Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Harvesting and handling agricultural residues for energy

Significant progress in understanding the needs for design of agricultural residue collection and handling systems has been made but additional research is required. Recommendations are made for research to (a) integrate residue collection and handling systems into general agricultural practices through the development of multi-use equipment and total harvest systems; (b) improve methods for routine evaluation of agricultural residue resources, possibly through remote sensing and image processing; (c) analyze biomass properties to obtain detailed data relevant to engineering design and analysis; (d) evaluate long-term environmental, social, and agronomic impacts of residue collection; (e) develop improved equipment with higher capacities to reduce residue collection and handling costs, with emphasis on optimal design of complete systems including collection, transportation, processing, storage, and utilization; and (f) produce standard forms of biomass fuels or products to enhance material handling and expand biomass markets through improved reliability and automatic control of biomass conversion and other utilization systems. 118 references.
UAV Aerial Refueling - Wind Tunnel Results and Comparison with Analytical Predictions

Abstract : Results from a wind tunnel. test of a delta wing UAV behind a KC-135R are presented and compared with predictions from a planar vortex lattice code. Both the predictions and data show wake interference effects on the UAV that vary significantly with relative lateral and vertical position, and weakly with relative longitudinal position. Predicted trends are excellent for all force and moments except for drag, and magnitudes are reasonably well predicted. The distribution of lift between the tanker wing and tail is shown to have a strong effect on the receiver aerodynamics.
Conformal Symbology, Attention Shifts, and the Head-Up Display

Thirty-two pilots flew instrument approaches in a high-fidelity simulator. Location of flight symbology was manipulated head-up vs. head-down while controlling for optical distance and symbology format. Pilots were assigned to one of two symbology sets, conformal and non-conformal. Each pilot flew half of the trials with the symbology presented in a head-up location and half with the symbology located head-down. Airspeed tracking for both groups was displayed with non-conformal digital symbology. An unexpected far domain event was presented on one trial per pilot. The results revealed that, for flight path control, there was generally a cost associated with head-down location. The magnitude of this cost was larger for conformal than for non-conformal symbology. Head-up presentation resulted in faster transition from instrument to visual flight reference, but poorer airspeed tracking and slower response to the far domain unexpected event and greater error tracking digital airspeed. The results are interpreted with the theoretical framework of object-based and space-based theories of visual attention, and the tradeoffs between clutter of overlapping imagery and information access cost.
Temperature in the Box Girder of the Normandy Bridge

This paper deals with the analysis of the temperature records obtained for the Normandy Bridge [1], in particular for the orthotropic steel box girder. After a short description of the measuring equipment and of the goals of the analysis, daily cycles are briefly described. Then the distribution of extreme temperatures is analysed in more detail, showing how the temperatures in the structure can be evaluated from meteorological data, temperature and solar radiation.
A Window into the Early–Middle Stone Age Transition in Northeastern Africa—A Marine Isotope Stage 7a/6 Late Acheulean Horizon from the EDAR 135 Site, Eastern Sahara (Sudan)

ABSTRACT This paper presents the results of the analysis of a late Acheulean horizon from the EDAR 135 site, which was discovered in the Eastern Desert, Sudan, in an area heavily transformed by modern mining activity. A lithic assemblage was discovered there, within a layer of gravel sediments formed by a paleostream in a humid period of the Middle Pleistocene. This layer is OSL dated between 220 ± 12 and 145 ± 20 ka (MIS 7a/6). These dates indicate that the assemblage could be the youngest trace of the Acheulean in northeastern Africa. Technological analysis of the lithics reveals different core reduction strategies, including not only ad hoc ones based on multiplatform cores, but also discoidal and prepared cores. The use of prepared core reduction methods has already been confirmed at other Late Acheulean sites in Africa and the Middle East. Microwear traces observed on lithic artifacts could relate to on-site butchering activities.
Photoelectrocatalytic Reduction of CO2 to Syngas via SnOx‐Enhanced Cu2O Nanowires Photocathodes

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) reduction of CO2 with H2O into syngas is an effective way to relieve the greenhouse effect and produce valuable chemicals. In this study, controllable PEC reduction of CO2 with H2O to syngas is achieved by the Cu2O‐SnOx hybrid nanowires (NWs) photocathode, which can effectively produce the mixture of syngas (CO and H2) with a total Faradaic efficiency of 90.32% at −0.35 V versus RHE. In addition, the CO/H2 ratio of syngas can be adjusted in a wide range from 2.2:1 to 4.6:1. The investigations of linear sweep voltammetry, incident photon to current efficiency, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and temperature programmed desorption indicate that the charge transfer efficiency and CO2 adsorption capacity are highly enhanced by the electrodeposition of SnOx on the Cu2O NWs electrode. In situ diffuse reflectance Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy spectra results indicate that visible light irradiation can accelerate the accumulation of CO2 reduction intermediates and thus facilitate the release of CO. This study provides an available way for the rational development of high‐performance PEC systems for CO2 reduction to valuable carbon‐based compounds, as well as a new strategy for atmospheric CO2 treatment.
Prognostic Value of Lymphovascular and Perineural Invasion in Colon Cancer

Aim: Colon cancer is one of the most common types of malignant tumours in the world. Colon cancer ranks fourth among cancer-related deaths. Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) is the tumour involvement of small lymphatic or blood (typically venous) vessels while perineural invasion (PNI) is the growth of the tumour in, around, and along the nerves and nerve sheaths. In our study, we investigated the effects of LVI and PNI on prognosis, tumour stages, and lymph node metastasis in colon cancer patients. Methods; The data of patients, who underwent colon cancer surgery in our clinic in the period between February 2013 and January 2020, were analyzed retrospectively. The surgery and pathology reports, demographic characteristics, and overall survival of the patients were examined. Results: A total of 248 patients were operated due to colon cancer. LVI and PNI were present in 120 (48.3%) and 105 (41.9%) patients, respectively. The relationship of the grade, of the presence of positive lymph nodes, LVI, and PNI, and of the Tand N-stages with the survival were statistically significant with the following p-values of 0.028, <0.001, <0.001, <0.001, 0.005, and <0.001, respectively. When the relationship of LVI and PNI with other factors was examined, it was shown that there was a statistically significant relationship in both groups in terms of T and N stage, metastatic lymph node and survival time. (p <0.001) Conclusion: Because the presence of LVI and PNI is a determinant of prognosis and lymph node metastasis especially in early-stage patients; we think that close follow-up of patients with LVI and PNI and the evaluation of such patients by a multidisciplinary council for the administration of adjuvant therapy, may affect prognosis
DELAMINATION ANALYSIS OF PLASTIC PACKAGES DURING SOLDER REFLOW BY STRAIN-GAGE MEASUREMENT AND TOMOGRAPHIC ACOUSTIC MICRO IMAGING METHODS

The popcorning of plastic packages is analyzed using the electrical-resistance strain gage and tomographic acoustic micro imaging methods. The electrical-resistance strain gage measurement shows when the popcorning occurs. The tomographic acoustic micro imaging technique detects the delaminations and voids. A plastic ball grid array (PBGA) package is used as an example.
Online social engagement, depression, and anxiety among older adults

As opportunities for social interactions proliferate online, questions arise as to how engagement in such activities may relate to mental health. Given older adults’ shrinking networks and increasing use of information and communication technologies (ICTs), online interactions could offer alternatives for connections that could ultimately benefit older users’ mental health. This article examines associations between older adults’ online social engagement and their mental health. Using data from an online survey of older adults ages 60+, we find positive and negative associations between different forms of online social engagement and anxiety. In terms of depression, two forms of online social engagement showed positive associations with this mental health indicator. Our results can help explain inconclusive findings of previous research on ICT use and mental health by looking at how specific online social activities relate to mental health.
Developing optimal timing plans for cyclic traffic along arterials using pre-timed controllers

Many countries are still using pre-timed signal controllers. Although this type of controller is technically inferior compared to actuated and computerized controllers, they provide an acceptable level of performance, especially for cyclic traffic. They are also cheaper and reliable since they do not depend on traffic sensors. The efficient use of pre-timed controllers depends primarily on selecting the optimum number of signal timing plans within a day and the starting and ending time of each plan, which is commonly known as Time-of-Day (TOD) breakpoints. An optimal timing plan is then developed for each time period using optimization software such as Synchro. When the traffic pattern is cyclic and repeats itself from one day to another, these plans can be used for several days. This paper suggests a procedural framework for selecting the optimum number of timing plans and TOD breakpoints through the use of K-means statistical clustering and traffic simulations. This study also intends to reduce “outliers” of clusters. Outlier means that the statistical clustering technique proposes a short cluster interval between two relatively long intervals. K-means clustering technique based approach to find out optimal TOD breakpoints usually suffers from “outliers” of clusters. In this proposed procedure, Z-score of approach volume, in lieu of raw approach volume, is used simultaneously with time variable to solve the outlier problem. The recommended procedure was tested on a major arterial in Al-Khobar city, Saudi Arabia. It eliminated the outlier problem and provided a systematic and reasonably efficient procedure for timing pre-timed signal controllers.
Responsive Visualization Design for Mobile Devices

2.1 Context . 34 2.2 Responsive Design vs. Responsive Visualization Design . 36 2.3 Factors Impacting Visualization Design on Mobile Devices . 37 2.3. 1 Device Factors . 38 2.3. 2 Usage Factors . 39 2.3. 3 Environmental Factors . 39 2.3. 4 Data Factors . 40 2.3. 5 Human Factors . 40 2.3. 6 Sensing & Inferring Multiple Factors . 41 2.4 Responsive Visualization Design Strategies . 41 2.4. 1 Scale . 43 2.4. 2 Aspect Ratio . 44 2.4. 3 Layout . 45 2.4. 4 Level of Detail . 46 2.4. 5 Amount of Data . 46 2.4. 6 Annotation & Guides . 47 2.4. 7 Attentional Cues / Dynamic Guides . 48 2.4. 8 Animation / Streaming Data . 49 2.4. 9 Visual Encoding . 49 2.4. 10 Interaction . 50
An Efficient Micro-Payment Protocol Based on a Single Hash Chain

Micro-payments are very small sums of money, typically used to pay for content access or for small quantities of network resources. However, the existing micro-payments have the following drawbacks: firstly, generated e-coins only connecting with one particular merchant; secondly, only one unit value or one kind of currency is provided; and thirdly, needs multiple hash chain. In this paper, we constructed an efficient micro-payment protocol based single hash chain. The user only generates a hash chain to do business with multiple merchants. Using the hash value of monetary value generated by the broker, the user can spend different monetary value by a hash chain.
Hybrid Modeling of Ball Screw Drives With Coupled Axial, Torsional, and Lateral Dynamics

It has been a common practice to assume that the torsional and axial dynamics are totally decoupled from the lateral dynamics of the screw when modeling ball screw drives. However, experiments show that there is a considerable coupling between them, which could adversely affect the positioning accuracy and fatigue life of the drive. In this paper, the lateral dynamics of the screw is explicitly incorporated into the hybrid finite element model of ball screw drives. The ball screw is modeled by Timoshenko beam elements, and the balls, joints, bearings, and fasteners are modeled as pure springs. Rigid components are modeled as lumped masses. The proposed screw-nut interface model, which includes the effects of lateral vibrations, is shown to predict the coupling between axial, torsional, and lateral dynamics of ball screw drives. The effects of this dynamic coupling on the positioning accuracy of the drive are also presented with experimental proof The proposed model provides a more realistic platform for a designer to optimize the drive parameters for high speed-high acceleration machine tool applications, where the ball screw vibrations limit the fatigue life of the mechanism, bandwidth of the servo systems, and positioning accuracy of the machine.
Influence of the track quality and of the properties of the wheel–rail rolling contact on vehicle dynamics

This work describes an analytical approach to determine what degree of accuracy is required in the definition of the rail vehicle models used for dynamic simulations. This way it would be possible to know in advance how the results of simulations may be altered due to the existence of errors in the creation of rolling stock models, whilst also identifying their critical parameters. This would make it possible to maximise the time available to enhance dynamic analysis and focus efforts on factors that are strictly necessary. In particular, the parameters related both to the track quality and to the rolling contact were considered in this study. With this aim, a sensitivity analysis was performed to assess their influence on the vehicle dynamic behaviour. To do this, 72 dynamic simulations were performed modifying, one at a time, the track quality, the wheel–rail friction coefficient and the equivalent conicity of both new and worn wheels. Three values were assigned to each parameter, and two wear states were considered for each type of wheel, one for new wheels and another one for reprofiled wheels. After processing the results of these simulations, it was concluded that all the parameters considered show very high influence, though the friction coefficient shows the highest influence. Therefore, it is recommended to undertake any future simulation job with measured track geometry and track irregularities, measured wheel profiles and normative values of the wheel–rail friction coefficient.
The facilities management market in Denmark

Purpose – This paper aims to present the results of market surveys in Denmark, which have been based on and used to test a proposal for a new European standard for a taxonomy of Facilities Management (FM). Design/methodology/approach – The market research included surveys of both the client side and the provider side and was carried out by a management consultant company by telephone interviews based on definitions developed from drafts for the European FM taxonomy standard by a university researcher, who is a member of the standardisation work group.Findings – The proposed taxonomy for FM is in general a good basis for researching the market but in particular the definition of space including acquisition as well as development, administration, operation, maintenance and utilities in the same main product is problematic.Research limitations/implications – The market research is limited to the Danish market, but the results of the test of the proposed European standard for an FM taxonomy has implications fo.
Informed Written Consent for Orthopaedic Trauma in the Emergency Setting at a Tertiary Referral Centre: A Closed-Loop Audit

Introduction The purpose of this investigation was to perform an audit of the standards of consent forms in which patients sign prior to operative intervention for orthopaedic trauma in an emergency setting in our institution, with comparison to the ‘Orthopaedic Surgical Consent’ standards, as set by the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). If required, the investigator aimed to close the loop in this audit by educating orthopaedic surgeons on the necessary standards of obtaining written consent for orthopaedic trauma. Methods Following being granted approval by our institutional audit committee, a pre-intervention cycle was performed to assess the quality of consent obtained in written format using electronic patient records in consecutive patients over a four-week period. Following the analysis of this data, an education session was provided for all orthopaedic doctors responsible for obtaining informed written consent from patients who are planned to undergo operative management of a soft tissue or bony injury by the trauma and orthopaedic service in the emergency setting. Thereafter, a post-intervention cycle was performed with subsequent descriptive analysis using the GraphPad software. Results In the pre-intervention audit cycle, all included (n = 107) consent forms (100%) correctly included the patient’s name, date of birth (DOB) and institutional board number (BN). However, only 79 consent forms (74.5%) were completed without using abbreviations or acronyms of any kind, whilst 81 consent forms (76.4%) were completed without correctly stating the side or site of the planned intervention. In the post-intervention cycle, all included (n = 40) consent forms (100%) correctly included the patient’s name, DOB and institutional BN. Additionally, a total of 37 consent forms (92.5%) were correctly completed without using abbreviations or acronyms of any kind (74.5% versus 92.5%, p = 0.02). Furthermore, a total of 39 consent forms (97.5%) were completed correctly stating the side or site of the planned intervention (76.4% versus 97.5%, p = 0.0015). Conclusion This closed-loop audit found that the quality of informed consent obtained by orthopaedic surgeons in the emergency setting might potentially be significantly improved with at least one virtual education session. Such simple education sessions may potentially improve the documentation of the planned potential operative intervention by orthopaedic surgeons for cases of orthopaedic trauma to ensure patient safety is optimised. As the turnover of non-consultant hospital doctors is high in university teaching hospitals, regular education sessions on such topics may introduce a cultural shift in maintaining high standards when marking and consenting patients in the emergency setting.
Genetic diversity and population structure of bread wheat varieties grown in Bulgaria based on microsatellite and phenotypic analyses

Abstract Determining the genetic diversity and population structure of the modern hexaploid wheat varieties currently grown in Bulgaria is fundamental for selection of genotypes with desirable traits resilient under climatic fluctuations and development of successful crop improvement programmes. In this study, simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used to characterize a population of 117 modern wheat varieties (Triticum aestivum L.) from Bulgaria and several Western, Central and Eastern European countries. The genetic diversity was higher in the Western and Central European varieties than in the Bulgarian and the remaining Eastern European ones. Model-based population structure analysis defined 2 sub-populations (K = 2) dividing the Central and Western European varieties from the Bulgarian ones. Subsequent genetic structure analysis at K = 3 revealed an additional separation of the Bulgarian varieties in two distinct sub-populations. The phenotypic diversity among the varieties was evaluated in the fields of Dobrudzha Agricultural Institute, G. Toshevo in North-Eastern Bulgaria for three consecutive years. The distribution of the varieties in the biplot analysis in terms of grain yield and its components revealed differences in their adaptation to the agro-climatic conditions of North Bulgaria according to their geographical origin. These results and the prevalence of specific SSR alleles in the sub-populations suggest distinct adaptive mechanisms to specific agro-ecological regions. The data will be of interest for both breeders and farmers and could serve as a basis for wheat improvement programmes and further association mapping for important agronomic traits expressed under different environmental conditions. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/13102818.2021. 1996274 .
SENSING SOIL MOISTURE USING NIR SPECTROSCOPY

Seven California soils were studied to determine if near infrared (700 to 2500 nm) reflectance spectroscopy could be used to determine soil moisture content. Near infrared absorbance data in the 1400– to 2400–nm region correlated well (r 2 = 0.97, SEP = 1.3%, Bias = 0.2%) with soil moisture content when a partial least squares calibration model was used to estimate the moisture content of soil samples of the same soil type and particle size as those in the calibration data set. However, when the model was used to estimate the moisture content of a soil sample with a particle size which differed from those included in the calibration set, the performance was degraded due to large slope and bias errors (Bias = 4.0%, SEP = 2.2%). However, the high coefficient of determination (r 2 = 0.98) suggested that predictions for soil samples which differ from those included in the calibration set could be improved if the slope and intercept were corrected for a given site. An example validation of this type was shown where the SEP and bias were reduced from SEP = 2.1% and Bias = 6.0% to SEP = 1.0% and Bias = 0.9% after slope and bias correction.