Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CASE STUDY: VALUE STUDIES AS A TOOL IN GAINING A SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF SIS

The Roads and Traffic Authority has been using SIS for over five years, and its uses have been driven by local business needs. The development has not been coordinated and issues in data management, application development and system compatibilities have caused concern. The value of SIS as a strategic business tool has been recognised by executive management, and in order to introduce it as an enterprise wide tool, a three phased approach has been adopted. The fact that many implementations have not been successful in gaining user acceptance has encouraged the use of Value Management techniques to allow stakeholders to challenge the proposed implementation strategy, in order to ensure its relevance to business needs. The objective of this process is to gain a shared and achievable goal. This paper is a case study of the Value Management Study, and an evaluation of its success in gaining a common view of what the implementation is to provide. This paper addresses the Conference sub-theme of "Utilities and Infrastructure Management - Transport". (a) For the record of the covering entry of this conference, please see IRRD abstract no 861609.
Pilates and dance to breast cancer patients undergoing treatment: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial – MoveMama study

Background: Breast cancer is a global public health issue and the side effects of the clinical treatment can decline the quality of life of these women. Therefore, a healthy lifestyle is essential to minimize the physical and psychological side effects of treatment. Physical activity has several benefits for breast cancer women and Pilates solo and belly dance can be an enjoyable type of physical activity for breast cancer women undergoing clinical treatment. The purpose of the study will be to provide a Pilates solo and a belly dance protocol (3x/16 weeks) for women undergoing breast cancer treatment and compare its effects with the control group. Methods: The participants will be allocated to either the intervention arm (Pilates solo or belly dance classes 3x/week for 16 weeks) or a control group (receipt of a booklet on physical activity for breast cancer patients and maintenance of habitual physical activity routine). The Pilates solo and belly dance classes will be divided into three stages: warm-up and stretching; the main stage and relaxation. Measurements of study outcomes will take place at baseline, post-intervention, 6-, 12- and 24-months (maintenance period). The data collection for both groups will occur with a questionnaire application and tests, covering general and clinical information, primary outcome will be quality of life (EORT QLQ C30 and BR23), secondary outcomes will be physical aspects as cardiorespiratory fitness (6-minute walk test and cycle ergometer), lymphedema (sum of arm circumference), physical activity (IPAQ short version), disabilities of the arm (DASH), range of motion (goniometer test), strength (dynamometer test) and flexibility (sit and reach test) and psychological aspects as depressive symptoms (BECK Inventory), body image (Body Image After Breast Cancer Questionnaire), self-esteem (Rosenberg), fatigue (FACT-F), pain (VAS), sexual function (FSFI) and sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index). Discussion: In view of the high prevalence of breast cancer among women, the implementation a specific protocol of Pilates solo and belly dance for patients with breast cancer is important considering the needs to improve the quality of life, physical and psychological aspects of their life. Pilates solo and belly dance are two kinds of physical activity that involves mental and body concentration, music, upper limb movements, femininity, and social involvement. An intervention with these two physical activities could offer a choice of supportive care to breast cancer women undergoing treatment to improve quality of life, physical and psychological aspects. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03194997 (registration date: 12 August 2017). Universal Trial Number (World Health Organization): U1111-1195-1623. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03194997
Mastering the Rules of Competitive Strategy: A Resource Guide for Managers

Contents STRATEGY RULE 1. SHIFT TO THE OFFENSIVE: Turn a Risky Competitive Situation into a Fresh Market Opportunity STRATEGY RULE 2. MANEUVER BY INDIRECT STRATEGY: Apply Strength against Weakness STRATEGY RULE 3. ACT WITH SPEED: The Essential Component to Secure a Competitive Lead STRATEGY RULE 4. GROW BY CONCENTRATION: Deploy, Target, Segment STRATEGY RULE 5. PRIORITIZE COMPETITIVE INTELLIGENCE: The Underpinnings of Business Strategy STRATEGY RULE 6. ALIGN COMPETITIVE STRATEGY WITH YOUR CORPORATE CULTURE: The Lifeline to Your Organization's Future STRATEGY RULE 7. DEVELOP LEADERSHIP SKILLS: The Moral Fiber Underlying Business Strategy STRATEGY RULE 8. CREATE A MORALE ADVANTAGE: Engage Heart, Mind, and Spirit when All Else Fails STRATEGY RULE 9. STRENGTHEN YOUR DECISION-MAKING CAPABILITIES: Fortify Intuition, Enhance Business Experience, Expand Knowledge
Navigation and autonomy of soaring unmanned aerial vehicles

The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) has exploded over the last decade with the constant need to reduce costs while maintaining capability. Despite the relentless development of electronics and battery technology there is a sustained need to reduce the size and weight of the on-board systems to free-up payload capacity. One method of reducing the energy storage requirement of UAVs is to utilise naturally occurring sources of energy found in the atmosphere. This thesis explores the use of static and semi-dynamic soaring to extract energy from naturally occurring shallow layer cumulus convection to improve range, endurance and average speed. A simulation model of an X-Models XCalibur electric motor-glider is used in combination with a refined 4D parametric atmospheric model to simulate soaring flight. The parametric atmospheric model builds on previous successful models with refinements to more accurately describe the weather in northern Europe. The implementation of the variation of the MacCready setting is discussed. Methods for generating efficient trajectories are evaluated and recommendations are made regarding implementation. For micro to small UAVs to be able to track the desired trajectories a highly accurate Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS) is needed. Detailed analysis of the practical implementation of advanced attitude determination is used to enable optimal execution of the trajectories generated. The new attitude determination methods are compared to existing Kalman and complimentary type filters. Analysis shows the methods developed are capable of providing accurate attitude determination with extremely low computational requirements, even during extreme manoeuvring. The new AHRS techniques reduce the need for powerful on-board microprocessors. This new AHRS technique is used as a foundation to develop a robust navigation filter capable of providing improved drift performance, over traditional filters, in the temporary absence of global navigation satellite information. All these algorithms have been verified by flight tests using a mixture of manned and unmanned aerial vehicles and avionics developed specifically for this thesis.
Robust H-infinity filtering for stochastic time-delay systems with missing measurements

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Wage Structure, Incomes Policy and Decentralised Bargaining: the Case of Greece

Abstract. Developments in Greek industrial relations suggest that decentralised bargaining is not a panacea. The manufacturing wage structure in Greece has an exceptional course associated with the rise of informal decentralised bargaining. Interindustry wage differentials increased in a period of incomes policies aiming to narrow the wage structure. The influence exerted by inflation and unemployment is, compared to past evidence from the US. and the U.K., quite unconventional. Under informal bargaining, high-wage powerful industrial branches “benefit” from higher inflation and lower unemployment.
Educational Game for C++ Programming Language: SLC++ Approached for Introductory

Vol. 10(3) 2021, Pg. 451 - 466 Abstract C++ programming language is widely used in the industry and has become a compulsory course to learn in most universities in Malaysia. C++ programming is a powerful language that supports many ways of a program, such as procedural, object-oriented, and functional. However, this language seems difficult to learn, especially for students not in Computer Science background. The students face a problem in understanding the concept and do not enjoy the course. Thus, the students become demotivated. Games are fun activities that can enhance the process of thinking, learning, and problem-solving strategies. With these criteria, educational games are one of the best learning methods to improve the existing learning process. This study purposely develops and evaluates a computer game for C++ programming introductory based on Snake and Ladder board game. This game named SLC++ aimed to attract the students to enjoy their study and understand the concept of a programming language. The development is based on iterative methodology, consisting of planning, design, prototype, playtest, evaluate, and deployment phases. From 120 students, 88.64% strongly perceive SLC++, with 90.83% who are motivated, 90.56% attract with the c++ language, and 87.33% understand the introductory for c++ language after completing the game.
Static test-stand performance of the YF-102 turbofan engine with several exhaust configurations for the Quiet Short-Haul Research Aircraft (QSRA)

The performance of a YF-102 turbofan engine was measured in an outdoor test stand with a bellmouth inlet and seven exhaust-system configurations. The configurations consisted of three separate-flow systems of various fan and core nozzle sizes and four confluent-flow systems of various nozzle sizes and shapes. A computer program provided good estimates of the engine performance and of thrust at maximum rating for each exhaust configuration. The internal performance of two different-shaped core nozzles for confluent-flow configurations was determined to be satisfactory. Pressure and temperature surveys were made with a traversing probe in the exhaust-nozzle flow for some confluent-flow configurations. The survey data at the mixing plane, plus the measured flow rates, were used to calculate the static-pressure variation along the exhaust nozzle length. The computed pressures compared well with experimental wall static-pressure data. External-flow surveys were made, for some confluent-flow configurations, with a large fixed rake at various locations in the exhaust plume.
Situation Awareness Implications of Adaptive Automation of Air Traffic Controller Information Processing Functions

The goal of this research was to define a measure of situation awareness (SA) in an air traffic control (ATC) task and to assess the influence of adaptive automation (AA) of various information processing functions on controller perception, comprehension and projection. The measure was also to serve as a basis for defining and developing an approach to triggering dynamic control allocations, as part of AA, based on controller SA. To achieve these objectives, an enhanced version of an ATC simulation (Multitask (copyright)) was developed for use in two human factors experiments. The simulation captured the basic functions of Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) and was capable of presenting to operators four different modes of control, including information acquisition, information analysis, decision making and action implementation automation, as well as a completely manual control mode. The SA measure that was developed as part of the research was based on the Situation Awareness Global Assessment Technique (SAGAT), previous goal-directed task analyses of enroute control and TRACON, and a separate cognitive task analysis on the ATC simulation. The results of the analysis on Multitask were used as a basis for formulating SA queries as part of the SAGAT-based approach to measuring controller SA, which was used in the experiments. A total of 16 subjects were recruited for both experiments. Half the subjects were used in Experiment #1, which focused on assessing the sensitivity and reliability of the SA measurement approach in the ATC simulation. Comparisons were made of manual versus automated control. The remaining subjects were used in the second experiment, which was intended to more completely describe the SA implications of AA applied to specific controller information processing functions, and to describe how the measure could ultimately serve as a trigger of dynamic function allocations in the application of AA to ATC. Comparisons were made of the sensitivity of the SA measure to automation manipulations impacting both higher-order information processing functions, such as information analysis and decision making, versus lower-order functions, including information acquisition and action implementation. All subjects were exposed to all forms of AA of the ATC task and the manual control condition. The approach to AA used in both experiments was to match operator workload, assessed using a secondary task, to dynamic control allocations in the primary task. In total, the subjects in each experiment participated in 10 trials with each lasting between 45 minutes and 1 hour. In both experiments, ATC performance was measured in terms of aircraft cleared, conflicting, and collided. Secondary task (gauge monitoring) performance was assessed in terms of a hit-to-signal ratio. As part of the SA measure, three simulation freezes were conducted during each trial to administer queries on Level 1, 2, and 3 SA.
Water jet steering concept : - evaluation of an environmental design, Part 1

The current hydraulic system that function as the power source for operating the water jet steering device, need to be located inside of the hull to avoid possible environmental damage. This will cause a height difference from where the power supply will be located and where the output is needed. The research of literature and the limitations given by Rolls-Royce laid the basis for the simulation work. The lever concept is a development of the original layout from Rolls-Royce. The current lever concept was formed by simulation of the individual parts it consists of. The modeling work is a starting point for further design changes and improved solutions depending on what results are achieved when simulation is performed on the parts. The modeling work is not part of this report but can be seen in the other master thesis “Water jet steering concept - evaluation of an environmental design, Part 2” which is not yet done but it will be soon. All simulations made are simplified and they are a solid starting point for further work with dimensioning, material selection and calculations. The results of the simulation show that further development is required before a theoretically functioning concept is achieved.
HOT MIX ASPHALT FOR INTERSECTIONS IN HOT CLIMATES

Rutting of hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavement at or near intersections is very common both in cold and hot climates. Obviously, the problem is more acute in hot climates compared to cold climates because the stiffness of HMA decreases with increase in pavement temperature. In most cases, there is no significant rutting in the same asphalt pavement structure away from the intersections under fast moving traffic. This indicates a need for a different asphalt mix at or near intersections, which can sustain slow or standing traffic loads without any permanent deformation. A field investigation of rutting near five signalized intersections in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania indicated the following causes related to in-place HMA: (a) low voids in the mineral aggregate (VMA), (b) low air voids, and (c) use of subrounded to subangular sand. Although the mixes were designed in the laboratory with high VMA and air void content, the asphalt pavements densified significantly in the field to yield very low VMA and air voids. It was felt that the HMA at the intersections should have the following attributes: (a) should maintain adequate VMA to ensure durability, (b) should not densify below 4% air voids under slow and standing traffic during hot summer days, and (c) should contain stiff asphalt binder to resist creep behavior. Based on the documented experience in the United States with the performance of stone matrix asphalt (SMA) and Superpave HMA mixes, the following recommendations have been made for asphalt pavements at intersections: (1) Wearing Course - use 50 mm thick SMA wearing course with a maximum nominal aggregate size of 12.5 mm; (2) Binder Course - use 50 mm thick SMA binder course with a maximum nominal aggregate size of 19.0 mm; and (3) Base Course - use 150 mm thick dense-graded large stone mix with a maximum nominal aggregate size of 25 mm; this mix should be designed either by Superpave mix design method or by Marshall method modified for 6-in. (151.8-mm) diameter specimens. Various rutting studies have shown that rutting is usually confined in the top 100 mm of asphalt pavements. Therefore, the use of SMA has been recommended in the top 100 mm. The SMA has a stone-on-stone contact and, therefore, it has a very high stability and it does not densify to unacceptably low air voids under traffic. Specifications and mix designs for the recommended three asphalt pavement courses are included in the paper.
Optimal economic emission hydrothermal scheduling based on black hole theory and annual profit analysis considering FGD

An improved black-hole particle swarm optimization (IBHPSO) algorithm is proposed for solving economic emission hydrothermal scheduling (EEHS) problems minimizing fuel cost and emission simultaneously. The water transport delay between connected reservoirs and valve-point loadings are considered in the model formulation. In addition, all the constraints of multi-chain cascaded reservoirs including water discharge rate limits, water dynamic balance constraint and reservoir storage volume limits are handled without any penalty factor. The proposed IBHPSO algorithm has been carried out on a classical test system consist of four cascaded hydro plants and three thermal plants. The results demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed approach for solving the EEHS problems. Moreover, according to related environmental policies of power enterprises in China, the calculation model of annual profit with fuel gas desulphurization (FGD) is established. And the annual profit with and without FGD is compared. Besides, an incentive mechanism is proposed to obtain proper sewage charge and proper desulphurization power price. (6 pages)
THE DIFFERENCE IN THE SOCIAL STYLES OF CAREER AND VOLUNTEER FIRE CHIEFS

x Chapter 1.1 Background to the Problem. 1 Statement of the Problem.3 Purpose.4 Significance of the Study.4 Theory Contributions.8 Practical Contributions.9 Scope.12 Definitions.12 Research Question and Hypothesis. 14 Research Question.14 Hypotheses:. 14
The Great Unsealing: A Perspective on Portland Cement Concrete Joint Sealing

The general mission of most transportation agencies is to ensure a customer focus in the development and operation of a safe and efficient transportation system. The customers desire comfort, convenience, safety, and cost-effectiveness in a transportation system. Agency research must have the objectives of addressing customer-related issues and measuring benefits of importance to them. Accordingly, any joint and sealant research must answer the questions, Why do we seal? and Is it cost-effective? Joint and sealant studies of portland cement concrete (PCC) pavements must address whether joint sealing enhances total pavement performance and is cost-effective, and, if so, what sealant system should be used. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has been studying the effect of PCC joint/crack sealing on total pavement performance for 50 years. By 1967 there was substantial documentation that filling and refilling of contraction joints had no beneficial effect on pavement performance. By 1984, it was concluded that pavements with unsealed joints had better overall performance (distress, ride, materials integrity) than pavements with sealed joints. In 1990, WisDOT passed a policy eliminating all PCC joint sealing, in new construction and maintenance. This "no-seal" policy has saved Wisconsin $6,000,000 annually with no loss in pavement performance and with increased customer safety and convenience. The entire PCC sealing issue is beginning to be addressed at the national level, ensuring no false assumptions and with the customer’s needs in view.
Factors Influencing Employee Retention; The Moderating Roles of Job Embeddedness in Ecommerce Logistic Industry

Vol. 11, No. 5, Pg. Abstract Employee retention is an important aspect of the business strategy as it contributes to the growth of the organisation. Retaining employees, particularly talented employees, would give the company a competitive advantage over the long term. Thus, this study was conducted to understand the factors influencing employee retention with the moderating roles of job embeddedness in eCommerce Logistic Industry. The primary data of this study was gathered by distributing 96 questionnaires to respondents in one Logistics organization. The data were analysed using SPSS software version 25 to study the relationship between the independent variables (compensation, rewards, and work environment) with the dependent variables (employee retention). Also, PROCESS macro-Hayes was used to analyse the role of moderating variable (job embeddedness) in influencing the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Results indicate that reward and work environment is proven to have important influences on employee retention. Results also indicate that reward and job embeddedness (moderator) are proven to have no influence on employee retention. This study explores the human resource implications and their consequences for human resource management. The results can be used to guide the implementation of policies and initiatives that can improve the experience and performance of employees and organisations. In addition, the drawbacks and suggestions for future studies are also addressed at the end of this study.
Bridge Engineering-Oriented Parametric Model

A new model is proposed to improve the efficiency of structural modeling. In this model, the bridge structural components are expressed with component description, parametric description and geometric description in a software system. This model provides both convenience and flexibility for users in structural modeling process. The object-oriented method is applied in the model implementation. A bridge analysis preprocessor is developed on the basis of this model. It provides an effective way for bridge modeling.