Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of public perceptions of authenticity of urban heritage under the conservation paradigm of Historic Urban Landscape—a case study of the Five Avenues Historic District in Tianjin, China

ABSTRACT Cities are the carrier of culture and collective memory of a place. Nowadays, however, there are already globally developed frameworks for the conservation of tangible urban heritage with the loss of historic meaning, which means, the public (including local residents and tourists) can hardly perceive the authenticity of urban heritage in the modern society. As a result, few of them can understand the identity and historical layering process of the city. From the perspective of Historic Urban Landscape (HUL), this paper sets out the experience and approaches of public perceptions of authenticity through literature review and comments data mining, and takes the Five Avenues Historic District in Tianjin as a case study in order to propose strategies for enhancing public perceptions of authenticity of urban heritage. By doing this, the public can have a better understanding of the meaning of urban heritage, which would contribute to its distinctive identity, as well as the management of change.
Being a Woman in an ICT Job: An Analysis of the Gender Pay Gap and Discrimination in Spain

"Despite policy initiatives aimed at promoting female access to jobs, the information and communication technology (ICT) professions have traditionally been largely monopolised by men. Segregation, gendered stereotypes and environmental factors have a clear impact on educational and professional choices, as well as on working conditions. The spread of ICT to all economic activities has meant that ICT specialists are now to be found everywhere, not only in the ICT sector where many stereotypes related to technical jobs persist. This work aims to analyse the gender wage gap and discrimination in ICT professions, with the emphasis on how working in an ICT‐intensive industry might affect that situation. The study uses the Spanish Earning Structure Survey data for 2014, and applies wage decomposition techniques to the wage distribution. The results show that female ICT professionals face unfavorable working conditions, especially in highly qualified jobs and in ICT‐intensive industries. "
Site managers’ ICT tools for monitoring resources in refurbishment

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse site managers’ ICT preferences for monitoring resource use in refurbishment projects. Design/methodology/approach Information and communication technologies (ICT) developments for the construction industry are increasing the scope for more efficient planning and monitoring of refurbishment projects. The analysis is based on the unified theory of acceptance and the use of technology model. After a short initial survey, a Swedish web/postal questionnaire has received 78 responses from refurbishment site managers, implying a 34 per cent response rate. Findings Managerial choices related to ICT depend more on perceived performance expectancy than on effort expectancy. Large projects and larger firms are associated with more extensive ICT use. Site managers see little need to link to refurbishment clients’ ICT systems. Performance expectancy and age are found to influence ICT choices. Practical implications Site managers play a crucial role in everyday use of ICT tools in the construction industry. The outcome of this investigation is useful for developing digital support, including applications of building information modelling, to improve refurbishment site practices. Originality/value Much has been written about ICT support for new construction practices, but not much attention has been paid to refurbishment site managers’ media choices.
A Novel Dead Zone Reaching Law of Discrete-Time Sliding Mode Control With Disturbance Compensation

In this paper, a novel dead zone sliding mode reaching law with disturbance compensation is developed for uncertain discrete-time systems. The reaching law is established based on the dead zone function and a high-order disturbance compensator, which estimates and compensates the disturbance by the high-order difference function. The exponential function, which is constructed based on the switching function, is employed to regulate the control gains. Different from existing similar works, the presented new reaching law has the ability to obtain a quasi-sliding mode (QSM) with an adjustable order $O(T^{n+ 1})$ boundary layer. Hence, much smaller ultimate magnitude of the QSM domain (QSMD) can be guaranteed and the chattering can be further mitigated. Moreover, system dynamics in and out the decrement band and the QSMD is theoretically analyzed. Numerical simulations are employed to demonstrate the superiority of the developed new method.
A New Outer-Rotor Hybrid-Excited Flux-Switching Machine Employing the HTS Homopolar Topology

Currently, studies of flux switching machines are actively underway owing to several advantages of these machines, including their sturdy rotor structure and high output capability. This paper deals with an outer-rotor hybrid-excited flux-switching machine (FSM). The proposed machine embraces a homopolar structure and utilizes permanent magnets (PMs) for field excitation and a high-temperature superconducting (HTS) coil for flux regulation. The stator houses the HTS field coil, PMs, and armature windings. The outer rotor consists solely of an iron core. Thus, the machines are cost effective and can serve as a solution to the design and fabrication complexities of field current supplying and cooling systems. In this paper, the machine performance outcomes are analyzed using the 3D finite element method (FEM), and the validity of the proposed machine is verified.
Current Ripple Characterization in DCM Interleaved Power Converters Under Inductance Mismatch

This brief proposes a thorough methodology for the steady-state characterization of input and output current ripples in discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) interleaved power converters, under inductance mismatch. The proposal analyzes total ripple for any number of phases, any inductance ratio and operating point. Furthermore, calculation of amplitude, rms value and harmonic content of total input and output current ripples is presented. Experimental tests on a 5-phase boost converter are conducted under different conditions to verify the presented method.
Product defects are not created equal: prioritizing production process improvements

Abstract Despite manufacturers’ efforts to improve quality, customers frequently experience product defects. Based on expectation confirmation theory, hypotheses concerning the effects of experiencing product defects on overall quality perceptions and loyalty to the product manufacturer have been developed and tested. Our results show that experiencing product defects related to performance, ease of use, prestige and versatility damages overall quality perceptions and decrease customer loyalty to the product manufacturer, either fully or partially mediated through overall quality perceptions. Contrary to frequent claims in the literature, experiencing even a single product defect per quality dimension damages customers’ quality perceptions. Furthermore, different types of product defect damage customer perceptions of product quality and loyalty to the manufacturer differently. Building on these results, we develop a defect typology and a portfolio visualization that allows operations managers to prioritize production process improvements.
A Case Study for Reliability Evaluation of an External Computer Power Supply

Abstract This paper analyzes the reliability calculation method and elaborates on lifetime implications for an external computer power supply unit. Calculation is performed following MIL-HDBK-217 specifications for reliability of each individual module and the paper can be seen as an example for using this method. Design of the power supply is constrained due to requirements for safety of consumer products, and this somewhat influences the lifetime and reliability aspects. This paper provides a clear perspective on contribution of protection circuits to total reliability. The output capacitor bank yields as the most critical component and options for reliability improvement are next discussed. The effect of voltage derating and the effect of capacitor technology improvement are quantified through calculation of the system reliability and lifetime. Bringing into discussion real numerical values for failure rates, this paper helps knowledge development in the upcoming field of reliability of power converters.
Dynamic performance of a vehicular bridge with lightweight FRP composite structural elements

The lightweight nature and low stiffness of fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) structures combined with low material damping may lead to excessive structural vibration and may increase the dynamic amplification of deformations and stresses in FRP bridge structures. The paper provides a short review on dynamic characterization of existing vehicular bridge superstructures madeof FRP structural components. Against the backdrop of a worldwide review the paper presents a field study on the dynamic characteristics of the hybrid FRP – concrete bridge superstructure recently built in Poland. The dynamic amplification factor, the first natural frequencyand the damping ratio were experimentally determined in static and dynamic load tests and compared with the relevant codes and requirements. The paper concludes by summarizing challenges related to structural dynamics of bridge superstructures with FRP structural components.
Prediction of Ultimate Axial Capacity of Square Concrete-Filled Steel Tubular Short Columns Using a Hybrid Intelligent Algorithm

It is crucial to study the axial compression behavior of concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) columns to ensure the safe operation of engineering structures. The restriction between steel tubular and core concrete in CFSTs is complex and the relationship between geometric and material properties and axial compression behavior is highly nonlinear. These challenges have prompted the use of soft computing methods to predict the ultimate bearing capacity (abbreviated as Nu) under axial compression. Taking the square CFST short column as an example, a mass of experimental data is obtained through axial compression tests. Combined with support vector machine (SVM) and particle swarm optimization (PSO), this paper presents a new method termed PSVM (SVM optimized by PSO) for Nu value prediction. The nonlinear relationship in Nu value prediction is efficiently represented by SVM, and PSO is used to select the model parameters of SVM. The experimental dataset is utilized to verify the reliability of the PSVM model, and the prediction performance of PSVM is compared with that of traditional design methods and other benchmark models. The proposed PSVM model provides a better prediction of the ultimate axial capacity of square CFST short columns. As such, PSVM is an efficient alternative method other than empirical and theoretical formulas.
Exact results for a quantum many body problem in one-dimension

We continue our previous investigation of the properties of a system of either fermions or bosons interacting in one dimension by a two-body potential $V(\mathcal{r})=\frac{g}{{\mathcal{r}}^{2}}$ with periodic boundary conditions. A method is introduced which provides a physically intuitive description of the excited states. The energies are given explicitly for finite and infinite systems, including all corrections due to quasiparticle interaction. The method is shown to apply to other one-dimensional systems as well. In particular, the results are applied to a classical one-dimensional $N$-body model of Dyson\char22{}the Coulomb gas in a Brownian medium.
Locking plate fixation of mid-shaft clavicle fractures: analysis of complications, reoperation rates and functional outcome

Introduction: Clavicle fractures account for about 5-10% of all fractures and most of these fractures are located in the middle third of clavicle. Traditionally, these fractures have been treated by conservative methods. In recent years, surgical fixation of these fractures is becoming a prefered method of treatment and locking plate fixation is a commonly used mode of osteosynthesis. However, the functional results and complications of locking plate fixation documented in the literature are not clear and often conflicting. So the aim of this study is to analyse the results of locking plate osteosynthesis of mid-shaft clavicle fractures. Objective: To study complications, reoperation rates and functional outcome of clavicle fractures treated with locking plate osteosynthesis. Methods: Sixty Seven cases of mid-shaft clavicle fractures who underwent locking plate fixation in our orthopaedic department from January 2013 to December 2016 were identified. Those patients who attended regular follow-up and had recorded Constant-Murley Scores (CMS) were included. Seven patients who did not attend regular follow-up or had incomplete records were excluded from analysis. The study group comprising 60 patients were analysed for complications and functional outcome by studying patient records and x-rays. Results: There was one case of failure of fixation with non-union and 8 patients had their plate removed for discomfort. Overall, there were 92 % excellent to good, 5% fair and 3% poor results. There were no cases of infection. Conclusion: The locking plate osteosynthesis gives good to excellent functional outcome in most of the patients. It helps with early mobilisation and prevents shoulder stiffness. The overall rate of implant failure and non-union after plate fixation is low. The necessity of removal of implant in significant number of patients should be kept in mind.
Accuracy Comparison of Coastal Wind Speeds between WRF Simulations Using Different Input Datasets in Japan

In order to improve the accuracy of the wind speed simulated by a mesoscale model for the wind resource assessment in coastal areas, this study evaluated the effectiveness of using the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)’s latest and finest (2 km × 2 km) grid point value (GPV) data, produced from the local forecast model (LFM) as input data to the mesoscale model. The evaluation was performed using wind lidar measurements at two sites located on the coasts of the Sea of Japan and Pacific Ocean. The accuracy of the LFM–GPV was first compared with that of two products from the JMA Meso Scale Model (MSM) (5 km × 5 km): MSM-GPV and mesoscale analysis (MANAL). Consequently, it was shown that LFM–GPV exhibited the most accurate wind speeds against lidar measurements. Next, dynamical downscaling simulations were performed using the weather research and forecasting model (WRF) forced by the three datasets above, and their results were compared. As compared to the GPVs, it was found that the WRF dynamical downscaling simulation using them as input can improve the accuracy of the coastal wind speeds. This was attributed to the advantage of the WRF simulation to improve the negative bias from the input data, especially for the winds blowing from the sea sectors. It was also found that even if the LFM–GPV is used as an input to the WRF simulation, it does not always reproduce more accurate wind speeds, as compared to the simulations using the other two datasets. This result is partly owing to the tendency of WRF to overestimate the wind speed over land, thus obscuring the higher accuracy of the LFM–GPV. It was also shown that the overestimation tendency cannot be improved by only changing the nudging methods or the planetary boundary layer schemes in WRF. These results indicate that it may be difficult to utilize the LFM–GPV in the WRF wind simulation, unless the overestimation tendency of WRF itself is improved first.
OHMIC HEATING AS ALTERNATIVE PRESERVATION TECHNIQUE - A REVIEW

The quest for new technologies in heating has drawn the attention of researchers to focus on energy saving and efficient techniques in heating food materials. Ohmic heating is one of these technologies because it heats both phases of food (liquid and solid) simultaneously by internal energy generated from electrical power. Using this method, the product undergoes minimum structural damage, retains its nutritional value, and is processed within a shorter time than with conventional heating methods. The technique also gives excellent processed quality products with lower energy cost. The heat energy generated during ohmic heating is transferred directly into the foods. The electrical conductivity of food products is linear with different temperature ranges and varies with heating time, food structure, and its constituents. As such, ohmic heating can be applied in different pre-processing and processing operations like drying, evaporation, dehydration, blanching, fermentation, extraction, sterilization, and pasteurization. This paper highlights ohmic heating as an emerging alternative novel heating technology to meet the demand for industrial and domestic food processing. Recommendations were made for further research to provide a more robust analysis of ohmic heating performance.
Gray market's product quality in the circular economy era

Gray market occurs when a product is diverted from a market to another without the authorisation of the manufacturer. Conventional wisdom believes that (a) the manufacturer should increase product quality as consumer valuation increases, (b) gray market dilutes the manufacturer's incentive to invest in quality, (c) gray products flow from a low-value market to a high-value one, and (d) the manufacturer can decrease product differentiation across regions to curb gray diversion. This paper provides another look by analysing a game-theoretic model wherein one manufacturer sells a product in two markets, a high-value market and a low-value one, each of which contains one single authorised retailer. Using a game-theoretic approach, we find that (a) in the absence of a gray market, the manufacturer may decrease product quality as consumer valuation increases, (b) a unilateral gray market, which diverts products from the low- to the high-value market, can motivate the manufacturer to improve quality, (c) there may exist two gray markets simultaneously: one diverts products from the low- to the high-value market, and the other occurs along the reverse direction, and (d) when quality can be differentiated across markets, the manufacturer might increase quality differentiation in order to manage gray market.
Expressing Personalities of Conversational Agents through Visual and Verbal Feedback

As the uses of conversational agents increase, the affective and social abilities of agents become important with their functional abilities. Agents that lack affective abilities could frustrate users during interaction. This study applied personality to implement the natural feedback of conversational agents referring to the concept of affective computing. Two types of feedback were used to express conversational agents’ personality: (1) visual feedback and (2) verbal cues. For visual feedback, participants (N = 45) watched visual feedback with different colors and motions. For verbal cues, participants (N = 60) heard different conditions of agents’ voices with different scripts. The results indicated that the motions of visual feedback were more significant than colors. Fast motions could express distinct and positive personalities. Different verbal cues were perceived as different personalities. The perceptions of personalities differed according to the vocal gender. This study provided design implications for personality expressions applicable to diverse interfaces.
Insights from big Data Analytics in supply chain management: an all-inclusive literature review using the SCOR model

Abstract When supply chain management (SCM) intersects with Big Data Analytics (BDA), uncountable opportunities for research emerge. Unfortunately, how analytics can be applied to supply chain processes is still unclear for both academics and industries. To better connect SC processes needs and what BDA offer, we present a structured review of academic literature that addresses BDA methods in SCM using the supply chain operations reference (SCOR) model. The literature since 2001 is reviewed to provide a taxonomy framework resulting in a nomenclature grids and a SCOR-BDA matrix. The most important result of this paper indicates a clear disparity and points to an urgent need to bring the efforts closer in a collaborative way for more intelligent use of BDA in SCM. Furthermore, this paper highlights a misalignment between data scientists and SC managers in BDA applicability. It also highpoints upcoming research tracks and the main gaps that need to be stunned.
Experimental and Numerical Study of the Flow and Heat Transfer in a Bubbly Turbulent Flow in a Pipe with Sudden Expansion

The flow patterns and heat transfer of a downstream bubbly flow in a sudden pipe expansion are experimentally and numerically studied. Measurements of the bubble size were performed using shadow photography. Fluid phase velocities were measured using a PIV system. The numerical model was employed the Eulerian approach. The set of RANS equations was used for modelling two-phase bubbly flows. The turbulence of the carrier liquid phase was predicted using the Reynolds stress model. The peak of axial and radial fluctuations of the carrier fluid (liquid) velocity in the bubbly flow is observed in the shear layer. The addition of air bubbles resulted in a significant increase in the heat transfer rate (up to 300%). The main enhancement in heat transfer is observed after the point of flow reattachment.
Force evaluation of electrostatic gripper with arrayed fibers consisting of parallel and coaxial electrodes

Electrostatic gripper is a technology that has seen many advancements in the last few decades. Its popularity among researchers is due mainly to many advantages it offers, e.g. its ability of a simple force control by adjusting the applied voltage to the electrodes. The electrostatic gripper with voltages of positive and negative polarities is particularly deemed promising as it can handle various materials, especially dielectrics, by the principle of polarization due to the electric fields. In this work, an electrostatic gripper with a beam-array structure made of conductive polymeric fibers is considered. The structure of coaxial electrodes has been understood to sport a superior performance; however no comparative analysis has been reported so far. Thus, this work offers an empirical comparison between fibers consisting of coaxial and parallel electrodes by experiments which are validated by numerical simulations. Furthermore, utilizing numerical simulations, design guidelines, especially concerning the voltage polarity patterns are established. The results are expected to shed an insight toward the development of a full-fledged electrostatic gripper for industrial use.