Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development of group setup strategies for makespan minimisation in PCB assembly

Balancing setup effort and actual production time is an important issue in medium-variety, medium-volume printed circuit board (PCB) assembly. By grouping batches of similar PCB types to be processed with a common machine setup, the total time required for setting up the component feeders in the magazine of the placement machine can be reduced. On the other hand, the assembly times per PCB increase, since it is no longer possible to optimise the feeder locations in the magazine for each PCB type individually. In order to balance the savings in setup time and the increase in assembly time and to minimise the global makespan, we propose efficient grouping procedures which include machine-specific algorithms for fine-tuning the machine operations for a group of PCBs. Hence, the actual placement times are reflected much more accurately, compared with conventional grouping procedures which merely analyse the component similarity between pairs of PCBs. Two different agglomerative clustering techniques are proposed. One is based on average linkage clustering, the other on a novel hierarchical clustering approach using an inclusion tree representation of the PCB types. Both take the limited capacity of the component magazine into account. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach in an extensive numerical investigation of a single-gantry collect-and-place machine equipped with a rotary placement head and an interchangeable feeder trolley. Compared to conventional methodologies, the proposed group setup strategies reduce the global makespan for a given number of batches significantly.
Near-infrared calibration models for estimating volatile fatty acids and methane production from in vitro rumen fermentation of different total mixed rations

Graphical Abstract Summary: Diverse disciplines of science use near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for chemical analysis because it is rapid and inexpensive, and it provides reproducible results. Many animal scientists perform in vitro rumen fermentation tests to measure the production of volatile fatty acids (VFA) and methane (indicative of energy loss) from different feeds or diets. We used NIR spectroscopy to develop calibration models that predict the production of different VFA (acetic, propionic, butyric, valeric, isovaleric, and isobutyric acids), total gas, and methane from in vitro rumen fermentation of different silage-based diets. Our models provided reliable estimates of these rumen fermentation products.
Experimental evaluation of microwave field-effect-transistor noise models

Extensive GaAs field-effect-transistor noise measurements are used to compare noise models with the aim of recommending the most useful one for monolithic-microwave integrated-circuit design. The evaluation is based on noise and S-parameter measurements of metal-semiconductor field-effect transistors and high electron-mobility transistors with different gatewidths in the frequency range of 0.05-26 GHz. The models under investigation differ in the number of independent coefficients necessary to calculate the four noise parameters of the device. The broad frequency range including radio-frequency frequencies down to 50 MHz requires two different noise measurement systems with special modifications for optimum performance. In conclusion, the two-parameter Pospieszalski model turns out to be the most suitable one.
A compact descriptor CHOG3D and its application in human action recognition

In this paper, we propose a new method to calculate local features. We extend the FAST corner detector to the spatiotemporal space to extract the shape and motion information of human actions. And a compact peak‐kept histogram of oriented spatiotemporal gradients (CHOG3D) is proposed to calculate local features. CHOG3D is calculated in a small support region of a feature point, and it employs the simplest gradient, the first‐order gradient, for descriptor calculation. Through parameter training, the proper length of the CHOG3D is determined to be 80 elements, which is 1/12.5 times the dimension of HOG3D in the KTH dataset. In addition, it keeps the peak value of quantized gradient to represent human actions more exactly and distinguish them more correctly. CHOG3D overcomes the disadvantages of the complex calculation and huge length of the descriptor HOG3D. From a comparison of the computation cost, CHOG3D is 7.56 times faster than HOG3D in the KTH dataset. We apply the algorithm for human action recognition with support vector machine. The results show that our method outperforms HOG3D and some other currently used algorithms. © 2012 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Cytopathological and ultrastructural changes in the male reproductive organs of freshwater crab Paratelphusa jacquemontii (Rathbun) exposed to nurocombi

Accumulation of pollutants in the aquatic system has a high impact on the reproductive physiology of crustaceans. The objective of the present study was to assess the possible histopathological effects of combined chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin (nurocombi) exposure on reproductive tissue in male freshwater crab Paratelphusa jacquemontii using light and electron microscopy. The testis of experimental crabs showed disorganization of testicular lobules, increased inters cellular space, necrosis, and cellular damage in both germinal cells and Sertoli cells. The treated vas deferens exhibited epithelial degeneration, misshaped spermatophores, decline in the number of spermatophores, and dehiscence of spermatophore wall. These clinical manifestations expressed in crabs following the exposure of nurocombi significantly reduce the testicular activity and substantially inhibits the seminal secretions, which ultimately lead to impairment of reproduction.
Experimental investigation on the use of glass fiber reinforced polymer reinforcement in hollow‐core circular concrete columns

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation on the behavior of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) bar‐reinforced hollow‐core (GFRP‐HC) circular concrete specimens under concentric, 25 mm and 50 mm eccentric axial loading and four‐point bending. The main parameters investigated include the type of reinforcing bars, pitch of the helices and loading conditions. The test matrix of this study consists of 12 specimens, among which nine specimens (850 mm high) were tested under concentric and eccentric axial loading and the remaining three specimens (1500 mm long) were tested under four‐point bending. The specimens were circular in cross‐section with an outer diameter of 214 mm and an inner circular hole diameter of 56 mm. The experimental results showed that, for the similar amount of reinforcement, steel bar‐reinforced hollow‐core (steel‐HC) specimens sustained higher loads than the GFRP‐HC specimens under different loading conditions. Also, the steel‐HC specimens achieved higher ductility than the GFRP‐HC specimens under 50 mm eccentric axial loading and four‐point bending. However, under concentric and 25 mm eccentric axial loading, the GFRP‐HC specimens achieved higher ductility than the steel‐HC specimens. The close pitch of the GFRP helices significantly enhanced the load carrying capacity and ductility of the GFRP‐HC specimens.
Improved attention linked to sustained phenylalanine reduction in adults with early‐treated phenylketonuria

Pegvaliase is approved to reduce phenylalanine (Phe) levels for people with phenylketonuria (PKU). PRISM‐1 (NCT01819727) and PRISM‐2 (NCT01889862) data were analyzed to evaluate the relationship between Phe and inattention in adult participants with PKU. In the modified‐intent‐to‐treat population (N = 156), baseline mean (SE) plasma Phe was 1263 (29) μmol/L and the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale‐IV Inattentive (IA) symptoms score was 9.8 (0.5). Mean (SE) IA scores fell 9.0 (1.1) in Quartile 1 (Phe reduction between 1166 and 2229 μmol/L) versus 4.3 (0.7) in Quartile 4 (Phe reduction of 139 μmol/L to increase of 934 μmol/L), p = 0.004. Least squares mean (SE) change from baseline IA score was −7.9 (0.7) for participants with final Phe ≤ 360 μmol/L and −4.5 (0.7) for final Phe > 360 μmol/L, p < 0.001. In the inattention subgroup, IA scores fell 13.3 (1.5) in Quartile 1 (Phe reduction between 1288 and 2229 μmol/L) versus 6.2 (1.3) in Quartile 4 (Phe reduction of 247 to increase of 934 μmol/L), p = 0.009. Inattention symptoms improved among those whose Phe levels decreased, particularly those with high baseline IA scores. IA improvements were larger among participants with the greatest plasma Phe reductions, supporting this value as a therapeutic goal.
The Nature of Design through the Lenses of the Sociological Imagination

The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the nature of design by posi-tioning it as a major sociocultural phenomenon. The goals are to produce an understanding of design that is general enough to apply to most kinds of design endeavors; to highlight its essence and nature; and to provide a foundation for discussing the issue of boundaries between design and other sociocultural phenomena that are often related to it. A major objective is to conceptualize design at a very high level of abstraction that can inform general design studies. Methodologically, we start with analyzing the process of artification, progress to the project delivery process, and then focus on modeling the core design act. Design is about organizing materiality or substrate and creating configurations (material or social) that have never existed before. We can conceptualize these configurations as models of artifacts that are submitted to the production facilities for manufacturing. The paper contributes a new vision about the essence of design; about its relationships with related social institutions; and proposes a methodological platform for approaching certain traditional issues of the design specialty disciplines in a new way.
Investigation of Si/SiGe-based FET geometries for high frequency performance by computer simulation

The high frequency performance of n-channel Si/SiGe-based FETs is investigated by computer simulation. Using a two-dimensional hydrodynamic model, devices having gate lengths down to 0.1 /spl mu/m are examined. Self-aligned heterojunction MOSFETs are found to offer the best performance in terms of cut-off frequency and available voltage gain. Schottky gate heterojunction FETs have the highest transconductance in this study, but simulations confirm that this is because of the close proximity of the channel to the gate. Depletion mode MOS gate devices are also considered and a large parameter space is explored.
Quantification of the probability of lightning strikes to structures using a fractal approach

Recently fractal theory has been used to model the observed paths of lightning discharges. This paper extends previous work by using a fractal approach to describe the effects of tortuosity and branching of the lightning channel. In particular, we use the model to make predictions of the probability of lightning strikes to practical structures. Some of the specific estimates include the probability of strikes as a function of interception angle, predictions of the strike points on structures, and the probability of "side strikes" to tall structures. Significant polarity and geometric effects are shown. The shielding effects of nearby taller structures, shielding failure or "breakthrough" probabilities of so-called protected objects, and the effects of ground topography are also examined. The results are discussed in terms of the implications for the protection of structures against lightning.
Quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: the role of positive psychological factors

ABSTRACT Objective To identify differences in quality of life (QoL) of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) between diagnosis (Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis), gender (male and female), treatment condition (with and without surgery), and attachment styles (secure, preoccupied, and disconnected); to examine associations between QoL, sociodemographic, clinical, and positive psychological variables; to determine whether sociodemographic, clinical, and positive psychological variables predict QoL. Method The sample included 70 participants diagnosed with IBD (Mage = 43.37 years, SD = 12.81), of whom 71.4% were females and 67.1% had Crohn’s Disease. Positive psychological variables (meaning in life, positive body image, and attachment styles), sociodemographic (age, education, gender) and clinical variables (diagnosis, disease duration, surgery) were assessed as independent variables. QoL was the dependent variable, analyzed through four domains (physical, psychological, social, environment). Results Participants with a secure attachment style reported higher QoL (physical, psychological, and social) than participants with a preoccupied attachment style. Strong positive correlations were found between positive psychological variables and QoL. Body appreciation was a significant predictor of three QoL domains (physical, psychological, and environment). Meaning in life made a unique contribution to the social QoL regression model, and it was also a significant predictor of psychological QoL. Body acceptance by others was a significant predictor of physical QoL, whereas disease duration and education predicted environment QoL. Attachment styles did not predict any QoL domain. Conclusion The most significant predictors of QoL in patients with IBD were body appreciation and meaning in life. Body acceptance by others and body appreciation were the main predictors of physical QoL. Psychological interventions for patients who suffer from IBD should address body appreciation and meaning in life.
Food-Away-from-Home Expenditure in Mexico during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Micro-Econometric Analysis

The propagation of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) reshaped the relationship between income and food-away-from-home (FAFH) expenditure in Mexico during 2020. Although the number of households participating in this market fell across income deciles and regions due to the pandemic, the impact on their budget shares is not uniform. Using data from the Encuesta Nacional de Ingresos y Gastos de los Hogares (ENIGH) 2020, we estimated an Engel curve of the Working-Lesser functional form for FAFH. Among the independent variables are the number of family members 65 years of age and older, and dummies to indicate whether the household experienced food insecurity or received remittances. The estimation was carried out following the Heckman two-step method, suitable for censored-response data. The results suggest that the budget share for FAFH drops as income increases. The number of older adults and food insecurity discourage the decision to participate in FAFH expenditure and increase its budget share, whereas remittances encourage participation and reduce its budget share. The corrected conditional elasticity is 0.4609; the sign and the magnitude indicate that FAFH is a necessity good.
Numerical Analysis of Boundary Layer Separation Control

The flow field of a NACA 0024 airfoil is investigated using ANSYS CFX 14. The airfoil used is equipped with a rotating cylinder mounted at its leading edge. Shear Stress Transport (SST) k-ω turbulence model is used in accordance with time dependent simulations. The numerical results are compared with published experimental data. The mean lift coefficient, the pressure coefficient and the velocity profiles at different sections of the airfoil surface are obtained and compared with Experimental results. Both cases of rotation and no rotation of the cylinder are presented. The maximum lift coefficient as well as the stall angle is increased when the cylinder rotation is present. The numerical data of lift coefficient values compared well with the experimental data.
Phenotypes and Distribution of Yellow-Pine Chipmunk (Neotamias amoenus) of Hybrid Ancestry from the Rocky Mountains of Canada

Abstract. In Canada, subspecies of the yellow-pine chipmunk (Neotamias amoenus luteiventris) and red-tailed chipmunk (Neotamias ruficaudus ruficaudus) co-occur in a small area of the Rocky Mountains in southwestern Alberta and southeastern British Columbia. Some N. a. luteiventris individuals in this area are of hybrid ancestry, carrying a mitochondrial DNA gene of N. r. ruficaudus. We tested for phenotypic hybridization by comparing genital bone morphology, body size, cranial mandibular morphology, and tail color of mitochondrial hybrids with specimens of the 2 parental reference groups identified from genetics or genital morphology. Hybrids were indistinguishable from the N. a. luteiventris reference group, demonstrating no intermediacy or increased variability. Our results are consistent with genetic data that suggest minimal nuclear gene flow between the 2 taxa. Five hybrid locations were within the contact zone, but 6 were 14–98 km beyond the known range extent of N. r. ruficaudus. These peripheral occurrences may be a legacy of a past range decline of N. r. ruficaudus in response to Holocene climatic changes that left hybrids outside the present-day contact zone. We recommend more field research in the Canadian Rocky Mountains to determine the full range extent of N. r. ruficaudus and N. a. luteiventris of hybrid ancestry.
Effects of rapid thermal annealing on the structural properties of GaN thin films

Effects of rapid thermal annealing (RTA) on the structural properties were investigated in undoped GaN film grown by rf-plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), Detailed characterizations of the photoluminescence (PL), high-resolution X-ray diffraction and low-frequency noise were conducted on both the as-grown and annealed films, PL and X-ray diffraction measurements showed that the crystallinity of the films improved with RTA at 800/spl deg/C with significant reduction in the yellow emission. Annealing at 900/spl deg/C and 1000/spl deg/C resulted in an increase in the FWHHM of the X-ray diffraction, indicative of thermal decomposition of the materials, The results are in excellent agreement with our study of low-frequency noise, which demonstrates similar trends in the magnitudes of the Hooge parameters as a function of the annealing temperature. The temperature dependence of the voltage noise power spectra S/sub u/(f) was examined from 400 K to 80 K in the frequency range between 30 Hz and 100 kHz. At the low-frequency range the fluctuation is dominated by 1/f/sup /spl gamma// noise, and for f>1 kHz the noise is dominated by G-R noise processes. Our experimental results show that 800/spl deg/C is the optimal temperature for RTA, which results in substantial improvements in both the optical, structural and noise properties for the material,,whereas annealing at 1000/spl deg/C is found to result in significant material degradation.
Molecular architecture of nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase sub-complexes by integrative structure determination

The Nucleosome Remodeling and Deacetylase (NuRD) complex is a chromatin-modifying assembly that regulates gene expression and DNA damage repair. Despite its importance, limited structural information describing the complete NuRD complex is available and a detailed understanding of its mechanism is therefore lacking. Drawing on information from SEC-MALLS, DIA-MS, XLMS, negative-stain EM, X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, secondary structure predictions and homology models, we applied Bayesian integrative structure determination to investigate the molecular architecture of three NuRD sub-complexes: MTA1-HDAC1-RBBP4 (MHR), MTA1N-HDAC1-MBD3GATAD2CC (MHM), and MTA1-HDAC1-RBBP4-MBD3-GATAD2A (NuDe). The integrative structures were corroborated by examining independent crosslinks, cryo-EM maps, biochemical assays, known cancer-associated mutations, and structure predictions from AlphaFold. The robustness of the models was assessed by jack-knifing. Localization of the full-length MBD3, which connects the deacetylase and chromatin remodeling modules in NuRD, has not previously been possible; our models indicate two different locations for MBD3, suggesting a mechanism by which MBD3 in the presence of GATAD2A asymmetrically bridges the two modules in NuRD. Further, our models uncovered three previously unrecognized subunit interfaces in NuDe: HDAC1C-MTA1BAH, MTA1BAH-MBD3MBD, and HDAC160-100-MBD3MBD. Our approach also allowed us to localize regions of unknown structure, such as HDAC1C and MBD3IDR, thereby resulting in the most complete and robustly cross-validated structural characterization of these NuRD sub-complexes so far.
Numerical and Experimental Analysis of the Thermo-Mechanical Load on Turbine Wheels of Turbochargers

CFD, FEA, and experimental testing have been combined in order to investigate the lifetime limiting design deficiencies of a turbine wheel in a turbo charger. Thermocouples have been applied to the same radial turbine wheel to provide boundary conditions and validation data for the simulations. The tests have been performed on a turbocharger gas-stand. Based on two steady state CHT-calculations for two distinctly different operating points the heating process of the wheel has been simulated in a transient temperature calculation. Since the resulting temperature gradients induce thermal stresses, the temperature distribution serves as a boundary condition for the subsequent structural analysis. To obtain realistic stress distributions, centrifugal forces also need to be accounted for. In this way, the influence of the thermal stress on the overall stress can be evaluated.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
PRODUCTION OF BIODIESEL FROM USED VEGETABLE OIL

Investigation harnessing waste oil discarded into streams, water ways and farm lands by producing biodiesel which can curb the environmental menace caused by emission from petrol diesel. Used vegetable oil from an eatery was intercepted at the point of being discarded and used as the main material for this work. 2 litres of the oil was sieved, warmed up and made to react with 8grms of sodium hydroxide and 400 mls of methanol in a trans-esterification reaction leading to the production of biodiesel and glycerine. The density difference between the two made separations easy, leaving glycerine at the bottom of the container and biodiesel at the top which was collected, washed severally and dried by exposure to air. It was found the biodiesel produced from used vegetable oil gave a better engine performance and less emission than the petrol diesel.