Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Apple Damage in Bulk Bins During Semi-trailer Transport

Each year a majority of the U.S. apple crop is transported in bulk bins on semi-trailers and trucks from the orchard to a storage facility or central packing house. During the transportation process, mechanical damage such as bruises, abrasions, cuts, and punctures can occur, causing a decrease in fruit grade. Tests were conducted in Michigan to identify the magnitude of damage incurred by apples in bulk bins during semi-trailer transportation on a rough interstate highway. Five bulk bin designs (two hardwood, one plywood, and two plastic), two trailer suspension systems (steel-spring and air-cushion), and two trip distances [55 and 110 km (34 and 68 mile)] were evaluated. Damage-free apples were used in all tests and accumulated damage was measured. Test fruit positioned in the middle of each bin had similar bruise and abrasion damage levels regardless of the bin design, suspension system, or trip distance. Abrasion damage on the sidewall test apples varied among bin design, suspension system, and trip distance. Abrasion damage on sidewall test fruit was significantly less on the air-cushion system. The plastic bins had much less abrasion damage on the sidewall test fruit than did the hardwood and plywood bins. The range of abrasion damage on the sidewall test apples was 0.6 to 65%. Sidewall fruit grade ranged from 71.3 to 100.0% U.S. Extra Fancy.
10 Gb/s Reconfigurable Optical Logic Gate Using a Single Hybrid-Integrated SOA-MZI

Abstract A novel reconfigurable Boolean device based on a single Mach-Zehnder interferometer with semiconductor optical amplifiers is demonstrated at 10 Gb/s using intensity return-to-zero modulated signals. The experimental results show that the device can be dynamically reconfigured to operate as a logic XOR, AND, OR, and NOT gate using optical switches. By properly adjusting the input powers, an extinction ratio higher than 10 dB may be obtained. The potential of integration of this architecture makes it an interesting approach in photonic computing and optical signal processing.
A predictive out-of-step protection system based on observation of the phase difference between substations

A recently developed predictive out-of-step protection system is described. The purpose of this protection system is to prevent total system collapse caused by step-out between large-capacity generator groups due to a serious fault in the trunk transmission line. This is accomplished by using online data collected during the incubation phase to predict a step-out and then issuing a system-seperation command. The system has the following characteristics: (1) the phase difference between several large generator groups is measured from online voltage data collected from substation busbars in the vicinity of the generators at a sampling rate of 600 Hz: (2) the phase difference at 200 ms in the future is predicted from the measured phase-difference data; and (3) if the predicted phase difference exceeds the instability threshold value, system separation if performed taking into account the power supply and demand balance after tripping. >
Mapping of Spatially Variable Yield During Grain Combining

ABSTRACT An Allis-Chalmers N6 combine was instrumented with a grain flowmeter and location detection equipment. The installed data acquisition system was used to develop grain yield maps that showed in-field variations as a function of location in the field. An analysis methodology was developed to produce the maps by smoothing the location and grain flowrate data and reconstructing the yield from the flow into the combine's grain tank.
Outsourcing and quality performance: Malaysia’s public works department

A brief quality assessment exercise conducted among officers of Malaysia's Public Works Department (PWD) on outsourced quantity surveying services affirmed the view that the consultants' performance was generally unsatisfactory. The performance dimensions cover from preliminary estimates and cost plans to final accounts. The result of this purely academic exercise generated sufficient interest among top decision‐makers at PWD's Contract and Quantity Surveying Division to render quality improvement initiatives feasible. For a large public sector organisation usually afflicted with inertia, the changes that have taken place within such a short space of time are encouraging. What this case study points to is that given sufficient motivation, even a simple quality assessment exercise is able to prompt quality changes.
Tests of Fixed-Ended Plain Channel Columns

The paper describes a test program on cold-formed plain channel columns compressed between fixed ends and pinned ends. Whereas it is well-known that local buckling of pin-ended channel columns induces overall bending, this phenomenon does not occur in fixed-ended channel columns that remain straight after local buckling and only bend when overall buckling occurs. These fundamentally different effects of local buckling on the behavior of pin-ended and fixed-ended channel sections lead to inconsistencies in traditional design approaches, which account for full or partial rotational end restraint solely by using effective lengths. A series of tests was performed for different geometries of cross section fabricated by brake pressing from high-strength steel sheet. Tests were performed over a range of lengths such that the column curve could be obtained. Local buckling loads were also obtained from the fixed-ended column tests. Detailed measurements of local and overall geometric imperfections, material proper.
The role of supply chain management on Indonesian small and medium enterprise competitiveness and performance

The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of supply chain management on competitive advantage in SMEs, the effect of competitive advantage on company performance in SMEs, and the influence of supply chain management on company performance mediated by competitive advantage in SMEs. This study uses quantitative methods and data analysis techniques based on Structural Equation Modeling using SmartPLS 3.0 software. The sample selection method uses non-probability sampling methods. Online questionnaires were sent to 340 SMEs respondents, the next step is to evaluate the returned 320 questionnaires. The results indicate that supply chain management had a significant influence on company performance and competitive advantage. Competitive Advantage also had a significant influence on company performance and played a mediate influence between supply chain management and company performance. The company's ability had a positive effect on competitive advantage and finally, adequate company capabilities had an impact on competitive advantage.
Simple Method to Identify Marl Soils

An experimental investigation proposed a simple, practical method to identify marl soils in the laboratory and to classify the soils. The percentage of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) of the soil was determined with three methods: (a) thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), (b) sequential loss on ignition (LOI), and (c) chemical reaction following ASTM C25. The sequential LOI test has the advantage that both organic and CaCO3 content of the soil can be determined with a conventional furnace. X-ray diffraction, pH, and Atterberg limits tests were also conducted. The percentage of CaCO3 determined from the sequential LOI tests agreed well with those from the TGA tests and from the chemical tests. No correlation was found between the percentage of CaCO3 and organic content in the soil. As the organic content of the soil increases, the liquid limit increases and the plasticity of the soil increases. As the CaCO3 content of the soil increases, the liquid limit of the soil decreases and the soil becomes less plastic. The geotechnical engineering properties of marl soils depend on organic content and CaCO3 content, and so the soils should be classified according to both organic content and CaCO3 content.
Extra care housing for people with sight loss: lighting and design

findings • Buildings that had not been designed specifically for people with sight loss were not very good at supporting those people. • Natural and artificial lighting levels in lounges and bedrooms were, except for the building designed for people with sight loss, below those recommended for people with low vision. • Very few buildings gave people the opportunity to control their lighting, e.g. through dimmer switches, use of table and standard lamps, which most people would have appreciated. • Contrast and colour schemes to assist visual tasks and wayfinding were only used in the building designed for people with sight loss. • Having a view from their home was valued by all participants: it made people feel connected to life outside. • Sunlight in their home was welcomed by most participants even if it caused glare or overheating.
Factors Affecting Worksite Mode Choice

Transportation demand management (TDM) programs at employer worksites have been used with varying success across the United States since the 1970s. The overall purpose of these programs is for employers to encourage their employees to commute in modes other than a single-occupancy vehicle. Although employee commute options mandates have disappeared from many localities, the need to manage the demand for travel has not. Understanding what influences work trip mode choices can help transportation and planning agencies implement more effective TDM programs. Data from large worksites in the Portland, Oregon, region were used to evaluate how employer TDM programs, worksite characteristics, and location influence commute mode choice. Many factors contribute to the success of programs at different worksites. Success was measured in the percentage of commute trips made by transit and by walking and bicycling. Regression models showed that although subsidizing transit cost is effective, the choice of commute is also influenced by land use and transit access. Nonfinancial incentives, which can include flex time and a guaranteed ride home program, can also have a significant positive effect.
Influenza, Seasonal

Organism: Influenza virus, types A and B. Influenza A is sub-typed by hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N) glycoproteins. Infectious period: Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick. Children may pass the virus for longer than 7 days. Transmission route: Traditionally, influenza viruses have been thought to spread from person to person primarily through large-particle respiratory droplet transmission (e.g., when an infected person coughs or sneezes near a susceptible person). Transmission via large-particle droplets requires close contact between source and recipient persons, because droplets generally travel only short distances (approximately 6 feet or less) through the air. Indirect contact transmission via hand transfer of influenza virus from virus-contaminated surfaces or objects to mucosal surfaces of the face (e.g., nose, mouth) may also occur. Airborne transmission via small particle aerosols in the vicinity of the infectious individual may also occur; however, the relative contribution of the different modes of influenza transmission is unclear. Treatment: Influenza antiviral drugs can be used to treat and prevent influenza. Information Needed for the Investigation • Consider investigating clusters of influenza-like illness (ILI), especially in nursing homes or other congregational settings. • Do not investigate sporadic or single cases of seasonal influenza. Verify the Diagnosis • Specimens for influenza testing should be encouraged at the start, middle and end of the season in all regions of the state. Influenza testing should be considered in hospitalized individuals. • Rapid influenza diagnostic tests have limited sensitivities and predictive values depending on the community prevalence of influenza. • If investigating an outbreak in a congregate setting, obtain at least 3-5 specimens.
Learning from Recorded Earthquake Motion of Buildings

Seismic records obtained during the Loma Prieta earthquake and the Whittier earthquake from 21 buildings were analyzed by a system identification method. The adequacy of current code specifications on building period estimation was discussed. A range of damping ratio was obtained for different building types. Characteristics of frame buildings and shearwall buildings were discussed in terms of the maximum story drift ratio envelope and the frequency ratio between higher modes and the fundamental mode. Torsional responses were found to be prevalent in several cases. The orthogonal effect was revealed indirectly by the concurrent nature of maximum story drift in the two horizontal directions. Large change of vibration frequency was found during the course of the earthquakes in many buildings.
250-Hz to 12-GHz Dielectric Properties of Grain and Seed

ABSTRACT THE dielectric properties of seed lots of hard red winter wheat, grain sor-ghum, spring oats, soybeans, and alfalfa were measured with seven systems covering the frequency range from 250 Hz to 12 GHz. Curves are presented that illustrate the variation in values of the dielectric constant, dielectric loss factor, loss tangent, and conductivity over this range of frequencies, and a few observa-tions are made on the nature of the fre-quency dependence of the dielectric properties.
Bowel Ultrasound: a Non-invasive, Easy to Use Method to Predict the Need to Intensify Therapy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Bowel ultrasound (BU) is a non-invasive, inexpensive, widely available tool, valuable for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) assessment. The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical utility of BU to predict the need to intensify therapy in IBD patients. METHODS One hundred seventeen IBD patients (89 Crohn's disease, and 28 ulcerative colitis) diagnosis established at least 6 months before enrolment, undergoing maintenance therapy were prospectively included in the study. Bowel ultrasound investigated the following parameters: the bowel wall thickness (BWT), loss of wall stratification, the presence of the bowel wall Doppler signal, the visible lymph nodes, the mucosal hyperechoic spots, and the irregular external bowel wall. The patients were followed-up for 6 months, registering the need to escalate the treatment regimen. Subgroup analyses were conducted for patients requiring immediate treatment intensification (37 subjects), due to active disease at baseline and patients with subsequent treatment intensification, in the 6 months follow-up period (21 cases) in comparison to patients that required no therapeutic optimization (59). RESULTS During the follow-up, 49.6% of patients needed treatment escalation. All the investigated BU variables were significantly associated with the main outcome. In the multivariate analysis, the mean BWT (p<0.0001), and the presence of the bowel wall Doppler signal (p=0.007) were independent predictors of the main outcome. For the subgroup analyses: mean BWT (p=0.0001) and the presence of the bowel wall Doppler signal (p=0.01) were independent predictors for immediate treatment intensification (active disease at baseline) and mean BWT (p=0.0003) and the lack of bowel wall stratification (p=0.05) were independent predictors for the need of subsequent therapeutic optimization. Logistic regression prediction models and prediction scores (BU score) had the best AUROC values (>0.91) when compared to traditional biomarkers of active inflammation, such as C reactive protein or fecal calprotectin. CONCLUSION Bowel ultrasound could be used as a non-invasive, easy to use diagnostic tool to predict the need to intensify therapy in patients with IBD.
Adaptive compliant control for an inspection robot system

A robotic sub-sea inspection system is described. Emphasis is placed on how to use self-tuning adaptive control strategies to control the robot compliant motion. Experiments on a PUMA robotic manipulator have shown that adaptive control can greatly improve contact quality and provide much better tracking ability in an unknown environment. Also adaptive controllers can make the approach time shorter than ordinary fixed gain controllers. A coupled dynamics concept for surface contact, which is typical in an inspection task, is introduced. Implementation of an adaptive controller in VAL-2 is detailed. A supervisory control system, capable of incorporating real-time compliant motion control and written in MODULA-2, is also described.
A SMART assessment of water quality partnership needs in Great Barrier Reef catchments

There has been considerable effort to set specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timed (SMART) targets to halt the decline in the quality of water entering the Great Barrier Reef from diffuse sources. Less attention has focused on the assessment of collaborative delivery options needed to meet these targets. This article adapts the SMART criteria to assess partnership needs to deliver voluntary water quality management programs proposed in Queensland's Tully- Murray Water Quality Improvement Plan. This formative assessment enabled us to guide agricultural industry and local government sector focus group discussions. These discussions helped to determine if institutional arrangements adequately considered the specific purpose of proposed management activities, if measures of delivery success were compatible among collaborators, and if delivery costs were fairly distributed and achievable. The assessment also exposed the relevance of proposed management programs to each partner's activities and agendas, and how temporal attributes of partnership design and purpose could maximise the benefits of proposed actions. We suggest that the framework can help other practitioners and researchers to assess systematically how partnerships can be adaptively designed to ‘fit’ the objectives of integrated water quality management plans.
Exploring the Dimensions of Haptic Feedback Support in Manual Control

A promising way to support operators in a manual control task is to provide them with guiding feedback forces on the control device (e.g., the steering wheel). These additional forces can suggest a safe course of action, which operators can follow or over-rule. This paper explores the idea that the feedback forces can be designed not only to depend on a calculated error (i.e., force feedback) but also on the control device position (i.e., stiffness feedback). First, the fundamental properties of force and stiffness feedback are explained, and important parameters for designing beneficial haptic feedback are discussed. Then, in an experiment, the unassisted control of a second-order system (perturbed by a multisine disturbance) is compared with the same control task supported by four haptic feedback systems: weak and strong force feedback, both with and without additional stiffness feedback. Time and frequency-domain analyses are used to understand the changes in human control behavior. The experimental results indicate that-when well designed-stiffness feedback may raise error-rejection performance with the same level of control activity as during unassisted control. The findings may aid in the design of haptic feedback systems for automotive and aerospace applications, where human attention is still required in a visually overloaded environment.
Profitability of small scale fish farming in Minna Agricultural Zone of Niger state in Nigeria

The results revealed that there was a high literacy level among sample farmers (95.4 percent) which is enough to support information on technology use. On an average total cost of 403139 was incurred while total revenue of 631316 was realized with a gross margin of 356906 and net income of 228177 per hectare per annum. The rate of return on investment of 0.56 implies that for every one naira invested, a return of 1.56 and a profit of 0.56 were obtained with production efficiency index of 1.56 reaffirming the ingenuity of the considerable level of profitability achieved in the enterprise. This showed that fish production in the study area was economically rewarding and profitable. It is capable of creating employment, augmenting income and improving the standards of living of the people. The government participation in fish farming is solicited to boost the quantity of fish available for consumption.
Safety Impacts of Photo-Red Enforcement at Suburban Signalized Intersections an Empirical Bayes Approach

Photo-red enforcement entails cameras that photograph a vehicle entering an intersection after the traffic signal has turned red; a citation is then mailed to the vehicle's owner. Such a program was operated at 13 signals in Fairfax County, Virginia, between 2000 and 2005. This paper reports how photo-red enforcement affected crash frequency at the intersections. An empirical Bayes approach was used to detect the impact of the program on crashes while main-line traffic volume, yellow time, truck percentage, number of left-turning lanes, and speed limit were controlled. Cameras were definitely correlated with decreased red light running crashes (11% to 55%), increased rear-end crashes (32% to 85%), increased total crashes (0% to 23%), and decreased red light running injury crashes (5% to 64%). Cameras were probably associated with increased total injury crashes (5% drop to a 33% raise). These results are consistent with those of other studies with one notable exception: In the case of Fairfax County, the m.
Responsibility allocation for child injury: victim age and positive vs. negative framing of manufacturer's safety policy

Two experiments examined allocation of responsibility in the context of a fictitious, but realistic, product-use scenario in which a young girl suffers serious brain injury after consuming a product with a non-obvious hazard (marshmallows). The research investigated whether the responsibility allocated to the various parties would depend on the age of the child and whether the manufacturer took, or failed to take, precautions. Scenarios given to participants stated the age of the girl as 1½ years, 4 years, 8 years, or 16 years and had positive, negative, or no supplemental information about the manufacturer and its safety practices. Both experiments showed that the parents were considered most responsible for a young child's injury, but the allocation decreased with the older child. When negative information about the manufacturer's safety practices was given, allocations of responsibility for the girl's injury to the manufacturer increased significantly. In Experiment 2, the presence of warnings in the positive supplemental information condition reduced the manufacturer's responsibility for the oldest (16-year old) child. Negative impressions due to poor safety practices by manufacturers can lead to increased levels of responsibility allocated for injury. Primary caretakers are responsible for the safety of young children, but as they get older, children are viewed as being more responsible for their own safety. These results have implications for product-development decisions including labelling. They also point out a role for human factors professionals before and during product-related forensic litigation.