Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human computer interaction design for data mining in cancer registries

Human Computer Interaction Design for Data Mining in Cancer Registries by Grace B. Kanza Cancer registries are created, managed and data mined to gain knowledge about long-term outcomes, effects of the medication and clinical factors influencing the patient well-being. Such clinical registries have been a good source of information and are used for research purposes in areas such as epidemiological research and healthcare planning and monitoring for evaluating and planning cancer control programs across the different regions. They contain a lot of data that require good visualisation techniques in order to extract meaning. Interest among different user groups (clinicians, medical students, and the public) creates expectations regarding the results and active role in the development and interactive use of the information. Following the need for flexible and easy to use user interfaces, this thesis looks at reports based on the data mined from the Swedish Cancer Registry as a starting point in suggesting how this data could be presented to the audience in smart and user-friendly interfaces that enhance the utilization of information kept in such data resources. Personal Kanban was used to manage the design process, which combined Parallel and Iterative design process models for designing a prototype solution. The resulting prototype provided users with a choice of several data visualisation possibilities following the users’ tasks and goals. Heuristic evaluation with experts was used to evaluate elements of the user interfaces. The prototype had high scores on all the design dimensions: visibility of system status; match between the system and the real world; user control and freedom; consistency and standards; error prevention; recognition rather than recall; flexibility and efficiency of use; aesthetic and minimalist design; help users recognize, diagnose, and recover from errors; and help and documentation.
Association between Dissociative Symptoms and Morning Cortisol Levels in Patients with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Objective Patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) showed inconsistencies in their cortisol level, an index of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function. This study examined the relationship between dissociation, childhood trauma, and morning cortisol levels in PTSD patients. Methods This study included 69 (23 males and 46 females) patients and 82 (22 males and 60 females) healthy controls (HCs). Clinical assessments, including the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and Peri-traumatic Dissociative Experiences Questionnaire scores, and morning cortisol levels were evaluated. The morning cortisol levels were compared between PTSD with high dissociation and low dissociation (PTSD-LD) groups. The effect of CTQ subtype on morning cortisol levels was analyzed. Results The PTSD with high dissociation group showed significantly lower cortisol levels than that of the PTSD-LD and HC groups. A significant inverse correlation was found between cortisol levels and dissociation. A significant positive correlation was found between dissociation and physical abuse and sexual abuse scores. Morning cortisol levels showed a significant positive correlation with emotional abuse, emotional neglect, and physical neglect, respectively. There was no moderating or mediating effect of CTQ on the relationship between cortisol level and dissociation. Conclusion These findings suggest that dissociation is a significant factor related to hypocortisolism in PTSD patients. Additionally, basal morning cortisol levels and dissociation scores were closely associated with childhood trauma.
IMPACT OF DRY-OFF PERIOD BEFORE HARVEST AND POTASSIUM FERTILIZATION ON GROWTH, YIELD AND JUICE QUALITY OF SOME PROMISING SUGARCANE VARIETIES

AND POTASSIUM FERTILIZATION ON GROWTH, YIELD AND JUICE QUALITY OF SOME PROMISING SUGARCANE VARIETIES Yasser M. Abdelazez Sugar Crops Res. Inst. , Agric. Res. Center, Giza, Egypt Corresponding author: dr.yasserabdelazez@gmail.com
Evaluation and Optimization of a Multi-Point Tactile Renderer for Virtual Textures

The EU funded HAPTEX project aimed to create a virtual reality system that allowed a user to explore and manipulate a suspended virtual textile with the thumb and index finger. This was achieved through a combination of a tactile renderer on the fingertips for surface textures and a force feedback system for deformation of the virtual material. This project focuses on the tactile rendering component of this system, which uses a tactile display developed at the University of Exeter. The 24 pin display is driven by piezoelectric bimorphs. Each of the pins can be driven independently, allowing for a variety of different sensations to be transmitted to the fingertip. The display is driven by rendering software that uses a spatial spectrum of the intended surface, in combination with the frequency response of touch receptors in the skin, position on the surface, and exploration velocity to produce a signal that is intended to recreate the sensation of exploring the surface texture. The output signal on each of the 24 contactors is a combination of high (320Hz) and low (40Hz) frequency sine waves. In this project, the tactile renderer is initially evaluated based on its ability to recreate the sensations of exploring particular textured surfaces. The users were asked to rank virtual textures in order of similarity to a real target texture. The results of the initial test were disappointingly low, with a 38.1±3.1% correct identification rate. However, feedback from this initial test was used to make improvements to the rendering strategy. These improvements did not give a significant improvement in identification (41.3±1.6%). Finally, the tests were repeated with a target virtual texture instead of the real one used in previous tests. This test yielded a higher identification rate (64.1±5.5%). This increase in identification suggests that the virtual textures are distinguishable but that they not always accurate recreations of the real textures they are mimicking.
Analytical prediction of feed efficiency in offset Gregorian reflector antennas with non planar log-periodic type feeds

Non-planar log-periodic antennas are flnding increasing application in wide band re- ∞ector antenna systems due to their excellent wide band performance in terms of input impedance and pattern stability. However, the frequency dependent phase center position will cause defo- cussing and therefore a loss in aperture e-ciency when they are used in a wide band re∞ector antenna system. A popular re∞ector system in high performance systems, such as radio tele- scopes, is the ofiset Gregorian re∞ector antenna due to the high levels of e-ciency that can be obtained by eliminating feed or subre∞ector blockage from the system. Unfortunately, subre∞ec- tor edge difiraction efiects still cause a loss in e-ciency, and these should be included to obtain accurate performance predictions. This paper presents a technique to get an initial estimate of the performance of an ofiset Gregorian re∞ector antenna fed by a non planar log-periodic antenna by using closed form expressions and simple one dimensional integration of analytical functions. An analytical function is used to approximate the radiation pattern of the feed antenna, and this approximated pattern is used to calculate the e-ciency of the re∞ector antenna system. The frequency dependent phase center position of the feed antenna as well as subre∞ector edge difiraction is included in the calculations. The results compare favorably with physical optics simulations of the structure, and some simple design guidelines are derived.
Provisioning Quality-of-Services in Cognitive Radio Networks

To meet the growing demand for bandwidth and to improve the utilisation of frequency spectrum, cognitive radio (CR) evolves as the key enabling technology, which allows CR users (or unlicensed users) to access licensed spectrum opportunistically. Accessing the spectrum in an opportunistic way introduces many research challenges, including exploiting the behaviour of spectrum holes, sharing spectrum holes by multiple access techniques, minimising interference and enforcing a semi-formal agreement between CR users and licensed users. Additionally, supporting delay-sensitive real-time services through CR networks, so that unlicensed users are allowed to experience full-scale networking services by opportunistically sharing spectrum from a number of existing networks without impacting on the licensed users, remains a challenging task. To address these challenges, CR users require an efficient and effective medium access control (MAC) framework, which will not only ensure quality-of-services (QoS) in the presence of resource uncertainty but also guarantee an agreed level of interference with licensed signals. This thesis aims at provisioning QoS in CR networks by proposing a new MAC framework that introduces a novel interference minimisation technique by exploiting the usage characteristics of licensed signals. To accommodate the surging demand for bandwidth, we have investigated whether the general purpose CR ad hoc networks are capable of fulfilling QoS through opportunistic spectrum sharing. By empowering CR users with multiple channel aggregation techniques, we have drawn a useful limit between the hardware capability and the channel availability for certain QoS requirements. To meet the requirements of an agreed interference level, we have proposed an optimal transmission holding time by CR users for each licensed channel by capturing the dynamic behaviour of licensed users. The proposed MAC accommodates multiple CR users in a multichannel scenario and ensures fair load balancing across the channels. The applicability of the proposed MAC is ascertained by thorough analysis of the network related QoS parameters, i.e., throughput and delay. Our proposed MAC framework eventually ensures non-intrusive co-existence of CR and licensed users, which is the pre-condition for wide acceptability of CR technology.
A Systematic Review of the Challenges and Solutions of ESL Students‟ Academic Writing

Research studies on ESL writing are more interested in providing operational writing strategies for academic writing. However, there are not many studies on challenges faced by students and their solutions. The main aim of this paper is to provide a systematic literature review of academic writing studies which focused on investigating students’ academic writing challenges and their solutions. The papers used in this study were published from 2010 until 2019. A systematic search of literature proposed in this paper employs the exploratory approach for identifying and evaluating twenty-seven articles published in the authentic Journals. The themes of the review are divided into two categories, one which is related to ESL Malaysian students and another category is regarding non-Malaysians, this is due to the context of the study which will be conducted in Malaysia and therefore a review of studies done on Malaysian student academic writing is justified. The review shows there is a broader context of ESL students’ academic writing challenges and factors influencing students’ academic writing skills. In addition, as mentioned above, the review clearly shows the highlight of previous studies was on strategies which help improve students writing skills. As a conclusion, the review signifies that there are three major enormous challenges faced by ESL students in academic writing, such as teaching methods, students’ attitude towards English, and language ability. And the solutions to the challenges are to employ active learning English language teaching methods, for example, Task-Based learning (TBL), Blended learning, Collaborative learning and cognitive approach, in teaching writing.
PHASE I MATERIALS PROPERTY DATABASE DEVELOPMENT FOR ASME CODES AND STANDARDS

To support the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Codes and Standard (BPVC) in modern information era, development of a web-based materials property database is initiated under the supervision of ASME Committee on Materials. To achieve efficiency, the project heavily draws upon experience from development of the Gen IV Materials Handbook and the Nuclear System Materials Handbook. The effort is divided into two phases. Phase I is planned to deliver a materials data file warehouse that offers a depository for various files containing raw data and background information, and Phase II will provide a relational digital database that provides advanced features facilitating digital data processing and management. Population of the database will start with materials property data for nuclear applications and expand to data covering the entire ASME Code and Standards including the piping codes as the database structure is continuously optimized. The ultimate goal of the effort is to establish a sound cyber infrastructure that support ASME Codes and Standards development and maintenance.
Numerical and experimental study on aluminium pipe bending process

In this paper the analysis of cold working bending process of the aluminum pipe was presented based on both numerical simulations and experimental tests. The parameters such as wall thickness above and below bending axis were compared and discussed for both numerical simulations and experimental tests. The numerical simulations were performed in Abaqus 6.9/CAE computational environment on the basis of finite element method while the bending machine was designed and constructed for the purpose of tests. The usefulness of numerical simulations was also discussed.
Researching the maintained Youth Services in Wales : is it drawn in different directions?

The study was carried out at a time when the maintained Youth Service in Wales had become drawn into a political agenda created by the election of New Labour in 1997 and the subsequent setting up of the National Assembly for Wales in 1999. As a consequence of the particular circumstances caused by these two events there was an imperative for the maintained Youth Service to make a rapid transition from its historically marginalised position to one more central within the new young-people agenda. The investigation is concerned to determine if the maintained Youth Service is able to attain this new position and make it secure in the long-term through a strategic approach that promotes an agreed philosophical position and maximises the opportunities presented to it by increased political attention and new resources. The study found that the maintained Youth Service was generally unable to manage effectively the rapid increase in its staff numbers in a way that ensured the embedding of a collectively understood organisational approach that could be described as discrete. This was because the organisation was both philosophically unsound, because of the lack of a collectively shared understanding of purposes, principles and values, and structurally unsound because of inappropriate levels of resources and the organisation of its staff. Consequently, the maintained Youth Service in Wales remains marginalised because it has been unable to locate its discrete method of practice within the new structures being developed for the delivery of services to young people. The investigation concludes that a contemporary maintained Youth Service needs to collectively develop persuasive arguments that ensure greater government attention and resources on non-formal community based learning for those between the ages of 11 to 25, delivered in a way that ensures their voluntary attendance. This may only be possible if some key aspects of maintained Youth Service management and delivery are moved away from its current local authority location.
Xylem embolism spread is largely prevented by interconduit pit membranes until the majority of conduits are gas-filled.

Xylem embolism resistance varies across species influencing drought tolerance, yet little is known about the determinants of the embolism resistance of an individual conduit. Here we conducted an experiment using the optical vulnerability method to test whether individual conduits have a specific water potential threshold for embolism formation and whether pre-existing embolism in neighbouring conduits alters this threshold. Observations were made on a diverse sample of angiosperm and conifer species through a cycle of dehydration, rehydration and subsequent dehydration to death. Upon rehydration after the formation of embolism, no refilling was observed. When little pre-existing embolism was present, xylem conduits had a conserved, individual embolism resistance threshold that varied across the population of conduits. The consequence of a variable conduit-specific embolism threshold is that a small degree of pre-existing embolism in the xylem results in an apparently more resistant xylem in a subsequent dehydration, particularly in angiosperms with vessels. While our results suggest that pit membranes separating xylem conduits are critical for maintaining a conserved individual embolism threshold for a given conduit when little pre-existing embolism is present, as the percentage of embolized conduits increases, gas movement, local pressure differences, and connectivity between conduits increasingly contribute to embolism spread. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Retrofitting theory to practice-a reflection on the development of an e-learning community

This paper relates to a project that worked to establish the Virtual Learning Space (VLS). The intent of the VLS is to provide a collaborative online environment where communities of interest can meet to share experience and understanding of Communication & Information Technology (C&IT) in relation to learning and teaching. The VLS is now an active collection of almost 1900 individuals who share experiences within an online or e-learning community. Having undertaken this development process, it is worth reflecting on how theory has moved forward to address the issues that have arisen during the project. This paper will therefore question what we mean by community, particularly in the online context. Illustrations from a growing e-learning community will link to the theory, and also trial its use for guiding future developments.
FMS Dashboard - Descriptive Analytics and Preventive Maintenance

Fleet tracking or vehicle tracking allows businesses in a variety of industries to keep track of their vehicle fleet in a convenient and cost-effective manner. But with IOT devices connected to each vehicle, it produces huge amount of data, which is an overload to the users of Fleet Management System (FMS). This data itself is not valuable unless it can be analyzed and interpreted correctly. Quality data can help fleet owners to understand the efficiency, driver safety, expenses and profitability of owning and managing their fleet. In this proposed work, we developed a dashboard for the existing Fleet Management System which will provide descriptive analytics and support in preventive maintenance of the fleet. The FMS Dashboard is a key module of the FMS system. This module uses GPS data like vehicle starts, stops, and idling, fuel consumption, engine running hours, vehicle speeds and location from each vehicle to provide real-time useful insights on vehicle activity, driver behavior and tracking of fleet. Based on historic data, descriptive analytics will summarize past performance of the vehicle to enable users to plan for maintenance to perform. Also preventive maintenance reports helps the fleet owners to estimate, when the vehicle service is due and plan for the same. Apart from this, vehicle can be tracked real-time in Google Maps.
Studies of non-diffusive heat conduction through spatially periodic and time-harmonic thermal excitations

Studies of non-diffusive heat conduction provide insight into the fundamentals of heat transport in condensed matter. The mean free paths (MFPs) of phonons that are most important for conducting heat are well represented by a material's thermal conductivity accumulation function. Determining thermal conductivity accumulation functions experimentally by studying conduction in non-diffusive regimes is a recent area of study called phonon MFP spectroscopy. In this thesis, we investigate nondiffusive transport both experimentally and theoretically to advance methods for determining thermal conductivity accumulation functions in materials. We explore both spatially periodic and time-harmonic thermal excitations as a means for probing the non-diffusive transport regime, where the Fourier heat diffusion law breaks down. Boltzmann transport equation calculations of one-dimensional (1D) spatially sinusoidal thermal excitations are performed for gray-medium and fully spectral cases. We compare our calculations to simplified transport models and demonstrate that a model based on integrating gray-medium solutions can reasonably model materials with a narrow range of dominant heat-carrying phonon MFPs. We also consider the inverse problem of determining thermal conductivity accumulation functions from experimental measurements of thermal-length-scale-dependent effective thermal conductivity. Based on experimental measurements of Si membranes of varying thickness, we reproduce the thermal conductivity accumulation function for bulk Si. To investigate materials with short phonon MFPs, we developed an experimental approach based on microfabricating 1D wire grid polarizers on the surface of a material under study. This work finds that the dominant thermal length scales in polycrystalline Bi 2Te3 are smaller than 100 nm. We also determine that even small amounts of direct sample optical excitation, which occurs when light transmits through the grating and directly excites electron-hole pairs in the substrate, can appreciably influence the measured results, suggesting that an alternate approach that prevents all direct optical excitation is preferable. To study thermal length scales smaller than 100 nm without the need for microfabrication, we develop a method for extracting high frequency response information 3 from transient optical measurements. For a periodic heat flux input, the thermal penetration depth in a semi-infinite sample depends on the excitation frequency, with higher frequencies leading to shallower thermal penetration depths. Prior work using frequencies as high as 200 MHz observed apparent non-diffusive behavior. Our method allows for frequencies of at least 1 GHz, but we do not observe any deviation from the heat diffusion equation, suggesting that prior observations attributed to non-diffusive effects were likely the result of transport phenomena in the metal transducer. Thesis Supervisor: Gang Chen Title: Carl Richard Soderberg Professor of Power Engineering
Hybrid electric vehicle drives fitted with combustion engines

Two generic types of hybrid drive fitted with Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) have been considered. The first type is a serial one. The second type is a parallel drive system represented by two subtypes: a compact hybrid drive with two degrees of freedom planetary transmission and a split-sectional drive. Based on example hybrid drives for city buses, a computer simulation is an appropriate method as a design tool. Special stress has been put on the compact hybrid drive with a planetary transmission, which seems to be the most advantageous. A serial hybrid drive has also been discussed in detail because currently this solution is the most common one applied in contemporary hybrid buses.