Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatial Multi-Criteria Evaluation of Proportional Accountability of Flood Causal Factors and Vulnerable Areas in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

There have been considerable reports on flood frequency, vulnerability and risk especially on Makurdi. However, not much has been known about the proportional contribution of the causal factors and distribution among vulnerable areas. This aspect remains fundamental in flood disaster and risk management decisions and actions. It is on this premise that this study applied the spatial multi-criteria evaluation technique (SMCE). The four (4) broad categories of flood causative factors: Climatic (rainfall) , soil (textural distribution of clay and sand content), morphometric (slope, linear and areal) and Land Use / Land Cover (built-up land, bare land, farm land, vegetated land, wetland and water bodies/broad river) were used for the analytic hierarchy process and weighted sum overlay technique. The analysis revealed percentage contributions of the most effective flood causing factors as follows: Rainfall (44.89%), morphometry (34.02%), Landuse / Landcover (12.8%) and soil (6.28%). The weighted sum overlay result shows that low flood vulnerability areas occupy 43.11% (460.782 km 2 ), moderate flood vulnerability areas 31.13% (332.717 km 2 ) and high flood vulnerability 25.75% (275.238 km 2 ). Since this study identified rainfall as the major determinant of flooding it recommends that annual and seasonal rainfall predictions should be enhanced in Makurdi. Also, the area with high flood vulnerability which coincides with built-up area should drive the promotion of flood resilience city structures and enforced by relevant public institutions such as Federal Ministry of Environment, Urban Planning Departments, Works and Housing. Therefore, remediation actions can be applied for the high vulnerability areas while mitigation actions can be focused more on the moderate flood vulnerability areas.
Conceptual Core Design of 1300MWe Reactor for Soluble Boron Free Operation Using a New Fuel Concept

A conceptual core design of the 1,300MWe KNGR (Korean Next Generation Reactor) without using soluble boron for reactivity control was developed to determine whether it is technically feasible to implement SBF (Soluble Boron Free) operation. Based on the borated KNGR core design, the fuel assembly and control rod configuration were modified for extensive use of burnable poison rods and control rods. A new fuel rod, in which Pu-238 had been substituted for a small amount of U-238 in fuel composition, was introduced to assist the reactivity control by burnable poison rods. Since Pu-238 has a considerably large thermal neutron capture cross section, the new fuel assembly showed good reactivity suppression capability throughout the entire cycle turnup, especially at BOC (Beginning of Cycle). Moreover, relatively uniform control of power distribution was possible since the new fuel assemblies were loaded throughout the core. In this study, core excess reactivity was limited to 2.0 % for the minimal use of control rods. The analysis results of the SBF KNGR core showed that axial power distribution control can be achieved by using the simplest zoning scheme of the fuel assembly Furthermore, the sufficient shutdown margin and the stability against axial xenon oscillations were secured in this SBF core. It is, therefore, concluded that a SBF operation is technically feasible for a large sized LWR (Light Water Reactor).
Research and Design of Warehouse Environment and Personal Radiation Monitoring Experiment System

With reference to the technical standards of radiation monitoring professionals in the “National Post and Occupational Skills Appraisal and Evaluation System”, the idea of simulation system development and integration is adopted to build a warehouse environment and personal radiation monitoring experiment system for principle teaching and installation operations. Through the establishment of experiments such as environmental radiation dose measurement, surface pollution measurement and removal, personal dose measurement and alarm, radiation protection and emergency treatment, the students’ theoretical knowledge has been consolidated and practical ability has been improved.
A Critical Review of Performance Measurement in Construction

Performance measurement system (PMS) is a fast evolving and diverse research field attracting many researchers and practitioners from the fields of strategy, accounting, operations, human resource, and marketing. The characteristics of the construction industry that influence the research and directions adopted in practice significantly contribute to certain weaknesses in application, such as limited focus on business performance measurement, insufficient organisational learning, and difficulty in linking the project PMS with the firm. The aim of this paper is to briefly review the literature of PMS (specifically at the corporate level) for addressing the knowledge gap and presenting a research agenda in the context of construction. The main findings from this review are: (1) the evolution of PMS in construction management literature is much slow; (2) further research should focus on the design and implementation related issues of PMS in construction; and (3) benchmarking is an integral part of PMS but it is insufficient for ‘continuous improvement’. Finally, a research agenda is presented.
Prognostic Factors for Improvement in Pain and Disability after Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain

Background: Recent clinical studies support the effectiveness of chronic neck pain specific multidisciplinary biopsychosocial rehabilitation programmes, but prognostic factors for improvement in pain and disability are unknown. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of improvement in patients with chronic neck pain after participation in a three-week multidisciplinary biopsychosocial rehabilitation programme. Methods: In this observational prospective cohort study patients were assessed at the beginning and the end of a multidisciplinary biopsychosocial rehabilitation programme. Inclusion for participation in the rehabilitation programme depended upon an interdisciplinary pain assessment. Consecutive patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were invited to participate in the study. A total of 112 patients participated. The primary outcomes, pain and disability, were measured by the Northern American Spine Society questionnaire (NASS), quantified by effect sizes (ES), and modelled with various co-factors. Secondary outcomes were mental health measured by the Short-Form 36 and total cervical active range of motion measured by a reliable, validated cervical range of motion instrument.Results: Patients’ mean age was 59.7 years (standard deviation=10.8); 70.5% were female. Patients improved significantly (p<0.001) in pain+disability (ES=0.56), mental health (ES=0.45) and cervical range of motion (ES=0.39). Prognostic factors for improvement in pain+disability were worse baseline scores (partial, adjusted correlation r=0.41, p<0.001), higher age (r=0.22, p=0.024), higher improvement in cervical range of motion (r=0.21, p=0.033) and higher improvement in mental health scale (r=0.20; p=0.047). Conclusions: Better outcomes for patients with improvement in neck range of motion, improvement of mental health, and higher age support the use of multidisciplinary biopsychosocial rehabilitation that combines physical and psychological treatment components. Furthermore, the results suggest that older patients may improve more compared to younger patients.
IoT Localization and Optimized Topology Extraction Using Eigenvector Synchronization

Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices are low size, weight and power (SWaP), low complexity and include sensors, meters, wearables and trackers. Transmitting information with high signal power is exacting on device battery life, therefore an efficient link and network configuration is absolutely crucial to avoid signal power enhancement in interference-rich environment and resorting to battery-life extending strategies. Efficient network configuration can also ensure fulfilment of network performance metrics like throughput, coding rate and spectral efficiency. We formulate a novel approach of first localizing the IoT nodes and then extracting the network topology for information exchange between the nodes (devices, gateway and sinks), such that overall network throughput is maximized. The nodes are localized using noisy measurements of a subset of Euclidean distances between two nodes. Realizable subsets of neighboring devices agree with their own position within the entire network graph through eigenvector synchronization. Using communication global graph-model-based technique, network topology is constructed in terms of transmit power allocation with the aim of maximizing spatial usage and overall network throughput. This topology extraction problem is solved using the concept of linear programming.
Application of System Learning to Precedence Graph Generation for Assembly Line Balancing

Manufacturing Process Planning is the systematic development of the detailed methods by which products can be manufactured in a cost-efficient manner, while achieving their functional requirements. An assembly line is a flow-oriented production system where the productive units performing the operations, referred to as stations, are aligned in a serial manner. The work pieces visit stations successively as they are moved along the line usually by some kind of transportation system, e.g., a conveyor belt. An important decision problem, called Assembly Line Balancing Problem (ALBP), arises and has to be solved when (re-) configuring an assembly line. It consists of distributing the work tasks among the work stations along the line due to changes in task requirements for planned production. The assignment of tasks to stations is constrained by task sequence restrictions which can be expressed in a precedence graph. However, most manufacturers usually do not have precedence graphs or if they do, the information on their precedence graphs is inadequate. As a consequence, the elaborate solution procedures for different versions of ALBP developed by more than 50 years of research are often not applicable in practice as not all constraint information is known. This is a common problem in automotive final assembly. In this work we describe a novel precedence generation technique that is based on system-learning from past feasible production sequences. This technique forms a sufficient precedence graph that guarantees feasible line balances. Experiments indicate that the proposed procedure is able to approximate a precedence graph generated by an expert sufficiently well to detect nearly-optimal solutions even for a real-world automotive assembly line segment. Thus, the application of system learning seems to provide a simple and practical way to implement Decision Support Systems to make assembly line planning more efficient.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Molecular and Morphological Confirmation of Three Undescribed Species of Mortierella from Korea

Abstract Three fungal isolates designated as CNUFC-YR329-1, CNUFC-PTS103-1, and CNUFC-PTS2-1 were discovered during a survey of fungal diversity of the order Mortierellales from freshwater and pine tree rhizosphere soil samples in Korea. The strains were analyzed morphologically and phylogenetically based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit (LSU) of ribosomal DNA gene sequences. Based on their morphology and phylogeny, the three isolates were identified as Mortierella elongata, M. horticola, and M. humilis, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, M. elongata, M. horticola, and M. humilis, belonging to an undiscovered taxon, have not been previously described in Korea.
Accurate and efficient design technique for wideband substrate integrated waveguide directional couplers

In this article, we present an efficient technique for the accurate design of wideband substrate integrate waveguide directional couplers. By tapering the coupling section, the bandwidth of substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) directional couplers can be enlarged. Two design aspects are involved in this approach. First, the even‐mode propagation constant in the tapered coupling section is accurately extracted with the help of a numerical thru‐reflect‐line calibration technique. Then, it is fitted into the model of a uniform dielectric‐filled rectangular waveguide and thereafter extrapolated to the operation range of the odd mode. Second, equivalent circuit models of the waveguide bifurcation effects are also presented together with parametric values. Based on the results of extraction, a 90° 3‐dB directional coupler is developed to validate the proposed design approach. To achieve the reverse phasing at two output ports, the prototyped 90° 3‐dB directional coupler is subsequently integrated with a novel broadband fixed phase shifter developed with the SIW technology, of which a systematic synthesis procedure has been proposed in this article. Measured performance of both 90° and 180° 3‐dB couplers confirms the accuracy of our proposed design approach. This kind of wide‐band directional coupler can find applications in wideband power dividing/combining circuits within a single‐layer platform. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE, 2012.
Switched flux hybrid magnet memory machine

A novel switched flux permanent magnet machine (SFPMM) with both normal NdFeB and low coercive force (LCF) magnets has been developed in this paper. Outside a conventional SFPMM, the LCF magnets are mounted on the back of every U-shaped stator lamination segment with parallel magnetisation direction and alternative polarities. A lamination ring yoke is placed around all the LCF magnets, while extra magnetisation coils are wound on each of them. By injecting different directions of current pulses into the magnetisation coils, the polarities of the LCF magnets can be rewritten in order to enhance or weaken the field generated by normal NdFeB magnets. Therefore the back EMF and torque capability could be adjusted in a wide range. In this paper, the operation principle and machine topology are introduced firstly. Then the stator/rotor pole combinations and design considerations of the machine have been discussed. With the help of two-dimensional finite element software, a 6/5 stator/rotor pole machine has been globally optimised as an example to show the machine performances such as open-circuit field and back EMF, dq-axis inductances, torque capabilities and magnetisation. Finally, a prototype with the same dimensions has been manufactured and tested to validate the analysis results.
Cow based assessments Part 3: Locomotion scoring, claw overgrowth and injuries associated with farm furniture

Cow based assessments can be used to identify problems and thus allow the implementation of herd management changes in an attempt to improve animal health and welfare and farm profitability. Previous articles in this series described the use of cow-based assessments to evaluate nutritional status, cleanliness, coat condition, rising restrictions and injuries acquired from contact with the lying surface. In this, the third of three articles on the use of cow based assessments, the authors discuss locomotion scoring and the evaluation of health and welfare problems associated with claw overgrowth and injuries acquired from contact with farm furniture. The article will go on to discuss how to make the most of the results obtained and common problems with these types of assessments.
Perceptions of cataracts and cataract services of elderly persons in Mathangwane, Botswana

Background: Cataract is the leading cause of blindness globally. In Botswana about 60% of blindness is due to cataract. Health services in Botswana are free, as are cataract services. Despite the free health services offered, the Batswana do not fully utilize the available eye care services especially the cataract services. Many Batswana access health care in public hospitals, where patients may have to wait for long periods for clinic appointments and surgery. Research question: What are the perceptions that elderly persons in Mathangwane village in Botswana, have of cataracts and cataracts services? Aim: To explore and describe the perceptions of elderly persons in Mathangwane about cataracts and cataract services. Objectives: 1. Explore and describe elderly persons' perceptions of cataracts; 2. Explore and describe elderly persons' perceptions of cataract services; 3. Explore reasons for use and non-use of current cataract services. Methods: Qualitative exploratory descriptive methods were used. A qualitative study design with purposeful sampling was used to identify participants for interviews and focus group discussion. Semi-structured interviews with seven participants aged sixtyfive years and older with diagnosed cataract as well as a focus group with six of the se_ven participants were conducted. Data was analysed using a content analysis approach. Results: Five themes emerged from the interviews and a focus group discussion: 1. Cataract as the 'spider web'; 11. Curing cataract with traditional herbs; 111. Cataract a problem of the elderly caused by modem food; 1v. The burden of cataract blindness: 'mealie on the fire'; v. The ambivalent voice of elderly persons about cataract services. Conclusion: Findings from this study show that the participants had a general understanding of what cataract is and they had a particular description for this. Both positive and negative feelings were expressed in relation to the services available. Although cataract surgery was perceived to restore vision a major concern of the elderly persons was in relation to delays they experienced while waiting for the cataract to fully mature. Despite the free services offered at community level there is a great need for affordable and accessible transportation services for elderly persons utilising the cataract services.
One- and two-dimensional coplanar waveguide structures with multiple-frequency-tuned slot resonators

In this letter, a new multiple-frequency-tuned slot resonator is introduced in coplanar waveguide (CPW) technology. Its equivalent circuit model is built up and its frequency characteristics are explained by employing the equivalent circuit parameters and field analysis. Furthermore, one-dimensional (1-D) and 2-D CPW structures with the proposed slot resonator are designed. Measurements show that the proposed CPW structures with compact size exhibit good multiple-stopband behaviours.
Mechanical Performance Calculation of Single-Layer Cable Mesh Point-Supported Glass Curtain Wall under Fire Conditions

High-strength prestressed cables were main bearing parts in single-layer cable mesh point-supported glass curtain wall structures, and it was always unable to take effective fire prevention measures on steel cables due to small sections. That the elastic modulus and yield strength of prestressed cables decreased sharply under fire conditions would threaten safety performance of the whole structure seriously. When glass breakage is considered and not considered, nonlinear finite element complete-process analysis for the single-layer cable mesh point-supported glass curtain wall structure was conducted. Influences of various factors on structure mechanical performance were studied under fire conditions. Through the calculation analysis of different joint constraint models, the ultimate temperature table suitable for different sizes and cable spacing of glass curtain walls was obtained under uniform heating conditions, and proposals for fire-resisting design were given.
A Study on Community Overlapping Detection Algorithms in Social Networks

Community detection is one of the most important research area wherein invention and growth of social networks. Community is a set of members densely connected within a group and sparely connected with the other groups. In social networks, the singular characteristic of communities is multi membership of a node resulting in overlapping communities. Another relevant feature of social networks is the possibility to evolve over time. In recent years, many researchers have worked on various methods that can efficiently unveil overlapped structure on dynamic network. This paper reviews the previous studies done on the problem of overlapping community detection algorithms. Moreover, some approaches for dynamic network that change from time to time are also described.
Design of lumped element quadrature hybrid

At the lower microwave frequency range, distributed element hybrids consume too great a circuit area. To reduce the surface area without degrading electrical performance, a lumped element hybrid can be used. A new lumped hybrid design method is presented which uses a combination of T-networks and /spl pi/-networks to achieve an improved magnitude balance. A prototype of the lumped element hybrid is fabricated by using the conventional microwave integrated circuit technique to verify the design concept. The measurement results show good agreement with the theoretical prediction. This quadrature hybrid structure is compact and applicable to monolithic microwave integrated circuit realisation.
Identification of Surface Topography Scanned by Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope

Topography and surface roughness is defined as a set of surface textures formed due to used machining or other production technology. It is a key factor mainly for dynamically stressed components. Greater surface roughness negatively affects the fatigue strength of component or its wear resistance.The paper deals with the visualization and processing of data obtained from a laser confocal microscope Zeiss LSM 700. Data acquired by LSM software ZEN2009 are exported in the text form of 3D coordinates of the image data points and are arranged as a set of 2D profiles with resolution 1.10-7 m. The aim is to describe an alternative method of evaluating raw data extracted from z-stack of acquired TIFF images in order to achieve higher precision and identify the topography of the scanned sample surface. Different methods of data processing have been tested to eliminate deficiencies located mainly in the parts of the scanned surface with low intensity.
Simultaneous transfer capability assessment by combining interior point methods and Monte Carlo simulation

This paper describes a methodology to evaluate the maximum simultaneous power transfer of large interconnected power systems. The approach combines Monte Carlo simulation and AC optimal power flow, solved by a direct interior point algorithm, in order to calculate the maximum simultaneous transfer capability. In the developed procedure, power system problems caused by contingencies including voltage collapse are also taken into account. Cost studies with the IEEE RTS-96 and with a 1600-bus network derived from the Brazilian South/Southeast/Central West power system are presented and discussed.