Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Manufacturing productivity improvement: A study of human boredom, job rotation and scheduling

The focus of this thesis is the development of methodologies for the analysis o f two important issues in a manufacturing environment: human boredom and machine utilization. In particular, this study proposes a mathematical programming model for job rotation to cope with worker’s boredom in a manufacturing cell. One o f the important side effects o f task rotation is the impact of rotation interval on workers’ skill learning and forgetting which may cause productivity losses. For this reason, the proposed model simultaneously incorporates worker’s skill and boredom variations. The developed formulation is a mixed integer nonlinear mathematical programming model. A linear version o f the model is also presented by assuming that both worker’s skill and boredom change linearly over time. Furthermore, given the complexity and uncertainty involving human emotions, a novel approach based on the state-of-the-art Bayesian Networks is also presented to measure and to predict human boredom at work. First, the static Bayesian Network is introduced to capture the static aspect o f boredom modeling. The static boredom model is subsequently extended based on dynamic Bayesian Networks to account for temporal aspect of boredom modeling. The dynamic boredom model allows integrating boredom evidences spatially and temporally, thus providing a more robust and accurate boredom inference. The proposed boredom model is validated using case based scenarios. Moreover, a metaheuristic approach based on several well-known search algorithms is also presented to solve the nonlinear version o f the job rotation model. The proposed algorithm integrates several ingredients including a simulated annealing module, three types o f memory, an evolutionary operator, and a blockage removal feature in a generic framework. The main characteristic o f the proposed model is the use o f both positive and negative memory to intensify the search around good solutions as well as an evolution-based diversification approach. This generic metaheuristic can be tailored to solve a variety o f hard optimization problems. Another important issue in a manufacturing environment is machine utilization which is largely affected by scheduling decisions. Though various scheduling problems have been investigated for several decades, the lack of efficient solution methods is still
Firefighters and Spouses: Hostility, Satisfaction, and Conflict

The present project contributes to the literature on firefighters and spousal relationships through consideration of life satisfaction, marital satisfaction, and couple conflict for a sample of Canadian firefighters. Thirty four firefighter/spouse dyads completed measures of satisfaction, mental health, and conflict. Our results showed that firefighters self-reported more hostility than their spouses, but that there was no significant difference between firefighters and spouses with respect to life of marital satisfaction. Firefighters and spouses also differed in expression of dissatisfaction, in that firefighters were more likely to express dissatisfaction through physical or indirect expressions of aggression, and spouses were more likely to express dissatisfaction through anger. Understanding alternative presentations of dissatisfaction may be helpful to both the spousal couple, in terms of understanding one another, and also in therapeutic relationships where emotional expression may be interpreted.
The Distribution and Composition of Vector Abundance in Hanoi City, Vietnam: Association with Livestock Keeping and Flavivirus Detection

Background: Dengue virus and Japanese encephalitis virus are two common flaviviruses that are spread widely by Aedes and Culex mosquitoes. Livestock keeping is vital for cities; however, it can pose the risk of increasing the mosquito population. Our study explored how livestock keeping in and around a large city is associated with the presence of mosquitoes and the risk of them spreading flaviviruses. Methods: An entomological study was conducted in 6 districts with 233 households with livestock, and 280 households without livestock, in Hanoi city. BG-Sentinel traps and CDC light traps were used to collect mosquitoes close to animal farms and human habitats. Adult mosquitoes were counted, identified to species level, and grouped into 385 pools, which were screened for flaviviruses using a pan-flavivirus qPCR protocol and sequencing. Results: A total of 12,861 adult mosquitoes were collected at the 513 households, with 5 different genera collected, of which the Culex genus was the most abundant. Our study found that there was a positive association between livestock keeping and the size of the mosquito population—most predominantly between pig rearing and Culex species (p < 0.001). One pool of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus, collected in a peri-urban district, was found to be positive for Japanese encephalitis virus. Conclusions: The risk of flavivirus transmission in urban areas of Hanoi city due to the spread of Culex and Aedes mosquitoes could be facilitated by livestock keeping.
Understanding Friction Behavior in Automatic Transmission Fluid LVFA Test: A New Positive Curve Parameter to Friction Coefficient Ratio Index Evaluation

The frictional characteristics of some basic additive systems used in automatic transmission fluids (ATFs) were assessed using a variable speed friction test machine. The test evaluates the coefficient of friction in unidirectional sliding contact over a range of speeds, loads, and temperatures. Tests were performed on a steel-versus-clutch friction material tribocouple, mainly to establish the link between the lubricant/surface interactions and additive system performance. A new parameter that measures the positive μ-v curve slope speed range was applied, together with friction coefficient ratio index, to show the antishudder property. It is suggested that this is a good complimentary method to the friction coefficient ratio index evaluation. Lubricant formulation is important to the overall friction performance. Both friction modifiers and detergents are shown to be important to the ATF antishudder performance. Oil absorption ability of the post-test friction material surface is proposed to be an important parameter to indicate the anti-shudder durability in the test. The detergent and antiwear agents are also suggested to be responsible for the decreased oil absorption and pore plugging of the friction material surface.
Reproducibility of Research During COVID‐19: Examining the Case of Population Density and the Basic Reproductive Rate from the Perspective of Spatial Analysis

The emergence of the novel SARS‐CoV‐2 coronavirus and the global COVID‐19 pandemic in 2019 led to explosive growth in scientific research. Alas, much of the research in the literature lacks conditions to be reproducible, and recent publications on the association between population density and the basic reproductive number of SARS‐CoV‐2 are no exception. Relatively few papers share code and data sufficiently, which hinders not only verification but additional experimentation. In this article, an example of reproducible research shows the potential of spatial analysis for epidemiology research during COVID‐19. Transparency and openness means that independent researchers can, with only modest efforts, verify findings and use different approaches as appropriate. Given the high stakes of the situation, it is essential that scientific findings, on which good policy depends, are as robust as possible; as the empirical example shows, reproducibility is one of the keys to ensure this.
Properties of Cowan’s M3 Headway Distribution

Cowan’s M3 distribution has been used in several studies on unsignalized intersections, especially roundabouts. It allows separate analysis of follower and nonfollower headways, and it is simple enough for models of considerable complexity. Although M3 gives a simplistic model for short headways, it has many desirable properties as a headway distribution. It is possible to estimate its parameters with simple methods and with reasonable accuracy, and the estimated models give good results in the capacity analysis of unsignalized intersections. Described in this paper are the basic statistical properties of M3, and the accuracy of the method of moments and least-squares parameter estimators is evaluated. The validity of M3 in unsignalized intersection capacity analysis is evaluated by a Monte Carlo simulation with samples from M3 and semi-Poisson distributions.
Wireless network requirements for the successful implementation of automation and other innovative technologies in open-pit mining

Automation and other innovative technologies are being implemented into the mining industry to improve production efficiency, reduce maintenance costs and improve reliability. This article highlights the wireless networking requirements for the successful implementation of these technologies and addresses some of the issues with existing networks. Alternative wireless technologies are considered and compared before investigating the impact of automation on the requirements of the networks. Future technologies are considered and predicted using Nielsen’s Law and Moore’s Law. Recommendations are given for how the mining industry must adapt to successfully implement innovative technologies as well as giving predictions of the consequence of failing to do so.
Effect of Delivery Methods on Design Performance in Multifamily Housing Projects

Existing studies on the performance evaluation by the delivery method generally indicate that the design build (DB) method is superior to the design-bid-build (DBB) method in terms of construction duration, cost, and quality. As opposed to the performance of construction duration and cost, where quantitative evaluation is relatively possible, most performance evaluations of quality are based on interviews with the owners. Therefore, this paper aimed at evaluating the level of design performance to conduct a quantitative evaluation on the performance of quality. To achieve this goal, this paper analyzed the impact of delivery methods on design performance in terms of the quantitative evaluation based on the case studies analyzing construction drawings and specifications of public multifamily housing projects delivered through the DB and DBB methods since 2000. The Delphi and analytic hierarchy process methods were used to develop objective standards and contents for evaluating the design performance. An analysis of variance test was conducted to analyze which delivery methods would have an effect on the design performance. Construction industry practitioners can use the results of this study in selecting a delivery method appropriate to the project characteristics.
Comparison of two drospirenone-containing oral contraceptives for their effect on the ovary, menstrual cycle, acne, and side-effect profile: 20 µg ethinylestradiol/3 mg drospirenone (24/4) versus 30 µg ethinylestradiol/3 mg drospirenone (21/7)

How to cite: Taşkömür AT, Erten Ö, Dilbaz B. Comparison of two drospirenone-containing oral contraceptives for their effect on the ovary, menstrual cycle, acne, and side-effect profile: 20 μg ethinylestradiol/3 mg drospirenone (24/4) versus 30 μg ethinylestradiol/3 mg drospirenone (21/7). J Surg Med. 2021;5(11):1099-1103. J Surg Med. 2021;5(11):1099-1103. Research article DOI: 10.28982/josam.1002126
Challenges of using systems engineering for design decisions in large infrastructure tenders

Decision-making in the tender phase of large, multidisciplinary, integral infrastructural projects is a complex task for contractors. They have to make decisions in design, construction, maintenance and regularly financing that will have long-term effects based on complex client requirements. The constrained environment of a tender, such as limitations of time and budget, and the unique context of every tender add more complexity. Therefore, no standard models are available for structuring the decision-making process in public tender procedures. Introducing systems engineering (SE) in the construction industry has led to more structured, process-based working methods. Dealing with uncertainty in design information due to the low level of concrete specifications is for the contractors’ decision-making process still a significant challenge. As a result, contractors struggle with designing a solution that will not only persuade the client, but will also deliver the optimum value and reduce the risks associat.
3D Printed Multiphasic Scaffolds for Osteochondral Repair: Challenges and Opportunities

Osteochondral (OC) defects are debilitating joint injuries characterized by the loss of full thickness articular cartilage along with the underlying calcified cartilage through to the subchondral bone. While current surgical treatments can provide some relief from pain, none can fully repair all the components of the OC unit and restore its native function. Engineering OC tissue is challenging due to the presence of the three distinct tissue regions. Recent advances in additive manufacturing provide unprecedented control over the internal microstructure of bioscaffolds, the patterning of growth factors and the encapsulation of potentially regenerative cells. These developments are ushering in a new paradigm of ‘multiphasic’ scaffold designs in which the optimal micro-environment for each tissue region is individually crafted. Although the adoption of these techniques provides new opportunities in OC research, it also introduces challenges, such as creating tissue interfaces, integrating multiple fabrication techniques and co-culturing different cells within the same construct. This review captures the considerations and capabilities in developing 3D printed OC scaffolds, including materials, fabrication techniques, mechanical function, biological components and design.
Exponential tracking control of MIMO nonlinear systems with actuator failures and nonparametric uncertainties

Exponential tracking control of multi‐input multi‐output nonlinear systems is of great importance to system performance, which however poses significant difficulty in control design. The problem becomes even more challenging if actuator failures and nonparametric uncertainties are present. In this article, we apply the so‐called exponential‐transformation to the nonlinear dynamics and derive a robust control algorithm based on the transformed dynamics to achieve exponential tracking. In contrast to most of the existing works which consider prescribed performance, the developed control design method possesses the following features: (1) it achieves robust exponential tracking against actuator failures and nonparametric uncertainties; (2) it allows arbitrarily assignable convergence rate which is independent of the initial conditions; (3) it easily handles actuator failures under very mild assumptions on the high‐frequency gain matrix, which significantly relaxes the traditional design methods; and (4) no approximation using neuro/fuzzy systems is required, making the control algorithm simple and easy to implement. A robotic manipulator control example is employed to validate the proposed methodology.
Effect of organic manure and sowing date on the growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus Moench) in Samaru, Zaria, Nigeria

A field trial was conducted to study the effect of organic manure and sowing date during the 2013 cropping season at the Teaching and Research Farm of Samaru College of Agriculture, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria on the growth and yield of okra. Treatments consist; no manure (control), cow manure, sheep manure and poultry manure and sowing date of 8th May, 2013, 22nd May, 2013, 5th June, 2013 and 19th June, 2013 cropping season and laid out in a split plot design with organic manure assigned to the main plots; whereas sowing date to the sub plots with three replications. Data were collected on growth and yield parameters; Plant height, number of leaves plant-1, number of branches plant-1, leaf area plant-1, number of pods plant-1, pod length plant-1, pod girth plant-1, pod yield plot -1 and pod yield hectare -1 . Results obtained indicated that growth and yield of okra was lowest in control treatments which showed that the organic manure and sowing date used in the study especially poultry manure and sowing date of 5th June, 2013 positively influenced the performance and yield of okra. Poultry manure and sowing date 5 th June, 2013 positively increased okra plant height and number of leaves plant -1 , number of branches plant -1 , number of pods plant -1 , pod yield plot -1 and pod yield hectare -1 compared to control treatments. There was no significant effect with respect to leaf area plant-1, pod length plant-1 and pod girth plant1 . Based on the findings of this experiment it could be deduced that poultry manure and sowing date of 5 th June,
Multiport Network Description and Radiation Characteristics of Coupled

An efficient procedure is presented to investigate the mutual coupling effects and radiation characteristics of dielectric resonator (DR) antennas operating in an array environment. The procedure is based on the method of moments (MoM) as applied to a system of surface integral equations (SIE's) for the coupling of a dielectric body of revolution (BOR) to a nonBOR geometry. The antenna array elements are situated on a ground plane and fed by coaxial probes. Multiport network impedance parameters computed by this method show good agreement with those obtained by measurement. Computed driving point impedances are given for arrays exhibiting optimum pattern performance in terms of low cross polarization and good pattern symmetry.
Single Extracellular Vesicle Analysis Performed by Imaging Flow Cytometry and Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis Evaluate the Accuracy of Urinary Extracellular Vesicle Preparation Techniques Differently

Small extracellular vesicles isolated from urine (uEVs) are increasingly recognized as potential biomarkers. Meanwhile, different uEV preparation strategies exist. Conventionally, the performance of EV preparation methods is evaluated by single particle quantification, Western blot, and electron microscopy. Recently, we introduced imaging flow cytometry (IFCM) as a next-generation single EV analysis technology. Here, we analyzed uEV samples obtained with different preparation procedures using nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), semiquantitative Western blot, and IFCM. IFCM analyses demonstrated that urine contains a predominant CD9+ sEV population, which exceeds CD63+ and CD81+ sEV populations. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the storage temperature of urine samples negatively affects the recovery of CD9+ sEVs. Although overall reduced, the highest CD9+ sEV recovery was obtained from urine samples stored at −80 °C and the lowest from those stored at −20 °C. Upon comparing the yield of the different uEV preparations, incongruencies between NTA and IFCM data became apparent. Results obtained by both NTA and IFCM were consistent with Western blot analyses for EV marker proteins; however, NTA results correlated with the amount of the impurity marker uromodulin. Despite demonstrating that the combination of ultrafiltration and size exclusion chromatography appears as a reliable uEV preparation technique, our data challenge the soundness of traditional NTA for the evaluation of different EV preparation methods.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS INFLUENCING PROCUREMENT REGULATORY COMPLIANCE BY KENYA'S PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES

In the year 2005, Kenya enacted the Public Procurement & Disposal Act 2005 and Regulations 2006. Procurement processes play critical roles in enhancing effectiveness in both the private and public sectors. The main purpose of this study was to investigate Environmental Factors Influencing Procurement Regulatory Compliance by Kenya’s Public Universities. The study employed Ex-post facto survey research design, the design was chosen because it relied on the past performance of the officers concerned in regard to procurement compliance. The sample size of the study was 168 procurement staff in 21 Kenyan public universities. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the respondents. Questionnaires and in depth interview guide were used to collect data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Community interests and Universities physical accessibility/location were found to be key contributors to procurement compliance at the university level in Kenya. There is need therefore to improve in these two areas so as to increase procurement compliance levels at the University level in Kenya.
Seismic design and testing of buckling‐restrained braces with a thin profile

A thin‐profile buckling‐restrained brace (thin‐BRB) consists of a rectangular steel casing and a flat steel core that is parallel to a gusset plate. A thin configuration reduces the width of the restraining member and thus saves usable space in buildings. However, deformable debonding layers, which cover the steel core plate in order to mitigate the difference between the peak tensile and compressive axial forces, provide a space for the steel core to form high mode buckling waves when the thin‐BRB is under compression. The wave crests squeeze the debonding layers and produce outward forces on the inner surface of the restraining member. If the restraining member is too weak in sustaining the outward forces, local bulging failure occurs and the thin‐BRB loses its compression capacity immediately. In order to investigate local bulging behavior, a total of 22 thin‐BRB specimens with a ratio of steel core plate to restraining steel tube depth ranging from 0.3 to 0.7 and axial yield force capacities ranging from 421 kN to 3036 kN were tested by applying either cyclically increasing, decreasing, or constant axial strains. The restraining steel tube widths of all the specimens were smaller than 200 mm and were infilled with mortar with a compressive strength of 97 MPa or 55 MPa. Thirteen of the 22 thin‐BRB specimens' restraining members bulged out when the compressive core strains exceeded 0.03. A seismic design method of the thin‐BRB in preventing local bulging failure is proposed in this study. Test and finite element model (FEM) analysis results suggest that the outward forces can be estimated according to the BRB compressive strength, steel core high mode buckling wavelength, and the debonding layer thickness. In addition, the capacity of the restraining member in resisting the outward forces can be estimated by using the upper bound theory in plastic analysis. Both the FEM analysis and test results indicate that the proposed method is effective in predicting the possibility of local bulging failure. Test results indicate that the proposed design method is conservative for thin‐BRB specimens with a large steel core plate to restraining steel tube depth ratio. This paper concludes with design recommendations for thin‐BRBs for severe seismic services. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.