Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ultrasonic guided wave interpretation for structural health inspections

PAGE Structural Health Management (SHM) combines the use of onboard sensors with artificial intelligence algorithms to automatically identify and monitor structural health issues. A fully integrated approach to SHM systems demands an understanding of the sensor output relative to the structure, along with sophisticated prognostic systems that automatically draw conclusions about structural integrity issues. Ultrasonic guided wave methods allow us to examine the interaction of multimode signals within key structural components. Since they propagate relatively long distances within plateand shell-like structures, guided waves allow inspection of greater areas with fewer sensors, making this technique attractive for a variety of applications. This dissertation describes the experimental development of automatic guided wave interpretation for three real world applications. Using the guided wave theories for idealized plates we have systematically developed techniques for identifying the mass loading of underwater limpet mines on US Navy ship hulls, characterizing type and bonding of protective coatings on large diameter pipelines, and detecting the thinning effects of corrosion on aluminum aircraft structural stringers. In each of these circumstances the signals received are too complex for interpretation without knowledge of the guided wave physics. We employ a signal processing technique called the Dynamic Wavelet Fingerprint Technique (DFWT) in order to render the guided wave mode information in twodimensional binary images. The use of wavelets allows us to keep track of both time and scale features from the original signals. With simple image processing we have developed automatic extraction algorithms for features that correspond to the arrival times of the guided wave modes of interest for each of the applications. Due to the dispersive nature of the guided wave modes, the mode arrival times give details of the structure in the propagation path. For further understanding of how the guided wave modes propagate through the real structures, we have developed parallel processing, 3D elastic wave simulations using the finite integration technique (EFIT). This full field, numeric simulation technique easily examines models too complex for analytical solutions. We have developed the algorithm to handle built up 3D structures as well as layers with different material properties and surface detail. The simulations produce informative visualizations of the guided wave modes in the structures as well as the output from sensors placed in the simulation space to mimic the placement from experiment. Using the previously developed mode extraction algorithms we were then able to compare our 3D EFIT data to their experimental counterparts with consistency.
Status, Problems, Availability and Utilization of Resources for Implementing Basic Science and Technology Curricula in Benue and Kogi States of Nigeria

This study is a survey of implementation of Basic Science and Technology curricula with focus on status, problems, availability and utilization in two states in Benue and Kogi States of Nigeria. A total of 180 Basic Education (BE) science teachers (110 from Benue and 70 from Kogi States) were used for the study. Status, Problems, Availability and Utilization Inventory (SPAUI) with reliability coefficient of 0.79 using Kuder Richardson 20 was used for data collection. Using frequency counts and percentages for data analysis, it was revealed that there was wide disparity among extent of availability, good distribution and utilisation of books, computers, funds, counsellors, non text materials and vocational centres. The finding also revealed that aside large class size with very high yes response (probably because it is negative), all other responses have no responses toping on issues/problems of implementation which means that all were considered as problems to implementation. However, when the problems were rank ordered in terms of priority, funding, large class size, lack of technology support and training need for teachers (in decreasing order) topped the list for urgent attention. It was concluded that inspite of the relevant experience of Universal Primary Education (UPE) in Nigeria, implementation of UBE is still very poor in the two states studied and it was therefore recommended among others that overdependence on government for provision of relevant implementation materials should be down played while other private and non-governmental organisations be encouraged to come in as evidence in recent past shows that government cannot provide everything.
Engineering Students or Student Engineers

This paper reports on an innovative unit that embeds the acquisition of communication and professional skills into a technically based project. The project revolves around two engineering artefacts: a popsicle-stick bridge and a mousetrap-powered car. The design and construction of each artefact are conducted by different teams of students - each team designs a bridge and constructs a car, or vice versa. The core principle behind this approach is requiring the students to act as Student Engineers, rather than as engineering students. Requiring students to work both as designers and constructors introduces them to the different communication requirements of each role. More powerfully, they also portray the role of the clients for each others' engineering project, providing a valuable alternative perspective. The project has led to significant improvements in students' communication skills as well as their development of their identities as professional engineers.
Allelopathic effect of invasive species air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera) on seeds germination of Polyalthia littoralis

Abstract. Oksari AA, Susanty D, Wanda IF. 2019. Allelopathic effect of invasive species air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera) on seeds germination of Polyalthia littoralis. Nusantara Bioscience 11: 63-70. Dioscorea bulbifera L. (Dioscoreaceae) is included in the Global Weed Compendium and one of the invasive plants that cause environmental problems in many parts of the world. This study aims to determine the effect of allelopathy from various concentrations of leaf and tuber extract from D. bulbifera on seed germination of Polyalthia littoralis (Blume) Boerl. The method used was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with seven treatments and three replications. The treatment given was the concentration of D. bulbifera extract 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100% and aquadest solvent control. The results of phytochemical screening analysis showed that the extract of leaves and tuber of D. bulbifera did not contain alkaloids, but specifically on leaves extract contained tannins. Both extracts contained steroids, flavonoids, and saponins. Based on the results of the study, total phenolic obtained in the leaf extract as much as 28.81 ± 2.51 mg TAE/g extract, while the tuber extract had a total phenolic of 6.74 ± 1.19 mg TAE/g. The results showed that allelopathic substances of D. bulbifera affected the germination of P. littoralis seeds. Based on DMRT test at 5% level, it was known that allelopathy concentration of D. bulbifera significantly affected the germination rate at concentrations of 20%, 60%, 80%, and 100% and significantly affected the coefficient of velocity of germination at a concentration of 20%. But, concentration allelopathy of D. bulbifera had no significant effect on the coefficient of uniformity of germination. The concentration that reduced the lowest seed viability was at a concentration of 80% with an average germination power of 56.67 ± 7.45%.
Uncertainty in incinerator and landfill risk assessments

The aim of this thesis is the development of a framework for the systematic appraisal and communication of uncertainty in incinerator and landfill human health risk assessments. This aspiration has been in response to finding a limited and ambiguous use of the term 'uncertainty', a lack of consensus in its definition and nomenclature, and its perfunctory review in risk assessmentsI.n the light of the need for such a framework, implications of its introduction are discussed. Guided by the literature and data collected from the field, the development of the framework progressed in three phases. First, the general concept was analysed - immediate and wider goals were set, the target audience identified, the context of use determined, the elements of the framework defined and the needs and requirements of the target audience considered, giving rise to a set of criteria to guide its development. The second phase included the proposal of an initial framework, which would appraise and communicate uncertainty. In drafting the framework, the thesis explored the fundamental context in which uncertainty is placed, drew on the strengths of past definitions and classification schemes to redefine it and suggested a more comprehensive classification scheme which finds practical application in the proposed framework. A second interaction with the field enabled the refinement of the first version and production of a more robust, second version of the framework. Supported by case studies of both incinerator and landfill risk assessments, the third phase of the research involved the application of the framework as "scenarios of use' and its integrity discussed in terms of the set of heuristics developed in the concept analysis. The intention of the introduction of the proposed framework is to increase the transparency of risk assessments, which in turn could establish their reliability and trustworthiness, aid decision-making and allow for its management and subsequent refinement of the risk assessment practice. Although these are achieved to a certain degree, structural and methodological issues stemming from the complex and multidisciplinary nature of uncertainty, the intricacy of risk assessments and the unfamiliarity of the target audience with the fundamental concepts of uncertainty and the framework itself, resulted in both functionality and usability being compromised to a certain extent. Suggestions for future research are made.
Antibodies against deamidated gliadin peptides in the diagnosis of celiac disease

Celiac disease (CD), a.k. a. gluten enteropathy is a global health problem due to its prevalence of up to 1% in the general population and the high risk of multiorgan complications. Along with confirmed anti-gliadin antibodies, anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies, anti-endomysium antibodies, etc., in the diagnosis of CD, results on antibodies to deamidated gliadin peptides (anti-DGP antibodies) have been accumulated in the past ten years. Anti-DGP antibodies have shown comparable and even better characteristics in terms of diagnostic specificity and sensitivity for the identification of patients with CD, especially in those with IgA deficiency, as well as in other diseases associated with sensitivity to gluten, monitoring the effect of the gluten-free diet. The combined determination of a panel of autoantibodies related to CD, including the anti-DGP antibodies, improves the diagnose process and follow-up of these patients.
Living the Brand: How to Transform Every Member of Your Organization into a Brand Champion

Part 1 The Organizational Environment Chapter 1: What brands are for. Chapter 2: Why brands matter. Chapter 3: Why people matter. Part 2 Discovering The Brand. Chapter 4: Preparing the organization. Chapter 5: Analysis. Chapter 6: Participation. Chapter 7: Defining the brand idea. Part 3 Implementing The Brand Idea. Chapter 8: Launching the brand. Chapter 9: Gaining Commitment. Chapter 10: Sustainability. Chapter 11: The impact on external communications. Chapter 12: Measuring success
Surgical Sites Infection After Gastrointestinal Surgeries in a Public Teaching Hospital in Sudan

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are common healthcare-associated infections and associated with prolonged hospital stays, additional financial burden, and significantly hamper the potential benefits of surgical interventions. Causes of SSIs are multi-factorials and patients undergoing gastrointestinal tract (GIT) procedures carry a high risk of bacterial contamination. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, associated factors, and causing microorganisms of SSIs among patients undergoing GIT surgeries.Methods: A hospital based, cross-sectional study conducted at Soba University Hospital (SUH) in Khartoum, Sudan. We included all patients from all age groups attending the GIT surgical unit at SUH between September-December 2017. We collected data about the socio-demographic characteristics, risk factors of SSI, and isolated microorganisms from patients with SSIs. Data analysis was done using the SPSS software version 20 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). A Chi-square test was conducted to determine the relationship between the independent categorical variables and the occurrence of SSI. The significance level for all analyses was set at p < . 05.Results: A total of 80 participants were included in the study. The mean age was 51 +/- 16 years and most of the patients (67.5%) did not have any chronic illness prior to the surgical operation. Most of them (46.3%) of them underwent large bowel surgery. Twenty-two patients (27.5%) developed SSI post operatively and superficial SSI was the most common type of SSIs (81.8%). Occurrence of SSI was found to be associated with long operation time (p > .001), malignant nature of the disease (p > .001), intra-operative blood loss (p > .001), and intra-operative hypotension (p =.013). The most prevalent microorganism isolated from SSI patients was E coli (47.8%), followed by Enterococcus fecalis (13.0%) and combined Pseudomonas aeruginosa + E coli infection (13.0%). Conclusion: The results showed a high prevalence of SSIs among patients attending the GIT unit in SUH and the most prevalent microorganism isolated from them was E coli. Measures should be taken to reduce the magnitude of SSI by mitigating the identified associated factors.
Geometry Definition and Contact Analysis of Spherical Involute Straight Bevel Gears

A practical application of the spherical involute surface to the forged straight bevel gears is provided and demonstrated in this work. Conjugate (pure involute) theoretical surfaces are developed from the input design parameters. The surfaces are modified to suit the actual application (automotive differential). The unloaded (or low load) tooth contact analysis of modified surfaces is performed to obtain the prediction of the contact pattern. In order to verify the procedure and predictions, actual straight bevel gears are forged by using provided surfaces, and their contact pattern is compared to the predictions. Influence of the misalignments on the gear performance is investigated in order to provide more robust design.
Can Parents Afford to Work? Childcare Costs, Tax-Benefit Policies and Work Incentives

Childcare policies play a crucial role in helping parents reconcile care and employment related tasks. This paper quantifies the net cost of purchasing full-time centre-based childcare in OECD countries taking into account a wide range of influences on household budgets, including fees charged by childcare providers as well as childcare-related tax concessions and cash benefits available to parents. Building on these calculations, family resources are evaluated for different employment situations in order to assess the financial trade-offs between work and staying at home. Results are disaggregated to identify the policy features that present barriers to work for parents whose employment decisions are known to be particularly responsive to financial work incentives: lone parents and second earners with young children requiring care. The results indicate that the cost of purchasing childcare services should be analysed in conjunction with other social and fiscal policies that affect family incomes. While childcare fees can be very high, high prices may not impede employment if tax-benefit systems incorporate well-balanced provisions that help parents pay for these services. Conversely, even highly subsidised childcare markets can leave parents with little financial gain from employment if high tax burdens or benefit claw-back rates give rise to adverse work incentives.
How Do Level of Experience, Purpose for Riding, and Preference for Facilities Affect Location of Riding?

Characteristics of the road infrastructure affect both the popularity of bicycling and its safety, but comparisons of the safety performance of infrastructure may be confounded by differences in the profiles of cyclists who use them. Data from a survey of 2,532 adult bicycle riders in Queensland, Australia, demonstrated that many riders rode reluctantly in particular locations and that preference for riding location was influenced by degree of experience and riding purpose. Most riders rode most often and furthest per week on urban roads, but approximately one-third of all riders (and more new riders) rode there reluctantly. Almost two-thirds of riders rode on bicycle paths, most by choice, not reluctantly. New riders rode proportionally more on bicycle paths, but continuing riders rode further in absolute terms. Utilitarian riders were more likely to ride on bicycle paths than social and fitness riders and almost all of this riding was by choice. Fitness riders were more reluctant in their use of bicycle paths, but still most of their use was by choice. One-third of the respondents reported riding on the sidewalk (legal in Queensland), with approximately two-thirds doing so reluctantly. The frequency and distance ridden on the sidewalk was less than for urban roads and bicycle paths. Sidewalks and bicycle paths were important facilities for both inexperienced and experienced riders and for utilitarian riding, especially when urban roads were considered a poor choice for cycling.
On-the-Move Monitoring of Soil-Tire Interaction on Soft Soil Using Wireless Data Acquisition

A tractor tire was instrumented with six miniature pressure transducers, amplifiers, and a unique wireless data communication system (EZ-Logger). The pressure sensors were located on the face of one lug and undertread region. The instrumented tire (16.9R38) was run at a constant forward speed of 0.27 m s-1 and 23% slip on a soft soil, 0.48 MPa cone index, 25.6% d.b. moisture content with specific values of load and inflation pressure. The bench and field test results showed that the wireless EZ-Logger enabled data to be transferred in real time over a distance of up to 100 m from the sensor. Increased levels of soil-tire interface stress were found near the center of the tire when inflation pressure was increased and near the edge when load was increased. The peak interface pressure results showed that the greatest ratio of peak interface pressure to inflation pressure was 2.59 and the lowest ratio was 0.47. The trend showed that the mean and peak pressures acting on the lug were approximately twice those on the undertread. Comparison of results from the field tests with the literature showed that as soil strength decreases, the soil-tire interface pressure on the lug faces decreases while the pressure on the undertread increases.
Potential Use of Malaysian Thermal Power Plants Coal Bottom Ash in Construction

As Malaysia focuses its attention to the call for a “greener” culture, so did the engineers and those in the scientific community especially the construction industry who is a major contributor to the depletion of green house gases. The engineering and construction community has now taken up the challenge for the use of “green and recycled by-products” in construction. One of those by-products is the Coal Bottom Ash (CBA) from thermal power plants that faces an increasing production running into hundreds of thousand tonnes in Malaysia alone, and its method of disposal is relegated to landfills alone with no other commercial usage. The construction industry is now forced to rethink on the utilization of the industrial by-products as supplementary materials due to the continuous depletion of natural aggregates in construction. A significant amount of research has been conducted elsewhere on CBA to ascertain its pozzolanic activity, compressive strength in concrete and mortar, durability, water absorption characteristics and density, in order to ensure its usage as a construction material. In this paper, a critical review of the strength characteristics of concrete and mortar as influenced by CBA as partial replacement of fine aggregate is presented based on the available information in the published literatures. Diverse physical and chemical properties of CBA from different power plants in Malaysia are also presented. The influence of different types, amounts and sources of CBA on the strength and bulk density of concrete is discussed. The setting time, workability and consistency as well as the advantages and disadvantages of using CBA in construction materials are also highlighted. An effective utilization of CBA in construction materials will significantly reduce the accumulation of the by-products in landfills and thus reduce environmental pollution.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SPECTRAL CORRELATION AND ENVELOPE ANALYSIS IN THE DIAGNOSTICS OF BEARING FAULTS AND OTHER CYCLOSTATIONARY MACHINE SIGNALS

In recent years there has been an increasing interest in applying cyclostationary analysis to the diagnostics of machine vibration signals. This is because some machine signals, while being almost periodic, are not exactly phase-locked to shaft speeds, and thus even after compensation for speed fluctuation cannot be extracted by synchronous averaging. Typical examples are the combustion events in IC engines, which vary from cycle to cycle, and impulsive signals from faults in rolling element bearings, which are affected by minor but randomly varying slip. Two main tools for the analysis of cyclostationary signals are the two-dimensional autocorrelation function vs central time on the one axis and time displacement around the central time on the other, and its two-dimensional Fourier transform known as the spectral correlation. The latter can be quite complex to interpret, so some authors have suggested integrating it over all frequencies to obtain a Fourier series spectrumvs cyclic frequency. In this paper, it is shown that this gives the same result as a Fourier transform of the average squared envelope of the signal, which is much easier to obtain directly. Not only that, envelope analysis has long been used in the diagnostics of rolling element bearing signals, and some of the experience gained can be carried over to spectral correlation analysis. There is a possibility that the full spectral correlation may still give some advantage in distinguishing between modulation effects due to gear rotations and bearing inner race rotations (even at the same speed) by virtue of the different amounts of randomness associated with each.