Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Partnering at the Naval Facilities Engineering Command: an effectiveness study.

Abstract : The Naval Facilities Engineering Command is actively involved in partnering in an attempt to cut costs on construction projects and litigation. Partnering also affects many other areas throughout construction project administration. A survey of construction contract administrators indicates that opening lines of communication through partnering has helped most in the areas of working relationships, customer involvement, and schedule adherence. Project administration, submittal processing and construction quality are also enhanced. Partnering has minimally affected contract modifications and the number of unresolved issues. Survey results also reveal the potential for an increase in value engineering proposal submissions and subsequent acceptances.
Main rotor broadband noise study in the DNW

An acoustics test of a 2/5 scale model BO-105 helicopter main rotor was conducted in the Duits-Nederlandse Windtunnel (DNW). A range of operating conditions was tested from hover to moderately high flight speeds for various climb and descent rates at different thrust settings. Diagnostic tests including rotor speed and blade geometry changes were made to better isolate and study particular broadband self noise sources. Acoustic data in the form of acoustic pressure time histories and power spectra are used to demonstrate the regions of importance of the different broadband noise sources and their sensitivity to operating conditions. To help interpret the data, comparisons are made to predictions of rotor broadband noise. The predictions are based on self noise data previously obtained from isolated airfoil sections and the use of the NASA ROTONET program to define rotor performance and to sum contributions of noise from individual blade segments. An important result herein is the identification and articulation of a previously unheralded rotor broadband noise source. This source is blade-turbulent wake interaction (BWI) noise which dominates the spectra in the mid-frequencies for off-peak blade-vortex interaction (BVI) noise flight conditions.
Dynamic test method for the speed-torque characteristic of DC motors

A dynamic test method (DTM) for detecting both the speed-torque characteristic of dc motor and lumped parameters of its equivalent circuit is illustrated. The DTM consists in detecting the motor's voltage and current during few motor's, at no-load, starts performed by a ramp voltage. The effectiveness of the DTM is proven by the agreement of test results by the DTM with the ones by direct test.
Nonsmooth dynamic optimization of systems with varying structure

In this thesis, an open-loop numerical dynamic optimization method for a class of dynamic systems is developed. The structure of the governing equations of the systems under consideration change depending on the values of the states, parameters and the controls. Therefore, these systems are called systems with varying structure. Such systems occur frequently in the models of electric and hydraulic circuits, chemical processes, biological networks and machinery. As a result, the determination of parameters and controls resulting in the optimal performance of these systems has been an important research topic. Unlike dynamic optimization problems where the structure of the underlying system is constant, the dynamic optimization of systems with varying structure requires the determination of the optimal evolution of the system structure in time in addition to optimal parameters and controls. The underlying varying structure results in nonsmooth and discontinuous optimization problems. The nonsmooth single shooting method introduced in this thesis uses concepts from nonsmooth analysis and nonsmooth optimization to solve dynamic optimization problems involving systems with varying structure whose dynamics can be described by locally Lipschitz continuous ordinary or differential-algebraic equations. The method converts the infinitedimensional dynamic optimization problem into an nonlinear program by parameterizing the controls. Unlike the state of the art, the method does not enumerate possible structures explicitly in the optimization and it does not depend on the discretization of the dynamics. Instead, it uses a special integration algorithm to compute state trajectories and derivative information. As a result, the method produces more accurate solutions to problems where the underlying dynamics is highly nonlinear and/or stiff for less effort than the state of the art. The thesis develops substitutes for the gradient and the Jacobian of a function in case these quantities do not exist. These substitutes are set-valued maps and an elements of these maps need to be computed for optimization purposes. Differential equations are derived whose solutions furnish the necessary elements. These differential equations have discontinuities in time. A numerical method for their solution is proposed based on state event location algorithms that detects these discontinuities. Necessary conditions of optimality for nonlinear programs are derived using these substitutes and it is shown that nonsmooth optimization methods called bundle methods can be used to obtain solutions satisfying these necessary conditions. Case studies compare the method to the state of the art and investigate its complexity empirically. Thesis Supervisor: Paul I. Barton Title: Lammot du Pont Professor of Chemical Engineering
A Novel Statistical Based Methodology for the Feature Extraction of both MRI and CT images

Design of a common methodology for the diagnosis of different image types is the objective of the work presented in this paper. The software is developed and can be used to diagnose MRI and CT images by the laboratory technician The paper presents a statistical method for the feature extraction of MRI and CT images. About thirteen features are extracted using the methodology adopted for the proposed work. The thirteen features are based on texture, shape and intensity. The data dimensionality is reduced using the Principle Component Analysis (PCA). The common features are extracted using the Gray level co-occurrence matrix method. The software is developed using MATLAB and PYTHON for IoT support.
Specialized corpora on the base of teaching innovation in ESP.

The implementation of the Bologna Reform at Spanish universities has brought about major changes amongst which the use of foreign languages has become a key issue within the concept of a European area of higher education. Moreover, the idea of internationalisation is one of the fundamental goals of the “Campus Mare Nostrum” integrated by the Universities of Murcia and Cartagena. Henceforth, a language of communication is required to develop such concept in
An Energy-Efficient Security Node-Based Key Management Protocol for WSN

A security node-based key management protocol is proposed for cluster-based sensor networks. Member nodes and cluster heads are responsible for data collection and transmission. Security nodes are responsible for key management. Security nodes restrain key management function of cluster heads, and reduce damage of captured cluster heads. Generation of security nodes and different kinds of keys is described. Performance analysis and simulation show that the proposed key management protocol consumes less energy, and its delay time of key generation is short. At the same time, the protocol can provide more collaborative authentication security for keys. It has strong resilience against node capture, and can support large scale network.
Influence of laser striations on the properties of coated conductors

Due to their high current carrying capability, coated conductors are regarded as the most promising high-temperature superconductor tapes for power applications. However, their high aspect ratio causes too high magnetization losses. To reduce the ac loss, one way is to striate the wide tapes into filaments. We used a picosecond laser for the structuring of (RE)BCO coated conductors. The laser allows to burn 18 μm to 21 μm wide grooves (Ag-cap) with a depth between 0.5 μm to more than 100 μm into the coated conductors, with negligible heat effects at the edges of the structures. Different numbers of filament were structured in Cu-and Ag-cap coated conductors. Patterns with up to 120 parallel filaments in 12 mm wide conductor were made. The critical current and the total ac-magnetization loss were measured as a function of the filament count. With an increasing number of filaments Ic degradation occurs. This current reduction has two contributions, the removed HTS material and current inhomogeneities within the superconductor for instance defects along the tape causing secondary phases. For 120 filaments Ag-cap tapes the hysteresis loss reduction is about two orders of magnitude, as expected. The observation of some remaining filament coupling was investigated.
“They Overestimate Me All the Time:” Exploring Imposter Phenomenon among Indian Female Software Engineers

Imposter phenomenon is defined as a self-perception of intellectual fraudulence despite achieving objective success and accomplishments. Imposter phenomenon has been rigorously explored among high-achieving career professionals. The present qualitative study is an attempt to explore imposter phenomenon experiences among female software engineers in the Indian Information and Technology sector. The data, derived through in-depth and semi-structured interviews, has been analysed through a hybrid of an inductive and a theoretical thematic analysis method. Clance and Imes’ (1978, Psychother: Theory Res Pract, 15(3):241) article, “The Imposter Phenomenon in High Achieving Women: Dynamics and Therapeutic Intervention,” has been used for screening the sample and also, as a theoretical lens. The study reveals that external attribution of success, fear of failure, anxiety, and devaluing accomplishments are core psychological processes associated with the imposter phenomenon experience. The current work further found that parenting patterns characterized by lack of praises, comparison among siblings, lack of trust in children’s potential, and strict gender values are significant antecedents of Imposter Phenomenon.
What determines immigrant caregivers’ adherence to health recommendations from child primary care services? A grounded theory approach

Abstract Aim To investigate the diversity and specificity of the determinants of immigrant caregivers’ adherence to child primary care (CPC) health recommendations. Background Immigrant caregiver’s adherence to CPC health recommendations is of utmost importance to minimize their children’s health-related vulnerabilities. Some research has been conducted on the determinants of immigrants’ access to health services, but much less is known about the determinants of their adherence to health professionals’ recommendations once they get there, especially in a primary health care context. This study contributes to bridge these gaps. Methods Interviews and focus groups were conducted, with immigrant and non-immigrant caregivers living in Portugal (n=35), from heterogeneous socioeconomic backgrounds. Focus group and individual interview scripts were developed to explore caregivers’ understanding and use of CPC services and, particularly, their adherence to CPC recommendations. A socio-demographic questionnaire was also administered. Qualitative data were analyzed using a grounded theory methodology. Findings ‘Adherence to CPC health recommendations’ is a core and multidimensional concept. Several determinants were identified at individual, interpersonal, organizational and structural levels. Some determinants were highlighted both by immigrant and non-immigrant caregivers: valuing children’s health, usefulness of recommendations, perceived health-care professionals’ competence, central role of vaccination in CPC and caregivers’ socio-economic conditions. Other determinants were specifically mentioned by immigrant caregivers: expectations about traditional versus pharmacological treatments, cultural mismatches in children’s care practices, perceived quality of Portuguese CPC services versus CPC from countries of origin. These results provide innovative theoretical and empirical contributions to the field of primary health care and, particularly, to immigrant caregivers’ adherence behaviors. Implications for research on treatment adherence in primary care contexts, the development of interventions that promote caregivers’ adherence to CPC health recommendations and for child protection will be discussed.
Internet Based Support for Architectural Planning Processes

As building projects become increasingly more complex, the number of project participants grows as does their spatial distribution. An effective decentralised work process and co-operation is of increasing importance. The global computer network, the internet, has great potential and recent times have seen the development of a variety of techniques in this field. The project described here is based upon this approach and also takes it a step further. A specific analysis of the topic and the subsequent identification of potential approaches formed the basis for an architectural application that brings the architect in contact with other project participants using the internet as a powerful yet simple and easy to use medium.
When Ads Work: New Proof That Advertising Triggers Sales

List of Tables and Figures Preface PART 1. FACTS REPLACE THEORY 1. The Single-Source Breakthrough 2. The Short-Term Effect of Advertising - Passing Through the Gate 3. The Rapid Spread of Pure Single-Source Research 4. How a Short-Term Effect Can Turn Into a Medium-Term One 5. Keeping the Brand in the Window 6. An Interlude - Successful Advertising Campaigns PART 2. EVIDENCE FOR PART 1: SEVENTY-EIGHT BRANDS DISSECTED 7. Advertising That Works: The Alpha One Brands 8. Advertising That Stops Working: The Alpha Two Brands 9. Advertising That Works in Some Cases: The Beta Brands 10. Advertising That Does Not Work: The Gamma Brands 11. Penetration and Purchase Frequency 12. From Insight to Action PART 3. APPENDICES A. Stability. and Volatility B. The History of Single-Source Research - The First Steps C. The History of Single-Source Research - Chasing Hares D. The Calculation of Advertising Intensity E. The Leading 142 Brands in the Product Categories Covered in This Research About the Author Index.
Pushy Parisian Elbows: Taste for Comfort in Public Transport

Since they change the individuals' time perception, qualitative aspects of transport are increasingly discussed as factors influencing the choice between individualised and public transport. In this article we investigate, both analytically and empirically, the utility cost of congestion in public transport networks, the congestion being defined as the space available for travelers in trains. First, we propose a simple model integrating a qualitative component into the utility function of commuters. This enables us to underline the effect on the individual welfare, and modal decision, of reduced comfort in trains. For a policy aiming at reducing car usage, this "cross-modal externality" may significantly soften the overall modal switch. Therefore, it appears of major interest to appraise the utility cost of public transport congestion. Using contingent methodology and survey data from central Paris subway - a relevant case study due to recent evolutions in transportation patterns- we then approximate this discomfort effect. According to answers of 533 line 1 users, this is equivalent to 5.7-8.1 minutes of excess travel, i.e. 29%-42% of average trip duration or 1.01-1.42 euro once translated in monetary terms. With the use of categorical estimates, we show that these figures significantly rise with trip time as well as levels of congestion, while being quite stable across individual characteristics. We conclude with policy implications by approximating the marginal benefit of subway decongestion at 0.25 euro / passenger * kilometer. This new parameter allows us to illustrate how considering comfort in public transport changes the picture when one comes to appraise evolutions in the Parisian transportation patterns. For example, decongestion benefits in undergrounds (3.5 M euros) due to a new tramway in South Paris overpass the time savings induced by this new infrastructure (2.7 M euros). Over 2000-2007, the increase in subway congestion costs may also be estimated at 100 M euros. Therefore, these figures underline the need for an accurate understanding of the perceived costs of travels.
Large periphery, high power pseudomorphic HEMTs

The authors have simultaneously demonstrated 10 W output power, 13.5 dB gain and 63% power-added efficiency on a single 16.8 mm pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistor (PHEMT) device at 2.45 GHz. This result represents the highest output power from a single transistor at S-band frequencies. The power density exhibited by the PHEMT device was 625 mW/mm which is significantly higher than a typical MESFET power density of 400 mW/mm. <<ETX>>
Benefits of collaborative ICT adoption for building project management

Purpose : Effective flow of data and communication at every stage of a construction project is essential for achieving required coordination and collaboration between the project participants, leading to successful management of the projects. In present scenario, when project participants are geographically separated, adoption of information communication technology (ICT) enables such effective communication. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to focus on ICT adoption for building project management. ---------- Design/methodology/approach : It is difficult to quantitatively evaluate the benefits of ICT adoption in the multiple enterprise scenario of building project management. It requires qualitative analysis based on the perceptions of the construction professionals. The paper utilizes interpretive structural modeling (ISM) technique to assess importance of perceived benefits and their driving power and dependence on other benefits. ---------- Findings : The developed ISM model shows that all the categories of benefits, i.e. benefits related to projects, team management, technology, and organization are inter-related and cannot be achieved in isolation. But, organization- and technology-related benefits have high-driving power and these are “strategic benefits” for the project team organizations. Thus, organizations are required to give more attention on strategically increasing these benefits from application of ICT. Originality/value – This analysis provides a road map to managers or project management organizations to decide that if they are planning ICT adoption for achieving certain benefits then which are the other driving benefits that should be achieved prior to that and also which are the dependent benefits that would be achieved by default.
Nihkitimahkinawow ekwa Nihkitimahkisin: Pity and Compassion in Cree Law

In Nêhiyawêwin (Plains Cree language), kitimahkinawaw translates as “to takepity on someone”. Kitimahkinawaw describes the quality of a person’s actions when theyshow kindness, pity, and compassion towards others. Cree law includes a responsibilityto treat others with kitimahkinawaw, which encompasses a duty to care for the elderly,poor, homeless, and sick. Further, it requires us to treat people who are harmful withfairness and compassion. The purpose of kitimahkinawaw is to mitigate suffering,especially the struggles experienced by marginalized people. Kitimahkisin means “apitiful person”. Kitimahkisin includes a recognition that we are dependent uponpakwataskamik (the land), Kisemanito (Creator), and each other for our sustenance.Each person has a gift and we have a responsibility to use these gifts to benefit society,for we are all kitimahkisin. The author argues that kitimahkinawaw and kitimahkisin arelegal principles within the Cree legal order which guide relationships between the manyanimate beings within Cree epistemology. The author draws upon âtayôhkêwin (stories),Nêhiyawêwin, and Indigenous legal theory to illustrate the complexities and nuanceswithin the principles of kitimahkinawow and kitimahkisin. Kitimahkinawow andkitimahkisin are living laws which obtain meaning through the practice of caring for thepoor and marginalized.
Library Preparation and Sequencing Platform Introduce Bias in Metagenomic-Based Characterizations of Microbiomes

Previous research has reported effects of sample storage conditions and DNA isolation procedures on metagenomics-based microbiome composition; however, the effect of library preparation and DNA sequencing in metagenomics has not been thoroughly assessed. Here, we provide evidence that library preparation and sequencing platform introduce systematic biases in the metagenomic-based characterization of microbial communities. ABSTRACT Metagenomics is increasingly used to describe microbial communities in biological specimens. Ideally, the steps involved in the processing of the biological specimens should not change the microbiome composition in a way that it could lead to false interpretations of inferred microbial community composition. Common steps in sample preparation include sample collection, storage, DNA isolation, library preparation, and DNA sequencing. Here, we assess the effect of three library preparation kits and two DNA sequencing platforms. Of the library preparation kits, one involved a PCR step (Nextera), and two were PCR free (NEXTflex and KAPA). We sequenced the libraries on Illumina HiSeq and NextSeq platforms. As example microbiomes, two pig fecal samples and two sewage samples of which aliquots were stored at different storage conditions (immediate processing and storage at −80°C) were assessed. All DNA isolations were performed in duplicate, totaling 80 samples, excluding controls. We found that both library preparation and sequencing platform had systematic effects on the inferred microbial community composition. The different sequencing platforms introduced more variation than library preparation and freezing the samples. The results highlight that all sample processing steps need to be considered when comparing studies. Standardization of sample processing is key to generating comparable data within a study, and comparisons of differently generated data, such as in a meta-analysis, should be performed cautiously. IMPORTANCE Previous research has reported effects of sample storage conditions and DNA isolation procedures on metagenomics-based microbiome composition; however, the effect of library preparation and DNA sequencing in metagenomics has not been thoroughly assessed. Here, we provide evidence that library preparation and sequencing platform introduce systematic biases in the metagenomic-based characterization of microbial communities. These findings suggest that library preparation and sequencing are important parameters to keep consistent when aiming to detect small changes in microbiome community structure. Overall, we recommend that all samples in a microbiome study are processed in the same way to limit unwanted variations that could lead to false conclusions. Furthermore, if we are to obtain a more holistic insight from microbiome data generated around the world, we will need to provide more detailed sample metadata, including information about the different sample processing procedures, together with the DNA sequencing data at the public repositories.