Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Symmetric Waveguide Orthomode Junctions

Imaging applications at millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths demand precise characterization of the amplitude, spectrum, and polarization of the electromagnetic radiation. The use of a waveguide orthomode transducer (OMT) can help achieve these goals by increasing spectral coverage and sensitivity while reducing exit aperture size, optical spill, instrumental polarization offsets, and lending itself to integration in focal plane arrays. For these reasons, four-fold symmetric OMTs are favored over a traditional quasi-optical wire grid for focal plane imaging arrays from a systems perspective. The design, fabrication, and test of OMTs realized with conventional split-block techniques for millimeter wave-bands are described. The design provides a return loss is -20 dB over a full waveguide band (40% bandwidth), and the cross-polarization and isolation are greater than -40 dB for tolerances readily achievable in practice. Prototype examples realized in WR10.0 and WR3.7 wavebands will be considered in detail.
Simulation of New Security Elements in an Ad Hoc Network

The candidate will configure a simulation of an ad hoc network for first responders in a crisis scenario using the NS2 simulation platform. The task will involve adjustment and experimentation with simulation parameters. Finally, new security protocol elements developed in the OASIS project at SINTEF ICT will be introduced through modification of the protocol definitions for NS2 written in C++. The work will be performed at SINTEF ICT.
Strategies for designing, testing and demonstrating safety : what synthetic biology can learn from retrospective cases

Synthetic biology is an emerging technology field within the realm of genetic engineering, differing from traditional genetic engineering in that it focuses on the modularization of genetic parts and the creation of de novo organisms. Significant concerns over safety have been expressed. This research explores traditional engineering and biotechnology practices for overarching principles of design, testing and demonstration that address safety concerns. The information is used to assess the current state of design, testing and demonstration in current synthetic biology projects addressing safety. Component and system design literature provide an engineering backbone of safety systems however, biological attributes such as mutation, growth, and multiplication create safety gaps, where biological engineering practices are needed. These principles are organized into categories of design and testing, and testing and demonstration to gain greater insight on where gaps in the literature might lie. Retrospective cases of traditional engineering and current cases of biotechnologies provide external validation and further illustrate which practices address which design, testing and demonstration needs. While most of the traditional engineering cases addressed safety through design and testing, when they were faced with questions of safety, they presented specific efforts to gain public confidence. The probiotics case was different in that the safety concerns came from the scientific community since history is being used as the convincing demonstration of safety. The three synthetic biology research projects cross the divide between traditional engineering and biotechnologies, but theses efforts are firmly in the area of design and testing. These efforts begin to show the tradeoff between implementing safety and faster technical results. Strategies for further research are explored. Thesis Supervisor: Kenneth A. Oye Title: Professor of Political Science and Engineering System
Laser projection photogrammetry and video system for quantification and mensuration

This paper describes a novel photogrammetric laser/video system suited for a variety of underwater quantification and mensuration applications. The system is comprised of a purpose-built frame to which are mounted a roll/pitch motion reference sensor, video camera, and three microlasers. Orientation of the three lasers provides for optical triangulation, which allows computation of range at specific location in the field-of-view. From this information and that derived from the motion sensor, the spatially variant magnification can be determined over the entire field-of-view using a simple algorithm. A variety of parameters can then be estimated using image-processing techniques, including perspective overlays, range to a point or location, scale in any region of the image, and area measurements. Specialized image processing algorithms can be added to provide object recognition, tracking, and other information. The specification of each component (i.e., laser wavelength and power, camera sensitivity and resolution, and dynamic range) and mounting geometry are determine based on the specific application and needed accuracy. The system can be mounted for use on any subsea vehicle or platform and provides a low cost automated approach for obtaining quantitative information from standard undersea video. Currently, the application software allows for post-processing of the video information but could be modified to process the video information real-time. The first application of this system will be used by Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife researchers onboard DSV DELTA. The system may prove valuable for estimating the abundance of commercially and recreationally exploited groundfish species within a transect area conducted off the coast of Washington State. This non-intrusive, direct observation technique affords a means to estimate the density of certain benthic fish species in high relief areas that currently cannot be sampled using routine trawl survey techniques. The system may prove useful in other scientific and industrial applications. Laboratory and field data are provided to demonstrate system output and performance, as well as an error analysis summary. Future hardware and software enhancements to provide a means of geocoding or georeferencing the images that would support orthorectification and mosaicking of the transect images are described.
Environmental and management effects associated with improved production efficiency in a respiratory disease free pig herd in Australia

The combined effects of a number of housing related parameters were evaluated in relation to the production efficiency of pigs under commercial farm conditions. These parameters included, air temperature, stocking rate, stocking density and the concentrations of different airborne pollutants. The commercial piggery buildings were divided into two separate compartments containing control and experimental groups of animals. The compartments containing the experimental groups were managed in order to reduce the airborne pollution load on the animals, while the other sections were managed according to normal farm procedures (control groups). The growth rate and environmental variables of both groups were monitored and compared. The statistical analysis (using general linear models) identified key factors contributing to improved production efficiency, including ammonia concentrations in the compartments, the quantity and size of airborne particles and stocking density. This efficiency improvement was achieved without the opportunity to see any perceivable change in clinical health of the animals. Thus improving housing conditions on farms may improve profitability even in cases where livestock are not affected by well-defined infectious diseases.
Overcoming accessibility issues for eLearners

The Open University UK (OU) has around 10,000 distance learners who declare a disability. For many of these students the movement to online content and activity has huge advantages over traditional educational methods involving face to face meetings and print-based materials. However for others, working online presents serious difficulties. There are many steps which can be taken to minimise these problems, in the design of the learning platforms and the content presented online. As learners are increasingly required to study via the Internet, it is becoming vital for educational institutions to know what can be done to reduce problems of access for learners with disabilities. This paper discusses the common accessibility issues for elearners and how they are being addressed at the Open University
Optimized design of gigahertz transverse electromagnetic cells for dosimetric experiments

This paper highlights the design criteria of a gigahertz transverse electromagnetic (GTEM) cell to be used for the evaluation of potential biological effects induced by radio frequency electromagnetic waves on animal cell cultures. In particular, the estimation of the electromagnetic power absorbed by the cell culture allows us to evaluate the scalar specific absorption rate (SAR) of the sample under test. A uniform distribution of the electromagnetic field is assured in the region where the Petri dishes containing the samples under test are placed. The electromagnetic field is simulated by a homemade computer code based on the analytical transverse resonance diffraction method. Moreover, the characterization results of the first GTEM cell prototype are reported. Finally, the SAR of different biological samples placed in the test site of the GTEM cell is assessed by means of the method of moments.
L'institutionnalisation des pratiques comme vecteur de diffusion des innovations pétrolières: le cas des normes comptables

Can accounting norms be a means for reaching the institutionalization of practices by facilitating their diffusion? Some answer is provided by examining how innovations from the extractive industries - and among them oil and gas industry specifically - have historically spread to become commonplaces. We mobilize Wejnert's (2002) conceptual framework integrating diffusion of innovations models to demonstrate that global uniformity can be preferably reached through institutionalization. The project of a norm for "Extractive Activities", named DP/2010/1 is examined to assess if it could potentially benefit from similar diffusion conditions. Differences are identified and commented.
Effects of Seasonal Temperature Variation on Slurry Temperature and Biogas Composition of a Commercial Fixed-Dome Anaerobic Digester Used in Bangladesh

Biogas is produced in Bangladesh mostly through fixed-dome anaerobic digesters, which usually operate without any temperature controller. An experiment was conducted to monitor the seasonal temperature variation inside a fixed-dome type digester and its effect on biogas composition. A commercial-scale digester with a working volume of 350 m3 was used for this study. Three k-type thermocouple sensors were used to monitor the ambient, biogas, and slurry temperatures in real-time. The results showed that the average ambient temperature in the autumn, late autumn, and winter was 29.05, 22.90, and 17.64 °C, respectively. The average slurry temperature in the autumn (30.38 °C) was higher than in the late autumn (29.36 °C) and in the winter (25.76 °C). The highest and lowest slurry temperatures were found to be 31.11 and 24.47 °C, respectively, which indicated that the digester worked within a wide temperature range, establishing both psychrophilic and mesophilic operational conditions. Higher methane concentrations were observed in the autumn than in the late autumn and winter. The CO2 and H2S concentrations were higher in the winter than those of in the autumn and late autumn. The electricity generation in the winter was 47.85% and 45.15% lower than in the autumn and late autumn, respectively.
Japanese total quality control, TQM, Deming's system of profound knowledge, BPR, Lean and Six Sigma: Comparison and discussion

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to compare and discuss the evolution of six important management systems: Japanese Total Quality Control (JTQC), Total Quality Management (TQM), Deming's system of profound knowledge, Business Process Reengineering (BPR), Lean Thinking and Six Sigma. Indeed, the contribution of this paper lies in the concurrent analysis and classification, by the means of a literature review, of the results and critical implementation factors of the six systems. Deming's Plan‐Do‐Check‐Act (PDCA) has been used to classify the findings from the literature review.Design/methodology/approach – The research methodology is based on a literature review. The literature review has been carried out for each single system, trying subsequently to compare and discuss the results.Findings – Inside the six systems, nine common factors have been found and proposed. They are: results and benefits; management style; deployment of the system; employee management, deployment and participation; voice of .
Dealing with Errors in Data from Electronic Swine Feeders

Data from electronic swine feeders contain errors that must be identified, edited, and corrected. The objectives of this study were to develop comprehensive criteria to identify errors in feed intake data from FIRE electronic feeders and to compare the ability of five editing methods to accurately estimate daily feed intake (DFI) and average daily feed intake (ADFI). Data from FIRE feeders on 591 pigs from the National Pork Board’s Maternal Line Genetic Evaluation Program were used. Errors in each visit were identified using 16 criteria. To create an error-free data set as a basis for comparison, data from 124 pigs with few errors were selected and visits with errors were replaced by error-free visits from the same pig. Resulting DFI and ADFI were assumed to be the true trait values. Error visits were then introduced, representative of field data. Data were edited using five methods (EM1-5). For EM1, a DFI record was deleted if DFI < 1000 g or >4500 g. For EM2-5, the 16 criteria were used to identify errors in each visit. For EM2 and 3, all DFI records with >1 and >2 error visits were deleted. For EM4-5, DFI was obtained by summing feed intake over error-free visits. For EM5, DFI records were then adjusted for the effects of presence of error visits on unadjusted DFI, which were estimated from a linear model analysis. For EM1-4, missing DFI records were replaced by linear regression estimates of DFI on test day for each pig. DFI and ADFI from the edited data sets were correlated to true values. Correlations were high (.90 to .99) for both traits for all editing methods except EM1. EM5 had the highest correlation for DFI (.99). EM2 and EM5 had the highest correlations for ADFI (.98 to .99). EM1 had the lowest correlations for both traits (.82 to .93). Results indicate that editing methods affect the accuracy of data from electronic feeders. EM5 is recommended for maximum accuracy for DFI and EM2 is recommended for ADFI for maximum accuracy and ease of implementation.
Lumbar Sagittal Alignment May Be a Good Predictor for the Lumbar Spine Degeneration

BackgroundIncreasing attention has been focused on (modic changes and end plate defect) MC&ED as a potential role in the etiopathogenesis of lumbar degeneration. The precise mechanism leading to progression of MC&ED is lacking. Some scholars thought lumbar sagittal alignment might be a key influence factor, but without enough clinical evidence. Hence, we investigated how lumbar sagittal alignment influences MC&ED.MethodsNinety-six asymptomatic or symptomatic patients with Modic changes or end plate defect were retrospectively recruited in this study from August 2016 to December 2018. MC&ED were observed in 76 patients and not observed in 20 patients, representing two groups for comparison. The lumbar sagittal parameters were measured, including lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic incidence (PI), sacral slope (SS), and pelvic tilt (PT). The lumbar lordosis index(LLI) and idea LL were then calculated. Clinical outcomes were assessed using a visual analog scale(VAS) and an Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) before and after an operation.ResultsThere were no significant difference in the distribution of demographic and baseline clinical variables between both groups. Mean age and BMI showed significant difference between both groups (P < 0.05). There were significant correlations between LL, LLI, Loss of LL, and Level 1 (r = 0.281, 0.230, and 0.284, P < 0.05) Also, PI, PT were significantly correlated with Level 4 (r = 0.249, 0.202, P < 0.05). Compared with presurgery scores, an improvement was seen in postoperative VAS and ODI scores (P < 0.05). Further, the postoperative scores at 24 months in the without Modic or end plate defect group showed greater improvements compared with the with Modic or endplate defect group (P < 0.05). ConclusionThis analysis indicated that maintaining lumbar sagittal alignment was related to a lower risk of Modic changes in patients with the spinal degenerative disease. The lumbar sagittal alignment might be a factor that influenced the posterior inclination of the pelvis in symptomatic lumbar disease.
Probabilistic Risk Assessment and Management for Engineers and Scientists

Preface. Basic Risk Concepts. Accident Mechanisms and Risk Management. Probabilistic Risk Assessment. Fault-Tree Construction. Qualitative Aspects of System Analysis. Quantification of Basic Events. Confidence Intervals. Quantitative Aspects of System Analysis. System Quantification for Dependent Events. Human Reliability. Uncertainty Quantification. Legal and Regulatory Risks. Index.
Contribution of HRM practices on customer satisfaction-a conceptual outline

The article provides a novel way of thinking about customer satisfaction. Limitation of the paper is that it is conceptual. Research is required to test empirically the various research propositions. Further research in this area may provide more directed solutions to HRM practices and customer satisfaction issues. Effective HRM practices will attract customers differently.
Approach of Serial Crystallography II

Serial crystallography (SX) is an emerging X-ray crystallographic method for determining macromolecule structures. It can address concerns regarding the limitations of data collected by conventional crystallography techniques, which require cryogenic-temperature environments and allow crystals to accumulate radiation damage. Time-resolved SX studies using the pump-probe methodology provide useful information for understanding macromolecular mechanisms and structure fluctuation dynamics. This Special Issue deals with the serial crystallography approach using an X-ray free electron laser (XFEL) and synchrotron X-ray source, and reviews recent SX research involving synchrotron use. These reports provide insights into future serial crystallography research trends and approaches.
Factory Relocation of Global Manufacturing Enterprises: A Case Study

A manufacturing enterprise undertakes factory relocation to enhance growth and development or to solve financial or operational problems. This strategic decision has an impact on long-term profitability so that a factory relocation reference model as decision support is required. In this research, we propose a reference model for the factory relocation of global manufacturing enterprises . The reference model includes the phases of industrial background analysis, relocation plan and execution, and performance evaluation. The reference model is applied to a global electronics manufacturing company. The implementation of the case is described, and the performance of profitability and productivity is analyzed using nine years of business historical data. Experiences gleaned in this case study can be used as a reference for global manufacturing enterprises.
Impact of tapering and proactive recovery on young elite rugby union players’ repeated high intensity effort ability

To assess the effects of a taper combined with proactive recovery on the repeated high intensity effort (RHIE) of elite rugby union players, and the possible interaction of pre-taper fatigue and sleep. Eighteen players performed a 3-week intensive training block followed by a 7-day exponential taper combined with a multicomponent recovery strategy. Following the intervention, players were divided into 3 groups (Normal Training: NT, Acute Fatigue: AF or Functional Overreaching: F-OR) based on their readiness to perform prior to the taper. Total sprint time [TST], percentage decrement [%D] and the number of sprints ≥90% of the best [N90] were analyzed to assess performance during a RHIE test. Subjective sleep quality was assessed through the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). No improvement in TST was reported in either NT or F-OR after the taper, whereas AF tended to improve (-1.58 ± 1.95%; p > 0.05; g = -0.20). F-OR players reported baseline PSQI and ESS indicative of sleep disturbance (6.2 ± 2.2 and 10.6 ± 5.4, respectively). AF displayed a small impairment in PSQI during intensive training (11.5 ± 80.6%; p > 0.05; g = 0.20), which was reversed following the taper (-34.6 ± 62.1%; p > 0.05; g = -0.73). Pre-taper fatigue precluded the expected performance benefits of the combined taper and recovery intervention, likely associated with a lack of strictly controlled intensive training block. Poor sleep quality before the intensive training period appeared to predispose the players to developing functional overreaching.
Integrated system for the support of teaching, design and manufacturing of antennas

Olivier Vidémé Bossou, Swiss Institute of Technology, LEMA-EPFL-ELB Ecublens , CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland, Phone: +41-21-693-4625, Fax: +41-21-693-2673 olivier.videmebossou@epfl.ch Juan R. Mosig, Swiss Institute of Technology, LEMA-EPFL-ELB Ecublens , CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland, Phone: +4121-693-4628, Fax: +41-21-693-2673 juan.mosig@epfl.ch Tonye Emmanuel, University of Yaoundé I, National Advanced School of Engineering , LETS-ENSP, B.P. 8390 Yaoundé, Cameroon, tonyee@hotmail.com
Requirements and design concept for a facility mapping system

The Department of Energy (DOE) has for some time been considering the Decontamination and Dismantlement (D&D) of facilities which are no longer in use, but which are highly contaminated with radioactive wastes. One of the holdups in performing the D&D task is the accumulation of accurate facility characterizations that can enable a safe and orderly cleanup process. According to the Technical Strategic Plan for the Decontamination and Decommissioning Integrated Demonstration, {open_quotes}the cost of characterization using current baseline technologies for approximately 100 acres of gaseous diffusion plant at Oak Ridge alone is, for the most part incalculable{close_quotes}. Automated, robotic techniques will be necessary for initial characterization and continued surveillance of these types of sites. Robotic systems are being designed and constructed to accomplish these tasks. This paper describes requirements and design concepts for a system to accurately map a facility contaminated with hazardous wastes. Some of the technologies involved in the Facility Mapping System are: remote characterization with teleoperated, sensor-based systems, fusion of data sets from multiple characterization systems, and object recognition from 3D data models. This Facility Mapping System is being assembled by Oak Ridge National Laboratory for the DOE Office of Technology Development Robotics Technology Development Program.