Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
TESE DE DOUTORADO

The ECAP technique is a severe plastic deformation process in which a billet is forced to flow under a simple shear condition through a die composed of identical channels that are intercepted at an angle Φ. The literature presents a great number of studies related to this technique. However, they are restricted to the exploration of results from specific set of parameters. In this context, the present work is destined to include work-hardening and strain-rate dependent materials in the upper-bound solutions proposed by Pérez and Luri to estimate the pressing force/pressure and the effective plastic strains. These solutions are associated to single pass of pressing at room temperature. At the same time, the finite element method was applied for the development of two-dimensional (2D) and threedimensional (3D) models that are able to provide accurate predictions of pressing force and effective plastic strains for either materials sensible or not to strain rate effects. Also, the numerical models proposed are related to single pressing at cold. Using the aluminium Al 6070 and Al 1100 alloys, the exploration and validation of the extended models was performed by comparison with experimental results of force. Besides, from the analysis of the 2D models, the evaluation of the plasticity condition allowed to verify that the material was plastically deformed when it crosses the channels intersection region. This fact was not explored in the recent literature. In addition, the limitation of the uniaxial tensile or compression hardening curves for the representation of this severe forming process is shown. Afterwards, the factorial 2 qualitative analysis permitted an appreciable classification in order of relevance was showed for all considered parameters in the proposed theoretical models. Moreover, this analysis indicated the die configurations and pressing conditions that should be intensively investigated. The simulation of these cases, considering a hypothetical material with plastic or viscoplastic behaviors, revealed that the strain-rate effect increases the load predictions. This fact was confirmed by the curves of von Mises effective stresses. In addition, shearing is the predominating deformation mode in the absence of fillet radii and only with the outer fillet radii. For dies with identical fillet radii, the material was deformed by shearing and bending. On the other hand, using interstitial free steel, the existence of critical friction condition that avoids the adherence phenomenon and the heterogeneous effective plastic strain distributions were verified. Finally, the consistency of the 2D and 3D numerical models in the simulation of the equal channel angular pressing was investigated in terms of load, by the comparison with the experimental predictions for aluminum Al 1100 alloy.
Involvement of Insulin Like Growth Factor-I Gene Polymorphism with Diabetes and Diabetic Nephropathy in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes in Babylon Province

Concerning type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a chiefmicrovascular complication. Preceding studies have proposed that insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1) signaling might do a significant role in DN. The existing study was implemented to explorethe allianceof single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs6214 of the IGF - 1 gene with T2DM and DN. The study consists of three groups, the first oneincludes 50 subjects, those were apparently healthy were considered as controls. The second oneinvolves 69 patients with T2DM without nephropathy and the third oneencompasses 89 patients who suffer from T2DM with DN. The analysis of results elucidated that thegenotype CT was decided to significantly increase the hazard of T2DM by about 2 folds and the genotype TT was established to significantly increase the risk of DN by about 3 folds with respect to those of the genotype CC. This study concludes that theSNPrs6214 of the IGF - 1 gene associated with T2DM and DN.
Designing Interaction and Visualization for Exploration of System Monitoring Data : A design-oriented research study on exploring new ways of designing useful visualizations and interaction for system monitoring data using web technologies

System monitoring is a practice that is frequent withincompanies providing digital products to consumers and is acommon way to help developers contribute to a good enduserexperience by ensuring a high availability and goodperformance of the product.This thesis is a design-driven exploratory study on designinginteraction and visualization for system monitoringdata, using web technologies. The design space spans overinteraction design and technical domains, exploring systemmonitoring data interaction and visualization from an HCIperspective as well as technical possibilities and limitationsof the web platform.An artifact embodying new ideas and design visions regardingthe topic is created in close collaboration with thetarget users. The artifact expresses possible and potentiallyvaluable inventions regarding exploration of systemmonitoring data. It also emphasizes the close relationshipbetween system monitoring and physical space and how theinteraction with it can provide a useful sense of place to thedata.Technical insights and good practices regarding developingperformant data visualization user interfaces is alsopresented and motivated, where two methods providing differentstrengths and weaknesses are described.
Fully printed transistors employing silicon nanoparticles

A new device, which utilises a previously unknown two-way mode of current switching, has been developed. This is the current switching transistor, a three-terminal electronic device which exhibits a transfer resistance, in which the application of a potential or injection of charge to one terminal controls the current at either of the two remaining terminals. The development of the current switching transistor arose from a more general project focussed on printed electronics using nanoparticulate silicon, with the aim of producing fully printed transistors. All of the printed transistors produced to date have been field-effect transistors (FETs), due to the fact that printing processes are easily applicable to the planar FET architectures. The majority of the work in the area of printed FETs has so far been focussed on the use of organic semiconducting polymers to produce organic field-effect transistors (OFETs). However, research has also been undertaken regarding the use of inorganic semiconductors, including for example, transparent metal oxides, compound semiconductors and silicon. Of the active devices, the key element is the transistor. It is essential, especially for its function as an electronic switch, in enabling a wide variety of technologies. Of particular interest are its applications in digital electronics, including logic gates, memory and comparators. The ultimate goal of printed electronics is to replace conventional electronic components with their printed equivalents, which requires the use of functional inks to deliver the desired electronic properties. Printed electronic components have potential advantages over conventional discrete and integrated circuits, especially in applications in which the printed electronics form factor is more important than the absolute technical performance of the system. Furthermore, the processes of fabrication of printed devices are far simpler and more cost efficient than those of conventional devices. This is particularly true for the current switching transistor, which can be realised by a simple two layer print.
SOCIO-CULTURAL BINOCULARS VIEW OF TELEMEDICINE IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: POTENCY, PROSPECT, DEFECT AND DANGER

Sub-Saharan Africa has experienced unprecedented technological advancement, just like several other regions of the world. This improvement in technology lends credence to the proliferation of android mobile phones, laptops computers and the Internet facilities that enhance interaction on the social media which in turn generates momentous alterations in the ways the residents of the region construct their daily lives. From epidemiological perspective as well as the viewpoint of change and development, via these information technologies, rendering health-related care and services to the residents in the remote places of the region and gaining access to vital information that prompts prevention and control of diseases are now feasible unlike before the advancement. Therefore, telemedicine symbolizes a health innovation in the region. In the light of this, this paper systematically reviewed the extent to which telemedicine has gained acceptance among the residents of the region; and the socio-cultural factors and practices that promote and decelerate the general acceptance of telemedicine in the region. To accomplish the objective, the review was done meta-analytically and meta-synthetically to explore recent relevant studies. The paper discovered that reduction in the cost of gaining access to health information, harnessing online health and medical services, are among the benefits derived from telemedicine while fake online information, impoverished network service delivery, financial incapacity, theft, technical faults, underutilization of the technology devices and cyber-crime are among the factors that militate against wide acceptance of telemedicine in the region.
Multilevel Modeling of Non-Normal Data

Multilevel models are the standard for analysis of data that are longitudinal (i.e., repeated observations within subjects) or clustered (subjects nested within, e.g., schools, firms, hospitals). These models are essentially multiple regression models that include random effects to account for the influence of subjects or clusters on their nested observations. Standard software in all of the major statistical packages has made it relatively easy for data analysts and researchers to apply these methods, especially for normal outcomes. However, non-normal outcomes are common in many areas of research—for example, outcomes that are binary, ordinal, nominal, or counts. Multilevel models and software for analysis of such non-normal outcomes are also readily available. This entry focuses on the application and interpretation of multilevel models for these different outcome types.
Self-oscillating optoelectronic up-converter using a heterojunction bipolar transistor

Summary form only given. In summary, a self-oscillating optoelectronic up-converter using a single heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) is demonstrated for the first time. This upconverter will help simplify the configuration of radio base stations in fiber-optic subcarrier transmission links, especially when the up-converted signal frequency is high such as millimeter-wave band.
Stakeholder

Purpose The objective of this research is to identify stakeholder views with regard to the development of effective powered wheelchair assistive technologies more suited to the user and carer needs, whilst also meeting the requirements for other stakeholders, such that developers can be better guided towards producing solutions which have a better chance of getting to the market place and hence to the end user
Evaluating Public Transit Benefits and Costs: Best Practices Guidebook

This guidebook describes how to create a comprehensive framework for evaluating the full impacts (benefits and costs) of a particular transit service or improvement. It identifies various categories of impacts and how to measure them. It discusses best practices for transit evaluation and identifies common errors that distort results. It discusses the travel impacts of various types of transit system changes and incentives. It describes ways to optimize transit benefits by increasing system efficiency, increasing ridership and creating more transit oriented land use patterns. It compares automobile and transit costs, and the advantages and disadvantages of bus and rail transit. It includes examples of transit evaluation, and provides extensive references. Many of the techniques in this guide can be used to evaluate other modes, such as ridesharing, cycling and walking.
Marker-assisted selection : current status and future perspectives in crops, livestock, forestry and fish

In the light of continuing research and technology development, the process of producing improved varieties, clones, breeds and stains of agriculturally important species is continuously becoming more accurate, reliable and efficient. Today, molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS) is the core technology involved for increasing the rate of genetic gain in crops, livestock, forestry and farmed fish. This book, through a multidisciplinary and cross-sectoral approach, provides a comprehensive description and assessment of the use of MAS, including the related policy, organizational and resource considerations. It will provide valuable guidance to scientists and breeders in both private and public sectors, as well as to government and institutional policy- and decision-makers.
Knowledge, skills, and attributes of project alliances managers in Australasia

Project Alliances (PAs) demand particular knowledge skills, attributes and experiences of alliance managers (AMs) and key team members of non owner participants (NOPs) in PAs. The ambience of a PA is quite different to that of other relationship-based procurement types such as partnering or public private partnerships (PPPs). Therefore, AMs and their senior team members need to be not only technically competent and have sound project management (PM) skills but they also need high-level advanced PM skills to create, nurture and develop a culture of collegiality, shared responsibility and commitment to a best-for-project outcome. This paper draws upon extensive PA literature, several recent Australasian studies on PAs (predominately undertaken in Australia), and others elsewhere as well as results from a recent research project undertaken with the Australasian Alliancing Association in which 10 Alliance managers and 3 of unit managers they report to were interviewed. The study generated 13+ hours of taped interviews and over 200 pages of transcription that were analysed using NVivo within a grounded theory approach to make sense of the results. Results were used to develop a profile of the skills, attributes and experience needed of AMs and were able to develop a framework to differentiate between new and inexperienced AMs, emerging proficient and expert levels of preparedness for the AM role. A capability maturity model was developed to not only profile AM stages of development but to also be used as a developmental tool by those pursuing careers in alliancing. While results may be specific to Australasia and for AMs, the profile and results presented may form the basis for wider application. ----Conference held: University of Reading, Reading, England, 5-7 September, 2011
A new two-stage framework for voltage stability enhancement incorporating preventive and corrective control actions

Summary Nowadays voltage stability is an important concern in power system operation due to many blackouts caused by voltage collapse. This paper presents a new two-stage framework for voltage stability enhancement that in the first stage a preventive control action is applied to increase the voltage stability margin of the system under normal condition. In addition, in the second stage an optimal load shedding scheme as one of the most effective tools to save system stability against severe contingencies is implemented. To do this, a new special protection system design based on definition of a multi-objective function containing the objectives of voltage stability margin, deviation of voltage limits, branches' overload, and load shed amounts is proposed. A theta gravitational search algorithm is also suggested to solve the multi-objective non-linear optimization problem to determine the optimum amounts of load cut as well as the other objective functions. Furthermore, for avoiding either excessive load shedding or voltage collapse, both voltage threshold and critical time of load shedding implementation are determined by dynamic simulations. Azarbayejan area of Iran's power system in 2012 peak load time is applied as a test case of the presented framework. Effectiveness of the proposed approach is illustrated by comparing its simulation results with the results of the current load shedding scheme and two other optimization approaches. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Innovative Debrief Solutions for Mission Training & Simulation: Making fighter pilot training more effective

To enhance and improve the quality of mission training and simulation for fighter pilots, TNO and the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) investigate various innovative debrief concepts. In this paper we will describe our work on Innovative Debrief Solutions for Mission Training through Distributed Simulation (MTDS). Mission training and simulation put high demands on various (use of) analysis and debrief tools. This is even more the case in distributed debriefs. Also, with the increasing options for data-capture and retrieval in combination with the increasing number of on-board systems, sensors and other capabilities of modern fighter jets, the challenges arise how to maintain or even increase debriefing effectiveness and efficiency, without creating an overload of information. Therefore, an important question in our research is how to (re-)present the right information, at the right time in the right format to the operational user. Today, most operational debrief systems focus mainly on capturing and replicating information in exactly the same manner as presented in on-board systems. In this paper we argue against this paradigm and propagate a data-fused approach. We will present and discuss the results of our first trials with IDE-FIX, the Innovative Debrief Environment, used in our research to investigate, demonstrate and “FIX” new debrief concepts. Special focus is on adaptive information representation in a novel manner and the visualization of complex information in a user-centric and mission-specific manner.
An investigation into the sub-contractor selection process in the South African construction industry.

This dissertation acknowledges that there is a need for improvement within the South African construction industry. Due to the broad need for improvement in the construction industry, this dissertation has investigated only one of the important possible areas of improvement i.e. the sub-contractor selection process. This dissertation investigates the existing sub-contractor selection methods used by sixteen established construction companies. Field research has been conducted by means of a questionnaire and all results have been compiled and analysed. Improvement of the sub-contractor procurement process can be achieved by benchmarking against practices used in the South African petroleum industry. This industry has had similar problems yet succeeded in improving their quality, safety, timeous completions, health and environmental issues. The construction of refineries are implemented under conditions similar to those experienced by the construction industry yet "best practice" procurement methods have been achieved. Sub-contractors presently undertake a large portion of the construction industries' activities and therefore should be more committed and responsible for their workmanship. This could be achieved by principal contractors establishing a wellstructured sub-contractor selection process, benchmarked against the petroleum industry. The petroleum industry believes that by procuring better contractors, they ensure better products. Their selection process ensures that all contractors meet certain requirements, which results in client satisfaction. The hypothesis, states that by benchmarking South African construction industry processes in respect of sub-contractor procurement, against the South African petroleum industry contractor procurement process, all stakeholders in the construction industry will achieve higher standards. If the principal contractors have well-structured sub-contractor selection processes, this will ensure the selection of the best sub-contractor for a particular project. The research and results prove this hypothesis.
Effectiveness of Web-Based Virtual Learning Environments in Business Education: Focusing on Basic Skills Training for Information Technology.

Calls for transforming the learning industries and revolutionizing business education are being answered by a proliferation of virtual learning environments, capitalizing on ever-growing and universal Internet-related technologies. This dissertation describes research investigating the effectiveness o f web-based virtual environments by comparing traditional and information technology enhanced learning environments. A conceptual framework is proposed contrasting the effectiveness of these two environments across two learning models — the objectivist and the constructivist. Although technology may serve as a moderator that enhances the implementation of certain features of a learning model, there is a consensus that the learning modelnot the technologyis the primary cause of learning. Theory predicts that higher levels of "learner control" will lead to more effective learning. Control and flexibility, among other advantages offered to the learner in virtual environments, lead us to propose that such environments are more effective than traditional environments regardless of the learning model employed. Furthermore, it is proposed that virtual environments are even more effective with the constructivist model, because of the better match between the characteristics of the virtual environments and the assumptions of the constructivist model, as compared to the objectivist model. The effectiveness of the learning environment is measured in terms of selfefficacy, performance and satisfaction. A field experiment was set up to test the components of the proposed research model with 192 business undergraduate students in an introductory Information Technology course. In this research, several hypotheses comparing students' performance, satisfaction and self-efficacy in both
A Practical Hull Form Design of Ferry Using Hybrid Scheme Method and Performing Experiment

Prediction of ship performance in preliminary ship design is an important consideration. It could guarantee ship in safe and comfort. However, many design works did not involve simultaneously ship performances predictions in preliminary design. Moreover, ship designers sometimes modified a ship form to obtain proper design without ship performance consideration. Therefore, this study concerns on predictions of total resistance and added wave resistance of a ferry using a hybrid particle-grid method and then its motions response after modifying bow and stern parts by conducting experiment. Research results show total resistance and added wave resistance have a significant different, therefore, it would be an important consideration in determining ship powering in preliminary ship design. The non-dimensional added wave resistance increases in increasing wave length from /Lpp = 0.5 to 1.0 and it decreases after L/= 1.0. In addition, it tends to decrease caused by increasing ship speed. The comparison of averaged heave and pitch amplitudes between basic forms after modifying bow and stern parts is quiet similar. However, the rolling amplitude of the modified form is significantly higher comparing with the basic form. We conclude that a ship could be design in preliminary design take into account performances predictions by using numerical method and experimental work.