Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Numerical Investigation of Choking Cavitator Based on Orthogonal Experiment

The different structures of choking cavitator were studied by using numerically simulation based on the orthogonal experiment. Many different structures of choking cavitator were researched to get a set of parameters which can produce much stronger intensity of cavitation. The results of investigation show that the optimal values of characteristic parameters are the optimal flow value of 1.5 m3 / h, entry point of the optimal value of 35 o, the outlet diameter of 9 mm, the back pressure of 70 kPa and the throat length of 70 mm.
A new approach to parting surface design for plastic injection moulds using the subdivision method

This paper proposes a new approach to automate the design of parting surfaces for plastic injection moulds. The new method tackles the issue of the automatic generation of a polygonal complex that is required for boundary curve interpolation. The mesh that defines the ‘interior’ of the surface patch is generated using medial axis transform and optimization. Upon subdivision, the mesh generates a smooth surface patch that connects to neighbouring patches to form the entire parting surface. This new method has been integrated with our previous result to develop an experimental system that automates parting surface design for a plastic part with a complex parting line. The major advantage of this new approach is that the subdivision surface is generated by a standard subdivision scheme which facilitates the development of any downstream applications, such as CNC toolpath extraction, on the surface. Examples and a design case study are presented to demonstrate the major steps and verify the feasibility of the new approach.
Application of a woodpile superstrate for directivity enhancement of antennas

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of electromagnetic band‐gap (EBG) materials in the enhancement of antennas' directivity.Design/methodology/approach – An analysis of a woodpile EBG material is performed, which points out its band properties. Woodpile cavities are then considered, obtained by interrupting the periodicity of the crystal. A woodpile cavity is then superimposed to a double‐slot antenna, resulting in a compound radiating device. The behavior of the EBG and of the radiating structure are simulated through Ansoft HFSS V11.Findings – The woodpile EBG, when used as a cavity, acts as a spatial filter for the radiation coming from the antenna. The directivity of the new radiator is considerably increased, since now the illumination covers an area larger than the antenna.Originality/value – Using new materials to obtain high‐directivity and compact radiators.
A generalized knowledge-based short-term load-forecasting technique

A recently developed algorithm for short-term load forecasting is generalized. The algorithm combines features from knowledge-based and statistical techniques. It is based on a generalized model for the weather-load relationship which makes it site-independent. Weather variables are investigated, and their relative effect on the load is reported. The algorithm is also fairly robust and inherently updatable, and it provides a systematic method for operator intervention if necessary. This property makes it especially suitable for application in conjunction with demand side management (DSM) programs. The algorithm uses pairwise comparison to quantify categorical variables, and then utilizes regression to obtain the least-squares estimation of the load. The technique has been tested using data from four different sites in Virginia, Massachusetts, Florida, and Washington. The average absolute weekday forecast errors range from 1.22% to 2.7% over all four seasons in a year. >
Directional Site Resonances Observed from the 1 October 1987 Whittier Narrows, California, Earthquake and the 4 October Aftershock

We present evidence that sites often resonate preferentially in a particular compass direction. The 1 October 1987 mainshock and 4 October 1987 aftershock in the Whittier Narrows, California, sequence had very different focal mechanisms. Nevertheless, at 8 of 11 strong-motion stations for which digitized records of both events are available, the direction of strongest shaking in the two events was much more similar than would be expected from their different mechanisms. The coincidence of the polarizations from the two events was greatest at frequencies with peaks in the amplitude spectra, suggesting that site amplification and directional resonances are linked. Knowledge of directional site resonances may aid in predicting the directions of damaging earthquake motions.
Realisation of a bilaterally teleoperated robotic vehicle platform with passivity control

In this study, a new bilateral teleoperated vehicle testing platform is proposed. In the platform, the authors apply a new power-based time domain passivity control (PTDPC) method in an effort to improve the transparency. A new bilateral teleoperation platform is realised where steering angle commands were transmitted from a steering wheel interface to a remote vehicle, and road surface forces are sent back from the vehicle to the steering wheel interface. The communication channel between the steering wheel (master side) and the remote vehicle (slave side) introduces time-varying delays in the transmitted signals. To ensure the stability of the whole system, PTDPCs are applied to each side of the communication channel, which further improve the tracking performance as well as reduce the overall effort required of the human operator. The alternative advantage of the passivity control is the simplicity: the dynamic models of both master and slave side systems are not required to be known. The algorithms, hardware and software realisations are described thoroughly in the study. Finally, experimental results are demonstrated to show the effectiveness of the proposed approach as well as the functionality of the new testing platform.
Channel Constriction Predicts Pool‐Riffle Velocity Reversals Across Landscapes

Research regarding self‐maintenance of pool‐riffle river morphology has focused on hydraulics within individual pool‐riffle couplets. Here, we make a scientific leap from one site on river to 702 pool‐riffle couplets across northern California to understand the frequency of the foundational velocity‐reversal hypothesis. A geometrical, mass and energy conservation‐based velocity reversal criterion was used to predict the occurrence of a velocity reversal. Only 18% of all couplets met the established criteria indicating a velocity reversal. At locations with riffle‐to‐pool bankfull width ratios greater than 1.2, more than 50% of couplets met velocity‐reversal conditions. Velocity reversal pools were almost always (89%) associated with channel constrictions while riffles were typically (71%) associated with channel expansions, albeit less often. Therefore, across landscapes, it appears channel constrictions propagate velocity reversal maintenance. Phasing between width and depth variability is central to fluvial morphodynamics and ecology and must be considered in sustainable river eco‐engineering.
A high-performance axial-field magnetic gear

The paper describes an axial-field topology of magnetic gear, which is particularly suitable for applications which require a hermetic isolation between the input and output shafts, such as pumps for use in the chemical/pharmaceutical, food, and aerospace industries. It is shown that a torque density in excess of 70kNm∕m3 can be achieved, and that the axial forces, which are exerted on the high-speed and low-speed rotors, are relatively low.
Experimental study including subjective evaluations of mixing and displacement ventilation combined with radiant floor heating/cooling system

Sixteen subjects evaluated the indoor environment in four experiments with different combinations of ventilation systems and radiant heating/cooling systems. In the first two tests, the simulated residential room was equipped either by a mixing ventilation system supplying warm air for space heating or by a combination of radiant floor heating and mixing ventilation system. The vertical air temperature distribution was more uniform for floor heating. The discomfort due to cold feet/lower legs was higher for warm air heating, but no significant difference in thermal perceptions between the two mixing ventilation systems was found. The next two tests simulated an office room during summer, ventilated and cooled either by a displacement ventilation system alone or by a displacement ventilation system combined with radiant floor cooling. Displacement ventilation combined with floor cooling had lower floor temperature, warmer supply air, and less homogeneous vertical temperature profile, but it did not result in thermal discomfort on feet/lower legs or discomfort due to a vertical air temperature difference higher than for a displacement ventilation system alone, where the floor temperature was higher, supply air cooler, and vertical temperature profile more uniform.
Designing group layout of unequal-area facilities in a dynamic cellular manufacturing system with variability in number and shape of cells

This paper presents a new mixed-integer non-linear programming model for designing the group layout (GL) of unequal-area facilities in a cellular manufacturing system (CMS) under a dynamic environment. There are some features that make the presented model different from the previous studies. These include: (1) manufacturing cells with variable numbers and shapes, (2) machine depot keeping idle machines, (3) machines of unequal-areas, (4) manufacturing cells with rectangle regular shapes established on the continuous shop floor and (5) integration of cell formation and GL as interrelated decisions involved in the design of a CMS in a dynamic environment. The objective function is to minimises the total costs of intra- and inter-cell material handling, machine overhead, machine relocation, machine processing, purchasing machines and forming cells. Since the problem is NP-hard, an efficient simulated annealing (SA) algorithm is developed to solve the presented model. The performance of this model is illustrated by two numerical examples. It is then tested using several test problems with different sizes and settings to verify the computational efficiency of the developed algorithm in comparison to the classical genetic algorithm (GA). The obtained results show that the quality of the solutions obtained by SA is better than GA.
Novel 4-Stage Traveling Wave Thermoacoustic Power Generator

Utilizing low temperature differences from solar vacuum tube collectors or waste heat in the range 70–200 °C seems to be the most promising and commercial interesting field of applications for thermoacoustic systems. Recently a novel 4-stage “self matching” traveling wave engine is developed and tested. Beside the low acoustic loss and compactness, due to traveling wave feedback, all components per stage are identical which is beneficial from (mass) production point of view. Based on this concept a 100 kWT thermoacoustic power (TAP) generator is under construction. This project is carried out in the framework of phase two of the Dutch SBIR program. The 100 kWT TAP will be installed at a paper manufacturing plant in the Netherlands for converting part of the flue gas at 150°C from the paper drying process into electricity. Emphasis in this project is on production and cost aspects lowering the investment per kWe to a level competitive to ORC’s. After successful completion of this pilot, commercialization and delivery of 100kW to 1 MW thermoacoustic power generators for industrial waste heat recovery and as add-on for CHP systems is planned to begin in 2012. The same concept of the 4-stage traveling wave engine is also implemented in an atmospheric pressure operated thermoacoustic cooking device for developing countries which generate beside hot water up to 50 W electricity. Details, ongoing work and experimental results of these projects will be presented.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Reduced order modelling of full-span rotating stall for the flow control simulation of axial compressors

A 2D mean-radius reduction of the flow inside an axial compressor is proposed here as basic model for long-term simulations of active control strategies. In fact, research on active control of compressor instabilities is still based on the 0-D lumped volume approach of Moore and Greitzer,1,2 with enhancements, or on one-dimensional axial flow models. In the present work, the dynamics of the compressor flow instabilities is represented in both the axial and peripheral directions. Although this intermediate-level analysis cannot capture fully 3D aspects of rotating stall inception and the part-span stall, it has shown to include a wide variety of details with respect to simpler models, while it still retains computational requirements that allow for the long-term simulation of an entire compression system. In this framework, the paper focuses on the derivation of a flow model that can mimic the onset and the development of the instabilities leading the compressor to full-span rotating stall. The flow inside the compressor is solved by means of two-dimensional Euler equations whereas the effects of blade rows are modelled by quasi-steady actuator disks. The characteristic-based flux treatment on the actuator disk sides ensures a correct propagation of the wave signals. Therefore, flow perturbations can be followed until they lead to instabilities within the flow field. Both small and large amplitude disturbances are treated. Aerodynamic instabilities are numerically investigated and compared to experimental results. The numerical technique has been validated against available experiments on NASA Rotor 1B and against numerical and experimental data on the throttling of the BR710 multi-stage compressor rig.
Assessing the influence of chemico-osmosis on solute transport in bentonite membranes based on combined phenomenological and physical modeling

The ability of bentonite-based barriers to act as semipermeable membranes that inhibit the passage of solutes (ions) is well documented. This behavior induces chemico-osmotic liquid flux that can improve the performance of such barriers by reducing solute mass flux. This paper explores the potential significance of chemico-osmosis on solute transport through bentonite membranes using a phenomenological transport framework combined with a physical model relating the macroscale transport properties (membrane efficiency coefficient,  , and hydraulic conductivity, k h ) to the microscale physicochemical and fabric properties of the bentonite. The model was used to simulate the coupled transport of monovalent salt (KCl) through a geosynthetic clay liner. The results indicate that the influence of chemico-osmosis is dependent upon the void ratio of the bentonite and the extent to which clay platelets are aggregated to form tactoids. Chemico-osmosis is predicted to have an increasingly more significant impact on solute transport with increasing source concentration ( C s0 ), despite decreasing  with increasing C
Clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes following surgery combined with adjuvant radiotherapy for primary frontal sinus malignancies: A single-center analysis

Objective This study aimed to determine clinicopathologic characteristics of primary frontal sinus malignancies (FSMs) and provide long-term survival results. Materials and methods A retrospective study of six cases of primary FSMs at our center from 2006 to 2016 was performed. The demographics characteristics, tumor characteristics, treatment modalities and survival outcomes were recorded. Results In this series, the median age was 48 years (30–53 years) and all patients were male. There were five cases with squamous cell carcinoma, and one with osteosarcoma. All cases presented with locally advanced disease without regional lymphatic metastasis, including 5 cases of stage Ⅲ and one of stage Ⅱ. The two most common pathways of tumor invasion were as follows: local tumor broke posteriorly through bone wall and invaded dura mater, followed by frontal lobe; local tumor infiltrated downward through the floor of frontal sinus into ethmoid sinus, thereafter invaded laterally orbit and orbital contents. All patients received surgery followed by postoperative radiotherapy at the total doses of 50Gy to 75.95Gy. Among them, only one patient underwent R0 resection, the rest of patients underwent R1/R2 resection. With a median survival time of 56 months (32 to 76 months), two patients receiving R1/R2 resection developed treatment failure and died within 5 years, including one case with local recurrence, and one with local recurrence thereafter distant metastasis. Conclusion The majority of FSMs presented with peripherally invasive progression lesions, which led to a high ratio of R1/R2 resection. Surgery combined with postoperative radiotherapy might result in satisfactory efficacy.
Difficulties in preventing suicidal behaviours in spite of existing evidence-based preventive methods – An overvie

Summary Suicide prevention is an important issue. Every year almost 800,000 people die by suicide worldwide, while alarmingly, many more individuals attempt to take their own life. However, despite the existence of evidence-based suicide preventive strategies, suicidal behaviours remain difficult to prevent. This overview will address some of the obstacles that arise in preventing suicide. suicide, attempted suicide, suicidal thoughts, preventive methods
Perceptions of status and TMO workgroup cooperation: implications for project governance

Achieving and sustaining the cooperation of individuals with their temporary multi-organization (TMO) workgroups is, arguably, one of the most enduring challenges facing the construction sector. A mediational model connecting pride and self-respect to each of four dimensions of cooperative behaviour—in-role, compliance, extra-role, and deference—is tested in a survey sample of 140 construction professionals in Hong Kong. Bootstrap tests of the indirect effect of pride on cooperative behaviour suggest that self-respect fully mediates the influence of pride on in-role behaviour and compliance behaviour, and partially mediates the influence of pride on extra-role behaviour. The results also suggest that pride has no effect on deference behaviour. While needing corroboration by future research, the findings suggest that viable strategies designed to foster pride and self-respect could engender and sustain cooperation in construction TMO workgroups, and support ongoing efforts to reform construction. The bootstrapping procedures for testing intervening variable models are elaborated in the hope that this will encourage more process analysis research in construction.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PERFORMANCE OF VARIOUS ISOLATION SYSTEMS FOR LIQUID STORAGE TANKS

A comparative study of performance of various isolation systems for liquid storage tanks is investigated under real earthquake ground motions. The various base isolation systems considered are the laminated rubber bearings (with and without lead core) and sliding isolation systems (with and without restoring force). The isolated liquid storage tank is idealized with three-degrees-of-freedom associated with convective, impulsive and rigid mass under uni-directional earthquake excitation. Since the force-deformation behaviour of the isolation systems is non-linear, as a result, the equations of motion are solved numerically by step-by-step method. In order to measure the effectiveness of the isolation systems, the seismic response of the isolated liquid storage tanks is compared with the corresponding response of non-isolated tanks. Further, the effectiveness of the isolation is also explored for wide range of practical liquid storage tanks considering the influence of tank aspect ratio. It is observed that the isolation systems are quite effective in attenuating the earthquake acceleration transmitted to the tank, which reduces the design seismic forces significantly. Further, it is also found that the sliding type isolation systems are more effective in controlling the response of liquid storage tanks in comparison to the elastomeric bearings. Among the various sliding systems, the resilient-friction base isolator is found to be most effective for seismic isolation of the tanks.
Water transfer properties of two‐layer weft knitted fabric

The aim of this study is to investigate the water (moisture vapor and liquid) transfer properties of two‐layer weft knitted fabric and some related factors. Some experimental fabrics with specific yarns and stitch densities were prepared. Water vapor permeability rate through the fabrics and liquid water transfer from inner to outer layers were measured. The results show that the permeability rate is closely related to the porosity within the fabric while the transfer depends mainly upon the water absorption properties of the fibers on the two layers and degree of their difference.
Small Business Failure and Bankruptcy: What Progress Has Been Made in a Decade?

This paper surveys the literature on small business failure and bankruptcy over the past decade in order to discover how much progress has been made and to make recommendations for the future. It compares the findings with those discussed in a similar survey written ten years ago. The paper takes a broad view discussing not only the causes of failure but also the various means of preventing failure by prediction and assistance (training, advice and government policy).
Effects of Native Entomopathogenic Fungal Strains and Neem Extract on Spodoptera frugiperda on Maize

Abstract. The objective of this study was to evaluate the insecticidal activity of native entomopathogenic fungi and neem extract on Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) attacking maize (Zea mays L.). The treatments were the following: Metarhizium robertsii J.F. Bisch. , Rehner & Humber and Fusarium solani (Mart.) Sacc at 1 × 108 spores ml-1 and 15% vegetable oil, neem extract in two combinations of 4% mass per volume, commercial insecticide, and a control without application. Response variables were incidence of S. frugiperda, severity of leaf damage, and grain yield. M. robertsii was most effective because of low incidence of S. frugiperda and severity of leaf damage; as leaf damage increased, grain yield decreased. Therefore, a high severity by insect attack can significantly decrease grain yield. It was observed that during the autumn-winter cycle the S. frugiperda incidence was lower, compared to the spring-summer cycle. M. robertsii decreased S. frugiperda incidence in both cycles.
Polarization diversity detection of distributed targets in compound-Gaussian clutter

We deal with the problem of polarimetric detection of compound-Gaussian clutter with unknown distributed targets in covariance matrix. Since no uniformly most powerful (UMP) detector exists for the problem at hand, we devise and assess two classes of suboptimum receivers. The former contains two detectors, designed according to the Wald and the generalized likelihood ratio tests, which resort to secondary data, free of signal components and with the same covariance structure of the cells under test, for estimating the clutter spectral properties. The latter contains a detector which achieves adaptivity without exploiting the training set All the decision rules ensure the constant false alarm rate (CFAR) property with respect to the texture statistics but they are not theoretically CFAR with respect to the disturbance covariance matrix. Finally, we present simulation results, based also on real clutter data, showing that the Wald test receiver achieves in general a better detection performance and a stronger robustness than its counterparts.