Design and Implementation of a Secondary Surveillance Radar/Identification Friend or Foe Transceiver Card

The performance of SSR/IFF equipment, i.e. the transponder or the interrogator, can be tested by means of an SSR/IFF test set, which is usually extremely expensive, hard to transport and requires end-user certificates. This dissertation thus focuses on the design and implementation of a short-range real- time SSR/IFF Transceiver Card (ITRC), which can be used as an experimental platform for SSR/IFF test applications. User requirements are provided and analysed, resulting in a system breakdown structure, where for each subsystem a summary of related concepts is presented in order to produce the technical requirements for the system. The hardware was designed to be smaller, lighter, less expensive and easy to repair than conventional SSR/IFF test sets. When it has been integrated with an existing SSR/IFF reply emulator, it is capable of generating and analysing RF SSR/IFF signals for modes 1, 2, 3/A, C and secure mode 4 at a frequency of 1030 MHz and 1090 MHz in order to test the functionality of the interrogator and transponder. Verification for the design was accomplished by testing the transceiver hardware and then integrating the system with SSR/IFF transponder and interrogator. The results achieved were found to be compliant with the user requirements

La déformation de la plaque supérieure dans les zones de subduction en retrait

The Earth’s surface is constantly reshaped by the tectonic plate motion, which is mainly driven by subduction of plates into the deeper mantle. Subduction trenches are also mobile plate boundaries, and are observed to retreat towards the subducting plate or advance towards the upper plate over geological time. Trench retreat has been historically thought to cause extension in the upper plate above the subducting slab. However, natural subduction systems show several examples of retreating trenches that are associated with upper-plate compression. This thesis explores upper plate (back-arc) deformation in retreating subduction systems. Three techniques are used: large-scale numerical models addressing physical processes; seismic profiles in the Central Aegean addressing basin-scale fault patterns; and field-scale observations clarifying fault kinematics in the Central Aegean. The large-scale thermo-mechanical models deal with viscous deformation of the upper plate, and investigate the relationship between slab pull, slab rollback, trench retreat and upper plate deformation at scales of 100 to 1000 km. They show that asthenosphere flows below the plates (100-200 km depth) can control both trench retreat and upper plate deformation. The type of deformation in the upper plate also depends on the plate’s far-field conditions: if the plate is free to move, deformation tends to be compressive, but a fixed upper plate shows extension. The latter is comparable to the Aegean region, an upper plate exhibiting extension above a narrow, retreating subduction zone. Related extensional structures in the central Aegean have been analysed from seismic and field data, revealing co-existing normal, oblique and strike slip faults. These features reflect a combination of rollback-related extension and extrusion-related strike slip activity. Resulting block rotation and trench retreat re-activate inherited normal faults in oblique-normal slip, while new pure-normal faults are created. We also infer a recent change in stress state possibly related to the slab tear on the western side of the Hellenic slab. Additionally, accelerated trench retreat and upper plate extension are the cause of the Aegean’s high surface heat flow, which makes it potentially suitable for geothermal energy production. As a final perspective on the application of geodynamic research, an assessment of the role of tectonic modelling in predicting geothermal energy potential is presented, using the stretched Aegean upper plate as an example.La surface de la Terre est en permanence remodelée par les mouvements des plaques tectoniques, dont le moteur principal est la subduction, i.e. le plongement de plaques océaniques dans le manteau profond. Les fosses océaniques de subduction constituent également des limites de plaques mobiles, et les observations montrent que, sur des échelles de temps géologiques de plusieurs millions d’années, ces fosses reculent (vers la plaque plongeante) ou avancent (vers la plaque chevauchante/supérieure). Historiquement, le retrait de la fosse a été associé à une extension de la plaque supérieure au-dessus du panneau plongeant. Cependant, les zones de subduction sur Terre montrent plusieurs exemples de fosses en recul associées à des contraintes compressives. Cette thèse étudie la déformation (arrière-arc) de la plaque supérieure pour une subduction en retrait. Trois approches ont été utilisées : des modèles numériques explorant les processus physiques mis en jeu à grande échelle, des profils sismiques en mer Égée centrale permettant d’étudier la répartition des failles à l’échelle du bassin, et des observations de terrain pour caractériser l’évolution temporelle de la déformation de la plaque supérieure en mer Égée centrale. Les modèles thermo-mécaniques à grande échelle reproduisent une déformation visqueuse de la plaque supérieure, et permettent d’analyser les relations entre traction du slab, recul du slab, retrait de la fosse et déformation de la plaque supérieure, à des échelles allant de 100 à 1000 km. Ils montrent que des courants dans le manteau asthénosphérique sous les plaques (vers 100-200 km de profondeur) peuvent contrôler à la fois le mouvement relatif de la fosse et la déformation de la plaque supérieure. Cette dernière dépend également des conditions mécaniques aux limites: si la plaque est libre de bouger, sa déformation sera plutôt compressive ; mais une plaque fixe sera en extension. Ce dernier cas est comparable à la région de la mer Égée, une plaque supérieure montrant de l’extension et associée à une zone de subduction étroite en retrait. Les structures extensives associées ont été analysées grâce à l’observation sur le terrain et à l’étude de profils sismiques, révélant des failles normales, obliques et décrochantes synchrones. Cela est interprété comme résultant de la combinaison de contraintes extensives associées au recul de la fosse et de contraintes décrochantes associées à l’extrusion d’un bloc voisin. La rotation et le recul de la fosse réactivent d’anciennes failles normales dans un mode oblique-extensif, et engendrent des nouvelles failles purement normales. Les données suggèrent également un changement récent de l’état de contrainte mécanique dans la plaque, qui pourrait être dû à une déchirure du panneau plongeant côté Ouest. En sus, l’accélération du recul de la fosse et l’intensification de l’extension de la plaque supérieure expliquent probablement le flux de chaleur élevé en mer Égée, ce qui rend l’énergie géothermique potentiellement exploitable dans cette zone. Une évaluation de l’apport de la modélisation tectonique pour prédire le potentiel géothermique est finalement présentée comme perspective de l’application des recherches en géodynamique, s’appuyant sur l’exemple de la plaque supérieure égéenne amincie

Temporal Differences in the Emission and Atmospheric Dispersion of Particulate Matter From Waste and Drinking Water Treatment Facilities

Many countries encounter a growing shortage of water, and the reuse of treated or untreated wastewater is their main source. Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) are mainly designed to remove organic nutrients, large solids, and chemical substances. There are some possible issues regarding WWTPs that are close to residential areas around the world. One of the environmental effects from WWTP that might cause air pollution would be the emission of toxic chemical gases and microorganisms via aerosols that transport bacteria as well as viruses and fungal spores which can be harmful to human health. Therefore, particulate matters (PM) and metrological parameters samples were collected from four WWTPs to examine the spatial and temporal differences in their emissions and dispersions. Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to visualize the predicted PM concentrations from 50 meters to 500 meters around WWTPs sites. We found that there are some seasonal, treatment methods and daily statistical significance variations in the total particulate matters and particulate number by diameter between the four sites

An Investigation of Student Interaction Patterns and Teacher Feedback at a Saudi EFL University Context

The current study is guided by the assumption that classroom interaction plays a key role in enhancing the quality of learning and teaching in a classroom setting. In an EFL context as this study concerns classroom interaction becomes more essential as it cannot merely increase the opportunities for learning the language but also allow students to practise using the target language by participating in classroom activities and interacting with both their teachers and peers. To date, there have been many research studies conducted for the purpose of fostering student communication and interaction in language learning contexts. The current study aimed at investigating different patterns of classroom interaction take place in a particular English classrooms context. The IRF: Initiation, Response, and Feedback patterns of classroom discourse investigated in this study are one of the most common structures of classroom interaction. The study conducted an exploratory study using two qualitative methods (i.e. observation and interviews) to answer two main research questions. Particularly, how EFL teachers use the third feedback turn of interaction whether for evaluation feedback and then closure of the cycle of interaction at this level, or follow-up feedback to maintain the flow of interaction. The data of the study identified five functions of the feedback the teachers employed in the classrooms observed. It is found that the teachers use the feedback turns: to initiate new questions; to make the discourse more communicative; to promote student engagement and contributions; and lastly to provide an embedded and explicit evaluation. In addition, the study investigated the teachers’ perspectives of, and insights into, the functions of the feedback they provide. It is found that the teachers provided four different ways of scaffolding to extend student participation and communication. Finally, some contributions, implications for the context and recommendations are provided as well as some suggestions for improving classroom discourse in light of future consideration

Impact of oral health on cognitive functioning, decline and impairment among older adults in England

Several studies have assessed the association between oral health and cognition in the elderly, although very few studies have investigated the longitudinal association in England. Different theories have been reported in the literature explaining the potential pathways between oral health and cognitive impairment, including inflammatory and nutritional factors. Additionally, social factors are a significant risk factor for cognitive impairment and are also highly correlated with oral health. This thesis aimed to examine the association between various oral health measures with cognitive functioning, change of cognitive functioning over time, and cognitive impairment in a nationally representative sample of older English adults. Additionally, the inflammatory, nutritional and social pathways were assessed. Secondary data from wave 3 (2006-07) to wave 8 (2016-17) of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) were analysed. Three oral health measures were examined at baseline (wave 3) including self-reported oral health, oral impacts and edentulism. Cognitive functioning outcomes examined were memory using the word recall test and executive function using the animal naming test. Cognitive impairment was assessed at the follow-up wave 8 using the modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (mTICS). Linear regression was used to assess the association with cognitive functioning cross-sectionally and longitudinally, linear mixed-effects models were used to assess the association with the change of cognitive functioning over time, and time-lag logistic regression models were used to assess the association with the subsequent cognitive impairment. Finally, several Structural Equation Models (SEM) were used to analyse the potential pathways of the association between oral health and cognitive impairment. This thesis showed that edentulism significantly predicted lower memory and executive function; while self-reported oral health predicted lower memory only in the edentate sample. The thesis also showed weak evidence of oral impacts predicting memory decline, although the association was marginally non-significant in the full model. Edentulism and oral impacts were strong predictors of subsequent cognitive impairment, independent of many covariates. The association between edentulism and cognitive impairment was significantly mediated by social isolation and preceded by inflammation. The overall findings of this thesis highlights the importance of oral and cognitive health in a national sample of older people. The results highlight the opportunity for future research to examine the potential effect of oral health in preventing or slowing the onset of dementia

The PM19 protein : a functional analysis in Arabidopsis thaliana

The amino acid sequence of the trans-membrane protein, PM19, unique to the plant kingdom has been highly conserved over 450 million years of evolution in all plant genera including ferns and mosses, but is not found in aqueous plants such as algae. Thus, the function of this protein is possibly linked to the plant ability to grow on land. We have investigated the PM19 protein using a number of molecular biological tools in Arabidopsis thaliana. Gene expression studies using bioinformatics, northern blotting and promoter-GUS fusions show that the AtPM19 gene is highly expressed in seeds and seedlings, in addition to expression observed in leaves under drought stress. A translational fusion with GFP reveals that the protein is located in the plasma membrane. T-DNA insertion mutants have a germination phenotype; the mutant is more sensitive to high levels of salts in the medium, and in addition, the mutant has a lower stomatal conductance indicative of reduced guard cell turgor. The predicted secondary structure of the protein and the mutant phenotype suggest that PM19 may be a cation transporter and this is being tested by functional complementation of yeast mutants

Corporal Punishment In Schools: Theoretical Discussion And Personal Experience

This paper ponders the lasting effects of corporal punishment on students. The paper first considers the benefits and faults of corporal punishment by comparing the experiences of two generations of students and teachers. Starting with the definition of corporal punishment as applied locally and globally, the paper analyzes the reasons for its use, and the rationale of those who defend its legitimacy. The paper concludes with a discussion of the impact of the decision to ban corporal punishment in Saudi Arabian schools on Saudi students and its consequences from the students’ perspective

Towards the development of a problem solver for the monitoring and control of instrumentation in a grid environment

This paper considers the issues involved in developing a generic problem solver to be used within a grid environment for the monitoring and control of instrumentation. The specific feature of such an environment is that the type of data to be processed, as well as the problem, is not always known in advance. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a problem solver architecture that addresses this issue. We propose to analyze the performance of the problem solving algorithms available within the WEKA toolkit and determine a decision tree of the best performing algorithm for a given type of data. For this purpose the algorithms have been tested using 51 datasets either drawn from publicly available repositories or generated in a grid-enabled environmen

Gerontology course in the nursing undergraduate curricula

Objective To explores nursing faculty members’ attitudes towards older people, their thoughts about gerontological nursing education. Method Five focus groups and a survey were used with nursing faculty members 132 at the three nursing schools to explore their attitudes towards the care of older people and the perceived status of gerontological nursing education. The survey was given to 132 faculty members, including 76 clinical instructors, 40 associate professors and 16 professors. The nursing faculty in general had a positive attitude toward older people (M=3.36, SD 0.25), and teachers’ attitudes were higher than those of their nursing students (M=3.18, SD0.29). Results This study results suggests that Saudi nursing curricula should include more extensive gerontology content and clinical experience with older people. Conclusion This is the first time in Saudi Arabia that research has listened to their voices and examined their commitments toward gerontology education.
Objetivo Explorar a atitude dos docentes de enfermagem em relação às pessoas mais velhas e suas reflexões sobre o ensino de enfermagem gerontológica nos currículos de graduação em enfermagem na Arábia Saudita. Método Uma pesquisa com cinco grupos focais foi utilizada com membros do corpo docente, nas três escolas de enfermagem. O levantamento contou com 132 membros, incluindo 76 instrutores clínicos, 40 professores associados e 16 professores. A faculdade de enfermagem em geral teve uma atitude positiva para com os idosos (M = 3,36, DP 0,25) e as atitudes dos professores foram mais elevadas do que os de seus alunos de enfermagem (M = 3,18, SD0.29). Resultados Sugerem que os currículos de enfermagem Sauditas devem incluir um conteúdo mais extenso em gerontologia e experiência clínica com as pessoas mais velhas. Conclusão Esta foi a primeira vez na Arábia Saudita, que a pesquisa ouviu suas vozes e examinou os seus compromissos para com a educação gerontológica.
Objetivo Explorar la actitud de los docentes de enfermería con relación a las personas mayores y sus reflexiones acerca de la enseñanza de enfermería gerontológica en los currículos de grado de enfermería en Arabia Saudita. Método Una investigación con cinco grupos focales fue utilizada con miembros del cuerpo docente, en las tres escuelas de enfermería. El relevamiento contó con 132 miembros, incluyéndose a 76 instructores clínicos, 40 profesores asociados y 16 profesores. La facultad de enfermería, en general, tuvo una actitud positiva ante los ancianos (M = 3,36, DP 0,25) y las actitudes de los profesores fueron más elevadas que las de sus alumnos de enfermería (M = 3,18, SD0.29). Resultados Sugieren que los currículos de enfermería sauditas deban incluir un contenido más extensivo en gerontología y experiencia clínica con las personas mayores. Conclusión Esta fue la primera vez que la investigación oyó las voces de Arabia Saudita y examinó sus compromisos con relación a la educación gerontológica.