep coarse information. Based on the principle of model as a service, any model can be plugged into our framework as base models to improve the prediction accuracy. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the presented model.
Detailed Comparison of the Operational Characteristics of Energy-Conserving HVAC Systems during the Cooling Season

To provide useful information concerning energy-conserving heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, this study used EnergyPlus to analyze in detail their operational characteristics and energy performance. This study also aimed to understand the features of the systems under consideration by investigating the dry-bulb temperature, relative humidity, and airflow rate at major nodes in each system’s schematic. Furthermore, we analyzed the indoor environment created by each HVAC system, as well as examining the cooling energy consumptions and CO2 emissions. The HVAC systems selected for this study are the variable air volume (VAV) commonly used in office buildings (base-case model), constant air volume (CAV), under-floor air distribution (UFAD), and active chilled beam (ACB) with dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS). For the same indoor set-point temperature, the CAV’s supply airflow was the highest, and VAV and UFAD were operated by varying the airflow rate according to the change of the space thermal load. ACB with DOAS was analyzed as being able to perform air conditioning only with the supply airflow constantly fixed at a minimum outdoor air volume. The primary cooling energy was increased by about 23.3% by applying CAV, compared to VAV. When using the UFAD and ACB with DOAS, cooling energy was reduced by 11.3% and 23.1% compared with VAV, respectively.
Prevalence of schizophrenia : recent developments : letter to the editor

The long held view that schizophrenia affects about 1% of the population has been shown to be an overestimate and in fact derived from incorrect data. Also, for many years, it was believed that the prevalence of schizophrenia varied little between sites. It is in fact the case that the estimates of the prevalence of schizophrenia are characterized by a multiplicity of variations.
Implications of TQM in firm’s innovation capability

Purpose Over the last few decades, some researchers have analysed the role of total quality management (TQM) as a precursor of innovation. However, the relationship between TQM and organisational innovation remains unclear and contradictory. The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework intended to clarify the complex effect that the implementation of a TQM system has on organisational innovation, where market orientation (MO) and knowledge management (KM) play a mediator role. Design/methodology/approach Data in this study come from a survey of 706 Spanish CEOs. The results were analysed employing structural equation modelling to determine how TQM, MO and KM influence innovation. Findings The results of the empirical study show that there is a curvilinear effect between TQM and organisational innovation. Both MO and KM perspectives play a mediator role between TQM and innovation. Practical implications Managers should be aware that management based on TQM help organisations not only to get higher quality but also to be market oriented and better manage their knowledge; what will help them to develop innovations. Originality/value This research sheds light on the question of the relationship between TQM and organisational innovation that has received mixed conclusions in the literature. There is evidence in this research that the relationship between TQM and innovation responds to a curvilinear relationship, where high levels of TQM favour a more than proportionate effect on the development of innovation. It also clarifies the mechanisms by which this effect is produced, with MO and KM as mediator variables.
Fast Sensing-Time and Hardware-Efficient Eigenvalue-Based Blind Spectrum Sensors for Cognitive Radio Network

This paper presents implementation friendly VLSI-algorithms for maximum-eigenvalue-detection (MED), energy with minimum-eigenvalue (EME), and mean-to-square extreme-eigenvalue (MSEE) based blind spectrum sensing algorithms. We propose to use efficient iterative power-method for computing maximum and minimum eigenvalues for these algorithms that complemented our hardware design. New VLSI architectures based on suggested spectrum sensing algorithms have been presented in this work. We present two types of sensor architectures: (1) memory-less & low-latency (2) memory-based & resource-shared spectrum-sensor architectures. Former type targets to achieve lower sensing time with adequate hardware efficiency and the later ones are highly resource shared to consume lesser hardware with moderate sensing time. Performance analyses of suggested MED, MSEE and EME spectrum sensing algorithms in AWGN environment showed that the detection probability of 0.75 could be achieved at the SNRs of −12 dB, −10 dB and −7 dB respectively. On synthesizing and post-layout simulating our sensor architectures in 90 nm-CMOS process with the supply of 1.2 V, they could operate at the maximum clock frequency up to 408 MHz delivering sensing time in the range of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$23- 44\,\,\mu \text{s}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>. The proposed spectrum sensors have achieved <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$5.5\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$19\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> better sensing time and hardware efficiency, respectively, compared to the state-of-the-art implementations. Eventually, the memory-based spectrum sensors are FPGA prototyped and tested, at 100 MHz clock frequency, in DVB-T signal environment with OFDM modulated transmitted signals in 2K size IFFT-mode.
The antimicrobial activity of pomegranate (Punica granatum) juice

In The present study microbial property of pomegranate juice was evaluated against both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria (Staphylococcus aurous, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) using disk inhibition zone (Heart brain diffusion) method. The bacteria were obtained from reaserch center of Sulaimani Polytechnic University . The result of this study showed good antibacterial effect of pomegranate juice against both Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria, diameter of inhibition zones were significantly higher in pomegranate juice as compared to standard antibiotic disc. The present study concluded that the juice of Punica granatum have a strong antibacterial activity.
Discrete breast masses in female children and adolescents: is there a place for non-operative management by pediatric surgeons?

Background: The treatment of breast masses in female children and adolescents is controversial. While some advocate for early surgical removal others prefer the conservative non operative approach. The aim of this study is ascertain the evidence for the current protocol of early surgical removal in our centre. Materials and Methods: Retrospective observational study to highlight the epidemiology of discrete breast masses in female children and adolescents 0.05). Conclusion: This series show that breast masses in children and adolescents are almost always benign. It is advocated that conservative non-operative management (with close follow up with imaging such as breast ultrasound and/or MRI) should be adopted by paediatric surgeons in cases of breast masses in children except when surgery is specifically indicated. These indications which should be individualized include: cosmesis, bloody nipple discharge, persistent history of pain in the mass, rapid growth of the mass and malignancies with predilection for the breasts.
Employability skills assessment: not just designed ... but engineered to work!

LINKup is a proven model of assessment for Key Competencies (now Employability Skills) offering powerful insights into 'practical implementation' because of the way it has been 'engineered'. It is a complete system incorporating professional development, student induction, assessment tools and a comprehensive package of resources incorporating innovative web technology. It is a versatile strategy suitable for diverse training contexts, all Training Packages and a wide range of people including students, trainers, employees and employers. The success of LINKup is a direct result of rigorous engineering and action research continually striving for excellence in practical implementation over a 14 year period. This paper specifically focuses on the difference an 'engineering' approach can make and the significant advice and benefits it offers current national policy development and practical implementation of Employability Skills. LINKup has proven such a workable system that not only practitioners, but students themselves, can be empowered to understand, apply and successfully perform their own assessment of their Employability Skills.
Contrast enhancement by intensity preservation‐based dynamic histogram equalization for electrowetting display

Due to the phenomenon of contact angle saturation and charge trapping, contrast of the electrowetting display will be decreased, and the details of the image will be lost. A histogram equalization algorithm is commonly used to improve the image contrast enhancement. Therefore, in order to improve the display quality of the electrowetting display, this article proposes an extension of dynamic histogram equalization (DHE) techniques, called intensity preservation‐based dynamic histogram equalization (IPDHE). Initially, the proposed IPDHE technique separates the histogram into four subhistograms based on intensity preservation. Then, the resultant subhistograms are reshaped by the nonzero bins as the amount of emphasis given on total pixels. Mathematically, the intensity preservation measure of each subhistogram stands for the density and boosted level of the subhistogram. Finally, each subhistogram is equalized. Simulation results show that, for the dataset of test images, the proposed algorithm successfully enhances the contrast of images while preserving the maximum average information content (entropy), presents more image details, and applies to the electrowetting display. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.