Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization and magnetic augmentation of a low voltage electromagnetic railgun

Abstract : In the near future armored vehicles will be fielded with reactive armor which can not be defeated by today's chemically propelled munitions. Today's munitions are limited to muzzle velocities less than the speed of sound in the chemical propellant which is about 1.8 km/s. Electromagnetic launch technologies have the ability to launch projectiles at velocities in excess of 2 km/s and may be able to defeat the reactive armor. Not only can electromagnetic launch technologies be used as an anti-tank weapon but it can also be used as anti-missile defense. To investigate electromagnetic launch technologies and the effects of augmentation a 44 cm railgun was constructed and tested. The railgun was powered by a capacitor bank of fourteen 330 V, 600 micro-F capacitors. The velocity of the projectile, the voltage across the capacitors and the current through the rails were measured. The augmentation of the gun with a permanent magnetic field increased the velocity of the projectile by 85% while air injection augmentation had no effect.
A Novel Distributed Ignition Method Using Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTS) and a Low-Power Flash Light (Preprint)

Abstract : This paper describes a low-power novel ignition method that uses the energy of a single exposure of an ordinary camera flash and SWCNTs to ignite various fuels. It is shown that this method is able to ignite solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels. The effects of the iron (Fe) nanoparticles (embedded in the SWCNTs) concentration on the ignition process have been studied. One application of this nano-technology based ignition method has been successfully demonstrated through an ignition of a single liquid fuel droplet, suggesting that this method may be extended to ignite liquid fuel sprays. This is important as fuel sprays are used in most engines to atomize the liquid to an ensemble of droplets. This new ignition method may also be extended to achieve "distributed ignition" that would allow ignition to occur in numerous locations simultaneously. Such plurality of ignition sites is important in control of ignition event in homogeneously-charged compression ignition (HCCI) engine applications. HCCI operating mode is considered by many to be an important component of the future automotive engine for high efficiency and low emission of harmful pollutants.
A Compact Microwave Imager Integrated With a Miniaturized Dual-Angle Anechoic Chamber

Microwave imaging based on the inverse scattering problem has attracted many interests in microwave community. To obtain a satisfactory imaging quality, in most cases, a scattering-free environment is desired. In this work, to provide such an environment, we experimentally demonstrate a compact microwave imager integrated with a board-integrated, multiport vector network analyzer and a miniaturized, cylindrical anechoic chamber dedicatedly designed for inverse scattering-based microwave imaging. Based on the principle of electrically induced transparency and the effective medium equivalence, an inhomogeneous, ultrathin, dual-angle absorbing surface was designed, simulated, and implemented, to simultaneously absorb incident and scattered fields. Experimental imaging verified its effectiveness. The proposed imager would help the promotion of practical imaging, showing the potential in on-side imaging.
Toxicity of pyrolysis products: Influence of experimental conditions - The MSTL/UT and NASA/JSC Procedures

Ten sample materials of various polymeric composition were evaluated for toxicity of pyrolysis products utilizing two significantly different experimental methods, the MSTL/UT and NASA/JSC Procedures. A comparison of the LD(50) values obtained by the two methods for these ten samples did not yield a significant correlation. However, when the samples were ranked in order of increasing toxicity by each method independently, a comparison of their rank order toxicity improved the correlation. Because of interlaboratory variations in pyrolysis/combustion test procedures, it is suggested a series of standard materials be adopted to facilitate interlaboratory comparisons of data on pyrolysis toxicity.
FIVE YEARS DOWN THE LINE: DID ANYTHING CHANGE FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE USERS?

A crucial step in the process of determining more concrete notions concerning the ideal Public Transport Interchange (PTI) is to gain tangible information from the users of the PTI themselves. Five years ago, a descriptive survey and structured questionnaires with face-to-face interviews were administered to a sample population of 1055 passengers at six destination PTI’s in the Cape Metropolitan Area. These finding were presented and published at numerous occasions. In the past few years, the City of Cape Town has initiated a series of public transport interchange upgrade projects. One of the significant examples that are included in both surveys is the Claremont PTI upgrade. To encourage student involvement in a real life project, the potential of revitalising and repeating the survey of five years ago became one of the research focuses in the department. The primary purpose of this survey, as with the previous one, was to determine the perceptions of PTI users regarding the public transport interchange environment and by doing so; a better understanding of the existing performance failures from their perspective will be gained. Secondary to this, the opportunity to do a before upgrade and after upgrade study and to determine end-user satisfaction levels, was identified. This paper will describe in detail the similarities and differences between the two surveys with regards to methodology, sampling technique, survey instrument, target public transport interchanges and most importantly the findings.
Analysis and design of mems scan mirrors using periodically stiffened silicon nitride

This research presents a novel fabrication method combining surface and bulk micromachining techniques to deposit mechanically stiffened silicon nitride films for use in MEMS fabrication. The stiffened silicon nitride film consists of a thin (~1.5 um) top sheet with stiffening fins molded to the back of the film. In the final configuration, the fins extend between 15 um and 40 um vertically from the back of the film. The molded fins are arranged into periodic square and hexagonal cell configurations ranging in size from 10 um to 250 um. The periodic cells significantly increase the bending stiffness of LPCVD silicon nitride films resulting in a film with a high strength-to-weight ratio. Larger aperture, silicon nitride micro mirrors are fabricated with the mechanically stiffened silicon nitride film. The mirrors demonstrate that deformation due to postrelease thermal strain and inertia during dynamic actuation can be mitigated by employing the proposed stiffening technique. Furthermore, the mirrors are fabricated with a minimal amount of processing making the proposed microfabrication technique an attractive solution for various MEMS applications Finally, homogenized material properties are obtained for the periodically stiffened silicon nitride film. The homogenized material properties are then used to simplify finite element models of biaxial and single axis torsion micro mirrors fabricated from the proposed film. The resulting finite element models are shown to be in excellent agreement with the experimental models. The presented numerical analysis method significantly simplifies model complexity while simultaneously reducing the computational cost associated with simulating MEMS built from a periodically stiffened thin film.
Connecting explanations to representations: benefits of highlighting techniques in tutorial videos on students’ learning in organic chemistry

ABSTRACT Research in science education agrees that one of the key challenges of learners in the discipline is certainly connecting domain-specific representations to the underlying concepts. One way of supporting students to make applicable connections is using purposefully designed highlighting techniques in multimedia instructions. In order to examine the influence of different highlighting techniques on learning, 171 chemistry undergraduate students were provided with tutorial videos either with static, dynamic or without highlighting. The results show that students viewing tutorial videos with dynamic highlighting gave more sophisticated answers in direct retention tasks. Furthermore, results indicate that low prior knowledge is compensated by both static and dynamic highlighting techniques. This finding is supported by causal mediation analysis, which indicates that the effect of prior knowledge is moderated by the different highlighting techniques. Besides student learning outcomes, students’ evaluation of the different tutorial videos shows significant benefits of the highlighted instructions in terms of perceiving higher comprehensibility. The results support the use of appropriate highlighting techniques in instructional formats to foster a stronger link between conceptual knowledge and representations.
3D Quantum-inspired Self-supervised Tensor Network for Volumetric Segmentation of Brain MR Images

This paper introduces a novel shallow self-supervised tensor neural network for volumetric segmentation of brain MR images obviating training or supervision. The proposed network is a 3D version of the Quantum-Inspired Self Supervised Neural Network (QIS-Net) architecture and is referred to as 3D Quantum-inspired Self-supervised Tensor Neural Network (3D-QNet). The underlying architecture of 3D-QNet is composed of a trinity of volumetric layers viz. input, intermediate and output layers inter-connected using a 26-connected third-order neighborhood-based topology for voxel-wise processing of 3D MR image data suitable for semantic segmentation. Each of the volumetric layers contains quantum neurons designated by qubits or quantum bits. The incorporationof tensor decomposition in quantum formalism leads to faster convergence of the network operations to preclude the inherent slow convergence problems faced by the self-supervised networks. The segmented volumes are obtained once the network converges. The suggested 3D-QNet is tailored and tested on the BRATS 2019 data set extensively in the experiments carried out. 3D-QNet has achieved promising dice similarity while compared with the intensively supervised convolutional network-based models 3D-UNet, Vox-ResNet, DRINet, and 3D-ESPNet, thus facilitating annotation free semantic segmentation using a self-supervised shallow network.
Exergy in the built environment. The added value of exergy in the assessment and development of energy systems for the built environment.

This doctoral research studied the added value of exergy for the assessment and development of energy systems for the built environment, aiming at a reduced need for high-quality energy input. Currently the analysis and development of energy systems for the built environment is based on the energy concept. Energy however gives an incomplete presentation of the performance of energy systems by failing to address the difference between various forms of energy. Exergy is a thermodynamic concept that quantifies the ‘work potential’ of different forms of energy, which can be regarded as the quality of energy. Unlike energy, exergy can be destroyed and the amount of exergy destroyed or lost indicates the thermodynamic improvement potential of a system, which is not revealed using energy analyses. The research firstly includes several additions to the exergy analysis method as found in literature. Secondly, the exergy performance of current energy systems is studied, demonstrating the additional insight obtained with exergy, for example: while energy analyses suggest that the only way to reduce the required energy input is by reducing the demand at building level, exergy analyses reveal a large improvement potential at system level, i.e. in principle the same output can be obtained with significantly reduced input. Lastly, several exergy based approaches to support the development of improved systems are developed and demonstrated, including the use of ‘exergy principles’ for energy concept development and the use of exergy analysis to assist further improvement of a (preliminary) energy concept. It is concluded that there is still significant room for improving current energy systems for the built environment, especially related to heating systems. Also, the exergy based approached developed in this research are promising ‘tools’ to support the development of improved energy systems, reducing the required input by making better use of the potential of the worlds energy resources.
NON LINEAR ANALYSIS OF SHIP MOTIONS AND LOADS IN LARGE AMPLITUDE WAVES

A non linear time domain formulation for ship motions and wave loads is presented and applied to the S175 containership. The paper describes the mathematical formulations and assumptions, with particular attention to the calculation of the hydrodynamic force in the time domain. In this formulation all the forces involved are non linear and time dependent. Hydrodynamic forces are calculated in the frequency domain and related to the time domain solution for each time step. Restoring and exciting forces are evaluated directly in time domain in a way of the hull wetted surface. The results are compared with linear strip theory and linear three dimensional Green function frequency domain seakeeping methodologies with the intent of validation. The comparison shows a satisfactory agreement in the range of small amplitude motions. A first approach to large amplitude motion analysis displays the importance of incorporating the non linear behaviour of motions and loads in the solution of the seakeeping problem.
Towards a framework of problem-based research: A guide for novice researchers

This paper introduces the importance of a well-articulated, research-worthy problem statement as the centerpiece for any viable research. The aim of this work is to help novice researchers understand the value of problem-based research by providing a practical guide on the development of a well articulated and viable statement of a research-worthy problem as the starting point for all research. Additionally, this paper explores the interaction of the problem with the other fundamental elements of scholarly research including the research topic, goals, research questions, methodology, results, and conclusions. Scaffolding for articulating a ‘research-worthy problem’ is provided in the form of a deconstruction of the expression into definitions of its component terms, followed by a discussion of what is not a research-worthy problem. A roadmap on locating problems that could support scholarly research is provided. The theoretical foundation is placed into practice by examining some problem statements and proposing a template for crafting an effective statement.
Information Systems and Technology for Organizations in a Networked Society

Modern society is increasingly information-driven, relying heavily on Information Systems (IS) and Information Technology (IT). Business enterprises are no exception, and managers and leaders must learn to make the most of the information resources at their disposal or risk falling behind the times.Information Systems and Technology for Organizations in a Networked Society discusses methods of using information technologies to support organizational and business objectives in both national and international contexts. This reference book describes the latest research on both the technical and non-technical aspects of contemporary information societies, including e-commerce, e-learning, e-government, and e-health; supporting professionals and academicians in developing a deeper understanding of the most effective models for communication, collaboration, and business development. This book is part of the Advances in Business Information Systems and Analytics series collection.
Assembly of Quorum Sensing Pathway Enzymes onto Patterned Microfabricated Devices

Title of Dissertation: ASSEMBLY OF QUORUM SENSING PATHWAY ENZYMES ONTO PATTERNED MICROFABRICATED DEVICES Angela T. Lewandowski, Doctor of Philosophy, 2007 Directed By: Professor William E. Bentley, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering I report patterned protein assembly onto microfabricated devices using our unique assembly approach. This approach is based on electrodeposition of the aminopolysaccharide chitosan onto a selected electrode pattern of the device, and covalent conjugation of a target protein to chitosan upon biochemical activation of a genetically fused C-terminal pentatyrosine “pro-tag. ” With this approach, assembly is “spatially selective”, occurring only at selected electrode patterns, and the entire process occurs under mild experimental conditions. Additionally, assembly is reversible and the devices reusable, as the deposited chitosan can be removed by simple incubation in dilute acid. Finally, the protein is covalently and robustly linked to chitosan through the pro-tag versus the native tyrosines, and thus our approach confers “orientational control”. I have examined patterned assembly of metabolic pathway enzymes onto both flat microfabricated chips and into 3-dimensional microfluidic devices. The assembled enzymes retain reproducible catalytic activities and protein recognition capabilities for antibody binding. Additionally, catalytic activity is retained over multiple days, demonstrating enzyme stability over extended time. Finally, substrate catalytic conversion can be controlled and manipulated through the assembly patterned area, or in the case of microfluidic devices, through the substrate flow rate over the assembled enzyme. I specifically examined the patterned assembly of Pfs and LuxS enzymes, members of the bacterial autoinducer-2 (AI-2) biosynthesis pathway. AI-2 is a small signaling molecule that mediates interspecies bacterial communication termed type II “quorum sensing”, which is involved in regulating the pathogenesis of a bacterial population. Significantly, this is the first time that Pfs and LuxS have been assembled onto devices. More significantly, Pfs and LuxS have both been assembled onto the same chip; that is, the quorum sensing pathway has been assembled onto a single device. This device could be used to screen inhibitors of AI-2 biosynthesis and discover novel “antipathogenic” drugs. In summary, I have demonstrated patterned enzyme assembly onto microfabricated devices. The assembled enzymes retain reproducible catalytic activities and are capable of recognizing and binding antibodies. Importantly, patterned deviceassembly of multiple enzymes representing a metabolic pathway is possible. I envision many potential biosensing, bioMEMS, drug screening, and metabolic engineering applications. ASSEMBLY OF QUORUM SENSING PATHWAY ENZYMES ONTO PATTERNED MICROFABRICATED DEVICES
The effect of sustained principal development on the development and maintenance of collaborative activities in schools

ii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS . iv TABLE OF CONTENTS . vi LIST OF TABLES . xi LIST OF FIGURES.xii CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION . 1 Professional Learning Communities and Educational Reform.2 Elements of Professional Learning Communities . 3 Collaborative Practices and Teaming in Schools.4 Use of Collaborative Practices in Schools.5 The Value of Studying Professional Learning Communities.6 Background of the BYU Principals Academy . 8 Research Problem . 10 Purpose Statement . 11 Definitions.12 Delimitations of the Study.12 Research Questions . 13 Implications and Significance of Study.14 CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE.15 Educational Reform.16
Piezoelectric power transducers and its interfacing circuitry on energy harvesting and structural damping applications

Nowadays with the world oil price soaring, the energy issue is becoming a significant topic and the possibility of harvesting ambient energy receiving much attention. In this dissertation, the main topic surrounds improving the piezoelectric energy harvesting device in several aspects and the final objective is to integrate it with low power consumption device, for example a wireless sensor network (WSN) node to extend the battery lifetime and further supply the energy to device directly. Based on the high mechanical quality factor of the structure, the output power of the piezoelectric energy harvesting device will decrease rapidly when the exciting frequency is out of the resonant frequency range. The tunable resonant frequency technique is proposed to broaden the resonant frequency range and increase the output power effectively. Then this technique is successfully combined with a WSN module to transmit the RF signal. To broaden resonant frequency another method is proposed, based on a bistable vibrating cantilever beam and a switching-type interface circuit (SSHI). It's a new and interesting concept to combine these two techniques. The magnets are used to make mechanical behavior non-linear and increase the output power at non-resonance. The SSHI technique through zero-velocity detection can work well when system is driven in non-linear system. The experimental and simulation results through work-cycles discussion show good performance of combining these two techniques. In the interface circuit design, synchronized switching harvesting on an inductor (SSHI) have been verified a successful technique to increase output power in low-coupling system. In order to make use of the SSHI technique in the real application, the velocity control self-powered SSHI (V-SSHI) system is proposed. Unlike the conventional peak detector technique, the zero-velocity detection is used to make the switching time more accurate. The energy flow is separated into three paths to construct the V-SSHI and the experimental results show good performance. When the system is not low-coupled, the SSHI technique will damp vibration. This technique is called SSDI (synchronized switching damping on an inductor). Based on the self-powered technique and zero-velocity detection used in the V-SSHI, these techniques are further applied in structural damping to construct a self-powered SSDI (SP-SSDI). The major advantage is that it is only necessary to sacrifice a small amount of damping performance to make the system fully self-powered. The theoretical analysis and experiment results of time domain comparison and frequency response testing show the limit and performance of the SP-SSDI technique. The SP-SSDI system is a like a feedback loop system and when the displacement is over the limit the SP-SSDI will effectively damp the vibration.
Guidelines for Analysis Methods and Construction Engineering of Curved and Skewed Steel Girder Bridges

This report contains guidelines on the appropriate level of analysis needed to determine the constructability and constructed geometry of curved and skewed steel girder bridges. Required plan details and submittals are included in the guidelines. When appropriate in lieu of a 3D analysis, the guidelines also introduce improvements to 1D and 2D analyses that require little additional computational costs. The report will be of immediate interest to bridge and construction engineers.
Dynamic analysis of loop formation in cables under compression

This paper contributes a dynamic model for cable loop formation that has previously been studied using static (equilibrium) analyses alone. The cable is modeled as a 1-dimensional elastic continuum that accounts for tension, 2-axis bending and torsion. External forces include weight, buoyancy, fluid drag and inertia. The 3-dimensional shape of the cable is predicted, as time evolves, by a numerical algorithm based on separate finite differencing in time and in space. The dynamics of loop formation and loop release are analyzed for different types of supports, including simple (spherical) and fixed supports.