Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The UK Highways Agency's advice notes on the non-destructive testing of highway structures

The UK Highways Agency has published Advice Notes on the Non-Destructive Testing of Highway Structures. This paper describes the background to these Advice Notes, how they were developed and trialled, what their objectives are, and how they will be extended in the future. The contents are based on research on various NDT techniques funded by the Highways Agency. The resulting reports have been worked up by the Highways Agency's NDT Steering Committee into Advice Notes to enable these techniques to be used for the investigation of Highway Structures. The Advice Notes are formed of three tiers; the first tier consisting of General Guidance on NDT; the second tier comprising Areas of Application; and the third tier covering NDT Techniques. This three tier format enables the Advice Notes to be readily extended in the future to cover further areas of application and other NDT techniques. For the covering abstract see ITRD E126028.
Development of a Platform for Lateral Flow Test Devices with the Capability of Using Multiple Fluids

This study presents the development of a 3-fluid microfluidic device for the application in immunoassays. The test uses a microfluidic valve in order to sequentially load the reagents autonomously onto the detection area after adding the sample. The development of the multi-fluid circuit allows the application of an enzyme-linked assay in a lateral flow device as to provide with an improved sensitivity compared to strip tests available on the market. For fabricating the channels of the device, a wax printer was used. The layers were attached using double-sided tape. In order to advance the reliability of the device, new fabrication method were applied in this study. After optimizing parameters such as reagent concentrations, reagent volumes and the dimensions of the device, a calibration curve using rabbit IgG was created. The limit of detection was then obtained. Furthermore a housing for the device was developed. By compressing the microfluidic valve, an improved reliability of the valves was obtained. For the goal of an autonomously running device, a reagent storage was incorporated into the housing. The reagent storage provides with the ability to operate the test without additional interference after adding the sample. Based on the results of this study, an improved lateral flow test was obtained. The developed 3-fluid device using an enzyme-linked assay is able to detect rabbit IgG down to a concentration of 4.7 ng/ml. This results in a limit of detection better than in a conventional ELISA conducted on microtiter–plates (8.6 ng/ml). Advantages such as lower reagent volumes, lower time to result and biodegradability of materials used during the development of this device were achieved.
Analysis of minute-by-minute pollution exposure inside a car: a time-series modelling approach

Fine airborne particulate matter (PM) is a major public health concern, with road traffic thought to play a particularly critical role in this problem. Minute-by-minute data of PM exposure and travel speed were recorded for an urban car trip in Sydney using a combination of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and real-time particle monitors which allows researcher to observe how personal exposure to fine particulate inside the car varies over a trip. Timeseries Box-Jenkins transfer function modelling is used as a tool to assess the relative importance of travel speed (which is known as a proxy for traffic conditions) and meteorological conditions on PM exposure level. Time-series Box-Tiao intervention modelling is also employed to examine the experimental effects on PM exposure level due to in-vehicle environments (ventilation open/closed, air-conditioning on/off), built environments (residential, commercial, industrial) along the study route and time-of-day (AM/PM). During the analysis, unusual peak-exposure levels that occur due to specific events (e.g., following a smoky vehicle or smells entering the vehicle) are statistically detected and controlled for. The results of the transfer function modelling show that travel speed has a statistically negative relationship with PM exposure level. The intervention analysis reveals that the in-vehicle environment, built environment and time-of-day all have significant effects on the PM exposure level. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see IRRD abstract no. E216410.
Effect of positive pulse charge waveforms on cycle life of nickel--zinc cells. [5 Ah]

Five amp-hour nickel-zinc cells were life cycled to evaluate four different charge methods. Three of the four waveforms investigated were 120 Hz full wave rectified sinusoidal (FWRS), 120 Hz silicon controlled rectified (SCR), and 1 kHz square wave (SW). The fourth, a constant current method, was used as a baseline of comparison. Three sealed Ni-Zn cells connected in series were cycled. Each series string was charged at an average c/20 rate, and discharged at a c/2.5 rate to a 75% rated depth. Results indicate that the relatively inexpensive 120 Hz FWRS charger appears feasible for charging 5 amp-hour nickel-zinc cells with no significant loss in average cycle life when compared to constant current charging. The 1-kHz SW charger could also be used with no significant loss in average cycle life, and suggests the possibility of utilizing the existing electric vehicle chopper controller circuitry for an on-board charger. There was an apparent difference using the 120 Hz SCR charger compared to the others, however, this difference could be due to an inadvertent severe overcharge, which occurred prior to cell failure. The remaining two positive pulse charging waveforms, FWRS and 1 kHz, did not improve the cycle life of 5 amp-hour nickel-zinc cells over that of constant current charging.
Design of a programmable array manipulator

The Programmable Array Manipulator, or PAM, is a new technology designed to perform simultaneous manipulations on multiple objects. In its most primitive form, PAM is a matrix of actuators arranged in such a way that it may transport an object resting upon it. This transportation may be either a translation or a rotation. Such a device is currently under development at the University of Wollongong. The purpose of this thesis is to describe the methodology and implementation of the design factors associated with the prototype development of a PAM. Since PAM is a new device many issues need to be resolved. These issues include the control system design, the actuator hardware, the hardware to control the actuators and the sensor system required for object position and orientation feedback. The solutions to these issues form the basis of this thesis. The detailed design and the associated experimental verification is presented in full. Thesis Supervisor Dr. F. Naghdy, Senior Lecturer, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Thesis Co-Supervisor Prof. C. D. Cook, Head, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Multisensors receivers using a filtered reference: application to GSM

There has been a great interest recently in multisensors receivers for reducing co-channel interference (CCI) in mobile radio communication systems like GSM. This paper first generalises the efficient multichannel maximum likelihood sequence estimator (MLSE) receiver introduced for stationary circular Gaussian jammers to the more realistic model for GSM of cyclostationary non-circular jammers (modelling CCI) along with additive stationary circular Gaussian noise. Ideal adaptive structures for estimating the filters involved in the MLSE are then compared. Next, a suboptimal implementation of the resulting receiver is proposed: it consists of a spatio-temporal filter for CCI rejection followed by a Viterbi equalizer for ISI processing. Simulations are performed in the GSM context.
Advancing total nasal reconstruction using tissue engineering and nanomaterial scaffold technology

The human nose is a complex 3-dimensional organ that in the event of damage or disease can dramatically alter an individual’s profile. In recent decades, rhinoplasties have become one of the most sought after cosmetic procedures, evidencing a public tendency to view the nose as being crucial to the perception of facial attractiveness. For a subset of patients who suffer extensive damage to the nose, the lasting physical effect has devastating consequences. Severe disfigurement of the nose can cause patients to suffer from psychosocial issues, ranging from poor body image and low self-esteem, to depression and suicidal thoughts. For centuries dating back to 600BC, reconstructive surgeons have developed methods for transplanting tissues from different parts of the body to reconstruct this important organ. The overall aim has been to produce a nose as close to normal anatomy and function as possible, using a series of staged operations, together termed a Total Nasal Reconstruction. In recent years however, the field of tissue engineering has opened up a wealth of opportunities to solve the dilemmas of the reconstructive surgeon. Major advancements in cell biology and scaffold technology have meant that the application of tissue engineering methodology to clinical problems is nigh. The ability to engineer bespoke tissues for patients, would in theory minimize the need for donor tissue transplantation, simplify the surgery, and therefore improve clinical outcome. For this reason, this study aimed to apply the paradigm of tissue engineering to nasal reconstruction, developing a cartilaginous construct that could be used to advance this surgical procedure.
Addressing Enterprise-Level Information System Deficiencies

Abstract : The failure of the United States Air Force's (USAF) Expeditionary Combat Support System (ECSS) program has resulted in supply chain stakeholders creating independent solutions in a complex network of supply chain information systems (IS). The decentralized management of IS has led to stakeholders optimizing local missions to the detriment of enterprise level goals and effectiveness. This case study evaluates the Depot Source of Repair (DSOR) team and how it has addressed the USAF's enterprise-level IS deficiencies. A framework created from the literature review is used to evaluate the DSOR team's IS called DSOR II. The case study evaluation identified five key managerial implications which better addresses the negative impacts of USAF IS deficiencies. A more effective IS will help the DSOR team manage the USAF's $13 billion depot repair program more effectively. The framework introduced in this report can be used by organizations challenged with enterprise-level IS deficiencies.
Characterizing the mechanical properties of drop stitch inflatable structures

This study investigates the mechanical properties of drop stitch inflatable structures with specific reference to inflatable stand up paddleboards. A sample of drop stitch material was fabricated and simple beam bending tests were performed at different pressures. This data was then used to invalidate a developed model for the deflection of the sample. High standard deviations indicate that the pressure inside the tested sample was changing throughout the duration of the tests. An elastic modulus for the material was determined using the internal pressure. The results showed an elastic modulus on the order of 60 MPa. The fabrication process and results led to the conclusion that one of the main advantages of drop stitch technology is its ability to create unique shapes that are unable to be constructed with an inflatable alone. The results also showed that the beam becomes stiffer with an increase in internal pressure and that simple beam theory is invalid for characterizing drop stitch inflatable structures.
Performance Valuation Model for Urban Pavements

This paper summarizes the City of Saskatoon? s work in developing network level performance indicators for urban roadway networks with reporting that could be easily understood by politicians and the general public. Many years have been devoted to attempts at translating surface condition measures in to performance indicators. However, surface condition measures such as the International Roughness Index (IRI) were difficult for politicians and the general public to understand. The surface condition was also very dependent on the time of year that the data was collected. For instance, if collection occurred early in the year, certain roads would invariably be rated in worse condition due to spring thaw effects. This variability makes it difficult to track annual changes in condition of the networks. In fact, many have been observed to improve in condition without any work performed due to this variability. A more reliable evaluation tool was needed which could easily be understood with minimal or no roadway knowledge. With this criteria in mind, various asset valuation techniques were investigated. Many of the current methods such as straight line depreciation were rejected due to its inability to provide managers with the current value of the asset. The historical costs approach to valuation gives very little worth to old infrastructure assets, but is useful for valuing new assets. However, this method is not realistic because road infrastructure assets by their nature have sustainable value long after their intended ? design life? Ultimately, a new method that uses probability distributions to account for variability in network value due to aging was developed. Treatment history and more important treatment sequencing have a significant affect on the long-term value of the assets.
Development of Two Heliodon Systems and Recommendations for their Use

Heliodons aid the building design process by allowing the simulation of different solar angles with respect to physical scale models. At MIT, two different variations of this setup are being developed. The first one consists of a small, portable heliodon that is manually operated, and meant for use outdoors with the real sun and sky. The second is a larger indoor setup that consists of a computer-controlled moving table exposed to a stationary light source. A computer interface allows the designer to automatically take useful sets of model photos from a camera positioned next to or inside a model. Both approaches are presented in this paper and their limitations, causes of inaccuracy and potentialities are discussed based on experimental verification and through Radiance simulations. The results of a usability study with student volunteers and a case study on an existing research space on the MIT campus are also presented.
Vibrations of soils and foundations

Chapter ten treats methods of analysis and design of dynamically loaded foundations. These methods depend on the design criteria, applied forces, soil response, and analytical procedures for relating these quantities. The design criteria were based on a failure criterion of a limiting amplitude of motion, or a limiting velocity or acceleration of the foundation. The analytical procedures for establishing the dynamic behavior of a foundation relate the applied forces, soil properties, and foundation weights and geometry to the response. By successive corrections of the design parameters, the analytical procedures provide a method for developing a dynamic response of the foundation which falls within the design limits. Several simplified methods of analysis have been discussed in Chapter ten; these have been found satisfactory when the prototype conditions correspond to the assumptions made in establishing the theory. Vibration from subways and a railway is reviewed in Table 10.6.
Intelligent Wireless Water Monitoring and Management System

The need of water in our country has risen hugely to an unprecedented measure. Depletion of available water resources and depreciating the quality of water produces a diversity of trials in managing India’s water resources. The result lies largely in areas of effective mechanism for conservation, circulation, competent use and supervision of water. This proposal reports novel trials in the water segment - ease of charges, reasonable charges and the learning of supply versus depletion of water to generate alertness in order to limit the use of excess water and to assist preservation. Shortcomings of the surviving prototypes demand for the pervasive procedure of a wirelessly monitored 6LoWPAN based smart water metering and management system. We intended to do this with the assistance of TI’s CC2538 modules programmed using ContikiOS, to accomplish the task of actuation and monitoring over CoAP in the application layer. Sensor data is communicated wirelessly to a gateway, such that the data is made available online through the internet.
The influence of energy use visualization on the energy consumption in municipal multi-apartment buildings : The case of Nynäshamnbostäder

This thesis investigates the influence of energy visualization on hot water consumption, as well asbuilds up the framework for the analysis of electricity consumption, of multi-apartment buildingsin Sweden, . 115 apartments in Nynashamn have been scheduled to be equipped with feedback visualization,through the use of television sets, allowing the monitoring of electricity and hot waterconsumption on a monthly basis. One year of consumption data prior to this feedback introductionwas acquired for statistical analysis. The results were then displayed and analysed, allowingfor the composition of a generalized conclusion whilst revealing the need for further investigationand future work.To achieve this end, clustering was performed on the 115 apartments according to the followingcharacteristics: Number of tenants per apartment, Area of the apartment, Location of theapartment, and age of the tenants. Principal Component Analysis was used to select dominantcharacteristics, through eliminating highly correlated components, after which trend analysis wasperformed on each of the separate clusters revealing a seasonal change model.Finally, a Multivariate Analysis of Variance utilized on the paired clusters to identify any significantchange, along with post-analysis tests to specify the groups in which significant change wasdetected, is presented to be applied in future work.The preliminary results clearly show that the characteristic data can be grouped into three distinctclusters of which the consumption trend of hot water consumption is distinct. Moreover thedata reveals a correlation between the apartment’s characteristics and its hot water consumption.However further monitoring and data collection will be required before any strong trend can beidentified, as well as power analysis will have to be applied to conclude any significant change.Nonetheless the initial results demonstrate promising signs that ought to be further investigated inthe future.2
IUD Contraceptive Use Among Women of Reproductive Age: Experiences, Motivators and barriers in a General Hospital, Uganda

BackgroundDespite availing contraceptives, IUD uptake remains low in family planning service provision. Yet there is evidence that access to family planning reduces Maternal mortality especially in developing countries like Uganda. The study explored the reasons for low uptake of IUD among women of reproductive age.MethodologyFocus-groups and in-depth interviews with women in reproductive was employed to explore experiences, barriers and for low use of IUD. A thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.ResultsThis study explored women’s experiences, their motivations and barriers to IUD use. The positive experiences reported included; IUD is a long-term method of family planning; un affected libido, body image, reassurance from the health providers. The negative experiences included; pain on insertion; discomfort and bleeding and fear of strings. The motivators were; availability of IUD services at the facility, unaffected body image, information from the health workers and the barriers included; mistrust of health providers, financial constraints, myth and misconceptions and lack of social support.ConclusionThe experiences were both positive and negative, the motivators were their drivers to use the method and barriers were reported to influence the IUD use. There is need for mothers who have used IUD and are satisfied with the method to talk to other mothers so that we can increase IUD use as a method of family planning and health care providers have role to play to demystify the myth and misconceptions the mother have.
An Efficient Network Threat Detection and Classification Method using Anp-Mvps Algorithm in Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are deployed generally in a hostile environment, where an adversary captures some nodes that are physically connected in the network. It initially reprograms the nodes and makes them replicate into a number of clones, thereby having control over them. In order to provide a distributed solution to resolve the above specified problem specified above, a framework based on Authentic Node Placement based Message Verification and Passing Strategy (ANP-MVPS) is proposed. Some of the solutions offered by existing techniques are not satisfactory due to Energy and Memory constraints. This turns to be a serious drawback for protocols used in WSN’s resource constrained environment. In this work, three diverse factors are considered for investigation. They are: Firstly, modeling of Authentic Node Placement based Message Verification and Passing Strategy (ANP-MVPS) is performed to identify the distributed mechanism of clone in a network and prevent the replication of clone among them. Secondly, the parameter selection Probability of Occurrence of IP, Mean Time Intervals, Time to Live, ACK value, Time Stamp Field, SYN value, Differentiated Service Field and Sequence Number are considered before performing classification. Thirdly, an efficient Naive Bayesian classifier for security analysis based on trust value (NB-TV) is used to estimate the performance metrics like accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, F-measure, Recall etc. This method shows satisfactory results when compared to existing techniques. The simulation was carried out in MATLAB environment. The proposed method shows better trade off in contrast to prevailing techniques.
Healthcare quality under the National Health Insurance Scheme in Ghana: Perspectives from premium holders

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine how premium holders of Ghana's Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) perceive the state of quality healthcare delivery in public hospitals in the country.Design/methodology/approach – Questionnaires were administered to a sample of 250 insured patients receiving care in some selected public hospitals accredited by the National Health Insurance Authority in Ghana. Results are presented using descriptive statistics and Chi‐square analysis.Findings – The results demonstrate that the human dimensions of service quality (interaction with service provider and attitude of healthcare providers) were perceived by the insured patients to be good, and they constitute significant determinants of perceived service quality. Although waiting time was generally perceived to be long, it is not in any way associated with patient perception of quality of care.Originality/value – The findings of the study provide an important step towards strengthening service quality in public hosp.