Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hydraulic performance of elastomeric bonded permeable revetments and subsoil response to wave loads

Elastomeric bonded permeable revetments, also called PBA (Polyurethane bonded aggregate) revetments, are highly porous structures made of mineral aggregates (e.g. crushed stones) which are durably and elastically bonded by polyurethane (PU). Despite their numerous advantages as compared to conventional revetments and the large experience available from more than 25 pilot projects, physically-based design formulae to predict their hydraulic performance, wave loading and response are still lacking. Therefore, the present study aims at improving the understanding of the processes involved in the interaction between wave, revetment and foundation, based on large-scale model tests performed in the Coastal Research Centre (FZK), Hannover/Germany, and to provide prediction formulae/diagrams. This paper is focused on the prediction of the hydraulic performance (wave reflection, wave run-up and run-down) and the response of the sand core (pore pressure) beneath the revetment for a wide range of wave conditions, including the analysis of an observed failure due to transient soil liquefaction.
Development of FRP Bridges in the UK — An Overview

The emphasis in bridge design and construction technology in the UK has shifted in recent decades towards improved durability and quick construction, with whole life cost and low maintenance gradually becoming as important as initial capital cost. In conjunction with this, reduced disruption to the travelling public has become more important due to general increased travel and congestion on roads and railways. The combination of these two factors was a primary driver in the development of fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite bridge technology, which can provide improved durability and also reduced time of in-situ construction due to large, lightweight components being manufactured off-site (modular construction) and installed simply and quickly. The growth in the application of FRP bridges in the UK is described and highlighted with a number of representative case studies, generally showing the benefits of this technology in reducing whole life cost and disruption to the public. The future work required to further enable the development of FRP bridge technology is described, with the aim of FRP bridges becoming a mainstream competitor to other bridge materials and technologies.
Functional differences in echolocation call design in an adaptive radiation of bats

Abstract All organisms have specialized systems to sense their environment. Most bat species use echolocation for navigation and foraging, but which and how ecological factors shaped echolocation call diversity remains unclear for the most diverse clades, including the adaptive radiation of neotropical leaf‐nosed bats (Phyllostomidae). This is because phyllostomids emit low‐intensity echolocation calls and many inhabit dense forests, leading to low representation in acoustic surveys. We present a field‐collected, echolocation call dataset spanning 35 species and all phyllostomid dietary guilds. We analyze these data under a phylogenetic framework to test the hypothesis that echolocation call design and parameters are specialized for the acoustic demands of different diets, and investigate the contributions of phylogeny and body size to echolocation call diversity. We further link call parameters to dietary ecology by contrasting minimum detectable prey size estimates (MDPSE) across species. We find phylogeny and body size explain a substantial proportion of echolocation call parameter diversity, but most species can be correctly assigned to taxonomic (61%) or functional (77%) dietary guilds based on call parameters. This suggests a degree of acoustic ecological specialization, albeit with interspecific similarities in call structure. Theoretical MDPSE are greatest for omnivores and smallest for insectivores. Omnivores significantly differ from other dietary guilds in MDPSE when phylogeny is not considered, but there are no differences among taxonomic dietary guilds within a phylogenetic context. Similarly, predators of non‐mobile/non‐evasive prey and predators of mobile/evasive prey differ in estimated MDPSE when phylogeny is not considered. Phyllostomid echolocation call structure may be primarily specialized for overcoming acoustic challenges of foraging in dense habitats, and then secondarily specialized for the detection of food items according to functional dietary guilds. Our results give insight into the possible ecological mechanisms shaping the diversity of sensory systems, and their reciprocal influence on resource use.
Analysis of Underground Mining Accidents at AngloGold Ashanti Limited, Obuasi Mine

Analysis of incidents at AngloGold Ashanti’s (AGA’s) largest mine in Ghana was carried out to study accidents and injuries from underground mining activities, and to assess the effects of accidents on AGA’s production. Ground fall, machinery, electrocution and slip fall were the main causes of mine accidents. Results agree fairly well with those of other mines and production declined with increased lost-time injury frequency rate (LTIFR).
Building Innovative Teams: Exploring the Positive Contribute of Emotions Expression and Affective Commitment

The current challenging organizational context demands that organizations adapt quickly and continuously in order to survive and maintain their competitive advantage. Considering this need, one of the responses given by companies has been the valorization of work teams and their capacity for innovation, as well as fostering positive skills and emergent states in employees, such as emotional carrying capacity and affective commitment, respectively. The aim of this research is thus to study the relationship between emotional carrying capacity and group innovation, considering affective commitment as the mediating variable. To test these relationships, an empirical cross-sectional study was conducted including 138 Portuguese work teams belonging to different sectors of activity, composed of 625 members and their respective leaders. The results were analyzed through structural equation modeling (SEM) and showed positive relationships between emotional carrying capacity and affective commitment, as well as between affective commitment and group innovation. In addition, the mediating role of affective commitment in the relationship between emotional carrying capacity and group innovation was also supported. Therefore, the results suggest that a work context in which members openly express their emotions contributes to reinforcing their affective attachment to the group, making them feel more involved and available to test and implement new ideas and procedures. The findings reinforce the benefits of promoting the expression of emotions and the development of healthy bonds between team members.
Effect of midsole geometry on foot-strike pattern and running kinematics

A minimalist shoe could be described as a shoe with minimal midsole thickness at the heel (heel height) and a minimal positive difference between heel and metatarsus heights (drop). This study aimed to analyse the acute effect of heel height, drop and combinations of the two on the foot-strike pattern and running kinematics. Twelve healthy rearfoot males ran for 1 min at 3.9 and 4.7 m.s−1 on a treadmill in 16 different shoe conditions across which heel height and drop of the midsole varied independently. The foot-strike pattern was determined from high-speed video (240 Hz) by measuring the angle between the bottom of the foot and the horizontal at ground contact. Running kinematics were measured by an optical system (1000 Hz) placed on each side of the treadmill by which step frequency, duty factor, and leg and vertical stiffness were measured. Results showed that the lower the heel height and/or drop, the flatter the foot at ground contact, which characterised a foot-strike pattern tending toward a midfoot-strike pattern. Running kinematics was directly affected by drop but not by the heel height: drop was positively correlated to contact time and duty factor and negatively to flight time and leg stiffness. The foot-strike pattern alteration induced by a low drop and/or heel height was correlated to changes in running kinematics toward a running pattern previously associated with low foot–ground impact, and in turn to a ‘safer’ running pattern regarding stress fractures.
Experimental evaluation of mobile phone sensors

Smart phone has become an important part of people's daily life. Most of current smart phone are equipped with a rich set of built-in sensors. The mobile applications such as geo-location based video annotation and indoor positioning require precise measurements from sensors. In addition, understanding the sensing performance of a smart phone device is helpful for implementing a mobile application that needs sensor data. This paper presents an experimental evaluation of key sensors in a state of the art smart phone - Google Nexus 4. The sensors chosen in the paper are accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer and GPS. Substantial tests have been executed to evaluate the sensors' accuracy, precision, maximum sampling frequency, sampling period jitter, energy consumption.
Numerical and Experimental Vibration Analysis of a Steam Turbine Rotor Blade

Damage to the rotor blade of a steam turbine is a relatively common problem and is one of the leading causes of sudden and unplanned shutdowns of a steam turbine. Therefore, the high reliability of the rotor blades is very important for the safe and economical operation of the steam turbine. To ensure high reliability, it is necessary to perform a vibration analysis of the rotor blades experimentally and in a computer environment. In this paper, a modal analysis was performed on the twisted blade of the last stage of the turbine in the Ansys software. The results of the modal analysis of the stationary rotor blade were compared with the results obtained by the bump test, which confirmed the numerical model of the blade. A modal analysis of a rotating rotor blade was performed on the same numerical model, and Campbell diagrams were plotted to determine the critical speed
An Interactive Method for Teaching Turbine Design

The implementation of new technology in the gas turbine industry is accelerating at a rate which demands increasing specialisation by its engineering design staff. Simultaneously, this industry has been adopting concurrent engineering practices to reduce product lead-time. Accordingly, the industry now requires its engineers to acquire competence in a wide range of technological disciplines together with a thorough understanding of the demands of design optimisation for the whole engine.Against this background, educational providers must respond to these increasing demands with teaching programmes that enable a more rapid and deeper understanding of a very complex product. The ambition of the teacher, however, to prepare the student will continue to be limited by time constraints within lecture courses. Hitherto, this has normally resulted in class worked examples which are necessarily narrow in scope and confined to a limited range of design cases.To overcome these limitations, a portfolio of multimedia computer programs has been developed specifically for rapid and relevant learning purposes. Each is structured to facilitate in-depth understanding of the key interactions between aerodynamics, thermodynamics and mechanical integrity needed in gas turbine design and performance assessment.This paper describes an interactive teaching method for turbine design optimisation using only the multimedia turbine design and performance module. Through the example of a case study, the preliminary design of a high pressure and low pressure turbine combination is undertaken initially by hand.This first pass design leaves substantial scope for design optimisation through a series of workshops using only the software. Final design recommendations are subsequently based on comprehensive tutor led but fully interactive discussion. Particular emphasis is placed on the impact of design decisions on both the various technology issues and on the performance of other engine components.Copyright © 1999 by ASME
Identification of Factors that Affect the Adoption of Ergonomic Interventions Among EMS Workers

The primary goal of this study was to understand the adoption of specific voluntarily used ergonomic intervention aimed at preventing musculoskeletal injuries in EMS workers. According to previous research in the areas of information technology, acceptance and diffusion of innovation, worker’s perceptions and attitudes impact the adoption of interventions. This research evaluated the adoption of an intervention that was designed to assist with the lateral transfer of patients as this has previously been reported as a frequent and strenuous task performed by EMS workers. The objective of the current study was to use structural equation modeling to determine which factors most closely affect its adoption. The model suggest that the perception that the intervention is relatively advantageous and easy to use, that the intervention is compatible with the task, having previous experience with similar tools and whether it was endorsed by champions who actively promote the use of the intervention are all factors contributing to the adoption of this ergonomic intervention.
Protein signature/markers for the detection of adenocarcinoma

The invention provides a protein signature/markers for the detection of adenocarcinoma and specifically relates to an array for determining the presence of pancreatic adrenocarcinoma in an individual comprising two or more binding agent for binding all of the proteins including C5, IL-4, C3, VEGF, C4, IL-13 and TNF-b. The present invention provides a method for determining the presence of pancreatic adrenocarcinoma in an individual and/or for determining the survival time of an individual afflicted with pancreatic adrenocarcinoma comprising the steps of: (a) providing a serum or plasma sample to be tested; and (b) determining a protein signature of the test sample by measuring the presence and/or amount in the test sample of one or more selected proteins; wherein the presence and/or amount in the test sample of one or more proteins selected from the group defined in Table 1 is indicative of the presence of pancreatic adrenocarcinoma. The invention also provides an array and a kit suitable for use in the methods of the invention.
Bargaining Experiments

Research and Development Staff (2007–present)/Research and Development Associate (2004–2007), Future Technologies Group, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Investigating techniques for petascale tools, performance modeling and simulation as principal investigator on ORNL Lab Director’s Research and Development fund project and as part of ORNL team on U.S. Department of Energy Scientific Discovery through Advanced Computing (SciDAC) Performance Engineering Research Institute project. Investigating petascale data storage problems as ORNL point of contact for SciDAC Petascale Data Storage Institute project.
Value Change in Oil and Gas Production: I. Additional Information at Fixed Cost but Variable Resolution Probability

The worth of producing an oilfield is governed by future uncertainties that are related both to changes in reservoir behaviour and to on-going production. Costs and selling price of product also influence the decision to produce further reserves. Acquisition of new information, and decisions to produce based on interpretations of the new information, are usually undertaken to maximise the total worth of an oilfield to a corporation, or to minimise total loss. Because acquisition of new information is not cost-free, future further development decisions are influenced by such costs and also the anticipated new worth assuming the acquired data resolve, at least partially, any uncertainty in expected future reserves. This paper is the first in a series designed to illustrate how one can use probabilistic risking methods to handle such uncertainties. A simple deterministic assessment is made of when new information is worthwhile. With the sole exception of the probability of a successful value change resulting from new information, all other parameters describing the oilfield are taken to be precise and it is also taken that new information resolves unequivocally the residual worth of the oilfield. These conditions will be gradually relaxed in future papers to illustrate their importance to the decision-making process. Systematically varying the probability of success, which is the sole unknown, allows one to assess when anticipated new net gains would exceed those by continuing production of the field the way it is. In particular, one can determine how high the success probability needs to be for such an eventuality and compare this value against a corporate-mandated Minimum Acceptable Chance in order to make a decision consistent with the corporate constraints. To assess the uncertainty, measures of bulk volatility and also of upside and downside volatile risk are used as yardsticks. Simple numerical examples are provided to show how these factors can be quantified and used in oilfield development and production situations.
Integrated Measurement System of Postural Angle and Electromyography Signal for Manual Materials Handling Assessment

Improper design of manual materials handling (MMH) tasks at workplace can cause musculoskeletal disorders such as muscle strain to industrial workers. To avoid these disorders, ergonomists and engineers require an integrated measurement system which allows them to study the interaction of body posture and muscle effort during performing MMH tasks. However, far too little attention has been paid to develop an integrated measurement system of body posture and muscle activity for assessing MMH tasks. The aim of this study was to develop and test a prototype of integrated system for measuring postural angles and electromyography (EMG) signals of a worker who doing MMH tasks. The Microsoft Visual Studio software, a 3D camera (Microsoft Kinect), Advancer Technologies muscle sensors and a microcontroller (NI DAQ USB-6000) were applied to develop the integrated postural angle and EMG signal measurement system. Additionally, a graphical user interface was created in the system to enable users to perform body posture and muscle effort assessment simultaneously. Based on the testing results, this study concluded that the patterns of EMG signals are depending on the postural angles which consistent with the findings of established works. Further study is required to enhance the validity, reliability and usability of the prototype so that it may facilitate ergonomists and engineers to assess work posture and muscle activity during MMH task.
Property Crime at O’Hare International Airport: An Examination of the Routine Activities Approach

The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks permanently transformed aviation security, generating more intensive security-related practices. Although these enhanced security measures primarily sought to prevent future terrorist attacks, they also may have provided a secondary benefit of reducing property crimes at airports. The present case study examines changes in airport security at Chicago's O’Hare International Airport post-9/11 in the context of routine activities theory. The study first posits that increased security measures at O’Hare should have resulted in increased capable guardianship, thereby reducing the number of suitable targets and criminal opportunities for motivated offenders. After identifying various changes in airport security at O’Hare since 9/11 in the context of routine activities theory, the study then examines changes in larcenies from January 1999 to June 2006 using an interrupted time series analysis. The ARIMA model indicates that in the post 9/11 O’Hare Airport environment, there was a statistically significant and persistent reduction in reported larcenies.
Can I Be Who I Am? Psychological Authenticity Climate And Employee Outcomes

ABSTRACT We propose and test the construct of psychological authenticity climate, which we define as a psychological climate where employees perceive that their organization encourages and provides a safe environment for them to express their personal identities at work. Through a 4-study design spanning two countries (United States and Brazil), we establish relationships between psychological authenticity climate and organizationally relevant employee outcomes. In Study 1 and Study 2 we assess the measurement validity of our proposed measure. In Studies 3a and 3b (n = 282; n = 188), we assess the predictive validity of our construct and test our hypothesized model across two time points. Results indicate overall support for our model, with psychological authenticity climate affecting key outcomes like organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs), job satisfaction, and job burnout through organizational identification (OID).
Dealing With External Factors in the Electricity Generation Sector: Nuclear vs. Other Baseload Technologies

The international literature presents several studies about the economics of Power Plants, however these analyses usually consider only the classical accounts related to Construction, Operation & Maintenance, Fuel and Decommissioning cost. Beside these accounts there are many factors, from now on named External Factors (e.g. social acceptability, Security of Fuel supply, etc.) able to heavily determine the profitability and the feasibility of a certain investment. This paper lists the External Factors and, under this prospective, ranks under different scenarios the following technologies suitable for the base-load: hydro, coal, oil, gas and nuclear. First the paper provides a list of these factors considering the international literature. As second step each factor is analyzed and quantified. Then an overall multi-attribute model, based on the Quality Function Deployment approach, is introduced to obtain a weight for each factor, dividing its impact into three different sustainability dimensions (economic, environmental, social), each weighted according to the investor sensitiveness. Finally the factor weights and their performances are coupled to obtain an overall ranking specific describing the specific environmental coming out by the combination of conditions and investors’ strategies. The results show that hydroelectric plants are usually the best solution, however there is a shortage of new sites for the further deployment of these plants, therefore other plants have to be considered to fulfill the energy growth. Coal and Nuclear could be a good choice even if each type of plant has its strengths and weaknesses. Nuclear technology has good performances on “fuel supply and environmental impact factors”, but his main weak is on the social acceptability. On the opposite the oil and gas -fired plants are always the worst choice. It is important to highlight that some factors are quantified using historical data (for the nuclear sector related to GEN II reactors). This assumption does not bias the analysis since the progress in nuclear energy is present as well as in other technologies. However is clear from the analysis that the innovative passive reactors could overcome other technologies and become the most suitable choice for the base load generation. © 2009 ASME