Field Projects Research Articles

Optical interferometry based acoustic field characterization using physics informed neural networks

The acousto-optic effect offers a non-contact way of measuring and visualizing acoustic fields in transparent fluids. Acoustic density fluctuations induce changes in the media's refractive index that can be measured using interferometry. While sensing methods based on acousto-optics have gathered increasing attention, many of such methods are only sensitive to projections of the acoustic field along the optical path, limiting the fields that can be characterized to one or two dimensions, or requiring complex experimental setups. Recently, reconstruction methods that abide by the physics of acoustic wave propagation showed unparalleled performance compared with classical reconstruction methods, reducing the sampling requirements and enabling to characterize three-dimensional acoustic fields. Nonetheless, such reconstruction methods rely on discrete approximations which might be poor at describing spatially complex fields. In this work we use physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) to estimate the acoustic pressure over space from interferometer measurements. The network is flexible enough to represent complex acoustic fields, while its output is constrained to fulfill the wave equation. Once trained on the data available for a given experiment, the PINN can estimate the acoustic pressure at arbitrary positions. The approach is tested in an experimental study, showing an improved performance compared with state-of-the-art reconstruction methods.

Impacts of Sampling and Storm-Motion Estimates on RUC/RAP-Based Discriminations of Nontornadic and Tornadic Supercell Environments

Abstract This study explores reasons for differences in discriminations of nontornadic and tornadic supercell environments between a recent study of field project (FP) radiosonde observations and RUC/RAP-based studies. Two differences are explored: 1) differences in the relative skill between near-ground and deeper-layer storm-relative helicity (SRH) and 2) differences in skill for storm-relative winds (SRWs) seen in observed soundings that are not seen in RUC/RAP-based analyses. Results show that RUC/RAP-derived near-ground SRH continues to show larger skill than deeper-layer SRH for springtime, afternoon/evening cases over the plains (the “FP” domain), although 0–1-km SRH becomes more skillful than 0–500-m SRH. The skill of kinematic variables decreases over the FP domain, as the skill of mixed-layer convective available potential energy (MLCAPE) and the percent of the low-level horizontal vorticity that is streamwise increase for significant tornadoes. Large skill is found for mean ground-relative winds (GRWs) over all layers tested, but the skill of SRWs using Bunkers motion is relatively small. The field project dataset is shown to be biased toward particularly high-end nontornadic supercells, with more tornado-favorable mixed-layer lifted condensation levels (MLLCLs), lapse rates, and low-level shear/SRH compared to the nontornadic cases in the RUC/RAP dataset over the FP domain. The skill of deeper-layer SRH, GRWs, SRWs, and MLCAPE is unusually large in the field project sample, which highlights variables that may increase the likelihood of tornadoes when other variables that relate to the supercell tornado production (low-level shear/SRH and MLLCLs) are already in a tornado-favorable range. The skill of deeper-layer kinematic variables is particularly evident when observed storm motions are used instead of Bunkers motion. Significance Statement Researchers continue to explore reasons why some storms produce tornadoes and others do not. Some recent studies show conflicting results, including the best layers to analyze the environmental wind shear and the ability of wind speeds relative to the storm to distinguish nontornadic from tornadic storms. One study is rooted in observations taken for field projects that targeted tornadic storms and the others in model analyses. Restricting model analyses to a spatiotemporal region that emulates field projects does not explain the disagreement but reveals how the skill of some other variables changes. The tendency for field projects to target particularly strong storms and the use of actual storm motions versus estimates of storm motions both contribute to the conflicting results.

From Teaching with Cases to Teaching through Case Development: Making Purchasing Managers and Students the Designers of Learning Journeys

The prevailing approach to producing and teaching case studies in purchasing and supply management (PSM) education involves faculty members’ creating and providing finished cases for course participants to work with. This traditional approach still has merit; but PSM education also must evolve to meet the increasing and changing demands that PSM executives face in practice. We offer an advanced and experiential learning method, wherein participants both in degree courses and in executive education programs develop a case study and the accompanying teaching material based on their engagement with real-life PSM challenges. In particular, the process of crafting a teaching note requires participants to adopt a teacher’s mindset and competencies, enhancing their effectiveness in practice as facilitators of ecosystems and as change managers. We also encourage faculty members to broaden the application of case studies beyond working on past situations. Case studies can be the end-product of field projects (consulting cases), and their development and use can be an integral part of a change management process when they become the means to gain employee commitment for ongoing strategic initiatives (implementation cases). The latter approach is particularly fruitful when case development is used in customized executive education programs because it allows the participants’ learning to feed directly into major ongoing change projects in their company. As such, cases and the case development process have the potential to develop participants’ competencies and to create direct business impact in far broader ways than traditional case study pedagogy allows.

An Effective and Controllable Platform with Ag-Stepped Nanocone Arrays Serving as Stable SERS Substrate

Facile, controllable and efficient SERS substrate preparation has always been the focus project in the SERS field, especially the solid-state nanoarray substrate. Herein, a simple and convenient method for preparing a series of homogeneous Ag-stepped nanocone arrays (Ag-SNCAs) using polymer nanocompression printing is presented. By analyzing the 1162[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text] characteristic peak of crystal violet (CV), the relative standard deviation (RSD) of the Raman intensity was only 4.71%. The detection limit of malachite green (MG) reached 0.001[Formula: see text]ppm, and it also has good SERS detection results for drug molecules such as melamine, methadone, morphine, methamphetamine and thiabendazole. This work provides a large area uniform and controllable preparation method of sharp cone nanostructure array, which has important application in plasmonic photocatalysis and deep light field regulations.

Analysis of vibration signals near ground surface during blasting excavation of a tunnel in fractured rock

This study aims to analyze the vibration signals near the ground surface due to the underneath drilling and blasting activities in a fissured rock tunnel. Blasting induced vibration on the ground surface was continuously monitored in a fissured rock tunnel drilling and blasting excavation project in field. Wavelet packet analysis of the vibration signals using Matlab was carried out for signal denoising, differential blasting delay time interval identification, and three-way time-frequency energy analysis. The results show that within a 30 m range from the palm face, the dominant frequency bands of blasting-induced vibrations on the ground surface were concentrated in the range of 0–130 Hz. Two prominent peak frequency bands were identified at 31.25–39.063 Hz (low-frequency band) and 93.75–101.56 Hz (high-frequency band), accounting for 12% of the total energy. Among the three directions of ground surface vibrations, the energy decay was the most significant in the x-direction (tunnel excavation direction), which amounted to 54.29% of the overall energy decay with increasing distance. The energy decay within the 50–80 Hz range was the most pronounced (more than 90%), when the angle between the vibration propagation direction and the fissure or joint direction was 75°. The conclusions provide the insights in the attenuation of blast-induced vibrations in fissured rock and can potentially assist in the design of blasting vibration control.

Technology Focus: Field Development (September 2024)

As the industry progresses, the need for further collaboration is imperative on all fronts. Academic expertise, operational experience, and knowledge gathered through trial-and-error analysis must be meshed in order to achieve the optimizations that are increasingly needed with the depletions we experience in various fields globally. The challenges that we face as an industry will require development of new technologies, whether workflows or other innovative solutions, that we never thought possible because of the need for supporting infrastructure to address them. The challenges also require more closely coupled connections between stakeholders—the innovators in academia and industry and the doers who close the gap of technology deployment. Deployment requires taking the ideas and tried and tested opportunities to fruition, where the knowledge is shared and highlighted for our community at large. The three papers synopsized in this feature include a discussion of augmented depletion development, a technique in which openhole wells are drilled within the fractured network of a pad; an approach to well-path generation that relies on the collection of experienced-based constraints from each discipline to generate possible alternatives to the well path; and a multidisciplinary approach used to develop a presalt field offshore Brazil. The hope is that the technical articles in this feature can demonstrate to the reader the scope of collaboration and the effect of technical knowledge sharing that our industry currently enjoys—and requires. I hope they drive more questions and provoke further and deeper understanding of the content to the benefit of all. More importantly, I hope they highlight the complexity that is involved in addressing the industry challenges in field development and project management.

Magnetic Field Projection and Current Phase Control in a 2-D Planar Transmitting Coil Array

Magnetic Field Projection and Current Phase Control in a 2-D Planar Transmitting Coil Array

Optimum design of uniform and non-uniform infill-coated structures with discrete variables

This article introduces a novel computer-aided procedure to design optimised coated structures with precise shell thickness control using the Smallest Univalue Segment Assimilating Nucleus operator and a novel augmentation-projection technique. Structures with heterogeneous sections, or coated structures, combine two different materials for the nucleus and the shell, which are generally chosen so that the material in the infill is lighter and the material in the coating is stiffer, which in this work are supposed homogeneous. Solving the interface problem requires material properties interpolation equations that consider three material phases, accurate placement of the coating over the base material, and precise control over the coating's thickness. The formation of the coating is controlled by the Smallest Univalue Segment Assimilating Nucleus, an edge detection operator developed in Digital Image Processing. The coating's thickness is controlled by an innovative methodology consisting of the projection of an augmented contour field, which is shown to create a constant thickness coating around the material domain. The optimisation problem is solved with the Sequential Element Rejection and Admission method. The validity of the procedure has been verified by solving various numerical application examples.

Using one health training for interprofessional team building: implications for research, policy, and practice in Nigeria.

In recent years, the concept of One Health (OH) has arisen as an approach that helps to catalyze the creation of transdisciplinary teams needed for surveillance and investigation of emerging disease dynamics. Besides a wealth of descriptions of what the OH approach encompasses, a dearth of information is available regarding the training of individuals in OH competencies. In 2019, the Nigerian Center for Disease Control developed an OH strategic plan to meet the country's human, animal, and environmental health challenges. In response to the demand for clinicians, scientists, climatologists, conservationists, and environmentalists, who have expertise in environment, human, plant, and animal health to work collaboratively in addressing OH challenges in Nigeria. An interprofessional group of faculty from the University of Texas Medical Branch, the University of Jos, and the National Veterinary Research Institute convened to develop a novel OH course 'entitled 'One Health for Translational Team Science. The objective of the course was to explore the evolution of an emerging epidemic, capitalizing on various learning environments, including animal, environmental, human, and public health perspectives. The 6-week course comprised of three parts: 2-weeks virtual part of case-based group discussions focusing on animal and environmental aspects, 2 weeks of individual field experiences, and a final virtual part focusing on human health. Pedagogical tools used were: case-based group discussions, breakout group presentations, role-play activities, field project write-up, peer evaluation, group writing assignments, and weekly reflections with the goal of working in teams to develop and practice the fundamental leadership and management skills in addressing emerging public health challenges. Post-course evaluations showed that all participants felt more confident identifying and practicing the necessary attitudes and skills to participate effectively in the evaluation of an outbreak. Furthermore, the roles, responsibilities, and "One Health ways of thinking" for the various disciplines and professions involved in improving global health were articulated and identified.

Research-based learning as an innovative approach for teaching students of environmental engineering: a case study of the emerging field of microplastics in soil

We implemented research-based learning (RBL) as an alternative to traditional frontal classroom lectures and laboratory sessions to impart knowledge on the emerging topic of microplastics in soil to students. The RBL module aimed at studying how microplastics (MPs) affect soil processes. We designed low-cost, small-scale and simple experiments for master’s students in Environmental Engineering at the Hamburg University of Technology. Students reported a clear understanding of concepts underlined by their presentation of the results and enthusiasm towards future exploration for their master’s or doctoral projects evidenced by a number of students carrying out research projects in the same field after finishing the module. The experiments were consequently published as an online learning module with the Hamburg Open Online University, to make them accessible for other students. The recent push in the education sector to include innovative teaching and learning methodologies offers new opportunities for RBL that are practical and replicable learning experiences that foster students’ research and problem-solving skills in areas of chemical, soil physics and environmental engineering fields.

CNS Drug Discovery in Academia: Where Basic Research Meets Innovation.

The involvement of academic research in drug discovery is consistently growing. However, academic projects seldom advance to clinical trials. Here, we assess the landscape of drug discovery within the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure launched by the Swiss National Science Foundation to foster basic research and early-stage drug discovery on membrane transporters. This included transporters in central nervous system (CNS) disorders, which represent a huge unmet medical need. While idea championship, sustainable funding, collaborations between disciplines at the interface of academia and industry are important for translational research, Popperian falsifiability, strong intellectual property and a motivated startup team are key elements for innovation. This is exemplified by the NCCR TransCure spin-off company Synendos Therapeutics, a clinical stage biotech company developing the first selective endocannabinoid reuptake inhibitors (SERIs) as novel treatment for neuropsychiatric disorders. We provide a perspective on the challenges related to entering an uncharted druggable space and bridging the often mentioned "valley of death". The high attrition rate of drug discovery projects in the CNS field within academia is often due to the lack of meaningful animal models that can provide pharmacological proof-of-concept for potentially disruptive technologies at the earliest stages, and the absence of solid intellectual property.

High dynamic-range and portable magnetometer using ensemble nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond.

Nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers in diamonds have been explored for a wide range of sensing applications in the last decade due to their unique quantum properties. In this work, we report a compact and portable magnetometer with an ensemble of NV centers, which we call the Quantum MagPI (Quantum Magnetometer with Proportional Integral control). Our fully integrated compact sensor assembly and control electronics fit inside a 10 × 10 × 7cm3 box and a 30 × 25 × 5cm3 rack-mountable box, respectively. We achieve a bandwidth normalized sensitivity of ∼10 nT/Hz. Using closed-loop feedback for locking to the resonance frequency, we extend the linear dynamic range to 200 μT (20× improvement compared to the intrinsic dynamic range) without compromising the sensitivity. We report a detailed performance analysis of the magnetometer through measurements of noise spectra, Allan deviation, and tracking of nT-level magnetic fields in real-time. In addition, we demonstrate the utility of such a magnetometer by real-time tracking of the movement of an elevator car and door opening events by measuring the projection of the magnetic field along one of the NV-axes under ambient temperature and humidity conditions.

IDENTIFYING AND ANALYSING BASE TREND IN CORPORATE UNIFORM DESIGN

The article examines the problem of identifying key trends in the development of the concept of corporate uniform in an organisation based on information about successfully implemented projects in various professional fields. For this purpose, an algorithm for applying data analysis methods in practical activities CRISP-DM was used, which includes six typical stages: understanding business goals, initial study of data, data preparation, modeling, evaluation and implementation. For each stage, methods (mathematical, expert) for processing data to identify trends are defined. The result of applying the proposed methodology is a visual presentation of data on identified trends in uniform design, including in the format of temperature maps, allowing a specialist in the field of costume design to reasonably interpret them and extrapolate the identified trends into the future of corporate fashion and corporate identity.

«Kalevala—Unwritten Fragments» by Teatr Węgajty / Field Project: Trevor Hill’s Autoethnographic Narration

The text discusses the performance Kalevala The Unwritten Fragments of the Węgajty Theatre / Field Project, which in 2000/2001 opened a new phase in the theatre’s activity. The performance continued the thematic, aesthetic, and method choices of the Węgajty Village Theatre, while also opening new paths of exploration. The group’s work was particularly transformed, and a new quality was brought into its accompanying reflection, by the presence of the actor and anthropologist Trevor Hill. The analysis of Hill’s autoethnographic description of their work on Kalevala allows us to distinguish three dimensions of autoethnography: as an innovative technique of obtaining information, as a research method (analytical autoethnography), and as an indicator of a new paradigm of producing knowledge about social life and its participants (evocative autoethnography).The use of the autoethnographic method in research on the Węgajty Theatre made it possible to access information that is otherwise difficult to obtain, including the actor’s experiences and internal processes.

Market research of russian medical construction facilities: cost estimation and investments in construction programs

Within the framework of the study, conditions are analyzed, cost estimates and other characteristics of large construction projects in the medical field are presented. The article analyzes investment projects of construction medical facilities in the Russian Federation. Plans for the development of some large medical networks are also briefly highlighted. A review of literature sources on health development programs of the subjects of the Russian Federation was conducted, federal target programs were considered, investment projects for the construction of medical facilities planned for completion in 2023-2025 were studied. Some analytical results of monitoring for 2020-2023 on the activity of the investment market in the direction of the Russian strategic and institutional design of the construction of medical facilities in the Russian Federation are presented.

DIFICULDADES DA ANÁLISE DE DISPOSITIVOS INTELIGENTES INSTALADOS EM SMART CITIES

The use of smart devices to collect urban mobility data is becoming increasingly common in Brazil's major metropolitan areas, making studies into the usability of devices more common for conducting case studies and research. The aim of this paper is therefore to identify the main difficulties in the process of installing and projecting data collection in the field project carried out in the municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes. A descriptive analysis was carried out on a sample of the devices being used in the project in order to assess behaviors and trends through the information obtained. Through this analysis it was possible to identify some factors that influenced the installation, such as the resistance of bus and van operators, and the functioning of the devices. It was identified that the functionality of the devices may be associated with the type of charging used in the vehicle (invehicle or USB) and that the devices that emitted the most data were also those that showed no problems with the LoRa antenna. Thus, the functionality of the devices can be guaranteed despite the challenges encountered in the processes.

Answers to Your Resistivity Questions and Helpful Findings to Develop a Robust Resistivity Specification

Many states are currently in the process of evaluating the use of surface resistivity (SR) or bulk resistivity (BR) tests to assess permeability of concrete in lieu of the standard test method for electrical indication of concrete’s ability to resist chloride ion penetration (AASHTO T 277 and ASTM C1202) which is commonly referred to as the rapid chloride permeability test (RCPT). A few states, such as Louisiana and Maine, implemented resistivity testing in their specifications many years ago. As with any test method implementation, it is important to learn from data generated and experience gained to further refine the specifications in respect of both testing protocols and the specification limits. In this paper, the Federal Highway Administration’s Mobile Concrete Technology Center SR and BR data from 30 field projects in 25 states is analyzed to provide information that could be helpful to agencies as they specify or improve their specifications with respect to resistivity testing. This paper attempts to answer questions related to 1) change in resistivity testing results with age, 2) range and variability of resistivity data from mainline paving mixtures, 3) comparison of test results between SR and BR data, 4) comparison of resistivity data gathered with equipment from various vendors, and 5) use of 28 versus 56 day data.

IMPACT OF DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS ON EMPOWERMENT OF RURAL WOMEN IN JIJEL

This research document aims to highlight the role of rural development programs approved by the State in order to restore development to the rural world and to empower rural women through various programs and policies which enabled them to exercise their development role, despite the great challenges they encounter. The rural renewal policy has changed the lives of rural women, since thanks to the support funds allocated by the State, which make it possible to encourage rural women to develop and create private investment projects in various fields, traditional industries, agricultural and other industries. The role of rural Algerian women in this support has become apparent. In order to integrate women in the rural world, the State has set up local rural development projects with the objective of developing and improving the standard of living of the rural world. And develop women in particular. These projects have contributed to developing the work of women in agricultural and artisanal activities. We have noticed that rural women can support themselves and their communities and help build thriving rural economies if they have the opportunity to produce.

Use of Laser Texture Scanner to Control Quality of Chip Seal Construction

Chip seal is a pavement surface treatment, consisting of a combination of asphalt binder or emulsion and a layer of aggregate compacted on top of a pavement substrate. Raveling and bleeding are the two major distresses that affect the performance of chip seals. Studies have shown that these distresses can be related to the embedment depth, among a few factors. Embedment depth is the depth that rock is lodged into binder and is a key parameter that significantly affects the performance of chip seals. Currently, embedment depth is evaluated by pulling out the rock from the binder (often by a plier) and visually estimating the percentage of embedment. However, this method is subjective and does not provide accurate and reliable results. This study evaluated the use of laser texture scanner as quality control of chip seal construction. The mean profile depth (MPD), which is inversely related to percent embedment in the field, was measured and used to correlate with chip seal performance for raveling and bleeding. It was found that MPD is sensitive to compaction efforts of chip seals. The shoulder MPD value of chip seals after sweeping should be at a minimum of 0.150 in. to prevent bleeding from happening for the traffic volume experienced by the selected field project. When MPD in the wheelpath drops below 0.05 in., bleeding has occurred. More field experiments are needed to cover different construction practices and conditions to validate the findings from this study.

Unearthing Study in Asnafs' Large-Scale SMART Paddy-Field (SMART SBBA): An Exploratory Case of Farmers in Yan, Kedah

The Asnafs' Large-Scale SMART Paddy Field (SMART SBBA) project is an initiative to consolidate rice paddy land through contract farming through a management system. It is to optimize the use of existing resources and increase the efficiency of planting activities and post-harvest production. The project initiative appears to be successful in helping rice farmers manage their fields systematically and increase the yield of higher-quality rice. SMART SBBA by the Kedah State Zakat Board (LZNK) has the potential to eradicate the poverty rate among asnafs in Kedah, in addition to boosting the local economy. Therefore, this preliminary study is to explore the SMART SBBA project through the experience and involvement of paddy farmers in the first season and the second season. This study applied exploratory and descriptive methods from focus group interview data. Results showed that the farmers were satisfied with the overall SMART SBBA LZNK management. However, most rice farmers face the challenges of agricultural input costs, including the high cost of seedlings, fertilizers, and pesticides, which is a huge obstacle for rice farmers in carrying out rice planting activities.