Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Whole-Body Vibration Sensor Calibration Using a Six-Degree of Freedom Robot

Exposure to whole-body vibration (WBV) is associated with a wide variety of health disorders and as a result WBV levels are frequently assessed. Literature outlining WBV accelerations rarely address the calibration techniques and procedures used for WBV sensors to any depth, nor are any detailed information provided regarding such procedures or sensor calibration ranges. The purpose of this paper is to describe a calibration method for a 6 DOF transducer using a hexapod robot. Also described is a separate motion capture technique used to verify the calibration for acceleration values obtained which were outside the robot calibration range in order to include an acceptable calibration range for WBV environments. The sensor calibrated in this study used linear () calibration equations resulting in values greater than 0.97 for maximum and minimum acceleration amplitudes of up to ±8 m/s2 and maximum and minimum velocity amplitudes up to ±100°/s. The motion capture technique verified that the translational calibrations held for accelerations up to ±4 g. Thus, the calibration procedures were shown to calibrate the sensor through the expected range for 6-DOF WBV field measurements for off-road vehicles even when subjected to shocks as a result of high speed travel over rough terrain.
Evaluation the efficacy of indomethacin suppository on post operative pain in abdominal surgery

The pain is the most common complaint in various diseases. Post operative pain is common complication and especially in elderly patient because of exacerbation of heart and vessel was impotents. Many different methods have ever been proposed for analgesic purposes after surgery. This study aimed at comparing the efficacy of the two methods such as pethidine and suppository indomethacin on postoperative pain relief in patients with abdominal surgery. It is a clinical trial study performed in the surgery ward of Shahid Mahallati Hospital of Tabriz on 68 patients who had undergone abdominal surgery at 20122014. The efficacy of Pethidine and suppository Indomethacin on postoperative pain relief in patients with abdominal surgery evaluated. In this study, 68 patients with abdominal surgery for postoperative pain control usage Pethidine and suppository Indomethacin that patients divided in two groups. 35 patients enrolled into suppository Indomethacin group and 33 patients enrolled into Pethidine group. Mean age of patients was 36.35 ± 3.85 year. Mean of pain score at after surgery in Pethidine group was 8.54 ± . 56 and in suppository Indomethacin group was 8.52 ± 0.51 (P=0.832). Mean of pain score at 12 hour late of operation in Pethidine group was 6.49 ± 0.74 and in suppository Indomethacin group was 6.76 ± 0.50 (P=0.083). Mean of pain score at 24 hour late of operation in Pethidine group was 5.86 ± 0.43 and in suppository Indomethacin group was 6.00 ± 0.25 (P=0.097). Significantly difference was not found between pain scores of patients at two groups at after surgery, 12 and 24 hours after surgery. Conclusion: The result of our study showed that the suppository Indomethacin is considerably more efficacious than IM morphine in alleviating the pain after abdominal surgery.
SENSITIVITY OF CONSTITUTIVE MODELS IN THE PREDICTION OF DNAPL INFILTRATION AND REDISTRIBUTION IN HETEROGENEOUS POROUS MEDIA

Subsurface heterogeneity has a significant influence on infiltration and redistribution of DNAPLs. Even though numerical models may not be able to predict accurately the behavior of DNAPLs in field situations, they can be used to obtain useful insights to design effective remediation schemes. A number of multiphase flow codes with the ability to capture the fundamental processes that control the migration of DNAPLs exist. However, the issue of which constitutive model and parameters need to be used as inputs in these codes to simulate DNAPL infiltration and re-distribution is not studied adequately. With the goal of contributing to the knowledge needed to address this issue, detailed modeling studies were conducted for different representations of retention and imbibition behavior based on two commonly used constitutive models. A series of experiments were conducted to generate an accurate data set on the migration of DNAPLs in synthetic test aquifers with various combinations of heterogeneous/homogenous packing configurations. Model simulations were conducted using a comprehensive multiphase flow simulator, UTCHEM during the injection and redistribution phases of the DNAPL migration. The simulated NAPL infiltration and redistribution using the selected constitutive model representations were compared against with the qualitative data from two sets of experiments. The analysis shows during injection phase, all of the five selected cases of constitutive models were able to match the experimental observations reasonably well with a small time tag. During redistribution, none of the models was able to match the experimentally observed distribution behavior. This preliminary analysis suggests that further detailed study is needed to with more quantitative data to determine which constitutive model and parameters are appropriate to be used in model simulations.
Regulation of embryo development in Norway spruce by WOX transcription factors

In seed plants, the apical-basal axis of the plant body is established during early embryogenesis. Major regulatory genes of the apical-basal axis formation belong to the WUSCHEL-RELATED HOMEOBOX (WOX) gene family of transcription factors. The spatiotemporal expression pattern and the molecular role of the WOX genes has mainly been studied in the angiosperm model plant Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Similar information in conifers is limited. The aim of my thesis has been to characterize WOX genes in Norway spruce (Picea abies) and to elucidate the function of WOX genes expressed during embryo development. We cloned 11 WOX homologs from Norway spruce and examined their phylogenetic relationship to WOX genes from other species. The phylogenetic analyses showed that the major diversification within the WOX gene family took place before the gymnosperm-angiosperm split. PaWOX8/9, PaWOX2 and PaWOX3, which are expressed in embryos, were selected for further studies. PaWOX8/9 and PaWOX2 are highly expressed in early and late embryos, and PaWOX3 is highly expressed in mature embryos. Functional studies were performed in RNAi lines where the genes were down-regulated. Embryos in PaWOX8/9 RNAi lines showed a disturbed apical-basal patterning caused by abnormal orientation of the cell division plane at the basal part of the embryonal mass. In PaWOX2 RNAi lines, vacuolated cells differentiated on the surface of the embryonal mass and the embryos failed to form a proper protoderm. Down-regulation of PaWOX3 disturbed lateral margin outgrowth in cotyledons and needles. Taken together, our results indicate that WOX8/9, WOX2 and WOX3 exert evolutionarily conserved functions during embryo development. We can therefore conclude that the regulatory networks of embryo development are at least partly conserved between angiosperms and gymnosperms.
The Best of Both Worlds? Impact investors and the Financial versus Social Performance Debate

Over the last decades, management scholars have tried to examine whether profitability can be achieved with actions that also improve social and environmental performance. More recently, this debate has gained new traction with the emergence of the so-called “impact investors,” who, in varied ways, pursue social impact besides pure profitability and oftentimes employ metrics of impact. Given the still evolving stage of the impact investing industry, and the opportunity to refine existing theories on how firms deal with financial and social goals, we follow a grounded theory approach using data from qualitative interviews and discussions groups with investment funds, social entrepreneurs, research centers and other actors in the industry. We then generate a novel theoretical framework on how the emergence of impact investors changes the way stakeholders approach financial and social goals, as well as the mechanisms used to reconcile these two performance dimensions.
Metric Comparison of AODV-PA, DSDV and DSR Routing Protocols

Ad hoc On-Demand Distance Vector (AODV) Routing is a routing protocol for mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) and other It is a reactive routing protocol, meaning that it establishes a route to a destination only on demand. In contrast, the most common routing protocols of the Internet are proactive, meaning they find routing paths independently of the usage of the paths. AODV is, as the name indicates, a distance-vector routing protocol. AODV avoids the counting-toinfinity problem of other distance-vector protocols by using sequence numbers on route updates, a technique pioneered by DSDV. AODV is capable of both unicast and multicast routing. Previous studies have shown limitations of these protocols in certain network scenarios. To improve the performance of AODV.The advantage of AODV is that it creates no extra traffic for communication along existing links. Also, distance vector routing is simple, and doesn't require much memory or calculation. However AODV requires more time to establish a connection, and the initial communication to establish a route is heavier than some other approaches.
Printed Wideband Antenna with Chip-Capacitor-Loaded Inductive Strip for LTE/GSM/UMTS WWAN Wireless USB Dongle Applications

This paper proposes a planar printed wideband an- tenna for eight-band LTE/GSM/UMTS WWAN wireless USB don- gle applications. An inductive shorted strip with a chip capaci- tor loaded is employed in order to improve the characteristics of small-size terminal antennas which usually have a narrow band over the LTE700/GSM850/900 (698{960MHz) operation. While the desired upper band is mainly realized by the rectangular radi- ating patch, covering DCS1800/PCS1900/UMTS2100/LTE2300/2500 (1710{2690MHz) band. Easily printed on a 0.8-mm thick FR4 di- electric substrate of size 20£70mm 2 , the proposed antenna structure occupies a compact size of 20£19mm 2 . Then the proposed design can be attached to laptop computer by the USB interface. Good radiation e-ciency and antenna gain for frequencies over the desired operating bands is obtained. Detailed design considerations of the proposed an- tenna are described, and both experimental and simulation results are also presented and discussed.
LAPAROSCOPIC TEP VERSUS OPEN HERNIOPLASTY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF EXTRAPERITONEAL TENSION FREE MESH REPAIRS IN INGUINAL HERNIA

Inguinal hernia repair is now one of the most commonly performed general surgical procedures in practice. 'Tension-free repair' is the procedure of choice. [1] due to its low recurrence rate, these tension-free repair procedures can be roughly categorized into two groups: laparoscopic and open anterior approach. TEP is accepted as the most ideal method because it can avoid entry into the peritoneal cavity, which can cause intraperitoneal complication such as bowel injury or obstruction. [2] Among open tension-free methods are Lichtenstein's operation or Prolene hernia system. In this article, we examine the advantages and disadvantages of two extra peritoneal inguinal hernia repair methods, which are open lichenstein’s hernioplasty and Laparoscopic Total Extra Peritoneal approaches of inguinal hernia repair. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic and conventional open hernioplasty repair in the treatment of inguinal hernia and their results were studied in terms of operation time, patient comfort, hospital stay, return to normal activity and postoperative complications. METHODS: This study was done in a post-graduate teaching hospital where 50 cases were included. Of which 25 cases were operated by laparoscopic method and other 25 cases by conventional open hernioplasty. Outcome were compared in demographics and perioperative details with postoperative data. CONCLUSION: Since evidence in the literature does not point to either the laparoscopic or open approaches the clear superior procedure, surgeon preference and circumstantial influences will probably continue to dictate the approach employed in inguinal hernia repair. For primary inguinal hernias in general, the open hernioplasty is superior to the laparoscopic technique, both in terms of recurrence rates and in terms of safety whereas in bilateral inguinal hernia, recurrent inguinal hernia and sliding hernia, laparoscopic approach can be recommended.
The Knowledgeability and Susceptibility of Artisanal Marine Elmina Fisher-folks in Respect of HIV/AIDS in Ghana

This paper examines the HIV/AIDS knowledgeability of artisanal marine fisher-folks and their susceptibility to its infection. By making specific reference to fisher-folks at Elmina fishing community in the Central Province of the Republic of Ghana, it particularly challenges the proposition that fisher-folks are highly susceptible to HIV/AIDS infection. The analysis thereof draws on elements from health belief, social cognition and diffusion of innovation theories that are deemed useful in a study of HIV/AIDS. The study finds that although awareness level among the fisher-folks is high, their understanding and knowledge of the facts of the epidemic are significantly low. It therefore argues that the prevailing knowledge gap could cause many of the fisher-folks to become victims of the epidemic. Also, this paper unearths the fact that the cumulative effectiveness of HIV/AIDS education in Elmina fishing community is doubtful. Key words: HIV/AIDS, Fisher-folks, Elmina, Knowlegeability, Susceptibility.
Welfare benefits from dynamic premia, asset allocation and age of retirement in a defined contribution pension scheme

Defined contribution (DC) schemes are on the rise in the Netherlands due to poor results of defined benefits (DB) schemes. DC is relatively new implying that there is room for improvement of the commonly used static lifecycle investment schemes. The digital era has made it possible for pension funds to invest in tailor-made pensions, based on the participants' preferences. This research investigates whether relaxing premia, asset allocation and the accumulation phase length results in welfare gains for the pension grantee. Economic scenarios, based on historical data, are simulated and are used to calculate the performance of different strategies each based on a different utility function. Results are evaluated on the whole distribution of the pension replacement ratio and the means used to achieve the pension. This model is extended by including risks on labour income. An extensive sensitivity analysis is performed, providing intuition on how parameters affect the results and the magnitude of these effects. The research concludes that differentiating in pension strategies based on personal preferences results in additional welfare and that the investment climate should be taken into account.
An Improved Optimization Algorithm for Timed Petri Net Based on Genetic Algorithm

A variety of theoretical and practical work exists on Petri-net-based optimization algorithm. However, the efficiency of optimization is still the bottleneck of its application, especial for NP problem (e.g., Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS) scheduling problem). In order to improve the optimization efficiency, an optimization approach for the Timed Petri Net (TPN) model is proposed in this paper. Firstly, definition of Simplified Timed Petri Net (Simplified TPN) and method of simplifying traditional model are proposed. Based on this Simplified TPN, the concepts of mutual exclusion contracts and order contracts are defined, and the optimization mathematical model is obtained. Then, a reachability checking method is introduced to ensure the feasibility of solutions. Finally, this paper proposes a new crossover operator and mutation operator of Genetic Algorithm (GA) and describes the steps of optimization approach. This proposed approach is evaluated on FMS scheduling.
BRCA 1/2 Tumors and Gene Expression Therapy for Breast Cancer Development and Metastasis

The rise of bioinformatics has allowed for alternate therapies in treating disease. Thus, researchers have discovered relationships between the breast cancer gene (BRCA) family and the cancer itself. Recent investigations by the National Cancer Institute have shown that almost 55% of women with defective BRCA genes develop breast cancer by age seventy. These genes play an important role in tumor suppression; their mutations can increase the probability of developing metastatic cancer. Hence, scientists have begun studying BRCA-targeted gene therapy as an effective treatment for
LANDING OF A QUADROTOR UAV SWARM IN A NONSTATIONARY CONFINED COMPARTMENT

CONFINED COMPARTMENT by RICK SCHIENI A thesis submitted to the School of Graduate Studies Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey In partial fulfillment of the requirements For the degree of Master of Science Graduate Program in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Written under the direction of Shahab Shojaei-Zadeh And approved by _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________
Credit Rating Industry in Sri Lanka

An efficient financial system facilitates the optimal allocation of resources towards economic development of a country by allocating resources efficiently. Markets which are a part of the financial system, support efficient allocation of funds,thus development of capital markets play a vital role in economic development of a country.Information asymmetry and lack of information can fear away investors, while a? creditrating? assignedby an independent party can attract investors to markets. The purpose of this study is to identify the current trend of the credit rating industry in Sri Lanka(SL). Data were obtained mainly from interviews and other secondary sources such as annual reports of SEC, and rating reports etc.Quantitative data, were analyzed using; ratio analysis and percentage calculations, whilequalitative data were analyzed using content analysis. The study revealed that underdeveloped capital markets and low financial literacy hinder the use of credit ratings in SL influencing negatively on investments.
Valuing habitat protection:the case of Ruthumbi forest in Kenya

The protection and preservation o f natural forests generates a wide variety o f market and nonmarket benefits, which, individuals derive through consumptive or non-consumptive uses. Benefits accming from consumptive use include timber, fuelwood, medicinal and pharmaceutical products, and forage if existing policies allow extraction. Benefits such as recreation, ecotourism, protection o f critical watersheds, carbon sequestration and climate regulation are non­ consumptive. This study made use of contingent valuation method to find rural households’ value of protecting and preserving Ruthumbi forest in Eastern Kenya, which is currently undergoing high deforestation. We found that the underlying reason for the high deforestation is public policy failure with respect to enforcement and monitoring state’s ownership rights. This has made the forest a de facto open-access resource with traders in forest products and rural households exploiting the forest without restraint. The Tobit model with sample selection was adopted since we were expecting to get invalid responses especially of the protest zero type. The analysis confirmed this because the coefficient testing for sample selection bias, (rho, p) in the estimated models was significant at 1 percent level. The probit analysis revealed age of respondents and household income to significantly influence the probability of giving a valid response. The parameter estimates for these variables were negative and positive respectively. The corrected regression part of the model was used in the analyses of the determinants of willingness to pay. Again, age of the respondents and household income were found to be significant. The parameter estimate for age was negative whilst that for income was positive. Moreover, we found the mean monthly willingness to pay per household for protection and preservation of the forest to be KSh. 125. This value may seem low, as it constitutes a 2.1 % proportion of the average monthly income for the subsistence farm households surveyed. Nevertheless, there is a justification for this. Our final good was establishment of communal ownership and management of the forest and the payment vehicle was a communal standing fund. The money was to be used for paying guards and allowances to the members of a local court a “Njuri” whose main duties would be to oversee the project and to settle any disputes. In addition, given that in this arrangement each household would be required to contribute substantially in non-monetary terms, we can thus say that the monthly KSh. 125 per household was quite a reasonable amount. Therefore, given that the monthly payment per household was ‘reasonable’ and following the fact that the literacy levels are low in rural Kenya where the study was based, we concluded that contingent valuation exercises will be a success in a developing country context as long as design and implementation focus on real issues affecting households.
APPLICATION OF BALANCED SCORE CARD AS A STRATEGY MANAGEMENT PROCESS TOOL BY KENYA PETROLEUM REFINERIES LIMITED

v ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS . ix LIST OF FIGURES.xi 1.0 CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1 Background of the Study . 1 1.1.1 Strategy Management Process . 2 1.1.2 The Balanced Scorecard . 2 1.1.3 The Oil Industry in Kenya . 3 1.1.4 Kenya Petroleum Refineries Ltd . 4 1.2 Research Problem . 6 1.3 Research Objectives . 7 1.4 Value of the Study . 7 2.0 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW . 9 2.1 Introduction . 9 2.2 Theoretical Foundation . 9 2.2.1 The Design School . 9 2.2.2 The Process School . 10 2.3 Strategy Management Process . 11
Benefits and Limitations of Using the MPS.BR Model with Agile Methodologies: A Survey Based on a Systematic Literature Review

This paper investigates the benefits and limitations of using the Reference Model for the Improvement of the Brazilian Software Process (MPS.BR) with agile methodologies. A survey of the Brazilian and international literature was performed, which used the concepts of a systematic literature review. Altogether 21 studies were included on the subject, viz., 12 articles, 1 Master's dissertation, 3 dissertation from post-graduate courses, 4 end- of-course undergraduate monographs, and 1 report arising from an undergraduate traineeship. Based on the results presented in the studies, agile methodologies and their practices were found to be feasible used in serving the initial levels of MPS.BR, but for the highest levels of the model, additional practices must be used.
Simulation-Based Planning and Control of Transport Flows in Port Logistic Systems

In highly dynamic and uncertain transport conditions, transport transit time has to be continuously monitored so that the service level is ensured at a proper cost. The aim of this research is to propose and to test a procedure which allows an agile planning and control of transport flows in port logistic systems. The procedure couples an agent-based simulation and a queueing theory model. In this paper, the transport scheduling performed by an agent at the intermodal terminal was taken into consideration. The decision-making agent takes into account data which is acquired in remote points of the system. The obtained results indicate the relevance of continuously considering, for the transport planning and control, the expected transit time and further waiting times along port logistic systems.