Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Integrated Vehicle Comparison of Turbo-Ramjet Engine and Pulsed Detonation Engine

The pulsed detonation engine (PDE) is a unique propulsion system that uses the pressure rise associated with detonations to efficiently provide thrust. A study was conducted under the direction of the NASA Langley Research Center to identify the flight applications that provide the greatest potential benefits when incorporating a PDE propulsion system. The study was conducted in three phases. The first two phases progressively screened a large matrix of possible applications down to three applications for a more in-depth, advanced design analysis. The three applications best suited to the PDE were (1) a supersonic tactical aircraft, (2) a supersonic strike missile, and (3) a hypersonic single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) vehicle. The supersonic tactical aircraft is the focus of this paper. The supersonic, tactical aircraft is envisioned as a Mach 3.5 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft with possible strike capability. The high speed was selected based on the perceived high-speed fuel efficiency benefits of the PDE. Relative to a turbo-ramjet powered vehicle, the study identified an 11% to 21% takeoff gross weight (TOGW) benefit to the PDE on the baseline 700 n.mi. radius mission depending on the assumptions used for PDE performance and mission requirements. The TOGW benefits predicted were a result of the PDE lower cruise specific fuel consumption (SFC) and lower vehicle supersonic drag. The lower vehicle drag resulted from better aft vehicle shaping, which was a result of better distribution of the PDE cross-sectional area. The reduction in TOGW and fuel usage produced an estimated 4% reduction in life cycle cost for the PDE vehicle. The study also showed that the simplicity of the PDE enables concurrent engineering development of the vehicle and engine.
TQM and CSR nexus

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the similarities and differences between Total Quality Management (TQM) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Moreover, the paper considers the implications of these similarities and differences for the future development of TQM and CSR.Design/methodology/approach – This paper is a structured discourse analysis which is used to systematically explore these two discursive subjects. Both concepts encompass discursive ideas and practices.Findings – The findings in the paper suggest that the two concepts share similar philosophical roots, that there is a substantial overlap between the elements of the two concepts, and that the ultimate expected outcome shows significant similarities. Despite these similarities, however, implementation of TQM will not necessarily result in CSR.Research limitations/implications – In this paper the findings lead to the conclusion that it is important to recognise the specific needs of CSR and include them as an implicit par.
Our Brand is Crisis: Political, Economic and Security Upheavals and the Rise of Electoral Authoritarianism

This article proposes a new theory of the rise and resilience of electoral autocracies – the most widespread and persistent form of authoritarianism, and the greatest threat to democracy after the Cold War. Contrary to the emphasis on isolation from external influences, clientelism, repression and other manipulative tactics in the current literature, the paper contends that electoral autocracies have largely emerged and sustained their reign by taking advantage of popular demands for restoring stability and prosperity after deep political, socio-economic and security crises. I argue that due to its hybrid institutional makeup, electoral authoritarianism is an appealing remedy – a system perceived as sufficiently authoritarian to provide effective governance in times of crisis, but also representative enough to exercise restraint – in democracies facing intractable crises. The paper tests these propositions with in-depth cross-national analyses of the key factors associated with transitions to electoral authoritarianism and other alternative regimes in the 19732010 period.
Development and Testing of a 120 kW RF Power Processing Unit for the VASIMR System

In January of 2020, Ad Astra Rocket Company began operating a technology readiness level (TRL) 5 power processing unit (PPU) developed for the ion cyclotron heating (ICH) stage of the VASIMR VX-200SSTM plasma thruster prototype. Aethera Technologies, of Halifax NS, Canada, developed this PPU under contract with Ad Astra and with additional support from the Canadian Space Agency. The PPU uses modern, GaN power electronics that have the potential for spaceflight. Weighing only 52.9 kg, including a 15 kg magnetic shield, the unit produces up to 120 kW of RF power at frequencies of 0.4 to 1.0 MHz, with a DC-to-RF power conversion efficiency of 98%. During a 4-hour test with a water-cooled resistive load, Ad Astra operated the PPU in thermal steady state at full power while under high vacuum. The VX200SSTM magnet was fully energized during the last hour of the test, but the field had no significant effect on the unit in its installed location (2 m from the thruster axis). The new PPU is now a permanent part of the upgraded VX-200SSTM system, replacing a TRL-4 unit that resides outside of the test chamber. Ad Astra has since resonated the ICH stage while operating at a total (helicon plus ICH) power of 100 kW, easily tuning the new unit to the plasma circuit. Additionally, Aethera has developed a commercial PPU, of similar design and performance, but operating at the higher frequency (~7 MHz) required by the helicon stage of a VASIMR system. Minor changes will adapt the commercial PPU to the VX-200SSTM. The complete (helicon and ICH) radio frequency power subsystem will then operate in a relevant vacuum, thermal, and magnetic environment.
Communicating Europe Abroad: EU Delegations and Public Diplomacy

Following the Lisbon Treaty’s entry into force, the former European Commission Delegations were replaced by socalled EU Delegations, representing the Union vis-à-vis third countries and international organizations. In addition to fostering political and economic links with the host countries, a major task of the Delegations is to conduct public diplomacy (PD), a crucial exercise when it comes to favorably shaping perceptions abroad. This paper scrutinizes the latter task in greater detail and identifies challenges EU Delegations are facing in their outreach activities, aiming at developing an action plan to upgrade the Delegations’ PD efforts and their role in foreign policy. The study is based on 17 semi-structured interviews with officials in EU Delegations, a former member of the European External Action Service (EEAS) HQ and diplomats from EU Member States’ embassies. The interviews revealed that EU Delegations have been fairly effective in adapting to the “new” PD practices, focusing on dialogue rather than on one-way communication and using a broad range of communication channels. Nevertheless, several challenges remain, including a lack of resources and restricted evaluation mechanisms. To tackle these challenges, a series of recommendations were deducted, including inter alia better training for PD and communication officers before taking up their positions abroad, greater levels of trust from the EEAS HQ toward the Delegation staff and enhanced financial and personnel resources. 8 COMMUNICATING EUROPE ABROAD
Film cooling from two rows of holes inclined in the streamwise and spanwise directions

Etude experimentale de l'efficacite du refroidissement par film avec deux rangees de trous inclines dans la direction du courant ou de la portee. Etude de l'effet de l'espacement des trous et des rangees, de la combinaison des inclinaisons, en presence de gradients de pression et de turbulence pour un eventail typique de debit d'insufflation
The tongue biofilm metatranscriptome identifies metabolic pathways associated with halitosis and its prevention

Halitosis is an oral condition caused by an increase in the concentration of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), such as methyl mercaptan and hydrogen sulfide, generated as a consequence of bacterial metabolism on the tongue biofilm. Microbial communities on the tongue of halitosis patients have been studied by bacterial culture, 16S rRNA taxonomic studies and metagenomics. However, there are currently no reports on the microbial gene-expression profiles. In this study, we performed RNAseq of tongue coating samples from control individuals and halitosis patients with different levels and composition of VSCs, as determined by gas chromatography. In this metatranscriptomic study, the activity of Streptococcus, Veillonella and Rothia species was associated with halitosis-free individuals while Prevotella, Fusobacterium and Leptotrichia species were associated with halitosis. Although methyl mercaptan is considered an indicator of halitosis, the metatranscriptome of patients in which only this VSC was present in elevated levels was similar to that of halitosis-free individuals. Veillonella dispar, Streptococcus parasanguinis and Rothia mucilaginosa were over-represented in halitosis-free communities in comparison to the rest of the groups, suggesting that these species could be used as a halitosis-free biomarkers. In contrast, the abundance of Prevotella shahi and Fusobacterium nucleatum were significantly higher when hydrogen sulfide concentration was over the established halitosis-threshold, making these species putative halitosis biomarkers. Finally, gene expression profiles showed a significant over-expression of genes involved in L-cysteine and L-homocysteine synthesis in halitosis-free individuals and an over-expression of genes responsible for cysteine degradation into hydrogen sulfide in halitosis patients. In addition, nitrate reduction into nitrite was also over-expressed in halitosis-free patients. In conclusion, halitosis was associated with communities that degrade amino acids and reduce sulfide, whereas tongue communities that produce L-cysteine from hydrogen sulfide and that reduce nitrate were associated with the absence of halitosis. The latter could provide new strategies to treat this condition.
A Descriptive Analysis of Chairs of Academic Neurology Departments in the United States

There remains a limited understanding of the characteristics of academic leaders within neurology departments, despite similar research in other fields. This investigation characterized the demographics, academic background, and scholarly productivity of United States (U.S.) neurology department chairs. Here, 131 chairs at Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-certified neurology programs were identified. Publicly accessible demographic and academic data available online were collected in March 2021. Among the 131 neurology chairs analyzed, 84.7% were male. On average, these faculty were 60.5 years old and were appointed at a mean age of 52.0 years. 74.8% of chairs graduated from an American medical school, although a notable proportion of department heads received medical training internationally. A substantial cohort also acquired an additional graduate degree, of which Doctor of Philosophy (PhD; 22.1%) and master's degree (21.4%) were most common. 82.4% completed a post-residency fellowship, which were most frequently in vascular neurology (24.1%) and clinical neurophysiology (17.6%). The mean h-index, m-quotient, and lifetime NIH grant funding received were 39.2 {+/-} 29.4, 1.2 {+/-} 0.8, and $20,021,594 {+/-} $31,861,816, respectively. No between-gender differences were observed. Overall, neurology chairs are predominantly male, most often completing fellowships in vascular neurology or clinical neurophysiology. Research productivity is a notable component of these chairs' careers, although certain programs place less emphasis on these metrics. Finally, substantial effort remains to address disparities in female representation at this leadership position. These findings serve as a benchmark to evaluate demographic trends among neurology department chairs.
Cable-to-Post Attachments for Use in Non-Proprietary High-Tension Cable Median Barrier – Phase II

The research objectives reported herein were based on further development of cable-to-post attachment hardware for use in the non-proprietary high-tension cable barrier system. Specifically, this project aimed to develop and evaluate alternative attachment designs for the bolted, tabbed bracket and evaluate the use of a larger diameter, keeper rod for use in the top cable attachment. From a group of over 25 alternative attachment concepts, two tabbed bracket designs were selected for evaluation through dynamic component testing: 1) the lateral shear plate attachment and 2) the drop-in shear plate attachment. The drop-in shear plate concept did not perform as intended, as the vertical release load was too high and the lateral release loads were too low. Alternatively, the lateral shear plate design provided vertical and lateral release loads very similar to the original bolted, tabbed bracket V10. However, concerns were raised over the lack of rigidity in the attachment and the ease of installations of the shear plate. Thus, it was recommended that the lateral shear plate design be modified and reevaluated prior to use in the full-scale system. Dynamic bogie or component testing of the 3/16-in. (4.8-mm) diameter brass keeper rod provided a quick cable release similar to the previous design. The increased strength of the rod also showed promise in distributing impact loads more uniformly to adjacent posts and helping reduce system deflections. Thus, the 3/16-in. (4.8-mm) diameter brass rod was recommended for use in the new high-tension cable barrier system.
Analysis of Determinants of Student Pilot Success for United States naval Academy Graduates

Abstract : The purpose of this study is to determine which characteristics and outcomes that are measured/determined at the Naval Academy serve as the best predictors of attrition from naval pilot training before or during the Primary phase, as well as performance in the first two stages of training: the academic portion of Aviation Preflight Indoctrination (API) and the flying portion of Primary phase. The reason for this is twofold; 1. ) to examine the current aviation assignment policy at the Naval Academy (predominantly based on ASTB and OOM) to determine if it is significantly related to pilot performance (academic, flying and attrition) in flight school, and 2. ) to examine alternative criteria to determine the possibility of developing a more effective model for predicting performance.
Design participation(-s) – a creative commons for ongoing change

We present Design participation(-s) – a creative commons for ongoing change as the second set of the double special issue contributions that began in CoDesign 4 (1), March 2008. In the first volume, Liz Sanders and Jan Stappers, Yanki Lee, Tuuli Mattelmäki, Christina Brodersen, Christian Dindler and Ole Sejer Iversen, and Eva Brandt, Jörn Messeter and Thomas Binder collectively painted a picture of today’s dynamic landscape of experimentation with forms of joint inquiry for collaborative idea generation sparked by an openness towards what can be designed and adaptive deployment of participatory tactics. In the lively currents of participation in design and design research, the contributors offer new perspectives on how researchers are exploring core themes of making design practices a creative commons for on-going change. The three contributions in this volume from Erling Bjarki Björgvinsson, Margot Brereton and Jacob Buur, and Thomas Binder and Eva Brandt take us into new territory for co-creation between designers and diverse ‘users’ and stakeholders. With historical inspirations as starting points, each article takes up the intricate challenges of realising ‘the ethos of participatory design’ (Brereton and Buur, this issue) in contexts where the boundaries of the participatory design projects are blurred, the distinctions between designer and user are no longer self-evident, and participation is as much about reflexivity as about pursuing predefined goals. In the first article, Björgvinsson proposes open-ended collaborative design for emerging social practices in which participatory design is seen as prototypical practice. In the second article, Brereton and Buur argue that participation is essential in the era of ubiquitous computing and that participatory design in some sense must become ubiquitous as well. In the final article, Binder and Brandt put forward the Design:Lab as a platform for collaborative inquiry and co-design experiments, where participation is deliberately staged as a junction of multiple stakeholders. We point to three recursive issues that are raised rather than resolved by the contributions to the Participation(-s) double special issues. These questions posed by these themes confront the design community at large.
Study of Employee Carsharing on the University Campus

AbstractThis manuscript analyzes personal and carsharing consumption characteristics of alternative commuters of the same university in Los Angeles, California. The paper finds that: (1) one can achieve a reasonably high carsharing rate among university employees, particularly employees commuting by alternative modes other than driving alone, female employees, and employees whose income is lower than the median income of all the employees; (2) university employees’ participation rate in the carsharing program is lower than the students’ and thus, the latter contributes more to the existing argument that a university campus is a niche market for carsharing; (3) commuter benefits are not only correlated to the employee participation rate of a carsharing program, but also to the behavior of the participants: their frequency and quantity of carsharing consumption and when to carshare; (4) free hours do not necessarily increase the carsharing consumption of employee carsharers who are eligible for these hours;.
Buoyancy-Induced Convection in a Square Enclosure Discretely Heated at One Side and Cooled either at the Top or at the Bottom Using both Gases and Liquids as Working Fluids

Laminar natural convection heat and momentum transfer in fluid-filled, square enclosures partially heated at one side and cooled either at the top or at the bottom, is studied numerically. A computational code based on the SIMPLE-C algorithm is used to solve the system of the mass, momentum and energy transfer governing equations. Simulations are performed using the Rayleigh number based on the cavity width, the thermally-active fraction of the partially heated sidewall, and the Prandtl number of the working fluid, as independent variables. It is found that the top cooling is definitely more efficient than the bottom cooling. In both cooling configurations the average Nusselt number of the cavity increases as each controlling parameter is increased. On the basis of the results obtained, a set of dimensionless correlations is developed.
Cardiovascular Benefit of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) Inhibitors in Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide yet, despite advances in treatment, CVD remains an underestimated and undermanaged condition, with an even greater risk in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors (SGLT-2i) are a promising novel drug class reported to improve Cardiovascular (CV) and renal outcomes in T2DM. Recent large-scale trials have assessed their CV safety with unexpected findings of multiple systemic benefits that could potentially reverse CVD. In this systematic review, we examined ten Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) that looked at cardiovascular outcomes in Type 2 diabetics and SGLT-2i. The RCTs were appropriately screened, looking for clear primary or secondary outcomes on CV events, and compared with placebo or other antidiabetic drugs. The RCTs had an average sample population studied of 5,549 participants with a mean follow-up time of 2.66 years. Three of the studies focused on CV parameters and risk factors. The remaining had defined CV composite events, and all consistently observed at least one CV benefit when using SGLT-2i. Our review of SGLT-2i in Type 2 diabetics showed the greatest benefit in reducing Heart Failure (HF) exacerbation and modest lowering of CV complications in high CV risk participants. Overall, there is still uncertainty about the exact mechanisms of SGLT-2i in their CV benefit, and whether they would favor pre-diabetic populations and those at earlier stages of CVD.
Business model innovation in the aviation industry

In response to changing sources of value creation, business model innovation has recently emerged as a concept that allows dealing with volatile environments. Focusing on the aviation industry, we aim at enhancing the understanding of drivers, elements and forms of business model innovation. We use an inductive, theory-building design that allows patterns of business model innovation to come to light across multiple case studies of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) companies in the aviation industry. In line with prior theory, we find that a range of supply and demand-driven effects trigger the need for business model innovation in the aviation sector. We identify aircraft manufacturer market characteristics and structural airline industry characteristics as drivers of MRO business model innovation. New MRO value offerings and MRO value creation were set as constituting elements of innovating MRO business models resulting in customer benefit-oriented and value co-creation-oriented business model innovation.
Study on Low Flow Rate Operating Characteristics of Hot Waxy Crude Oil Pipelines Based on an Unsteady-State Calculation Method

Hot crude oil pipeline operated at low flow rate might work in an unstable state, where the friction loss continuously increases with the decreasing flow rate. This will lead to harmful flow stagnation and needs proper management. In this paper, the unsteady-state thermal-hydraulic behavior of the coupled pipeline-pump system is investigated by adopting an unsteady-state numerical model instead of the traditional steady-state model. The new model considers the impacts of the heating strategies, initial operating conditions, and pump characteristics on the pipeline characteristics at low flow rate. Through obtaining the transient characteristics of the flow rate and friction loss, the stable and unstable working ranges are distinguished and critical flow rate is calculated. It is shown that the transient characteristics at low flow rate can be classified into three categories. (1) The flow rate keeps constant for the initial period and then decreases continuously while the friction loss increases monotonously. (2) The flow rate is constant while the friction loss increases firstly and then stays stable. (3) The flow rate maintains constancy while the friction loss increases firstly and then decreases to a final stable level. Besides, it can be concluded that the critical flow rate calculated by the unsteady-state method is recommended with preheating before the flow rate drop.