Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Laboratory characterisation of pavement foundation materials

Pavement foundations for major roads in the UK were historically designed on an empirical basis, related to a single design chart, restricting the incorporation of superior performing materials or materials for which the empirical data sets were not available. The adoption of performance based specifications was promoted as they are perceived to ‘open up’ the use of alternative materials (including ‘local’ sources of primary materials) or techniques, and allow for the incorporation of superior performance into the overall pavement design. Parallel developments to the performance based design of pavement foundations (allowing for superior performance) and in situ testing required the support of laboratory based performance tests. These laboratory based tests were required to determine material performance parameters (elastic modulus and resistance to permanent deformation) for both unbound and hydraulically bound pavement foundation materials. A review of the available laboratory apparatus indicated that they were either; unrealistic (and hence unable to provide the required material performance parameters), or overly complex and more suited to fundamental research. Therefore, the requirement for developmental research work was identified. The research reported herein details the development, manufacture and initial evaluation of simplified laboratory apparatus (the Springbox for unbound materials and static stiffness test for hydraulically bound mixtures) designed to produce the performance parameters of elastic modulus and relative resistance to permanent deformation for pavement foundation materials. The equipment and test procedure evaluation was undertaken across a range of materials, giving initial guidance on likely in situ performance. The innovative laboratory apparatus and materials guidance (including the potential to use recycled and secondary aggregates) was incorporated into key Highways Agency specification and guidance documents, which in turn influence construction practice outside of motorways and major trunk roads. This research concludes by outlining a number of recommendations for continued development and evaluation, including feeding back data sets from long term in situ performance testing for subsequent refinement of assumptions.
Exploring the Performance of Australian Construction Industry in a Recent Global Recession

Available data on the recent global financial crisis (GFC) show that it lasted between the second quarter (Q2) of 2007 and the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2009. Australia is one of the first economies to fully recover from this crisis. This study explores the role played by the Australian construction industry in stimulating economic growth during the recession. In order to investigate the macro-variability trend during the financial crisis, data were collected and analysed relating to the quarterly GDP of Australia and selected countries between Q1 2000 and Q4 2009. Specifically, changes in the construction industry's GDP were compared with aggregate GDP changes in Australian economy and similar indices in the 'Group of 7' (G7) countries and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. Moreover, specific attention was focused on Germany, France, Japan, United States of America (USA) and United Kingdom (UK). Graphical and Pearson's correlation methods were used to analyse the relationships between changes in construction GDP and Australia's overall economic growth during the recession. In addition, an attempt was made to develop a regression model for predicting economic growth during the recent recession using changes in gross fixed capital formation (GFCF), changes in construction GDP and the impact of these changes on national economy. Analysis shows a slight contraction in construction activities during the crisis; however construction triggered significant growth in the economy during the crisis period and afterwards. This appears to be the major difference between Australia and other major economies that have experienced a longer recession.
Building for the future? A comparative study of the learning experiences of three sets of learners on the Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment

This study set out to map the learning path taken by a group of learners popularly known as ‗NEET‘s (Not in Education, Employment or Training) on the first year of a Level One course. It charted their experiences through their own eyes and recorded their own perceptions and aspirations throughout their progress on the programme. Three sets of learners, numbering 36, were selected from the East London area in the UK at three different post-16 centres: a mainstream Further Education College, a private training provider and a ‗virtual‘ Pupil Referral Unit (PRU). The programme which they undertook was the then relatively new vocational Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment which had been launched in the UK as part of a new raft of post - 14 vocational qualifications partially been designed to meet the learning needs of disengaged learners. Nearly all of the learners succeeded in passing the first year of the programme. The study highlighted the significance of individualised pedagogy and the right vocational curriculum offer for these types of learners. Although the Diploma no longer exists, the study showed how the Diploma‘s approaches to applied and theoretical vocational learning offered distinct opportunities for learning to less motivated learners. It suggested that a focus on practical and generic learning in a real world context could provide opportunities for more innovative and holistic approaches to teaching and learning
Operation time consumption of high-powered harvester in salvage felling.

In the Czech Republic, harvester technologies represent the second most-frequently used technology. Demand for high efficiency in this type of technology is conditioned by the need to cover acquisition and operation costs. The aim of this study is to monitor operation time of a high-powered Ponsse Ergo harvester. Felling process in the course of salvage felling was analyzed with the help of continuous chronometry. The analysis was conducted for harvesting of spruce ranging from 0.05–2.00 m/stem. Operation time consumption for the processing of a tree ranges from 62 s to 171 s in relation to the respective tree volume, which represents 0.02–0.24 h/m of operation time.
DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTEGRATED MODELING TO PREDICT CHANGES IN SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL HABITAT FOR NATURAL AND REGULATED FLOWS

Water management causes natural flow regime alteration, which is one of the main human impacts on freshwater ecosystem. Generally, flow regime alteration negatively affects aquatic habitat, channel connectivity to floodplain, side-channel and backwater habitats, which are important for both terrestrial and aquatic species. We developed an integrated modeling framework that includes watershed hydrologic, hydraulic, stream water temperature and fish habitat selection criteria to assess the impacts of hydrologic alteration on spatial and temporal distribution of fish habitat. Hydrologic model was coupled with energy-based snowmelt model to simulate watershed flows, which was used as boundary conditions for one- and two-dimensional hydrodynamic models to simulate channel hydraulics and water temperature. Hydrodynamic models were calibrated with field survey water surface elevations, flow velocities and water temperatures for different channel flow conditions. Hydrodynamic model simulated water depths, flow velocities and water temperatures were used as inputs to a fish habitat model to simulate spatial and temporal habitat distribution as a function of natural (without dam management) and dam released flows. Our results indicated water temperature is a critical parameter that alters habitat. Furthermore, high quality habitat shifted from the main channel to lateral-channel during high flow periods. This process shows the importance of lateral-channel habitat. Numerical modeling and understanding of interaction between physical and biological processes provided an opportunity to develop integrated modeling tools to analyze human impacts at a watershed scale. This tool is helpful for analyzing the effect of water management, restoration activities and climate changes on aquatic habitat distribution.
Historical Origins

This chapter traces the origins of the gene’s-eye view through three sections of evolutionary biology. The first is adaptationism, the tradition that takes the appearance of design in living world to be the cardinal problem a theory of evolution needs to explain. The chapter shows how this view has been especially prominent in British biology, owing the strong standing of natural theology and the writings of William Paley. The second is the emergence of population genetics during the modern synthesis. Here, the work of R.A. Fisher was particularly important. The third and final section was the levels selection debate and the rejection of group selection. G.C. Williams led the way the way and the origin of the gene’s-eye view culminated with the publication of The Selfish Gene.
Investigating Factors Influencing Game Piracy in the eSports Settings of South Korea

eSports, an abbreviation of electronic sports, is a virtual leisure activity (KeSPA, 2011). eSports has been developed through online networks and game software development (Jonasson & Thiborg, 2010), and has commanded national attention and popularity in South Korea. Within cyberspace linked over the Internet or Local Area Networks (LAN’s), many participants match electronic game skills against other participants with little spatiotemporal restraint. However, illegal downloading of game materials over the Internet has been prevalent and caused economic losses to game development companies (Korea Creative Content Agency, 2006b). The main purpose of this study was to propose a theoretical model describing determinants of game piracy among eSports game users in South Korea. The study specifically investigated the piracy behaviors of game users according to their demographic background, awareness of copyright laws, and intention to commit game piracy. Using the theory of reasoned action (TRA), the intention was also examined according to attitude towards game piracy and subjective norm.
Indoor Environmental Factors and its Associations with Asthma and Allergy Among Swedish Pre-School Children

It has been shown in a large number of scientific studies that living or working in a building with mould and moisture damage increases the risk for asthmatic and allergic symptoms. However, there is a need to establish more valid methods to obtain a more nuanced picture of the wide range of different types of moisture related problems. Furthermore, the causal relationships and the biological mechanisms between moisture damage and health have to be shown. The study Dampness in Buildings and Health (DBH) was started in the year 2000. Results from the first two phases of the study (a cross sectional questionnaire study on 10,851 children and a nested case control study on 198+202 children) are included in the thesis The overall aim of this work has been to study the impact of moisture related problems in homes on asthmatic and allergic diseases among children. A dose response relationship was observed, in the case control study, between doctor diagnosed asthma/allergy among the children and inspectors perception of a mouldy odour along the skirting board i.e. a probably sign of hidden mould damage inside the building structure. Inspectors observations of visible damp stains or mould odour in a room were not associated with studied health effects. The ventilation rate in more than 80% of the single family houses and around 60% of the multi family houses did not fulfil the Swedish building code requirement. It was found that children with asthma and allergy more often lived in homes with a low ventilation rate and a dose response relationship was indicated for this association in single family houses. Validation of the used questionnaire showed that parental reports were in good agreement with the inspectors observations regarding building characteristics, such as type of house and type of foundation and to a lower degree for type of ventilation system and flooring material. However, the concordance for mould odour and visible signs of dampness was poor. Day care attendance was shown to increase the risk for infectious diseases e.g. common colds, as expected, but also for asthmatic and allergic symptoms among children. In conclusion, 'dampness' in buildings is a major risk factor for health effects among children, such as asthma and allergies. Parental questionnaire reports on 'dampness' were more valid from a health point of view than observations from inspectors.
Identification of risk factors for hyperamylasemia during laparoscopy-assisted surgery for colorectal cancer: a retrospective cohort study

Background: Many complications are frequently reported in the carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum surgery, except hyperamylasemia occurring in pancreas.Methods: Using data from 380 patients with colorectal cancer registered for a prospective cohort study comparing postoperative serum amylase level, risk factors for postoperative hyperamylasemia and surgical complications were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results: Hyperamylasemia occurred in 140 patients, and a total of 52 patients in 380 patients had short-term postoperative complications, including 25 patients with hyperamylasemia in which 2 patients with acute pancreatitis. The method of operation, injury of pancreas during operation, the duration of pneumoperitoneum and intraoperative blood loss were significant predictors of hyperamylasemia. However, the economic significance of this phenomenon is not certain.Conclusion: High incidence of hyperamylasemia in laparoscopy-assisted surgery for colorectal cancer, the incidence of postoperative infectious complications will increase significantly. Surgical treatment of rectal cancer, operation around the pancreas, intraoperative blood loss, duration of pneumoperitoneum should be considered when planning surgery. Although patient’s hospital cost and postoperative hospital stay were well documented, it is unclear whether this is of any economic significance.Trial registration: The study was registered with the China Clinical Trial Registry with registration number ChiCTR1800015311 and was registered on March 22, 2018.
Factors Influencing External Auditors’ Independence of Private Audit Firms in Ethiopia

This study was examined factors affecting auditors’ independence with reference to private audit firms in Ethiopia. The researcher employed quantitative research approach with explanatory research design where the effect caused by the independent variable on the dependent variable is observed through regression analysis. Primary data was collected through structured questionnaire from chive executive officers of private audit firm. Accordingly, the result of regression analysis showed that size of audit firm, size of audit fee, professional audit standard, competition, existence of audit committee and information technology have positive and statistically significant effect on auditors’ independence. Whereas, provision was not statistically significant. Based on the findings of the study, the researcher recommended that for audit firms in Ethiopia have to work on statistically significant variables due to fact that they have positive influence in improving auditors’ independence.
Contributions to QoS and energy efficiency in wi-fi networks

The Wi-Fi technology has been in the recent years fostering the proliferation of attractive mobile computing devices with broadband capabilities. Current Wi-Fi radios though severely impact the battery duration of these devices thus limiting their potential applications. In this thesis we present a set of contributions that address the challenge of increasing energy efficiency in Wi-Fi networks. In particular, we consider the problem of how to optimize the trade-off between performance and energy effciency in a wide variety of use cases and applications. In this context, we introduce novel energy effcient algorithms for real-time and data applications, for distributed and centralized Wi-Fi QoS and power saving protocols and for Wi-Fi stations and Access Points. In addition, the di¿erent algorithms presented in this thesis adhere to the following design guidelines: i) they are implemented entirely at layer two, and can hence be easily re-used in any device with a Wi-Fi interface, ii) they do not require modi¿cations to current 802.11 standards, and can hence be readily deployed in existing Wi-Fi devices, and iii) whenever possible they favor client side solutions, and hence mobile computing devices implementing them can benefit from an increased energy efficiency regardless of the Access Point they connect to. Each of our proposed algorithms is thoroughly evaluated by means of both theoretical analysis and packet level simulations. Thus, the contributions presented in this thesis provide a realistic set of tools to improve energy efficiency in current Wi-Fi networks.
MATURE DRIVER IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM IN CALIFORNIA

California's Mature Driver Improvement (MDI) Program offers insurance-premium reductions to older drivers completing an accredited driver-improvement course. Driving records of five cohorts (1988-1992) of course graduates and comparison drivers were analyzed. MDI subjects were volunteers; comparison subjects were sampled randomly from the automated driver file. Unadjusted 6-, 18-, and 30-month subsequent total crash rates of MDI and comparison drivers did not differ significantly between groups (p < .10, two-tailed) for any cohort or record length. Unadjusted fatal and injury crash rates showed significant differences in favor of the MDI group in the first two cohorts and a significant difference in favor of the comparison group in a later cohort. The unadjusted accident rates indicate no justification for offering insurance discounts to those completing the course after 1989. All between-group differences on unadjusted citation rates were significant, favoring the MDI group. Analyses of covariance showed, in two cohorts, significant differences favoring the comparison group on adjusted total crashes. In two cohorts there were significant differences on adjusted fatal and injury crashes, one favoring the MDI and one the comparison group. On citations all adjusted differences were significant, favoring the MDI group. Analyses to two cohorts' 6-month data using generalized two-stage least-squares regression indicated that program completion was associated with more total and fatal and injury crashes and fewer citations.
Are line managers prepared to manage an aging workforce? :Evidence from HR Managers

The last decade has seen a steady increase in the participation of older employees in the labour market, which may become an issue for line managers in the future. This increase may require line managers, who are directly supervising older employees, to develop special competences to manage an aging workforce in the future. Older employees may also need special practices geared to their needs. This paper aims to find out whether line managers will require distinct competences in the future for the management of older employees. It further investigates which special characteristics older employees hold and whether organizations have suitable practices in place to manage older employees. This paper draws from several semi-structured and structured expert interviews with HR Managers from different industries that have been conducted. After coding and analysing the interviews, it has been found that HR Managers think, line managers will not require competences specifically for managing older employees in the future. Further it has been found that no practices geared specially to older employees are in place yet. Correspondingly this research shows that some further developments might be necessary in the future. A main limitations is the subjective nature of semi-structured interviews. Further the amount of interviews could have been higher, also including interviews with line managers to increase generalizability. This study closes with suggestions for further research, by advising ogranizations to implement practices geared to older workers in the future and train line managers to handle the increasingly older workforce.
Baseline Knowledge Assessment of Cobb County Safe Kids Inspection Station Participants

INTRODUCTION: The leading cause of injury and death among children in the United States is motor vehicle crashes. Even though laws have been amended and public awareness campaigns and education has increased, many children are still improperly restrained or not restrained at all. When correctly used, child restraints significantly reduce risk of injury or death in a motor vehicle crash.
Analisis Pengaruh Kualitas Produk dan Kualitas Pelayanan terhadap Citra Merek PT Bank SUMUT pada Nasabah PT Bank SUMUT Cabang Medan Iskandar Muda

Citra merek merupakan jiwa dari sebuah merek dan menempatkan posisinya dibenak nasabah. Citra merek mempresentasikan keseluruhan persepsi terhadap merek dan dibentuk dari informasi dan pengalaman masa lalu nasabah terhadap merek tersebut. Citra merek pada dasarnya adalah hasil pandangan atau persepsi nasabah terhadap suatu merek tertentu yang didasarkan atas pertimbangan dan persepsi yang baik dari suatu merek. PT Bank Sumut sebagai salah satu pelaku usaha dalam industri perbankan tidak lepas dari fenomena perubahan yang timbul dari intensitas persaingan untuk mendapatkan hati nasabah. Saat ini perilaku nasabah bank di Indonesia makin tidak mudah untuk ditebak, ada nasabah yang menginginkan suku bunga yang rendah (contoh pinjaman) atau suku bunga yang tinggi (contoh tabungan, giro dan deposito), biaya administrasi yang rendah dan ada pula nasabah yang menginginkan transaksi keuangan yang cepat, efisien, nyaman dan mudah dalam pengaksesannya, kapanpun, dan dimanapun. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui dan menganalisis pengaruh kualitas produk dan kualitas pelayanan terhadap citra merek PT Bank Sumut pada nasabah PT Bank Sumut Cabang Medan Iskandar Muda. Pengumpulan data dalam penelitian ini dilakukan melalui pendekatan survey dengan jenis penelitian deskriptif kuantitatif dengan menyebar kuesioner kepada 99 responden sedangkan populasi yang dijadikan dalam penelitian ini adalah nasabah PT Bank Sumut Cabang Medan Iskandar Muda. Metode analisis data yang digunakan adalah regresi linear berganda dengan menggunakan software SPSS. Hasil penelitian secara serempak maupun parsial menunjukan bahwa kualitas produk dan kualitas pelayanan berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap citra merek PT Bank Sumut pada nasabah PT Bank Sumut Cabang Medan Iskandar. Variabel yang dominan mepengaruhi citra merek adalah variabel kualitas pelayanan.