Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimum Power Contribution Ratio of Two Pinion Gears Engaged with Rack Rail for Monorail Driven in Forest Industry

The purpose of this study is to find the optimum power contribution ratio defined as the ratio of traction force applied onto rack rail by front pinion gear and rear pinion gear of monorail used in this study. At first, relation between loading weight and applied stress was investigated when loading weight Mb on the bogie was changed. Power contribution ratio was estimated using this relationship. The effect of the condition of power contribution ratio on the normal stress applied onto the rack tooth was simulated using obtained relations. The optimum power contribution ratio of front pinion gear was defined as an effective designing parameter to reduce the stress applied onto the rack tooth. A reduction ratio determined with the ratio of maximum compression stress on the tooth considering power contribution ratio to that of conventional case was estimated when the optimum power contribution ratio was considered. It was found that most of traction force was sheared by the front pinion gear not depending on magnitude of traction force, because the revolutions of the front and rear pinion gears was directly constraint due to the link system of the connection in the gear box of current monorail. The optimum power contribution ratio was α=0.53 when the representative location of the contacting forces on front pinion gear was h1=5.6mm measured from the root of tooth, and that on rear pinion gear was h2=7.0mm, respectively. The maximum reduction with 47% in observed compression stress was obtained by determining optimum power contribution ratio under the condition at 5.54kN of total traction force. KeywordsComponent; FEM; Monorail; Rack and Pinion gear; Backlash; Pitching angle; Power Contribution Ratio; Compression stress.
Capacity Utilization in European Railways: Who is the fairest of them all?

At the strategic level, railways currently use different indices to estimate how ‘value’ is generated by using railway capacity. However, railway capacity is a multidisciplinary area, and attempts to develop various indices cannot provide a holistic measure of operational efficiency. European railways are facing a capacity challenge which is caused by passenger and freight demand exceeding the track capacity supply. In the absence of a comprehensive railway capacity manual, methodologies are needed to assess how well railways use their track capacity. This paper presents a novel and unprecedented approach for this aim. Relative operational efficiency of 24 European railways in capacity utilization is studied for the first time by data envelopment analysis (DEA). It deviates from previous applications of DEA in the railway industry that are conducted to analyze cost efficiency of railways. Six DEA models quantify various aspects of micro, macro and quality of railway capacity utilization in these countries. New inputs like gross domestic product, population and area of the country help to provide a better picture of the status of railways. Passenger satisfaction data about different aspects of railway services in European countries has recently been quantified by European commission and are used for the first time in the literature. Invaluable insights can be inferred from the results which can provide a ground basis for railway practitioners and policy makers.
A new correlation on the MEXICO experiment using a 3D enhanced blade element momentum technique

The blade element momentum (BEM) theory is based on the actuator disc (AD) model, which is probably the oldest analytical tool for analysing rotor performance. The BEM codes have very short processing times and high reliability. The problems of the analytical codes are well known to the researchers: the impossibility of describing inside the one-dimensional code the three-dimensional (3D) radial flows along the span-wise direction. In this work, the authors show how the 3D centrifugal pumping affects the BEM calculations of a wind turbine rotor. Actually to ascertain the accuracy of the analytical codes, the results are compared with rotor performance, blade loads and particle image velocimetry measurements of the model experiment in controlled conditions. A reliable agreement with the measurement is obtained. A good improvement is gained when the blade stall state modified aerofoil data instead of the original aerofoil data are used in the calculations.
Engineering Escherichia coli to produce and secrete colicins for rapid and selective biofilm cell killing

Abstract Bacterial biofilms are associated with chronic infectious diseases and are highly resistant to conventional antibiotics. Antimicrobial bacteriocins are alternatives to conventional antibiotics and are characterized by unique cell‐killing mechanisms, including pore formation on cell membranes, nuclease activity, and cell wall synthesis inhibition. Here, we used cell‐free protein synthesis to rapidly evaluate the anti‐biofilm activities of colicins E1, E2, and E3. We found that E2 (with DNase activity) most effectively killed target biofilm cells (i.e., the K361 strain) while leaving nontargeted biofilms intact. We then engineered probiotic Escherichia coli microorganisms with genetic circuits to controllably synthesize and secrete colicin E2, which successfully inhibited biofilms and killed preformed indicator biofilms. Our findings suggest that colicins rapidly and selectively kill target biofilm cells in multispecies biofilms and demonstrate the potential of using microorganisms engineered to produce antimicrobial colicin proteins as live therapeutic strategies to treat biofilm‐associated infections.
Factors Affecting the Successful Implementation of MS1500 by Malaysian Halal Food Industry

Since no specific Halal Act has been established and applied by Malaysian Government yet, up to this day Malaysian Standard, MS1500 is the only basic reference to issue a Halal Certificate for Halal Food which should applied by the legal authority such as JAKIM (Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia) and State Islamic religious council. Therefore, Malaysian Government is eager to see the successful implementation this MS as their leading Halal Standard. However, there are many problems and challenges that frequently lead to unsuccessful execution of implementation of this MS. Accordingly, this study aims to identify the factors affecting the successful implementation of MS1500 thoroughly. A series of analysis had been performed: started with data preparation and screening followed by Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and reliability test. The next steps of analysis are Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Validity Test. This study identified that Perception On Implementation (POI), Halal Control System Activity (HCSA) and Owner, Management, Employee Limitation (OMEL) are the factors affecting the successful of Implementation of MS1500. On top of that, it was also found that in Malaysia, finance and regulation were not the factors that cause the limitation on implementation of Halal Food Standard.
Fast Convolutional Factorization Machine With Enhanced Robustness

Recently, factorization machine and its variants have shown promising results for context-aware recommender systems (CARS), especially when combined with deep neural networks. Among them, convolutional factorization machine (CFM) is a prominent example. The key to the success of CFM is its 3D convolutional architecture for capturing complex interactions on top of embedded features. However, the resultant computational cost can also be demanding. Moreover, the feature embedding scheme of CFM and other factorization models can be potentially vulnerable to noise. To tackle these issues, in this study we propose two models, namely, the fast convolutional factorization machine (FCFM) that slims down the complete pairwise feature interaction for higher computational efficiency, and adversarial fast convolutional factorization machine (AFCFM) that further enhances the robustness of the model by introducing adversarial noise to the feature interaction image generated by the model. Experimental results on four benchmark datasets prove that the proposed FCFM is nearly five times faster than CFM with competitive performance, while AFCFM improves the performance of the state-of-the-art models by about 8% with higher efficiency than CFM.
Recycled Asphalt Shingle Binder Characterization and Blending with Virgin Binders

In addition to reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) have been accepted and used by different transportation agencies in recent years. However, limited information on RAS binder characterization and blending with virgin (and RAP) binders is available in the literature partially because of the limitations of regular dynamic shear rheometers (DSRs) and bending beam rheometers (BBRs) to test this type of material. This paper first validated the applicability of the existing asphalt binder extraction and recovery procedures to extremely stiff RAS binders. Then a variety of tear-off asphalt shingles (TOAS) and manufacture waste asphalt shingles (MWAS) were extracted, recovered, and characterized with a high-temperature DSR and a BBR. It was found that TOAS binders were much stiffer than MWAS binders. Furthermore, this paper investigated the blending among virgin, RAP, and RAS binders. The results indicated that the virgin–RAS binder blending was nonlinear, unlike the well-known virgin–RAP binder linear blending. However, for practical application, the linear blending chart can still be used for estimating continuous grades of both virgin–RAS blended binders and virgin–RAP–RAS blended binders if the RAS binder is limited to 30% of the total binder. Additionally, compared with TOAS binders, MWAS binders had much less impact on properties of blended virgin–RAS binders. Therefore, it was necessary to differentiate MWAS from TOAS in the mix design process and to have different upper limits on maximum RAS binder replacement for MWAS and TOAS.
Understanding Charter School Leaders’ Perceptions of Competition in Arizona

Purpose: School choice policies are expected to generate competition leading to improvement in school practices. However, little is known about how competition operates in public education—particularly in charter schools. This paper examines charter-school leaders’ competitive perception formation and the actions taken in response to competition. Research Methods: Using Arizona charter-school leaders’ responses to an original survey, Arizona Department of Education data, and the Common Core of Data, we examined the factors predicting the labeling of a school as a competitor. We estimated fixed effects logistic regression models which examine factors predicting the labeling of competitor schools and of top competitors. We used logistic regression models to understand charter-school leaders’ responses to competition. Findings: We find charter-school leaders in Arizona perceived at least some competition with other schools, and their perceptions vary by urbanicity. While distance between schools mattered generally for labeling a school as a competitor, distance did not factor into labeling “top competitor” schools. Student outcomes did not predict competition between schools, but student demographics were associated with labeling a school a competitor. Charter-school leaders responded to competition through changes in outreach and advertising rather than curriculum and instruction. Competitive responses were related to the respondent school’s quality and the level of perceived competition. Implications for Research and Practice: We found charter-school leaders perceive competition and respond by changing school practices. Responses typically focus on marketing activities over productive responses. The novel state-level analysis allows us to test the effects of local market conditions typically absent in the literature.
Predicting third wave of COVID 19 in Nepal

Nepal is experiencing second wave of COVID-19 infection leading to major health impacts and crisis. Despite the development of vaccine against COVID-19 and its wider coverage, many countries have already experienced third wave. After vaccination against COVID-19 antibodies has been seen to be present till eight months in different studies, evidences beyond that is yet to come. Looking at the trends of reinfections and mathematical models for prediction of COVID-19 infection, there is high chances that Nepal will face third wave, and children will be affected more due to unavailability of vaccine for this age group. There is no fixed definite time to detect when the third wave hit. From the health crisis experience during second wave, Nepal should stress on implication of various strategic and evidence-based measures for third wave preparedness and mitigation to minimize the morbidity, post COVID-19 infection complications and mortality.
VEGETABLE PRODUCTION ON VARIOUS BED WIDTHS USING DRIP IRRIGATION

Field studies were conducted over two seasons to evaluate the effect of production bed width on yield and quality of nine vegetable cultivars used with drip irrigation and fertigation. Bed widths of 41, 61, and 81 cm (16, 24, and 32 in.) were arranged in a 12 plot randomized block design experiment on an EauGallie fine sand at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Bradenton, Florida. Cucumber (Cucumus sativus, L.), eggplant (Solanum melongena, L.), muskmelon (Cucumus melo, L.), pepper (Capsicum annuum, L.), summer squash (Cucurbita pepo, L.), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum, Mill.), cherry tomato [Lycopersicon esculentum var. cerasiforme (Dunal) Alef. ], watermelon and icebox watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum, and Nakai] were grown on black polyethylene mulched beds during the 1989 and 1990 spring seasons. Only summer squash yields from 1989 increased linearly with bed width. No differences were detected in yield or average fruit weight of all other vegetables from both seasons nor in soluble solids content of melon fruit. These studies indicated that yield and quality of drip-irrigated vegetables would not be compromised by reduced bed widths on sandy soil production systems.
Aerodynamic drag modification induced by free-stream turbulence effects on a simplified road vehicle

We report an extensive experimental investigation into the effects of inflow turbulence on a simplified road vehicle, the so-called square back Ahmed body. Variations reaching up to +16% and −17% of the drag coefficient are observed for free-stream turbulence representative of open-road conditions [J. W. Saunders and R. B. Mansour, “On-road and wind tunnel turbulence and its measurement using a four-hole dynamic probe ahead of several cars,” SAE Trans. 109, 477 (2000)]. Regular turbulence grids are mounted upstream the Ahmed body. The turbulence intensity and the integral length scale of turbulence are varied using different mesh, bar sizes, and solidity. The boundary layer developing around the body together with the structure of the wake is strongly altered by free-stream turbulence where both the length of the recirculation and the shear layer characteristics are modified. A weakly non-parallel stability analysis of the shear layers together with a momentum budget, both bounding the recirculation region, shows that coherent structures, traced through the Reynolds stresses and streamwise turbulent fluctuations, are the key mechanisms that control drag. Subsequently, the analysis of the shear layer together with the stability analysis demonstrate that the mean vertical shear is the key component that controls the Reynolds stresses and thereby the drag experienced by the vehicle. These findings raise the question of the importance of free-stream turbulence when considering studies dedicated to car aerodynamics and subsequent control strategies, most of which neglect the influence of inflow conditions. This issue is also of major importance for guiding the design of the next generation of control strategies for drag reduction.
Appraisal of the conversion possibilities of pastoral meat sheep systems to the organic production model

In the Mediterranean Basin, sheep meat production systems are based on grazing, and help to conserve biodiversity, mitigate the greenhouse gases emissions and maintain the population in rural areas. However, the lack of differentiation of pastoral systems, as opposed to the intensive model, puts its continuity at risk. In this sense, organic farming can be an alternative to sustain extensive sheep-cereal production systems in marginal Mediterranean drylands. The aim of this research was to evaluate the conversion possibilities of pastoral meat sheep production systems to the organic production model in the Mediterranean Basin, working with the autochthonous Segureña breed sheep. 46 farms were studied, classified into four clusters by mean of multivariate analysis. In order to determine the degree to which farms approached the organic model, 60 variables, grouped into nine indicators were analyzed to obtain an Organic Conversion Index (OCI). The Nutritional management indicator has a high value of approaching the organic model, as well as Animal welfare and Food safety. Marketing and business management, Breeds and reproduction, Weed and pest control and Sustainable pasture management indicators also reach a good approximation level. Only the Breeds and reproduction indicator presented values with significant differences between clusters. The average value of the OCI for the 46 farms ranges from 63 to 70%, and therefore it can be concluded that extensive meat sheep herds in the region are close to this production model. Among the recommendations that can be made to improve the conversion possibilities to the organic model are: (i) to increase own fodder production or find a way to obtain it easily and economically; (ii) to complete the plant−soil−animal cycle, (iii) to seek greater marketing autonomy and (iv) to achieve closer contact with the final consumer. At the same time, government policy both in Spain and other parts of Europe should persevere to find more ways to support the progress of this type of production, in an effort to address limitations and overcome the lack of alternative markets.
Physically-based method for measuring the threshold voltage of MOSFETs

A physically-based technique for measuring the threshold voltage of small geometry MOSFETs is presented. The new method, called the quasi-constant current (QCC) method, is based on the drain current equation in the subthreshold region. It defines the threshold voltage as the gate voltage required for surface band-bending of 2ϕF. Compared with some other commonly used methods, this technique has the advantages of better fitting accuracy in the subthreshold region, of extracting the threshold voltage, VTH, with a unique value based on a physical definition of the surface band-bending, and of being suitable for MOS devices over a wide range of voltage biases, device dimensions, and temperatures.
Pay incentives, human capital and firm innovation in smaller firms

This study advances the literature on human resource management in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) by analysing how individual and collective forms of performance-related pay (PRP) influence SMEs’ propensity for product and process innovation and how such influence varies depending on the firm’s level of human capital. We used the microdata of more than 12,000 European SMEs, controlled for endogeneity, and found that both individual (i.e. piece rate and commissions) and collective (i.e. group-bonus and profit-sharing) PRP are positively associated with higher levels of firm innovation. Interestingly, when both individual and collective PRP schemes are adopted, their association with firm innovation is significant but negative, indicating that the adoption of multiple pay incentives may be detrimental to SMEs’ innovation. Moreover, our results revealed that the effect of individual PRP on innovation is stronger in SMEs with high levels of human capital, whereas the effect of collective PRP is stronger in SMEs with low levels of human capital.
Land Cover Classification Based on UAV Photogrammetry and Deep Learning for Supporting Mine Reclamation: A Case Study of Mae Moh Mine in Lampang Province, Thailand

Detailed, accurate, and frequent mapping of land cover are the prerequisite regarding areas of reclaimed mines and the development of sustainable project-level for goals. Mine reclamation is essential as the extractive organizations are bounded by-laws that have been established by stakeholders to ensure that the mined areas are properly restored. As databases at the mines area become outdated, an automated process of upgrading is needed. Currently, there are only few studies regarding mine reclamation which has less potential of land cover classification using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry with Deep learning (DL). This paper aims to employ the classification of land cover for monitoring mine reclamation using DL from the UAV photogrammetric results. The land cover was classified into five classes, comprising: 1) trees, 2) shadow, 3) grassland, 4) barren land, and 5) others (as undefined). To perform the classification using DL, the UAV photogrammetric results, orthophoto and Digital Surface Model (DSM) were used. The effectiveness of both results was examined to verify the potential of land cover classification. The experimental findings showed that effective results for land cover classification over test area were obtained by DL through the combination of orthophoto and DSM with an Overall Accuracy of 0.904, Average Accuracy of 0.681, and Kappa index of 0.937. Our experiments showed that land cover classification from combination orthophoto with DSM was more precise than using orthophoto only. This research provides framework for conducting an analytical process, a UAV approach with DL based evaluation of mine reclamation with safety, also providing a time series information for future efforts to evaluate reclamation. The procedure resulting from this research constitutes approach that is intended to be adopted by government organizations and private corporations so that it will provide accurate evaluation of reclamation in timely manner with reasonable budget.
Time-resolved flow field investigation in an industrial centrifugal compressor application involving TR-PIV synchronized with unsteady pressure measurements

We report on combined velocity and unsteady pressure measurements obtained on an radial compressor with vaneless diffuser and asymmetric volute. Time-resolved PIV recordings were acquired at 26 kHz both upstream of the impeller as well as within the vaneless diffusor at several rotation speeds at clean conditions and prior to the onset of instabilities within the rotor. The velocity data was acquired with a high-repetition rate, double-pulse laser system consisting of two combined DPSS lasers and a high-speed CMOS camera that was synchronized with multi-point unsteady pressure measurements. Details on the facility, the utilized instrumentation and data processing are provided with particular focus on the spectral and coherence analysis. Power spectra obtained from time records of the inlet velocity and unsteady pressure reveal an increase of low-frequency fluctuations below the blade passing frequency and the occurrence of a mode-locked behaviour indicating the presence of rotating instabilities. High levels of correlation between velocity and unsteady pressure signals not only confirm the temporal coherence of the acquired data but also reveal a direct coupling between flow field and pressure signature that is more prominent upstream of the rotor rather than in the diffusor.