Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Arcing in Very Large Area Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition Reactors

This thesis presents an investigation into arcing and parasitic plasmas in large area plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition reactors. Two types were investigated: RF breakdown in millimetric gaps in absence of plasma (e.g. dark space shielding), in a millibar pressure range, and RF hollow cathodes in glow discharges. RF breakdown curves (voltage vs. pressure) for parallel plate electrodes generally show a steep left-hand branch at low pressures and a flatter right hand branch at higher pressures. Introducing protrusions or holes in parallel plate electrodes will lower the breakdown voltage in certain conditions. This is, however, not due to the increased electric field at sharp edges or ridges. Instead, both experiments and simulation show that breakdown at high pressure will occur at the protrusion providing the smallest gap, while breakdown at low pressure will occur in the aperture providing the largest gap. This holds true as long as the feature in question is wide enough: Features that are too narrow will lose too many electrons due to diffusion, either to the walls of the apertures or to the surroundings of the protrusion, which negates the effect on the breakdown voltage. An analytical approximation of breakdown in parallel plates with cylindrical protrusions supports this argument. The simulation developed to study breakdown in structured parallel plate electrodes also presents a tool to aid the design of complex RF parts for dark-space shielding. A method was developed to measure the pressure-limits of ignition for RF hollow cathodes, and it could be shown that these limits not only depend on gas type, diameter and depth of the hollow cathode, but also on the presence and/or absence of other hollow cathodes in the vicinity. It could also be conclusively shown that hollow cathodes damage the electrode by sputtering and/or evaporation.
A method for optimal fit of patient-specific fracture fixation plates

Anatomically pre-contoured fracture fixation plates are a treatment option for bone fractures. A well-fitting plate can be used as a tool for anatomical reduction of the fractured bone. However, recent studies showed that some plates fit poorly for many patients due to considerable shape variations between bones of the same anatomical site. Therefore, the plates have to be manually fitted and deformed by surgeons to fit each patient optimally. The process is time-intensive and labor-intensive, and could lead to adverse clinical implications such as wound infection or plate failure. This paper proposes a new iterative method to simulate the patient-specific deformation of an optimally fitting plate for pre-operative planning purposes. We further demonstrate the validation of the method through a case study. The proposed method involves the integration of four commercially available software tools, Matlab, Rapidform2006, SolidWorks, and ANSYS, each performing specific tasks to obtain a plate shape that fits optimally for an individual tibia and is mechanically safe. A typical challenge when crossing multiple platforms is to ensure correct data transfer. We present an example of the implementation of the proposed method to demonstrate successful data transfer between the four platforms and the feasibility of the method.
Comparative Studies on Damage Detection Based on Dynamic Response of a Beam Subjecting to Moving Load

In this paper, the feasibility and sensitivity of damage detection based on dynamic responses of a simply supported beam were examined theoretically and numerically, which were the displacement, velocity and acceleration histories at mid-span on a beam under the moving load. First, the theoretic background of a damage beam vibration subjecting to moving load was briefly described. And then a finite element method was used to calculate the responses of the beam. Using wavelet transform of the dynamic responses, the damage could be identified. Case studies showed that the velocity response was sensitive to the damage and the simulations illustrated the better quality of damage detection by velocity than the ones by displacement and acceleration.
A Computerized Approach to Substation and Switching Station Reliability Evaluation

This paper presents a new approach for the evaluation of substation and switching station reliability performance in terms of outage frequencies and durations. All realistic component failure modes are included in the reliability predictions. The computer program described in the paper is fairly general. It performs failure modes and effects analysis and provides a concise and orderly description of the various combination of occurrences within the system that could result in an interruption. The application of the program is illustrated by considering two practical system examples. The concepts described are quite general and can be easily extended to the reliability evaluation of other power systems configurations.
Generalised Rice-lognormal channel model for wireless communications

The Rice-lognormal (RLN) channel model is generalised to include an additive diffuse-multipath component having constant average power. The generalised RLN (GRLN) model includes as limiting cases many well-known narrowband models, e.g. Rayleigh, Rice, lognormal and Loo. The GRLN probability density functions of both envelope and phase are evaluated.
Successful IT Projects

Successful IT Projects introduces you to all the basics of project management. This is a great preparation for what you will experience in industry, as well as a thorough support for project management courses in IT or systems engineering. The book specifically addresses the needs for an academic student project providing useful hints and guidance. Working through the key phases of a technical project, you will cover project selection, planning, risk and quality management, as well as project monitoring and evaluation. Contexts for project management are described including coverage of systems development lifecycles (including evolutionary and agile methods), managing change, teamwork and professional ethics. Project management industry standards and methods (such as Prince2) are also introduced. Practical coursework exercises follow explanations of theory so your learning is boosted by some hands-on experience.
HCCI Operation of a Passenger Car Common Rail DI Diesel Engine With Early Injection of Conventional Diesel Fuel

The possibilities of operating a direct injection Diesel engine in HCCI combustion mode with early injection of conventional Diesel fuel were investigated. In order to properly phase the combustion process in the cycle and to prevent knock, the geometric compression ratio was reduced from 17.0:1 to 13.4:1 or 11.5:1. Further control of the phasing and combustion rate was achieved with high rates of cooled EGR. The engine used for the experiments was a single cylinder version of a modern passenger car type common rail engine with a displacement of 480 cc. An injector with a small included angle was used to prevent interaction of the spray and the cylinder liner. In order to create a homogeneous mixture, the fuel was injected by multiple short injections during the compression stroke. The low knock resistance of the Diesel fuel limited the operating conditions to low loads. Compared to conventional Diesel combustion, the NOx emissions were dramatically reduced. The smoke emissions also showed a significant reduction, while CO and HC emissions increased substantially. The HCCI combustion mode is characterized by a much more rapid heat release and higher fuel consumption, due to the lower compression ratio and the high HC and CO emissions.
The Prevalence of Left Ventricular Thrombus among Heart Failure Patients Admitted to Kuwait Teaching Hospital in Sanaa City between January 2014 -2017

Background: Heart failure is a major Public Health problem due to its high morbidity and mortality rates. The Left Ventricular Thrombus (LVT) is more frequently seen in acute heart failure as a complication of Left Ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of LVT and its outcome among Yemeni patients presented with heart failure to Kuwait teaching hospital in Sanaa. This cross sectional retrospective study made during the period of January 2014-January 2017 study for all patients admitted to the hospital with Heart Failure (HF). Results: During study period 1856 patients with cardiac diseases were admitted to the hospital. Of this 217 were in (F. Among patient which 61(28.1%) had LVT. The mean age of patient presented with LVT was 51 years ± 8.1 Most cases were male (90%) while only (10%), were females. Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD), Dilated Cardiac Myopathy (DCMP) and Hypertension, found to be an associated risk factors of LVT represented (51%, 34.2% and 34.2%) respectively. However 8 (13%) of patients with LVT had embolic complications. The mortality rate during hospitalization was 4 (6.6%). Conclusion: The Ischemic heart disease was the leading cause of left ventricular thrombus.
Ground modified double-sided printed compact UWB antenna

A double-sided printed compact antenna for UWB application is proposed. The proposed antenna, having a total size of 30×22 mm, consists of a patch fed by a microstrip line and a partial ground plane. The modified ground plane with triangular shaped slots on its top edge helps to increase the bandwidth of the proposed antenna. The double-sided printed antenna has a bandwidth (VSWR≤2) from 3.08 to 15.90 GHz and a maximum gain of 5.9 dBi. Antenna radiation patterns show stable variation within its operating band.
Progression to post-16 education in England: the role of vocational qualifications

ABSTRACT In 2010, the Department for Education in England decided to reform the vocational qualifications offered in secondary education (i.e., for 14–18 year olds) in order to increase their rigour and status. They set out new criteria that vocational qualifications needed to meet, which changed their nature in fundamental ways (e.g., content, assessment structure, grading and progression requirements). At a time when the reforms to vocational qualifications are settling in, it is important to understand their impact on student engagement in vocational education and, also, how the new categories of vocational qualifications help students progress through education. This research aimed to obtain an up-to-date view of progression from vocational qualifications to post-16 education. Using national data, we investigated whether students with different programmes of study and different vocational qualifications in lower secondary school were equally likely to progress to post-16 education and, if they progressed, what routes and qualifications they took. The research outcomes suggest that, although vocational routes do not close students’ options, progression to post-16 education was affected by the proportion of vocational qualifications they took pre-16. More research is needed to find out the reasons behind this association, including whether this may reflect previous experiences with vocational education.
High-Order Community Detection in the Air Transport Industry: A Comparative Analysis among 10 Major International Airlines

Community detection in a complex network is an ongoing field. While the air transport network has gradually formed as a complex system, the topological and geographical characteristics of airline networks have become crucial in understanding the network dynamics and airports’ roles. This research tackles the highly interconnected parts in weighted codeshare networks. A dataset comprising ten major international airlines is selected to conduct a comparative analysis. The result confirms that the clique percolation method can be used in conjunction with other metrics to shed light on air transport network topology, recognizing patterns of inter- and intra-community connections. Moreover, the topological detection results are interpreted and explained from a transport geographical perspective, with the physical airline network structure. As complex as it may seem, the airline network tends to be a relatively small system with only a few high-order communities, which can be characterized by geographical constraints. This research also contributes to the literature by capturing new insights regarding the topological patterns of the air transport industry. Particularly, it reveals the wide hub-shifting phenomenon and the possibility of airlines with different business models sharing an identical topology profile.
MODELING STORM RUNOFF AND SEDIMENT WITH SEASONAL VARIATIONS

ABSTRACT An approach to simulate space and time distributed storm runoff and sediment discharge with seasonal variations of watershed characteristics is investigated. Model RUNOFF was applied to a small rural watershed in Mississippi to simulate runoff and sediment generated by storms occurring in different seasons of the year. The sensitive model parameters, which are the SCS runoff curve number and the flow detachment coefficient, were adjusted to match the predicted water and sediment discharges with the observed data. Variations of the parameters, with respect to the seasons, follow clear patterns. These patterns may be used to select parameter values, as well as simulate storm runoff and sediment, throughout a year.
Potential of Offshore Wind Energy and Extreme Wind Speed Forecasting on the West Coast of Taiwan

It is of great importance and urgency for Taiwan to develop offshore wind power. However, relevant data on offshore wind energy resources are limited. This study imported wind speeds measured by a tidal station and a buoy into the software WAsP to estimate the high-altitude wind speeds in the two areas. A light detection and ranging (Lidar) system was set up near the tidal station and buoy. High-altitude wind speeds measured by the Lidar system were compared with the WAsP-estimated values, and it was discovered that the two data sets were consistent. Then, long-term wind speed data observed by buoys and tidal stations at various locations were imported into WAsP to forecast wind speeds at heights of 55–200 m on the west coast of Taiwan. The software WAsP Engineering was used to analyze the extreme wind speeds in the same areas. The results show that wind speeds at 100 m are approximately 9.32–11.24 m/s, which means that the coastal areas of west Taiwan are rich in wind energy resources. When a long-term 10-min average wind speed is used, the extreme wind speed on the west coast is estimated to be between 36.4 and 55.3 m/s.
Measurement and Analysis of Sound Speed Dispersion During SAX04

Abstract : Results from a previous ONR funded experiment, SAX99, suggested that the speed of sound travelling through marine sediments might depend on the frequency of ensonification when the seabed is principally composed of sand (Williams et al., 2002). This dispersion behaviour contradicts a long-standing assumption, based on earlier compilations of experimental evidence (eg. Hamilton, 1980), that the compressional sound speed is independent of frequency. Sound speed dispersion measurements provide a fundamental metric for evaluating competing theories, some new and some revived (as summarized in Williams et al., 2002), that seek to explain the physics of how sound propagates in marine sediments as they predict different sound speed dispersion relationships
Characterization of machining of AISI 1045 steel over a wide range of cutting speeds. Part 2: Evaluation of flow stress models and interface friction distribution schemes

Abstract To ensure that the simulation of the orthogonal metal-cutting process yields accurate results, the material and frictional behaviours during simulation have to be defined accurately. Flow stress models are used extensively in the simulations of deformation processes occurring at high strains, strain rates, and temperatures. In this work, the Johnson-Cook, Maekawa et al., Oxley, El-Magd et al., and Zerilli-Armstrong flow stress models are evaluated. AISI 1045 steel is used as the workpiece material because it is well characterized. First, the predictive capability of these flow stress models is compared with the published experimental data at high strain rates and the modelling errors are quantified. Different friction conditions along the tool rake face are also discussed. Then the friction conditions based on results of scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray analysis from Part 1 are implemented together with other friction models. The material flow stress models and friction conditions are assessed using an updated Lagrangian finite element code simulating continuous chip formation over a range of cutting speeds. The assessment of these models is carried out for their accuracy in predicting the cutting force and shear angle with those obtained experimentally in order to draw conclusions regarding their comparative performance.
A new power measuring circuit using a bridge-connected magnetic circuit and another magnetic core

The authors describe the operating characteristics of an oscillating circuit using a bridge-connected magnetic circuit and another magnetic core. A square-shape output voltage is obtained in the oscillating circuit. The pulsewidth in positive and negative half cycles of output voltage changes with the current of the U-form core windings and with the signal voltage applied to the exciting windings. The mean value of the output voltage varies in proportion to the product of the current and the signal voltage. Utilizing this feature, an application of the oscillating circuit to a novel power measuring circuit of simple construction is presented. >
Duck in the Truck

Here comes Duck in his truck, the wonderful new character soon to be the focus of a whole new series. But watch out for that rock Duck ! too late Duck's truck is stuck in the muck! The truck is well and truly stuck, but luckily help is at hand in the form of a Frog. When the Frog and the Duck fail to eject the truck, they enlist the help of a Sheep who just happens to be passing by in his green jeep. But even the might of the sheep can't move the truck. Fortunately, there is a nearby lake and at this very moment a clever goat floats by relaxing in his boat. He devises a cunning plan which does indeed set the truck free! but with unexpected and hilarious consequences.
Lead leaching from inline brass devices: A critical evaluation of the existing standard

The American National Standards Institute/NSF Standard 61, Section 8, is intended to protect the public from inline brass plumbing products that might leach excessive levels of lead to potable water. Experiments were conducted to examine the practical rigor of this test. Contrary to expectations, the test was not highly protective of public health. In fact, results indicated that small devices made of pure lead—which pose an obvious public hazard—can easily pass the leaching protocol. Reforms are needed to help prevent such unacceptable outcomes in the future. Brass devices passing the test can contribute to lead levels at the tap in residences, schools, and other buildings.
High-isolation microstrip patch array antenna for single channel full duplex communications

An orthogonally polarised stacked square microstrip patch array antenna structure with high-isolation performance is proposed for single channel full duplex wireless communications. A double symmetric microstrip array structure is collaborated with a special self-interference cancelling network called differential feeding network (DFN) in order to achieve high-isolation performance. The proposed 2 × 2 and 4 × 4 symmetric array antenna structures with the DFNs were designed to operate at the idustrial, scientific and medical band of 2.34–2.54 GHz. By measurement, the average isolation performances of 53 and 60.7 dB were obtained in 200 MHz frequency band by the 2 × 2 and 4 × 4 array antennas, respectively. The measured average gains of the 2 × 2 and 4 × 4 array antennas were found to be 14.4 and 19.4 dBi, respectively.
Performance of biocemented Sydney sand using ex situ mixing technique

Abstract This paper describes a small-scale demonstration of an ex situ mixing technique that uses biocementation as an alternative to existing ground improvement techniques. The main objective of this research is to improve the strength and the stiffness of loose sand. Biocemented sand specimens have been produced by mixing a urease producing bacteria with nutrients and Sydney sand. Triaxial test with bender elements and the physical model test are conducted to investigate calcium carbonate precipitation and the properties of the soil. The model foundation tests have been performed at 1 g in a cylindrical tank with diameter of 600 mm. The tank has been filled with loose Sydney sand and a cemented column of 38 mm in diameter has been created in the center of the tank. A footing of 90 mm diameter has been placed on the sand surface and loaded to large displacements. The ability of the biocemented column made by ex situ mixing to significantly improve the foundation response is well demonstrated. Triaxial test performed on biocemented specimens also showed significant strength and stiffness increase over uncemented specimens. These tests confirmed the feasibility of using ex situ mixing technique to induce biocementation and provide valuable insight into the factors that must be considered in developing field applications.
Histological Changes Induced by the Fusarium Graminarum Silver Nanoparticles in Some Organs of Male Albino Mice

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects on male albino mice of the histological change of Fusarium graminarum, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and the traces of these nanoparticles in the liver, and small intestinal. The experiment consisted of 40 mice divided into two groups, the first group of 20 mice was considered to be the control animals and the other group was three weeks of treatment with a dose of AgNPs (0.1ml / day). Microscopic examination of the liver showed the disturbed structure of the hepatic lobule, hepatocyte hypertrophy with severs infiltration of inflammatory cells, kupffer cell proliferation, coagulates, necrosis, and hydropic degeneration. In addition, the small intestinal section showed hydropic degeneration in epithelium cells of the mucosa and an increased number of inflammatory cells also, the proliferation of goblet cells in epithelium cells of the intestinal mucosa and sloughing of necrotic villi into the intestinal lumen.
Imprisonment and crime

Since 1972, the rate of incarceration in U.S. state and federal prisons has increased every year without exception from a rate of 96 prisoners per 100,000 population in 1972 to 504 prisoners per 100,000 in 2008 (BJS, 2008). 1 Counting those housed in jails, the nation’s total incarceration rate has surpassed 750 per 100,000 (Liptak, 2008). Accompanying the 40-year increase in imprisonment has been a companion growth in corrections budgets from $9 billion in 1982 to $69 billion in 2006, which is a 660% increase (BJS, 2008). Much research has been done on the effect of this increase in incarceration on crime rates as well as on the social and economic costs of the ensuing fivefold increase in the nation’s imprisonment rate. The point of departure for this article is the recognition that sanction policies that reduce both crime and punishment have the desirable feature of avoiding not only the costs of crime but also the costs of administering punishment. As a theoretical matter, this observation is certainly not new and was recognized at least as long ago as Becker (1968). Of course, the policy question is whether, relative to the status quo, alternative policies exist that can achieve these simultaneous effects. In this article, we argue that it is a realistic possibility that crime, prison costs, and imprisonment numbers can be