Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Team Decision-Making Strategies: Implications for Designing the Interface in Complex Tasks

Two longitudinal experiments were designed to challenge teams performing a time-critical aircraft identification task (Team Argus). In the first experiment, it was predicted that teams would use different strategies to maintain performance across increasing levels of time pressure. However, at some point these strategies would become inadequate, and performance would not be recoverable. The identification of these critical temporal stress levels and strategies suggested interface design modifications that would help teams maintain performance longer. The findings obtained were then used to inform improved interface designs, that would mediate the effects of time pressure. The successfulness of these interface changes were evaluated in the second experiment, comparing team performance on the same task using perceptually-aided and cognitively-aided interfaces and the original un-aided interface.
Études des marqueurs de compétence exprimés dans les cellules folliculaires afin d'améliorer l'évaluation de la qualité des ovules chez l'humain

Embryo selection efficiency for single embryo transfer in human fertility treatment is still impaired by low pregnancy rates because evaluation methods based on embryo morphology for predicting embryo quality have significant limitations. To overcome this situation, usually more than one embryo are transferred in patient, leading to high risk of multiple pregnancies associated with important health risk to both mother and child. Therefore, the development of an accurate method to select high quality embryos is essential to achieve high pregnancy rates with single embryo transfer. Tight communication exists between the follicular cells (FCs) and the oocyte during follicle maturation to achieve developmental competence. In this way, markers in the surrounding FCs could determine oocyte developmental competence. In this work, we have identified 10 potential FCs markers involved in oocyte developmental competence. Five markers, 3βHSD1, FDX1, SERPINE2, CYP19A and CDC42 were significantly more expressed in pooled samples of FCs associated to an embryo leading to a pregnancy compared to FCs from embryos with failure in their development. In individual patients presenting both embryo with pregnancy results and embryo with failure in its development, we have identified four markers, PGK1, RGS2, RGS3 and again CDC42 associated to pregnancy results. The best predictors for ongoing pregnancy were PGK1 and RGS2. Finally, four markers, PHLDA1, UGP2 and again PGK1 and CDC42 were associated to pregnancy outcome in FCs related to follicles associated with good morphological transferred embryos with or without pregnancy results. Most of these markers could be related to granulosa luteinisation process. The identification of these markers of follicular competence paves the way on a possible application in fertility clinic in order to improve embryo selection in human assisted reproduction. The development of a predictive model based on FCs gene expression and embryo morphology evaluation could be useful to select in a same patient the most promising embryo to give a pregnancy.
An efficient new job release control methodology

This paper presents a new job release methodology: WIPLOAD Control (WIPLCtrl), which is a workload limited release methodology for the overall shop floor. The behaviour of WIPLCtrl is analyzed using the Markov process model of a transfer line system to observe the potential advantage of WIPLCtrl relative to the conventional measure of system workload using the WIP level. A simulation experiment is then conducted considering a simplified semiconductor wafer fabrication system. The performance of WIPLCtrl is compared with that of an open-loop release methodology and three other closed-loop workload limited release methodologies. A case study is also carried out by simulating a real-life wafer fabrication, considering the complexities and the distinguishing features of semiconductor manufacturing. The experimental results indicate that WIPLCtrl is an efficient job release methodology, capable of reducing both the mean and the standard deviation of the cycle time for a given throughput level. The performance .
Analysis of the transistor converter of power together with energy dosage for the inductive heating and welding of steel tubes

This paper deals with the analysis and calculation of characteristic values of the transistor converter of power with energy dosage that can be used for inductive heating and welding. First, the analysis of the current solutions is taken into account, then the disadvantages of certain calculation methods and algorithms are identified, and finally, new theoretical approaches in the calculation of converter parameters are presented. New formulae make it possible for the calculations to be more precise which can be confirmed by the numerical example to do with the problem solving in practice.
CLASS 8 TRUCK EMISSIONS TESTING: EFFECTS OF TEST CYCLES AND DATA ON BIODIESEL OPERATION

Design of cycles for chassis emissions testing of heavy duty trucks is in its infancy, and no cycle truly representative of in-use behavior of trucks with manual transmissions is currently available. Class 8 tractors were tested for emissions using two Transportable Heavy Duty chassis dynamometer systems. The vehicles were tested on diesel and biodiesel using the West Virginia University WVU 5 peak cycle, which has prescribed accelerations, cruise sections, and decelerations and covers a 5 mile (8 km) distance. Also, a test cycle that was similar, but employed maximum acceleration rates under the control of the driver was used: this was termed the “ WVU 5 mile route”. Emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) and particulate matter (PM) were substantially higher for the WVU 5 mile route than for the WVU 5 peak cycle, which can be explained in terms of air:fuel ratio. Emissions of hydrocarbons (HC) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) were less affected. The WVU 5 mile route may be favored in the future in that it examines full load emissions. To compare emissions between vehicles fueled with No. 2 diesel (D2) and a blend of 65% D2 with 35% soy biodiesel (BD35), eight class 8 tractors were operated through the WVU 5 peak cycle. Emissions of CO, HC and PM were lower on average for the BD35 when used in newer Detroit Diesel Series 60 350 hp (261 kW) engines and 1989 Cummins 855 in.3 (14 L) 315 hp (235 kW) engines, but for 1989 Mack E-6 350 hp (261 kW) engines, only CO was lower. Emissions of NOx were slightly higher on average for all three-engine types with the BD35. Differences in many cases were small, as were sample sizes, so that additional data is desirable before reaching definitive conclusions.
Safety and survival data in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis treated with nintedanib: pooled data from six clinical trials

Introduction Nintedanib slows disease progression in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) by reducing the rate of decline in forced vital capacity, with an adverse event profile that is manageable for most patients. We used data from six clinical trials to characterise the safety and tolerability profile of nintedanib and to investigate its effects on survival. Methods Data from patients treated with ≥1 dose of nintedanib 150 mg two times per day or placebo in the 52-week TOMORROW trial and/or its open-label extension; the two 52-week INPULSIS trials and/or their open-label extension, INPULSIS-ON; and a Phase IIIb trial with a placebo-controlled period of ≥6 months followed by open-label nintedanib were pooled. All adverse events, irrespective of causality, were included in descriptive analyses. Parametric survival distributions were fit to pooled Kaplan-Meier survival data from the trials and extrapolated to estimate long-term survival. Results There were 1126 patients in the pooled nintedanib group and 565 patients in the pooled placebo group. The mean duration of nintedanib treatment was 28 months. No new safety signals were observed. Incidence rates of bleeding, liver enzyme elevations and cardiovascular events were consistent with those observed in the INPULSIS trials. Diarrhoea was reported at a lower event rate in the pooled nintedanib group than in nintedanib-treated patients in the INPULSIS trials (76.5 vs 112.6 events per 100 patient exposure-years) and infrequently led to permanent treatment discontinuation (3.6 events per 100 patient exposure-years). Based on the Weibull distribution, mean (95% CI) survival was estimated as 11.6 (9.6, 14.1) years in nintedanib-treated patients and 3.7 (2.5, 5.4) years in placebo-treated patients. Conclusions Based on pooled data from six clinical trials, the adverse event profile of nintedanib was manageable for most patients. Exploratory analyses based on extrapolation of survival data suggest that nintedanib extends life expectancy in patients with IPF.
Economic order quantity (EOQ) versus just‐in‐time (JIT) purchasing: an alternative analysis in the ready‐mixed concrete industry

The literature on the use of just‐in‐time (JIT) and economic order quantity (EOQ) purchasing has increasingly favoured JIT in recent years, especially when firms are purchasing to meet high and consistent levels of demand, and the JIT operation can take advantage of inventory physical plant space reduction. The theoretical advantages of JIT purchasing may have been overstated. Two new concepts are developed to underpin the idea that, even if the JIT approach can induce inventory physical plant space reduction, it is possible for EOQ to be more cost effective, as the inventory demand approaches the break‐even point between the function of the annual holding capacity of an inventory facility and the function of the EOQ–JIT cost indifference point. The survey and case study conducted in the ready‐mixed concrete industry in Singapore support this proposition.
Reduced Postoperative Pain after Inguinal Hernia Repair with Absorbable String in Children

Object: To investigate effects of the high ligation of hernia sac with absorbable string for children with indirect inguinal hernia. Method: A retrospective analysis of 92 patients with inguinal hernia who underwent the high ligation of hernia sac was conducted in the present study, in which 20 cases underwent the high ligation of hernia sac with absorbable string while 72 cases treated with the high ligation of hernia sac with non-absorbable suture. The mean operation time, mean intraoperative blood loss and average postoperative hospital stay and postoperative pain rating were analyzed. Results: Though no statistical difference existed in the mean operation time, mean intraoperative blood loss, average postoperative hospital stay between the two groups (P>0.05). However, the postoperative pain in the high ligation of hernia sac with absorbable string group was significantly lower than that of the non-absorbable group. Conclusion: Compared with that of the high ligation of hernia sac with non-absorbable string, there is lower grade postoperative pain in the high ligation with absorbable suture.
Prevalencia de enfermedades pulpares y periapicales en pacientes geriátricos: Mérida, Yucatán, México

Introduction: medical, psychological and biological factors should be carefully considered by health professionals when dealing with elderly patients, for this age group is more prone to a number of conditions, among them pulpal and periapical disease. Objective: determine the prevalence of pulpal and periapical disease among patients aged 60 and over attending the School of Dentistry of the Autonomous University of Yucatan, Mexico. Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional observational prospective study was conducted. The study universe was composed of the patients attending the Outpatient Clinic at the School of Dentistry of the Autonomous University of Yucatan, Mexico, from August to December 2012. The sample was 74 patients aged 60 and over with some pulpal or periapical condition who accepted to participate in the study. An interview was conducted based on a dental history form allowing patients to describe their pain experience in a brief, descriptive, organized manner. Clinical examination was performed, as well as pulpal tests: thermal, percussion and palpation, and a radiographic study. Analysis was based on descriptive statistics and chi square tests. Results: 108 dental organs were examined. 41.67 % (n= 45) presented the following pulpal pathologies: reversible pulpitis 22.22 % (n= 10), irreversible pulpitis 57.78 % (n= 26) and pulp necrosis 20 % (n= 9). 58.33 % (n= 63) presented the following periapical pathologies: acute apical periodontitis 42.85 % (n= 27), chronic apical periodontitis 15.87 % (n= 10), apical cyst 1.58 % (n= 1), acute apical abscess 27 % (n= 17) and chronic apical abscess 12.70 % (n= 8). Conclusion: no significant differences were found between the number of teeth with pulpal disease and the number of teeth with periapical disease in this age group.
The Use of Game-Based Student Response Systems during Revision Class to Access Students Performance in Operating System Course

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the use of Game-Based Student Response Systems (GSRS) can increase students’ motivation and engagement to perform better in DFC10103 Operating System course in Polytechnic Ungku Omar. This study was conducted by using a quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test groups and survey method is used to obtain the data from the participants. The study group consists of 72 operating system course students (Control Group, 36; Treatment Group, 36). Pre-test was given to both groups in order to assess their current performance in this course. Then, revision was done using the GSRS (Kahoot! , Quizizz and Socrative) for the treatment group while a conventional paper-based revision method was carried out with the control group. A post-test was done after the revision class for both groups. After completing the post-test, questionnaire were distributed to the treatment group. Data is analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science software. The result for post-test shows the treatment group obtained increment in mean percentage as 22.31% compared to control group. The response given by the participants in the questionnaire shows that the application of GSRS during revision week helped them to stay motivated and engaged in their classroom. Therefore, the outcome shows that GSRS can be a promising and innovative tool for educators to engage with their students in creative learning and attractive competition.
On the Use of Design Spectrum Compatible Time Histories

To a designer of a nonlinear structure, there is nothing more attractive than a real or fictitious ground motion time history whose response spectrum matches the target design spectrum. Frequency-domain scaled, design spectrum compatible time histories (DSCTH) are widely used in analysis and design of special structures, particularly seismic-isolated buildings. Their use has been even mandated by some code provisions. At the first glance, it seems that DSCTH records furnish designers of earthquake resistant structures with a consistency and compatibility bridge between the two very different worlds of elastic and inelastic response. Closer examination, as presented in this paper, reveal however that there are significant potential problems associated with uncontrolled use of DSCTH records in seismic design. It is shown that the use of design spectrum compatible time histories can lead to exaggeration of displacement demand and energy input. This in turn can distort the expected performance of the structure when subjected to design earthquake ground motions.
Strawberry Extract as a Tooth Stain Remover

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of strawberry extract with100%, 75%, 50% and 25% concentration in cleaning the extrinsic stain on the teeth. The sample of the study was 32 permanent anterior teeth that were already extracted, consisting of each 16 maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth and all samples have an extrinsic stain. The samples were randomly divided into 4 groups, each group consisting of 8 teeth was treated by applying the strawberry extract with the concentrations of 100%, 75%, 50% and 25%. After 5 minutes, the teeth were rinsed and dried. The study was conducted in vitro for five consecutive days with twice treatment daily. Intensity Score and Extension Score of the stain were measured using the Lobene Stain Index. All samples experienced a decrease in both the Intensity and Extension Scores, the largest decrease in Intensity and Extension Score were obtained from strawberry extracts with concentration of 100%. The significant decrease in the Intensity Score occurs on the third day and continues until the fourth and fifth days, while the significant decrease in the Extention Score occurs on the fourth day and continues until the fifth day. The four group of the strawberry extract concentrations gave a decrease in the score, which distinguishes the treatment frequency. The higher the concentration, the frequency would be less in lowering stain score, whereas at low concentration the decrease of score require more frequency. Keywords: Extrinsic stain, Strawberry extract
The application of the point matching method to the analysis of microstrip lines with finite metallization thickness

The characteristics of a shielded microstrip line with finite metallization thickness are calculated using the point matching method (PMM). The advantage in this case is that the method does not depend on a special geometry of the strip metallization. The approach used is based on satisfying the boundary conditions at discrete boundary points. Numerical results are presented to assert the validity of this approach in cases of large values of strip width-to-thickness ratio. It is found that an increase in the strip thickness is always associated with difficulties in convergence. The examples presented call attention to the necessity of proving the validity of the obtained solutions by other criteria. This is because good convergence behavior of the effective dielectric constant does not always guarantee the correct characteristic impedance or field distribution. In particular, the field distribution is considered as a reliable check for the numerical results. >
Influence of Design Criteria on the Seismic Reliability of X-braced Frames

According to the most modern trend, performance-based seismic design is aimed at the evaluation of the seismic risk defined as the mean annual frequency of exceeding a threshold level of damage, i.e., a limit state. A procedure for performance-based seismic assessment is herein briefly summarized and applied to concentrically “X” braced steel frames, designed according to different criteria. In particular, two design approaches are examined. The first one corresponds to the provisions suggested by Eurocode 8, while the second approach is based on a rigorous application of the capacity design criteria aiming to the control of the failure mode, as suggested in a companion article. The aim of the presented work is to focus on the seismic reliability obtained through these design methodologies. The probabilistic approach is based on an appropriate combination of probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA), probabilistic seismic demand analysis (PSDA), and probabilistic seismic capacity analysis (PSCA). Regarding PSDA, nonlinear dynamic analyses have been carried out in order to obtain the parameters describing the probability distributions of demand, conditioned to given values of the earthquake intensity measure. It is demonstrated how the proposed design method leads to a very important improvement of the seismic performances with a negligible increase of the overall building cost.
Deformation capacity of ultra‐high strength concrete flexural elements subjected to inelastic load reversals

Ductility and plastic rotational capacity of flexural elements constructed with concrete strengths up to 175 MPa were investigated experimentally. Ten exterior beam–column sub‐assemblages were tested under cyclic displacements that represented a severe seismic event. The test variables included the concrete strength, the bottom/top reinforcement ratio, the transverse reinforcement ratio, and the shear‐span‐to‐depth ratio. The increase of concrete brittleness with the higher strength concretes did not inhibit the reinforced concrete flexural elements from attaining comparable ductility and deformation capacity with respect to counterpart elements constructed with normal strength concrete. However, the maximum concrete strength that could be used in achieving highly ductile elements depended on the other test variables of the beam element including the bottom/top reinforcement ratio, the transverse reinforcement ratio in the hinge region, and the shear‐span‐to‐depth ratio. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of initial soil water content, crop residue cover, and post-herbicide irrigation on herbicide runoff

Herbicide loss in runoff is strongly influenced by rainfall immediately following herbicide application and by environmental conditions, such as crop residue cover and soil water content. A laboratory rainfall simulator was used to quantify the impact of initial soil water content (0.12 and 0.24 kg kg–1), crop residue cover (10% and 30% surface cover), post–herbicide irrigation (4 to 8 mm), and timing of first runoff event (1, 8, and 15 days) on atrazine and metolachlor runoff. Herbicides were applied (1.3 kg ha–1 a.i. atrazine; 1.6 kg ha–1 a.i. metolachlor) to the surface of self–contained soil trays (0.55 U 0.28 m), and simulated rainfall was applied at 55 mm hr–1. Herbicide concentration and mass loss in runoff were evaluated after 13, 25, 38, and 51 mm of rainfall, but treatment effects were independent of rainfall depth. Greater initial soil water content substantially increased herbicide concentration. When initial soil water content was 24% (versus 12%), 2 to 3 times more herbicide mass loss was observed when runoff occurred 1 and 8 days after herbicide application. After 51 mm of simulated rain, 30% crop residue cover resulted in 22% to 29% less water runoff and 35% to 50% less atrazine mass loss than 10% residue cover. Average herbicide concentrations were similar for both residue levels, indicating that differences in herbicide mass loss resulted from different water runoff volumes. The post–herbicide irrigation (“rain–in”) reduced atrazine mass loss by 33% on day 1, largely from reduced concentration, but no mass loss reduction was seen on days 8 and 15, when soil crusting is believed to have increased runoff volume. These results demonstrate the importance of soil water content during the first runoff following herbicide application and quantify how low antecedent moisture, greater crop residue cover, and a light post–herbicide irrigation can reduce herbicide runoff.
An investigation into bicycle performance and design

The main hypothesis of this thesis was to determine to what extent mathematical modelling can influence the dynamics of the bicycle and improve handling performance. Hence a key objective was to develop effective and valid design tools that bicycle manufacturers could use to optimise their designs. To do this equations of motion for a bicycle were developed and solved using Simulink in a Matlab environment. A design methodology consisting of four design charts was then developed for manufacturers and designers. The validity of these design charts was confirmed by comparing them to historical design practices and then to elite riders and bicycles from the 2013 Tour de France bicycle race.