Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantification of complex DNA damage by ionising radiation : an experimental and theoretical approach

Ionising radiation potentially produces a broad spectrum of damage in DNA including single and double strand breaks (ssb and dsb) and base damages. It has been hypothesised that sites of complex damage within cellular DNA have particular biological significance due to an associated decreased efficiency in repair. The aim of this study is to gain further understanding of the formation of complex DNA damage. Irradiations of plasmid DNA illustrate that an increase in ionising density of the radiation results in a decrease in ssb yields/Gy but an increase in dsb per ssb, indicative of an increase in the number of complex damage sites per simple isolated damage site. As the mechanism for damage formation shifts from purely indirect at low scavenging capacities to a significant proportion of direct at higher scavenging capacities the proportion of complex damage increases. Comparisons with the yields of ssb and dsb simulated by Monte-Carlo calculations for AIK USX and a-particles also indicate this correspondence. The ionisation density of low energy, secondary electrons produced by photons was assessed experimentally from the dependence of the yield of OH radicals escaping intra-track recombination on photon energy. As energy decreases the OH radical yield initially decreases reflecting an increased ionisation density. However, with further decrease in photon energy the yield of OH radicals increases in line with theoretical calculations. Base damage yields were determined for low and high ionising density radiation over a range of scavenging capacities. As scavenging capacity increases the base damage:ssb ratios increases implying a contribution from electrons to base damage. It is proposed that base damage contributes to DNA damage complexity. Complex damage analysis reveals that at cell mimetic scavenging capacities, 23 % and 72 % of ssb have an additional spatially close damage site following y-ray and a-particle irradiation respecti vel y. 1.1. 1.2. 1.3. 1.3. 1. 1.3. 1.1. 1.3. 1.2. 1.3. 1.3. 1.3. 2. 1.3. 2.1. 1.3. 2.2. 1.3. 2.3. 1.4. 1.5. 1.6. 1.6. 1. 1.6. 2. 1.6. 2.1. 1.6. 2.2. 1.6. 2.3. 1.7. 1.8. 1.8. 1. 1.9. 1.10. Table of
Life Cycle Assessment of Disposed and Recycled End-of-Life Photovoltaic Panels in Australia

This study presents a life cycle assessment (LCA) of end-of-life (EoL) photovoltaic (PV) systems in Australia. Three different EoL scenarios are considered for 1 kWh of electricity generation across a 30-year PV system lifespan: (i) disposal to landfill, (ii) recycling by laminated glass recycling facility (LGRF), and (iii) recycling by full recovery of EoL photovoltaics (FRELP). It is found that recycling technologies reduce the overall impact score of the cradle-to-grave PV systems from 0.00706 to 0.00657 (for LGRF) and 0.00523 (for FRELP), as measured using the LCA ReCiPe endpoint single score. The CO2 emissions to air decrease slightly from 0.059 kg CO2 per kWh (landfill) to 0.054 kg CO2 per kWh (for LGRF) and 0.046 kg CO2 per kWh (for FRELP). Increasing the PV system lifespan from 30 years to 50 and 100 years (a hypothetical scenario) improves the ReCiPe endpoint single-score impact from 0.00706 to 0.00424 and 0.00212, respectively, with corresponding CO2 emissions reductions from 0.059 kg CO2 per kWh to 0.035 and 0.018 kg CO2 per kWh, respectively. These results show that employing recycling slightly reduces the environmental impact of the EoL PV systems. It is, however, noted that recycling scenarios do not consider the recycling plant construction step due to a lack of data on these emerging PV panel recycling plants. Accounting for the latter will increase the environmental impact of the recycling scenarios, possibly defeating the purpose of recycling. Increasing the lifespan of the PV systems increases the longevity of the use of panel materials and is therefore favorable towards reducing environmental impacts. Our findings strongly suggest that PV recycling steps and technologies be carefully considered before implementation. More significantly, it is imperative to consider the circular design step up front, where PV systems are designed via circular economy principles such as utility and longevity and are rolled out through circular business models.
Exchange Controls, Political Risk and the Eurocurrency Market: New Evidence from Tests of Covered Interest Rate Parity

This study employs daily data to examine the effects on Eurocurrency and onshore returns of the May 21, 1981 imposition of exchange controls by French President Mitterand. Prior to this time, transaction costs explain the average onshore deviations from covered parity; however, these averages ignore short-lived political risk premia which emerged just before the imposition of controls. As expected, there is no evidence of political risk of Eurocurrency markets. Yet when exchange controls were in effect, premia in excess of transaction costs surfaced on nonfranc Eurocurrency deposits at the time of devaluations of the franc within the EMS. [431]
The SAGE encyclopedia of food issues

The SAGE Encyclopedia of Food Issues explores the topic of food across multiple disciplines within the social sciences and related areas including business, consumerism, marketing, and environmentalism. In contrast to the existing reference works on the topic of food that tend to fall into the categories of cultural perspectives, this carefully balanced academic encyclopedia focuses on social and policy aspects of food production, safety, regulation, labeling, marketing, distribution, and consumption. A sampling of general topic areas covered includes Agriculture, Labor, Food Processing, Marketing and Advertising, Trade and Distribution, Retail and Shopping, Consumption, Food Ideologies, Food in Popular Media, Food Safety, Environment, Health, Government Policy, and Hunger and Poverty. This encyclopedia introduces students to the fascinating, and at times contentious, and ever-so-vital field involving food issues. Key Features: *500 signed entries concluding with cross-references and suggestions for further readings *Organized A-to-Z with a thematic "Reader's Guide" in the front matter groups related entries by general topic areas *Includes Acknowledgment Listing and alphabetical List of Entries *Provides Annotated Resource Guide Detailed and comprehensive Index This three-volume reference work serves as a general, non-technical resource for students and researchers who seek to better understand the topic of food and the issues surrounding it.
Workforce development and skills formation in Singapore: developing and augmenting talent

[Extract] Singapore has expanded the concept of skill beyond the technical and measurable to take in attributes such as motivation and attitude. Whether its purpose has been to increase labour productivity, exercise control, or both, workforce development as socialization has remained unquestioned. As Singapore's prime minister explained, continuing education and training should not focus narrowly on training but help prepare adults for 'changes in mindsets, work habits and attitudes' (Workforce Development Agency 2008). Exhortation of workers to acquire desired attitudes and the provision and development of institutions for skill formation has long characterized workforce development in the political economy of Singapore (Osman-Gani and Tan 2010). The institutional arrangements for skills development, and more broadly workforce development, were described a decade ago as comprising a flexible structure of linkages and channels of communication (Kuruvilla et al. 2002) and it remains so today. Although there are divisions of function, for instance between addressing long-term workforce development and short-term skills requirements, it is their flexibility in coping with both that characterizes them.
Risk Factors for Injury in Elite Rugby Union:A Series of Longitudinal Analyses

The contacts and collisions that are inherent to elite Rugby Union, alongside changes to players’ physical characteristics and match activities, have raised concerns regarding the level of injury burden associated with the professional game. This programme of research was therefore undertaken to investigate injury risk in this setting. The first study of this thesis (Chapter 3) presents a meta-analytic review of injury data relating to senior men’s professional Rugby Union, which shows an overall match incidence rate of 81 per 1000 player hours; this value is high in comparison with other popular team sports. In Chapter 4, the importance of injuries in the context of performance is demonstrated by showing a substantial negative association exists between injury burden and team success measures. Chapter 5 investigates subsequent injury patterns in this population and identifies injury diagnoses with a high risk of early recurrence, whilst also demonstrating that subsequent injuries are not more severe than their associated index injury. Playing professional Rugby Union on an artificial playing surface does not influence overall acute injury risk in comparison with natural grass surfaces (Chapter 6). Chapters 7 and 8 identify intrinsic risk factors for injury (previous injury, match and training loads) for the first time in this setting, and may be used to inform policies on these pertinent issues. Finally, predictive modelling techniques show some potential for predicting the occurrence and severity of injuries, but require further refinement before they can be implemented within elite Rugby Union teams. Overall, this programme of work highlights the importance of injury prevention for all professional Rugby Union stakeholders, addresses the need to use appropriate statistical techniques to account for the dynamic and clustered nature of sport injury data, and demonstrates approaches through which the injury burden associated with elite Rugby Union may be reduced.
Studies on the Performance and Impact of Channel Estimation in MIMO and OFDM Systems

Studies on the Performance and Impact of Channel Estimation in MIMO and OFDM Systems Michael David Larsen Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Doctor of Philosophy The need for reliable, high-throughput, mobile wireless communication technologies has never been greater as increases in the demand for on-the-go access to information, entertainment, and other electronic services continues. Two such technologies, which are at the forefront of current research efforts, are orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) and multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems, their union being known simply as MIMO-OFDM. The successful performance of these technologies depends upon the availability of accurate information concerning the wireless communication channel. In this dissertation, several issues related to quality of this channel state information (CSI) are studied. Specifically, the first part of this dissertation considers the design of optimal pilot signals for OFDM systems. The optimization is addressed via lower bounds on the estimation error variance, which bounds are given by formulations of the Cramer-Rao bound (CRB). The second part of this dissertation uses the CRB once again, this time as a tool for evaluating the potential performance of MIMO-OFDM channel estimation and prediction. Bounds are found for several parametric time-varying wideband MIMO-OFDM channel models, and numerical evaluations of these bounds are used to illuminate several interesting features regarding the estimation and prediction of MIMO-OFDM channels. The final part of this dissertation considers the problem of MIMO multiplexing using SVD-based methods when only imperfect CSI is available. For this purpose, general per-MIMO-subchannel signal and interference-plus-noise power expressions are derived to quantify the effects of CSI imperfections, and these expressions are then used to find robust MIMO-SVD power and bit allocations which maintain good overall performance in spite of imperfect CSI.
Interval response data based system identification of multi storey shear buildings using interval neural network modelling

This paper uses artificial neural network (ANN) technique for the identification of structural parameters of multistorey shear buildings. First, the identification has been done using response of the structure subject to ambient vibration with interval initial condition. Then, forced vibration with horizontal displacement in interval form has been used to investigate the identification procedure. The neural network has been trained by a methodology so as to handle interval data. This is because, in general we may not get the corresponding input and output values exactly (in crisp form) but we may only have the uncertain information of the data. These uncertain data are assumed in term of interval and the corresponding problem of system identification is investigated. The model has been developed for multistorey shear structure and the procedure is tested for the identification of the stiffness parameters of simple example problem using the prior values of the design parameters.
Web Site Usability, Technical and Social Perspectives

World Wide Web (www) has achieved an important role in communication, information sharing and service delivery now-a-days. World Wide Web consists of millions of web sites and web based applications which are deployed and can be visited all over the world without the limitation of time and geographical boundaries. Web site usability, security and reliability consider some of the core aspects in designing of web sites. In this thesis, we explore possible tensions and tradeoffs between usability and security issues in web site design. We discuss web site usability issues in terms of technical and social aspects. We discuss web site security in terms of usability and offer some recommendations for secure website design without compromising the web site performance. We also highlight the importance of ease of navigation and other aspects of user interface design. In order to explore these issues, we have chosen to review the related literature. We have also conducted interviews with professionals who are mainly concerned with web site usability. Two sample interviews are available at the end of this thesis report.
Implementation of Edge & Shape Detection Techniques and their Performance Evaluation

In this thesis, we develop an industrial image processing application for baked goods. Images of baked objects on a conveyor belt are taken by high resolution cameras batch wise throughout the baking period. The network is designed with high performance equipments and the application is fast enough to complete all the steps within the allowed time window. The application uses Canny edge detection method [6] which optimizes the performance compared to other applications used in the industry. We have analyzed the performance of different key properties; such as processing time of an image, dimensions of an object shape, average color value to detect if an object is properly burned or damaged. Performance in detecting shapes shows higher accuracy for the developed application against other applications used in the baking industry.
On the Developer Adoption of Scrum: A New Acceptance Model for Agile Methodologies

In recent years, the agile Scrum methodology has become a popular software development approach. It significantly differs from traditional approaches as it promotes communication, self-organization, flexibility, and innovation instead of extensive planning and codified processes. While such a paradigm shift promises to better support the timely delivery of high-quality software in turbulent business environments, its success considerably depends on the willingness of developers to adopt the agile methodology. In this paper, we present a framework with drivers and inhibitors to the developer acceptance of Scrum. It combines analytical with empirical findings and can be used as a theoretical basis to empirically evaluate the actual support of Scrum in concrete scenarios. The introduced framework is based on the extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), which has been proven to be also applicable to describe the intention of developers to use a methodology. Building upon results from qualitative in-depth interviews with six experienced Scrum experts of a German DAX-30 company, we refine the general determinants of adoption contained in the TAM with several observed factors that influence the willingness of developers to use Scrum in practice.
An Altair Overview: Designing a Lunar Lander for 21st Century Human Space Exploration

Altair, the lunar lander element of NASA's Constellation program, was conducted in a different design environment than many other NASA projects of similar scope. Because of this relatively unique approach, there are a number of significant success stories that should be considered during the development of any future lunar landers or human spacecraft. This paper is divided into two separate themes; the first is the approach used during the conceptual design studies, including the systematic analysis cycles and the decision making process associated with each: and the second is a summary of the resulting lessons learned that were compiled after looking back at the lifetime of the Project. Altair was terminated before entering Phase B of its design, and was often criticized for being a very heavy and very large vehicle. While there was specific rationale for all of the decisions that led up to that configuration, future design cycles were specifically planned to re-address the mass challenge. Had the project continued, the deliberate, stepwise design process would have converged on an optimized lander design that balanced mass, risk, cost and capabilities. Some of the specific items that will be addressed in this paper include project development strategy, organizational approach and team dynamics, risk-informed design process, mission architecture constraints, mission key driving requirements, model-based systems engineering process, configuration studies, contingency considerations, subsystem overviews and key trade studies. The paper will conclude with a summary of the lessons identified during the Altair project and make suggestions for application to future studies.
THE INTERACTION OF NON-DRIVING TASKS WITH DRIVING. FINAL REPORT

Drivers often perform tasks alone or in combination that don't relate to control of their vehicle. This experiment evaluates the impact on simulated driving of performing non-driving tasks. The results showed that some of these tasks significantly degraded driving performance. The task that required drivers to use the map device caused the greatest problem. In addition, older drivers performed less well than younger drivers. The study shows objective reasons for evaluating the tradeoffs between maximizing traffic safety and providing drivers with information that requires a high degree of visual attention. In the experiment, drivers performed the following secondary tasks alone, as pairs, or all three simultaneously: talking on a simulated cellular telephone, finding an object in an enclosed container, and using a special radio with head-up map and text displays. The experiment required drivers to maintain speeds of 25 to 30 mph, keep the car centered in their traffic lane, and respond quickly to the appearance of simulated brake lights. Researchers divided subjects into four groups of 10 members each: young females and males with an average age of 31 and older females and males with an average age of 70.
Passive amplitude-modulated microwave backscatter modulation system

Barcode technology is slowly being replaced with transponder tags that have many benefits over barcodes. Four issues with transponder tags are battery life, power requirement, range of communication, and physical size. Microwave backscatter modulation (MBM) is used throughout industry to reduce the power requirement and size on the transponder tags while compromising range. Researchers and designers of current transponder tags typically utilize a passive carrier-present carrier-absent (CPCA) reflection of the reader's carrier wave, or their transponder design uses an active backscatter system with an amplifier and circular polarization modulation. This research project develops a communication system that mixes a reader's carrier wave with an intermediate frequency (IF) at the active Probe in order to improve isolation of the data signal in a high-clutter environment. The design and testing ofProbe and Reader concepts are discussed, and the advantages and weaknesses of each design are determined. The performance of the passive IF amplitude-modulatedMBM system is analyzed. The passive-AM MBM system achieves better range than CPCA modulation, and does not require as many components and power as the active circular-polarization modulation system. With mid-level power usage and range, the proposed passive backscatter system is a compromise between the low-range passive CPCA system and the high-power high-range active circular-polarization modulation system. TABLE OF CONTENTS /. INTRODUCTION 1 2. BACKGROUNDAND RESEARCH 3 2.1. Wireless Power Transmission and Commercial Transponders 4 2.2. Backscatter Techniques 8 3. THEORY 12 3.1. Radar Approach 12 3.2. Link Budget Analysis 15 4. PROBEDESIGNING 18 4. 1 . Frequency, Microstrip, and Antenna Considerations 1 8 4.2. Probe Transistor Selection and Simulations 28 4.3. Probe Hardware Testing andModifications 39 5. READERDESIGNING 54 5.1. Simplest Reader (CPCA) and Issues 54 5.2. Clutter Reduction and Signal-Detection Improvement 62 5.3. Switching-IF MBM Hardware Selection, Design, and Testing 70 5.4. Probe's FSK Driver and Selector 98 5.5. Data Reconstruction 105 5.6. Single-IF MBM Reader 112 6. SYSTEMPERFORMANCE 118 6.1. CPCA MBM System Test 118 6.2. Sideband Detection Testing 119 6.3. Switching-IF MBM System 125 6.4. Single-IF MBM System 139 6.5. Comparison with OtherMBM Systems 144 7. CONCLUSIONS 147 7. 1 . Comparison ofPassive AMMBM to Existing Systems 147 7.2. Future Improvements to AMMBM System 148 7.3. Conclusion 151 8. REFERENCES 152
Change Management

This report is prepared for preparing the change for new product of the board manufacturing company. The Change from the external market force of market demand on the supply of thin sheet board material thus prompted the Marketing department to make the market survey that there is a need to introduce a new product to be competitive in the board manufacturing market and offer a complete range of board products for the building industry. Internally, The Marketing Department has to convince the top management and the main stakeholder to agree and accept the urgent change. At the same time has to balance the sales revenue with the cost of technology investment and economical scale perspectives of producing the targeted product. The proposal of this change’s success should be judged by how the new product can help to sustain the future growth of the company and give a reasonable revenue. Currently, the company produces Building Board material of size 1220 mm x 2440 mm and thickness ranging from 10mm, 12mm, 16mm, and 18mm. The Marketing Department wants to reduce the thickness to 4mm and 6mm and the size change to 1220 mm x 1220 mm and 1220 mm x 610 mm. For this request, The Marketing Department has to show the stakeholder and Top Management the purpose of the change and convince the Top Management, stakeholder (include the factory team ) to accept the Change. Strong support from top management and stakeholder is very important. Marketing Department has to show the market size of the thin board and projected the sale volume. The comparison of the sale revenue-again the investment sum has to be competitive with short break-even point so that the figure of dollars and cents provides strong persuasive power and support for the stakeholder and top management to strongly consider and accept the investment and the change.