Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fabrication and characterization of thermo-plasmonic routers for telecom applications

The Dielectric Loaded Surface Plasmon Polariton Waveguides (DLSPPWs) have recently emerged as a possible solution to carry both optical and electrical signals on- chip. However, in the particular context of optical interconnects, advanced functionalities such as filtering, switching, and routing are required in order to replace in the future the equivalent electronic components which are too much power consumer and also to reduce their footprints. After presenting the interest and limitation of the leakage radiation microscopy method used all along this work, we show several active devices using thermo-sensitive polymers as the dielectric load driven electrically by Joule heating. Then we demonstrate the feasibility of all-optical systems by either doping the dielectric with metallic nanoparticles or by plasmo-thermal eect of a second plasmonic mode providing a localized heating of controlled shape. The dynamic activation of our thermo- optical devices is performed using a homemade fiber-to-fiber setup which allows us to investigate the response time of a plasmo-thermal heating as well as true datacom transmission. Some improvements of the original DLSPPWs performances are proposed by adding a metallic wall on one side of the polymer ridge. This system can act as a compact and athermal polarization converter
An investigation of user satisfaction on the library information resources, facilities and services of a public university

Universities libraries are shaping up with facilities to provide satisfaction in accessing and studying information to meet today's knowledge-intensive environment. This study aims to investigate users' satisfaction on the library information resources, facilities and services for learning and research works at a public university. The population of this study comprises of students from the different faculties in the campus. Survey questionnaires were distributed to library users through stratified and convenient sampling method to collect the required information. Data were then analyzed using descriptive analysis, factor analysis, correlation analysis and regression analysis. The results of this study reflected the needs of good library information resources, facilities and services to ensure user's satisfaction for learning and research.
Infrasound Signals as Basis for Event Discriminants

Abstract : Herein we summarize the first several months' effort in this research project of calculating the near-field infrasound signals generated by ground motion sources such as underground tests and earthquakes. Our approach is a direct application of the Rayleigh integral to the ground motion acceleration as seen by an observer at altitude near the source. The numerical integration is straightforward; however, the specification of the acceleration time history may be more difficult. Results of such calculations can, with good ground motion models for underground tests and earthquakes, be used to look for differences in the near-field infrasound signals that would be the basis for discriminants. So far, the work has concentrated on getting basic codes in place and on modeling underground test signals, which will be the emphasis of this contribution. There are 34 events for which model ground motion parameters were derived, earlier by others, from the ground motion data. We now have access to the Nevada Test Site (NTS) ground motion database. This can help in improving ground motion models for underground tests. Another new development was the successful application of a two-dimensional time-domain finite-difference code to this problem. The code was run with a time dependent velocity boundary condition and to a problem time of 40 seconds showing the acoustic signal in the 12 km by 12 km domain. Results from this code can be used to benchmark other codes. Another planned use for this near-field modeling work is to provide realistic initial conditions for long-range acoustic propagation codes.
Analysis of Musculoskeletal Disorders for Labor of Un-standardization Work; on the Subject of the Centering-Work in a Shipbuilding Industry

In shipbuilding industry, musculoskeletal disorders increase rapidly since 2001. Musculoskeletal disorders was occurred the number of 735 in 2003 and the number of 479 on the whole in 2002 and is increased. About this, it is in progress actively that a lot of research services for problem grasping and technology seminar for prevention of musculoskeletal disorders of shipbuilding industry with KOSHIPA (The Korea Shipbuilding Association) in the center in 2002. But, it is actuality that the research is in many difficulties by absence of basic data in shipbuilding industry that most un-standardization work forms. Therefore, this study analyzed present condition of musculoskeletal disorders to shipbuilding industry that most un-standardization work forms. Also, we analyzed on the subject of the Centering-work that appearance extremely much musculoskeletal disorders.
Isolation and Characterization of Cellulose Nanofiber (CNF) from Sugarcane Bagasse by Acid Hydrolysis with Addition of Ferric Chloride Catalyst (FeCl3 )

Sugarcane bagass was used as effect of hydrolysis time for isolation of cellulose nanofiber (CNF) was done. The other components such as lignin and hemicellulose were removed from the biomass by adding NaOH and NaOCl and continue to synthesist of CNF has done using formic acid hydrolysis wiht addition of ferric chloride catalyst. FTIR analysis showed that were no significant variations in peak positions, This result did not affect the chemical compounds of CNF. XRD analysis showed increase the hydrolisis time also increase the crystallinity percentage and crystalline size. Increasing hydrolysis time would decreased the percentage yield of CNF. Article History Received: 28 July 2017 Accepted: 15 September 2017
The effect of the application frequency and dose of Mancozeb on the management of potato late blight in Rwanda

Objectives: Experiments were conducted at the Institut des Sciences Agronomiques du Rwanda during two seasons 2005 B and 2006 A to test the efficacy of reduced rates of mancozeb in controlling potato late blight when applied at different frequencies on potato cultivar Kirundo, and establish an appropriate spray interval. Methodology and results: The standard application program of Ridomil MZ at 2.5kg ha -1 application -1 alternating with Dithane M-45 at 2.0 kg ha -1 application -1 applied at a 10-day interval was compared with Dithane M-45 alone applied at 5, 10 and 15-day spray intervals at 50 and 100% of the manufacturer’s recommended application rate. Potato late blight was effectively controlled by the standard program of Ridomil MZ alternating with Dithane applied at 10-day intervals. The 5-day application interval program using Dithane alone at 50 and 100% of the recommended application rates was as effective as the standard program but the 10 and 15-day programs were not significantly different from the non-treated. Decline in yield was correlated with increase in foliar late blight severity. Conclusion and application of findings : Effective control of potato late blight can be attained by combining host resistance and managed fungicide applications even in a variety that is relatively susceptible to potato late blight such as Kirundo. In dry years it would be reasonable to reduce applications of fungicide but to do so would require the development and establishment of a realtime potato late blight prediction model adapted to the region.
Computer based science laboratory at high schools in Slovenia

Many high schools in Slovenia possess basic equipment for computerised school science laboratory including data acquisition system and sensors. A questionnaire for biology, chemistry and physics teachers from those schools has been prepared. A questionnaire was divided into 3 parts with 30 questions all together. Some of our main goals were to find out: (1) how frequently was the equipment in use at different schools, (2) are there any differences in usage of data acquisition system and sensors among teachers of biology, chemistry and physics and (3) potential difficulties in application of data acquisition system and sensors in teaching natural sciences. In this paper some results of our research are presented. These results were one of starting-points for ComLab group to improve equipment for computer based laboratory work and to prepare new courses for computerised school science laboratory.
Factors That Affect Tax Compliance Behavior of Small and Medium Enterprises: Evidence from Nekemte City

The main objective of the study was to assess factors that affect tax compliance behavior of small and medium enterprises taxpayer in nekemte city administration. The study used descriptive and explanatory research design. The total population of the study was 8458 small and medium business enterprises in nekemte city from which the sample of 386 were determined for data collection. To ensure the representativeness of different business sectors of small and medium enterprises taxpayers, stratified sampling technique was adopted. In order to gather the required data, structured questionnaires have been used. Data collected was analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Science version 24 and the findings were presented using tables and figures. The finding shows that tax rate have statistically significant negative effect on tax compliance behavior of small and medium enterprises tax payers, but the level of income, fine and penalty, Rewarding and incentives, simplicity of tax system, perceptions of government spending, tax audit, Attitude toward tax and tax knowledge and awareness were statistically, significantly and positively associated with tax compliance behavior of small and medium enterprises tax payers. The study recommended that management of tax revenue authority has keep tax rates to the minimum as much as possible, putting legal sanctions in terms of penalties and fines on non compliant SME tax payers, simplify filling and tax collection procedures, maintain transparency on how the revenue collected from taxation was being expended. Provide tax rewards and incentives to honest tax payers, educating the taxpayers to create the necessary awareness on tax laws and the detection of noncompliance so as to increases tax compliance behavior of SME taxpayers.
Rationalization of Fisheries Business Affected by the Covid-19 Pandemic: Case Study: Sungai Batang Village,Province of South Kalimantan, Indonesia

Like other countries, the Covid-19 pandemic is also widespread and rapidly reaching Indonesia, requires the government to immediately take policy steps to control its spread. The implementation of the Large-Scale Social Restriction rules resulted in limited space for movement and community activities in the public zone [1]. The Covid-19 outbreak not only created a health emergency but also have the impact on the global economic sector, including marine and fisheries sector. The impact is felt, among others, the price of fish dropped dramatically by 50% due to reduced market demand due to lack of buyers. Fish distribution has also experienced obstacles due to this policy. During the Covid-19 pandemic,many ecotourism locations were also temporally closed, and the sales of processed fishery products decreased significantly [2].
Harvesting alternatives and cost factors of delimbed energy wood.

The possibilities of harvesting small-diameter energy wood as delimbed instead of whole-trees was studied in the project ”Harvesting alternatives and cost factors of delimbed energy wood”. The study focused on comparing the productivity and costs of cutting whole-trees and delimbed trees. The cutting was carried out using the multi-tree-handling technique and only energy wood was recovered. The second aim was to study integrated harvesting of industrial round wood and delimbed energy wood using the conventional single-tree-handling technique. The regional availability, procurement costs and measuring of delimbed energy wood were also estimated in the study. The productivity of cutting delimbed energy wood was 10–40% lower compared to cutting whole-trees. This was due to the decreased stem volume. However, time consumption per tree was at the same level. The productivity of forwarding delimbed wood was 10–20% higher compared to forwarding whole-trees. Integrated harvesting of industrial wood and delimbed energy wood was found to be rather costly. The productivity of harvesting energy wood from tops of industrial wood stems was almost three times higher than productivity of harvesting energy wood from small stems not meeting the diameter requirements of pulp wood. Delimbing lowered the regional energy wood removals by 42–46% and increased the procurement costs by 17–25% compared to whole tree harvesting. Nevertheless, the study showed that the forest energy potential is increased and procurement costs are reduced, if delimbed energy wood is harvested from areas where whole tree harvesting is not acceptable due to nutrient loss or other ecological reasons. The measuring method of delimbed energy wood was based on estimating the frame volume and the solid volume percentage of the tree bunches by using the harvester’s measuring device. The estimation of both variables was rather inaccurate but the overall accuracy of the measuring method was rather good when the size of the harvested lot was larger than 10 m3. The project was funded by Tekes, Komatsu Forest Oy, Sampo-Rosenlew Oy and Waratah-OM Oy. The research was carried out by the Finnish Forest Research Institute and the TTS Institute.
Developing innovations within networks : with an application to the Dutch medical equipment industry

• A submitted manuscript is the author's version of the article upon submission and before peer-review. There can be important differences between the submitted version and the official published version of record. People interested in the research are advised to contact the author for the final version of the publication, or visit the DOI to the publisher's website. • The final author version and the galley proof are versions of the publication after peer review. • The final published version features the final layout of the paper including the volume, issue and page numbers.
LEADING FACTORS DETERMINING LATERAL TRANSFER SUCCESS

Abstract : This study examines the characteristics of officers applying to and being selected by lateral transfer boards using biannual redesignation data from November 2010 through November 2012. The lateral transfer board reviews approximately 500 applicants each year. The majority of the Restricted Line designators rely on lateral transfer boards as their primary means of accessing new officers, where the average applicant is an O-3, male, and is a surface warfare officer (1110). Although the applicants are moderately different at each board, the aggregate selection rate is 40 percent. A probit analysis suggests that officers who are most likely to be successful at redesignating are Hispanic and O-4, as well as Limited Duty Officers. The regression results indicate that there is no gender difference in selection but senior pay grades are selected at a higher rate, where Information Professional and Foreign Area Officer communities currently have the greatest demand for officers at the lateral transfer boards. Additionally, Surface Warfare provides the greatest supply of applicants on average, but holding all else equal, an officer is less likely to be selected if he or she applies as a surface warfare officer.
The foodborne diseases antimicrobial resistance development in food animals: A case of Salmonella isolates from diarrheic sheep in and around Gondar city, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

Background: In recent years, an increase in the occurrence of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens especially foodborne zoonotic bacteria has been observed in several countries. As a result, fatality rates are increasing due to those resistant bacteria in both human and animal populations, particularly in developing countries like Ethiopia where the risk of infection is high due to poor biosecurity measures, close animal-human interactions, and extensive use of antimicrobials for animal productions. One of those zoonotic diseases, which commonly contaminates food and having zoonotic characteristics is Salmonella.Methodology: A cross-sectional study on samples collected from diarrheic sheep in and around Gondar city, to assess the risk of antibiotic resistance development of Salmonella in food animal production was conducted. A total of 80 positively isolated Salmonellae were taken from 165 diarrheic sheep and antibiotics resistance test was conducted by Kirby-Bauer Disc diffusion method. The disc diffusion test was performed using ten commonly used antibiotic discs in the study area.Result: Salmonellae were 100% resistant for amoxicillin and ampicillin. In addition to this, the bacteria were sensitive for kanamycin, gentamicin, and ciprofloxacin with some level of intermediate resistance. Salmonellae were 75% sensitive with 25% resistance for chloramphenicol while trimethoprim, tetracycline, doxycycline and nalidixic acid showed 37.5%, 37.5%, 25% and 12.5% of resistance respectively. Generally, this study revealed that Salmonellae were developed a wide range of resistance to different antibiotics in the study area.Conclusion: In general, majority of previously curative antibiotics are developed resistance against Salmonella. Therefore, the rational use of antibiotics, antimicrobial use governance in animal production, further studies, and integrative approaches among animal-human health professionals are recommended for the reduction and mitigation of health risks arising from antibiotic-resistant zoonotic pathogens like Salmonellae.
A 1296 MHz Earth-Moon-Earth Communication System

The task of designing, building and characterizing an Earth–Moon–Earth (EME) communication system in the 1296 MHz amateur radio band has been successfully accomplished. Using the radar equation and thermal noise theory, in conjunction with measured and estimated system parameters, the lunar echo signal to noise ratio (SNR) has been estimated at 5.4+1.2 −1.6 dB (2) in a 100 Hz bandwidth. The results of empirical long-term averaged SNR measurements are within the boundaries of this estimate, thus adding to its validity. Additionally, measurements of the libration-induced Doppler spread of the lunar echoes show good agreement with theoretical predictions. Further experiments should be conducted however, in order to asses the repeatability of the results. Improvements to the system and measurement methods should also be considered. The report focuses on both theory and practice and apart from the above, additional attention is given to the topic of low noise figure (NF) measurements due to the systemic importance of the LNA NF parameter.
Older people as equal partners in the creative design of digital devices

This thesis describes research which explores the importance and feasibility of involving older people as equal partners in the creative design of digital devices for an ageing population. In exploring this topic, I have carried out two preliminary studies, a pilot study and a major empirical study. Firstly, I invited three groups of people, including very old people, active older people and postgraduate students, to evaluate a mock-­‐up model of an interactive device intended for older people that was designed using a standard design process. The results of this study suggested that products without an adequate contribution from older people would not always meet their needs. Secondly, I carried out observations of very old people, active older people, and young designers to identify factors that influence the way in which both older people and young designers can be involved in the creative design process. These factors included experiences with technology, processes and approaches currently applied with older people and designers, factors that stimulate or inhibit creativity, and practical constraints such as health issues. The results of these observations fed into the design of a pilot study, where I tested the content of a creative design process and a procedure for analysing data for the main empirical study. The main study involved three creative workshops where the same creative methods were employed with different sets of people: young designers, mixed groups (with older people and designers) and older people only. The results show that older people are able to participate in a creative design process; however, certain practical constraints have to be taken into account. Also, older people perform better when they work together with designers. Finally, the mixed groups with older people, who have relevant life experiences, and designers, who are familiar with the newest technology, may be more suitable for designing appropriate products for the older population.
Organic and Chemical Fertilizer Affected Yield and Essential Oil of Two Mint Species

Abstract Two species of mint Mentha piperitha (peppermint) and M. arvensis (Japanese mint) are widely cultivated in Iran but have not been evaluated their response to fertilizer regimes. A field experiment were conducted to investigate the effects of different organic and chemical fertilizer treatments [Control, 100 % urea (95 kg N ha”1), 75% urea (71.25 kg N ha”1) + 25 % Vermicompost (3.3 ton ha-1), 50 % urea (47.5 kg N ha”1) + 50 % Vermicompost (6.75 ton ha-1), 25 % urea (23.75 kg N ha”1) + 75 % vermicompost (10.1 ton ha-1) and 100 % vermicompost (13.5 ton ha-1)] on essential oil contents, yield and morphological parameters of two species of mint (peppermint and Japanese mint) at Tarbiat Modares University during 2015 growing season. Peppermint provided higher plant height, number of internodes, number of leaves and oil percentage than Japanese mint. The results indicated that, irrespective of mint species, plant treated with chemical and organic fertilizers together presented taller plant, higher oil contents and oil yield compared with solo chemical or organic fertilizers. Oil percentage and essential oil yield of mint increased significantly up to 25.75 kg/ha urea + 10.1 t/ha. Plant height and number of leaf increased along the replacement of organic fertilizer with chemical fertilizers. The results showed that there was positive and significant correlation with leaf number and essential oil yield. Application of vermicompost combined with chemical fertilizer increased plant height, oil percentage and essential oil in both species suggesting that organic and chemical fertilizer combination improves performance and environmental sustainability.
Heavy truck safety study

Each year approximately 400,000 medium and heavy trucks are involved in accidents. Approximately 5500 people are killed and 175,000 injured as a result of these accidents. There are many interrelated factors which contribute to the cause of truck accidents and their consequences. This report: 1) Identifies the key vehicle related factors contributing to the cause of truck accidents (braking and handling/stability) and to the resulting fatalities and injuries (crashworthiness, notably truck aggressivity in collisions with other vehicles). It also identifies the programs and needs of enforcement agencies responsible for assuring compliance with traffic laws by commercial motor vehicle drivers; 2) Summarizes what is known about each of these issues; 3) Describes actions that can be taken now in some of the areas to make near term improvements; and, 4) Presents research agendas for acquiring information to develop solutions to the longer-term issues in the remaining areas. This study was carried out with the help and cooperation of truck manufacturers, employee representatives, truck operators and other parties interested in truck safety.