Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Historical Overview of V/STOL Aircraft Technology

For over 25 years a concerted effort has been made to derive aircraft that combine the vertical takeoff and landing capabilities of the helicopter and the high cruise speeds of conventional aircraft. During this time, over 60 V/STOL types have been studied and flown with varying degrees of success. The requirements for satisfactory characteristics in several key technology areas are discussed and a review is made of various V/STOL aircraft for the purpose of assessing the success or failure of each design in meeting design requirements. This survey shows that in spite of many problems revealed, special operating techniques were developed to help circumvent deficiencies. For the most part performance and handling qualities limitations restricted operational evaluations. Flight operations emphasized the need for good STOL performance, good handling qualities, and stability and control augmentation. The majority of aircraft suffered adverse ground effects. There is a continued need to update and improve flight test techniques and facilities to ensure satisfactory performance and control before and during flight testing.
Associations of serum sodium levels with mortality in very elderly acute kidney injury patients

Background: Patients suffering from acute kidney injury (AKI) have been associated with impaired sodium. However, studies on the association of dysnatremia with all-cause mortality risk in AKI patients are particularly lacking. We examined the relationship between different levels of serum sodium and mortality among very elderly patients with AKI. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled very elderly patients (≥ 75 years) from Chinese PLA General Hospital from 2007, to 2018. All-cause mortality was examined according to eight predefined sodium levels: <130.0 mmol/L, 130.0–134.9 mmol/L, 135.0–137.9 mmol/L, 138.0–141.9 mmol/L, 142.0–144.9 mmol/L, 145.0–147.9 mmol/L, 148.0–151.9 mmol/L, and ≥152.0 mmol/L. We estimated the risk of all-cause mortality using a multivariable adjusted Cox proportional hazard model, with a normal serum potassium level of 135.0–137.9 mmol/L as a reference. Results: In total, 744 geriatric patients were suitable for the final evaluation. Among them, 260 (34.9%) died within 90 days; during the 1-year follow-up, 5 patients were lost to follow-up, and 383 (51.8%) died. After 90 days, the mortality rates in the eight strata were 36.1, 27.8, 19.6, 24.4, 30.7, 48.6, 52.8, and 57.7%, respectively. In the multivariable adjusted analysis, patients with sodium levels <130.0 mmol/L [hazard ratio (HR): 2.247; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.117–4.521], from 142.0 to 144.9 mmol/L (HR: 1.964; 95% CI: 1.100–3.508), from 145.0 to 147.9 mmol/L (HR: 2.942; 95% CI: 1.693–5.114), from 148.0 to 151.9 mmol/L (HR: 3.455; 95% CI: 2.009–5.944), and ≥152.0 mmol/L (HR: 3.587; 95% CI: 2.151–5.983) had an increased risk of all-cause mortality. After 1 year, the mortality rates in the eight strata were 58.3, 47.8, 33.7, 38.9, 45.5, 64.3, 69.4, and 78.4%, respectively. In the multivariable adjusted analysis, patients with sodium levels <130.0 mmol/L (HR: 1.944; 95% CI: 1.125–3.360), from 142.0 to 144.9 mmol/L (HR: 1.681; 95% CI: 1.062–2.660), from 145.0 to 147.9 mmol/L (HR: 2.631; 95% CI: 1.683–4.112), from 148.0 to 151.9 mmol/L (HR: 2.411; 95% CI: 1.552–3.744), and ≥152.0 mmol/L (HR: 3.037; 95% CI: 2.021–4.563) had an increased risk of all-cause mortality. Conclusion: Sodium levels outside the interval of 130.0–141.9 mmol/L were associated with increased risks of 90-day mortality and 1-year mortality in very elderly AKI patients.
Millimeter-Wave Band Pass Distributed Amplifier for Low-Cost Active Multi-Beam Antennas

Recently, there have been a great interest in the millimeter-wave (mmW) and terahertz (THz) bands due to the unique features they provide for various applications. For example, the mmW is not significantly affected by the atmospheric constraints and it can penetrate through clothing and other dielectric materials. Therefore, it is suitable for a vast range of imaging applications such as vision, safety, health, environmental studies, security and non-destructive testing. Millimeter-wave imaging systems have been conventionally used for high end applications implementing sophisticated and expensive technologies. Recent advancements in the silicon integrated and low loss material passive technologies have created a great opportunity to study the feasibility of low cost mmW imaging systems. However, there are several challenges to be addressed first. Examples are modeling of active and passive devices and their low performance, highly attenuated channel and poor signal to noise ratio in the mmW. The main objective of this thesis is to investigate and develop new technologies enabling cost-effective implementation of mmW and sub-mmW imaging systems. To achieve this goal, an integrated active Rotman lens architecture is proposed as an ultimate solution to combine the unique properties of a Rotman lens with the superiority of CMOS technology for fabrication of cost effective integrated mmW systems. However, due to the limited sensitivity of on-chip detectors in the mmW, a large number of high gain, wide-band and miniaturized mmW Low Noise Amplifiers (LNA) are required to implement the proposed integrated Rotman lens architecture. A unique solution presented in this thesis is the novel Band Pass Distributed Amplifier (BPDA) topology. In this new topology, by short circuiting the line terminations in a Conventional Distributed Amplifier (CDA), standing waves are created in its artificial transmission lines. Conventionally, standing waves are strongly avoided by carefully matching these lines to 50 Ω in order to prevent instability of the amplifier. This causes that a large portion of the signal be absorbed in these resistive terminations. In this thesis, it is shown that due to presence of highly lossy parasitics of CMOS transistor at the mmW the amplifier stability is inherently achieved. Moreover, by eliminating these lossy and noise terminations in the CDA, the amplifier gain is boosted and its noise figure is reduced. In addition, a considerable decrease in the number of elements enables low power realization of many amplifiers in a small chip area.
The Effect of Library Staff Training and Development on the User Experience: A Case Study at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)

Library staff training and development is a crucial element in ensuring positive user experiences within libraries. A staff component consistently exposed to relevant training and development interventions should not be underestimated. This paper will explore the processes and methods used at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology Libraries (CPUT Libraries) to ensure that its staff has well planned and relevant learning opportunities and interventions. An overview of skills development in South Africa as well as policies, guidelines and procedures that inform the process will be discussed. The paper further unpack a holistic staff development approach, namely, a three year special skills plan, a performance management process including development needs, annual training plan and implementation. Collaboration and partnerships between various stakeholders are crucial for the success and effectiveness of the implementation process, viz, university human resources learning and development (HR L & D) department, Cape Higher Education Consortium (CHEC), Cape Library Consortium (CALICO) and accredited training providers. It will also touch on some return on investment (ROI) strategies. This paper will give specific examples of how these staff training interventions link to positive user experiences.
A fault injection analysis of Virtex FPGA TMR design methodology

This paper presents the meaningful results of a single bit upset fault injection analysis performed in Virtex FPGA triple modular redundancy (TMR) design. Each programmable bit upset able to cause an error in the TMR design has been investigated. Final conclusion using the TMR "golden" comparison method shows that "no errors" were reported by Virtex TMR design implementation in the presence of single bit upsets in the customization logic. The proton radiation ground test has confirmed the results achieved by fault injection.
Performance-oriented Organisation Modelling

Each organisation exists or is created for the achievement of one or more goals. To ensure continued success, the organisation should monitor its performance with respect to the formulated goals. In practice the performance of an organization is often evaluated by estimating its performance indicators. In most existing approaches on organization modelling the relation between performance indicators and goals remains implicit. This paper proposes a formal framework for modelling goals based on performance indicators and defines mechanisms for establishing goal satisfaction, which enable evaluation of organizational performance. Methodological and analysis issues related to goals and performance indicators are briefly discussed in the paper. The described framework is a part of a general framework for organization modelling and analysis.
Measurement of electric field in a rod plane configuration using the capacitive probe with optical fibre: Vertical rod insertion effect

In this paper, the electric field distribution on the ground surface in a rod-plane configuration is measured using a purpose-built capacitive probe for alternating and lightning impulse voltage types of different amplitudes. The influence of a vertical rod attached to the grounded plane on the field distribution over the plane surface is investigated. The electric field distribution is computed for the tested configuration using the finite element method, and the results are compared with measurements. It is shown that the experimental results confirm some physical observations under lightning discharges. The computed electric field results compared well with those obtained experimentally for alternating voltage. However, for lightning impulse voltage, due to the effect of space charge, the difference between measurement and simulation results is more pronounced as the voltage magnitude increases.
Statistical and neural techniques to buried object detection and classification

Systems able to retrieve objects embedded in the sea bottom are of crucial importance for many different tasks, In this paper, an assessment of different advanced signal processing techniques for object detection classification is proposed, Such an assessment based on real data acquired by a parametric sonar, A detector based on the "classify-before-detect" paradigm has been developed that is well suited to exploit the available statistical and spectral a priori information. In other words, a statistical classifier has been employed to distinguish between two classes (i.e., target presence and target absence) exactly like detectors. Concerning classification, the focus has been placed on the exploitation of the object resonances and a neural network has been designed. As a first step the possibility for the network to be properly trained has been assessed, while as a second step the discrimination capability has been verified. The above methods have been tested with an experimental data set in which the echoes of a steel cylinder were embedded in real reverberation echoes, according to low signal-to-reverberation ratios.
Development of a New Energy-Absorbing Roadside/Median Barrier System with Restorable Elastomer Cartridges

A Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) Test Level 4 (TL-4) energy-absorbing, urban roadside/median barrier was developed to reduce lateral vehicle accelerations below those observed during similar crashes into permanent concrete barriers. Several types of energy absorbers were evaluated for use in this barrier. Elastic polymers, or elastomers, have superior restorability, reusability, compressibility, and resistance to environmental effects. Finite element analysis simulations were used to further study the energy absorption and deflection of conical-shaped, cylindrical-shaped, and shear fender elastomer shapes. Component tests were conducted on rubber cylinders and marine shear fenders. The proposed design consisted of an open concrete rail with shear fender rubber posts that are anchored to a concrete foundation. The precast concrete beams measured 22 in. (559 mm) wide, 20 in. (508 mm) tall, and 20 ft (6.1 m) long and were spliced on top of 16-in. (406-mm) high, 14-in. (356-mm) wide, and 22-in. (559-mm) long shear fender posts, which were spaced at 10 ft (3 m) on center. Finite element analysis simulations also demonstrated that lateral vehicle accelerations were reduced by up to 33 percent for a MASH TL-4 small car impact into the new barrier as compared to a rigid concrete barrier. Simulations also demonstrated that the new barrier had adequate capacity to contain the MASH TL-4 single-unit truck. The cost of the barrier was estimated to be $175/ft ($574/m). The barrier should be further evaluated using finite element simulations and full-scale crash testing.
The Physics of Rugby

Introduction * Pack Animals: On scrums, lineouts, rucks, and mauls * Back Attack: On running, passing, and scoring in the corner * Crunch time: On chasing, tackling, and injuries * Kicking, the habit: On penalties, conversions, and Garryowens * Match Day: On the weather you'll play in and whether you'll win * Notes * Suggested further reading * Glossary of physics terms * Index of rugby players * Subject index
Calculating Traffic based on Road Sensor Data

Road sensors gather a lot of statistical data about traffic. In this paper, we discuss how a measure for the amount of traffic on the roads can be derived from this data, such that the measure is independent of the number and placement of sensors, and the calculations can be performed quickly for large amounts of data. We discuss how a graph of the road sensors can be constructed, and how the number of cars and car-kilometers can be estimated on this graph. Further, methods for dealing with missing data are presented, and the benefits of principal component analysis are discussed.
Systematising knowledge management in projects

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a practicable systems-based approach to knowledge management (KM) in a project environment, to encourage organisations to unlock the value in their review processes. It relies on knowledge capture and storage at decision review points, to enrich individual, team and organisational learning during the project life cycle. The project's phases are typically represented horizontally with deliverables (objectives) or project "promises" as the desirable outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to give expression through introducing a vertical dimension to facilitate the KM process. A model is proposed that conceptualises project-specific knowledge drawing on and feeding into the organisation's knowledge management system (KMS) at tactical and strategic levels. Design/methodology/approach – This conceptual paper links concepts from systems theory with KM, to produce a model to identify, collate, and optimise project-based knowledge and integrate it into the management process. Findings – The application of the system theory approach enriches the knowledge generated by a project, and feeds it into the next phase of that project. At the same time, it contributes to the individual's and project team's KM, specifies possible courses of action, together with risks, costs and benefits and thus it expands the organisation's higher level KMS. Research limitations/implications – The concept suggests that the knowledge capture, storage and sharing process may best be undertaken holistically, in view of the systems relationships between the tasks. Systems theory structures this process. Research opportunities include studying the interfaces between levels of KM, in relation to the project's progress. Practical implications – Reconceptualisation of the project as a knowledge creation process may improve the project's progress as well as add to the individual's, project team's, and wider organisation's knowledge base. An example is given. Originality/value – This paper illuminates the broader potential of under-utilised opportunities in well-known management approaches to add dimension to the business project, of knowledge creation, storage and sharing.
The Art of Strategy: A Game Theorist's Guide to Success in Business and Life

I am hard pressed to think of another book that can match the combination of practical insights and reading enjoyment.Steven Levitt Game theory means rigorous strategic thinking. Its the art of anticipating your opponents next moves, knowing full well that your rival is trying to do the same thing to you. Though parts of game theory involve simple common sense, much is counterintuitive, and it can only be mastered by developing a new way of seeing the world. Using a diverse array of rich case studiesfrom pop culture, TV, movies, sports, politics, and historythe authors show how nearly every business and personal interaction has a game-theory component to it. Mastering game theory will make you more successful in business and life, and this lively book is the key to that mastery.
A two dimensional fiber optic eye position sensor for tracking and point-of-gaze measurements

The optical configuration of the presented sensor consists of three imaging lenses mounted on a pair of eyeglass frames around the field of vision. This allows normal eye movement and unobstructed vision without distracting the subject. The optical sensors gather light reflected from the area of the sclera to the immediate left and right of the iris and transmit this light through optical fibers to remote detectors. The device determines horizontal position by utilizing the difference in reflectivity between the iris and sclera. Vertical position of the eye is determined similarly by monitoring either the upper or lower eyelid. Point-of-gaze and short period tracking measurements have been made in two dimensions with an accuracy of better than half a degree in the horizontal direction and three degrees in the vertical direction. <<ETX>>
Initial Results from the Higher Harmonic Control Aeroacoustic Rotor Test (HART) in the German-Dutch Wind Tunnel.

In a major cooperative research program within existing US-German and US-French Memoranda of Understanding (MoU's), a comprehensive study was conducted with a 40-percent geometrically and dynamically scaled BO-105 main rotor operated in the open-jet anechoic test section of the German-Dutch Wind Tunnel (DNW). The objectives of the program were to improve the physical understanding and the mathematical modelling of the effects of the higher harmonic blade pitch control technique on blade-vortex interaction (BVI) impulsive noise and vibration reduction. A unique set of acoustic, aerodynamic,dynamic response, performance, and rotor wake data were acquired witha pressure and strain gauge instrumented blade and by application of non-intrusive measurement techniques. This paper is focused on the experimental part of this research program, termed Higher-harmonic- control Aeroacoustic Rotor Test (HART) which was jointly performed by researchers from the US Army Aeroflightdynamics Directorate (AFDD) and NASA Langley, the DNW, and the French and German Aeropace Research Establishments ONERA and DLR. The applied test procedures and obtained key results are presented.
Driver Steering Support Interfaces Near the Vehicle’s Handling Limits

The goal of this thesis is to propose steering support systems that can reduce the driver’s control effort, mental load and promote safety. The driver dictates the vehicle’s motion and the support should centralize him/her in the control loop; thus our design philosophy is to increase driver’s responsibility and support him/her in the sense of information rather than automation. Incarnating such an abstract theme into a concrete problem which can be methodologically solved in terms of engineering science, necessitates a milestone-oriented work approach. Thus, the path to realize this development is to systematically sub-divide the concept into distinct milestones allowing to embody this high-level idea into objectively assessed steering interfaces. This milestone-oriented approach can be divided into seven steps: i) Study the state-of-the-art driver support systems and identify the potential space for improvement. ii) Develop the means (driving simulators, vehicular instrumentation and data analysis methods) to aid the driver steering support interface research. iii) Study the driver steering interface without any support. iv) Utilize the gathered knowledge to develop steering support interfaces, assess them in simulation level, v) and adapt the simulation support controllers into real vehicles and test them. vi) Evaluate the influence of the support interface with the real vehicle results. vii) Based upon the assessment, make a road-map for the commercial implementation of the support interface; if it is fruitful promote its further development with ultimate goal the adoption into production vehicles. (Author/publisher)
Aryloxy Triester Phosphoramidates as Phosphoserine Biocleavable Masking Motifs

Many cellular protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are mediated by phosphoserine. The specific targeting of these PPIs by phosphoserine-containing small molecules has been scarce due to the dephosphorylation of phosphoserine and its charged nature at physiological pH, which hinders its uptake into cells. To address these issues, we herein report the masking of the phosphate group of phosphoserine with biocleavable aryloxy triester phosphoramidate groups. A combination of in vitro enzymatic assays and in silico studies, using carboxypeptidase Y and Hint-1 respectively, showed that the phosphate masking groups are metabolized to release phosphoserine. To probe the applicability of this phosphoserine masking approach, it was applied to a phosphoserine-containing inhibitor of 14-3-3 dimerization, and this generated molecules with improved pharmacological activity in cells compared to their unmasked phosphoserine-containing parent compound. Collectively, the data showcases the masking of phosphoserine with biocleavable aryloxy triester phosphoramidate masking groups as an efficient intracellular delivery system for phosphoserine-containing molecules.
Strategic Readiness: The Making of the Learning Organization

Shows executives--anyone concerned with making change happen--how to move beyond the limitations of fixed strategic planning processes and programs to create a flexible, responsive organization that thrives in today's climate of uncertainty: the learning organization. Draws from an extensive study of two hundred change-oriented organizations including Honeywell and Motorola to identify a series of practical actions that can be used immediately to help develop a firm's capacity to learn.