Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Refined Model for Knock Onset Prediction in Spark Ignition Engines Fueled With Mixtures of Gasoline and Propane

In the last decade, gaseous fuels, such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and natural gas (NG), widely spread in many countries, thanks to their prerogative of low cost and reduced environmental impact. Hence, bi-fuel engines, which allow to run either with gasoline or with gas (LPG or NG), became very popular. Moreover, as experimentally demonstrated by the authors in the previous works, these engines may also be fueled by a mixture of gasoline and gas, which, due to the high knock resistance of gas, allow to use stoichiometric mixtures also at full load, thus drastically improving engine efficiency and pollutant emissions with respect to pure gasoline operation without noticeable power loss. This third operation mode, called double fuel combustion, can be easily introduced in series production engine, since a simple electronic control unit (ECU) programing is required. The introduction into series production would require the availability of proper models for thermodynamic simulations, nowadays widely adopted to reduce research and development efforts and costs. To this purpose, the authors developed a quite original knock onset prediction model for knock-safe performances optimization of engines fueled by propane, gasoline, and their mixtures. The ignition delay model has been properly modified to account for the negative temperature coefficient (NTC) behavior exhibited by many hydrocarbon fuels such as gasoline and propane. The model parameters have been tuned by means of a considerable amount of light knocking in-cylinder pressure cycles acquired on a modified cooperative fuel research (CFR) engine, fueled by gasoline–propane mixtures. The adoption of many different compression ratios (CRs), inlet mixture temperatures, spark advances (SAs), and fuel mixture compositions allowed to use a very differentiated set of pressure and temperature curve, which gives the calibrated model a general validity for using different kinds of engines, i.e., naturally aspirated or supercharged. As a result, the model features a maximum knock onset prediction error around four crank angle degrees (CAD) and a mean absolute error always lower than 1 CAD, which is a negligible quantity from an engine control standpoint.
COVID-19-Induced Guillain-Barré Syndrome

This case report involves a 47-year-old male who presented to the emergency department (ED) with a positive coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) test and symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Electrodiagnostic (EDX) studies reported an acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP). The patient underwent intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) treatment and four weeks of acute inpatient rehabilitation with some functional improvement but remained unable to ambulate independently at discharge.
Person-in-the-Loop Testing of a Digital Power Plant Control Room

There is renewed interest in building new commercial nuclear power plants. Unlike existing plants that have traditional control rooms with large control boards, new plants will have compact digital control rooms. The transition to digital control rooms introduce opportunities for enhanced support (e.g., integrated displays; improved alarm systems; computerized procedures) as well as potential new challenges (e.g., shift from open to private workspaces; changes in workload distribution resulting from reduced control room crew size). This paper describes two simulator tests that were conducted as part of a person-in-the-loop test program to support development and validation of a control room for the US-APWR evolutionary pressurized water reactor plant. While the results are presented in the context of evaluation of a particular digital control room design, they have applicability to design of compact digital control rooms more generally, and point to areas where more research is needed.
Validation of CFD and Simplified Models With Experimental Data for Multiphase Flow in Bends

In this paper details of the measurement results of the forces on the bends in a 4" setup are compared to two models. The first model is a simple analytical model and is used to estimate the forces. In the second model, CFD is used. In the experiments only resulting forces, including upstream and downstream bends and mechanical resonance and interaction is measured. The goal of the CFD was to discriminate between flow and mechanics and to evaluate the influence of a flow disturbance as a result of a bend on the force on a downstream second bend. For the simplified analytical model the amplitudes are underestimated, but the frequency spectra look very reasonable in case of the slug flow regime. The main advantage of the simplified analytical model is that the computational time is in the order of seconds, but the accuracy is still reasonable for the use in an engineering approach of determining the structural integrity of the complete pipe system. For the CFD the shape of the force function is similar to the experiments. The CFD results indicate that the forces on the second downstream bend are also measured on the first upstream bend. The accuracy of the CFD simulation is the advantage of this model, but the computational time is very long, especially if the multiphase flow simulation is coupled to the structural model. Copyright © 2013 by ASME.
Effectiveness of Voluntary Measures to Reduce Agricultural Impact on Groundwater as a Source for Drinking Water: Lessons Learned from Cases in the Dutch Provinces Overijssel and Noord-Brabant

Agricultural practices cause diffuse water pollution issues, which is a policy concern across the globe. This paper addresses the reduction in agricultural impact on groundwater as source for drinking water with a governance approach based on a mutual gains approach (MGA) using voluntary measures only. We performed case studies in Overijssel and in Noord-Brabant, both located in the Netherlands, to study the effectiveness of the governance approach on nutrients and pesticides, respectively. The effectiveness was studied by analyzing the engagement process qualitatively and by analyzing the impact of measures at farm scale as quantitative indicators. For nutrients, the effectiveness is expressed in the N-surplus at farm scale and the realization of groundwater quality objectives in groundwater protection areas (GWPA). For pesticides, the effectiveness is expressed in environmental impact points (EIP) at farm scale and the level of groundwater protection areas (GWPA). The results indicate that the engagement process based on voluntariness creates a platform for meaningful engagement, adds to the economics of the farm and reduces the agricultural impact on groundwater quality. However, the nitrate objectives of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) are not met at the level of GWPAs in Overijssel. Due to the voluntariness of the approach, the participation rate relies on the farmers’ expectation of the costs and benefits of the process, and diminishing economic returns prevent the further improvement of efficient nutrient use. Although an enforceable objective and strict deadline for pesticides is missing, the objective has been met at the level of GWPAs using voluntary measures only in Noord-Brabant. An important driver for this effectiveness is the fact that these results can be obtained without incurring economic losses, which may tie into the high participation rate of farmers.
A full 3D time-dependent electromagnetic model for Roebel cables

High temperature superconductor Roebel cables are well known for their large current capacity and low AC losses. For this reason they have become attractive candidates for many power applications. The continuous transposition of their strands reduces the coupling losses while ensuring better current sharing among them. However, since Roebel cables have a true 3D structure and are made of several high aspect ratio coated conductors, modelling and simulation of their electromagnetic properties is very challenging. Therefore, a realistic model taking into account the actual layout of the cable is unavoidably a large scale computational problem. In this work, we present a full 3D model of a Roebel cable with 14 strands. The model is based on the H-formulation, widely used for 2D problems. In order to keep the 3D features of the cable (in particular the magnetization currents near the transpositions), no simplifications are made other than the reduction of the modelled length according to the periodicity of the cable structure. The 3D model is used to study the dependence of AC losses on the amplitude of the AC applied magnetic field or transport current. Beyond the importance of simulating the Roebel cable layout, this work represents a further step into achieving 3D simulation of superconducting devices for real applications.
Modulation of Production of Th1/Th2 Cytokines in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells and Neutrophils by Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Chronically Infected Patients

This study investigated the influence of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection on the cytokine production profiles of the peripheral blood monoculear cells (PBMC) and neutrophils in chronically naïve HCV-infected patients. Seventy-five genotype-4 naïve HCV-infected patients (HCV+) and healthy subjects (HCV−) were enrolled. The neutrophils and the PBMC were separated by density gradient sedimentation and stimulated with a mitogen. The culture supernatants were evaluated for levels of IFN-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12, and TNF-α using anti-cytokine antibody MACSPlex capture beads. The PBMC cytokine profiles of HCV+ patients showed significantly lower mean values for IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-6, IL-9, and IL-10 (p < 0.0001) as compared to HCV− subjects. In contrast, HCV+ patients showed higher mean levels of PBMC cytokine values for IL-5 and TNF-α (p < 0.0001). As for neutrophils, HCV+ patients showed significantly lower mean levels of IFN-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-9, and IL-10 (p < 0.0001). In contrast, the neutrophils from HCV+ patients showed higher mean levels of IL-5, IL-12, and TNF-α (p < 0.0001). Th1–Th2 cytokine ratios suggested a lower Th1 bias in HCV+ subjects as compared to HCV− subjects. Our results suggest that chronic HCV infection brings about an immunomodulatory effect not only on neutrophils, but also to a lower extent on PBMCs
A comprehensive physically based predictive model for radiation damage in MOS systems

We have developed a comprehensive physically based predictive model for radiation damage in MOS devices. The model involves essentially no adjustable parameter first principles calculations of both oxide hole trapping and interface trap generation. With both oxide positive charges and interface trap generation accounted for, in principle, the model allows calculation of the threshold voltage shifts from processing parameters. The model is based on the statistical mechanics of point defects in solids and extensive electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements of MOS systems. Although we believe that this model is fundamentally correct and that it captures most of the fundamental physics of the damage phenomena, we emphasize that the treatment is first order. The model involves some simplifying assumptions and in its present form, it applies only to high quality thermally grown oxides. We present the model as a framework for understanding the radiation damage process and as a means to explain a very wide variety of apparently unrelated observations long present in the literature. We believe the approach outlined in this paper will eventually allow manufacturers to build in radiation hard reliability with process design.
Strategic Sourcing and Supplier Selection in the U.S. Textile— Apparel—Retail Supply Network

This research investigates the key causal linkages in supply chain management—the impact of strategic sourcing and supplier selection on firm performance in the U.S. textile—apparel—retail supply network. A conceptual framework was developed and the empirical survey-based research methodology was used to gather data from the U.S. textile—apparel—retail complex. The data collection resulted in 181 responses, representing a 38.2% response rate. Structural equation modeling was used to assess the research model and test the research hypotheses. The research findings support that strategic sourcing has a significant and positive effect on business performance, and supplier selection has a significant and positive effect on the firm's ability to gain competitive advantages. The research concludes with implications, limitations, and directions for future research.
A Looming Crisis

Long glances away from the road present a significant risk to driving safety. The tail of the distribution for in-vehicle glance duration has been proposed to be more relevant to crash risk than the mean of the distribution. Using data collected in the 100-Car Naturalistic Driving Study (Dingus et al., 2006), this study examined the changes in the distribution of driver off-road glance duration, as well as in the frequency of such glances, at different time points before crash/near-crash events and compared with baseline (i.e., normal) driving. The results showed that the shape of the distribution of off-road glance duration at the onset of the precipitating factor of crashes/near-crashes was similar to the distribution in epochs during the preceding 25 seconds; nonetheless, the frequency of off-road glances increased in the approach to crashes/near-crash events. Compared with baseline epochs, drivers in crashes/near-crash events tended to look away from the forward road more often and with longer duration (i.e., with thicker tail end of the distributions; exceeding 1.7 seconds as observed in the distributions). It suggests that frequent off-road glances longer than 1.7 seconds present a high-risk glance pattern in the seconds preceding a safety- critical event and that the 2.0 second-threshold that is frequently cited in defining dangerously long off-road glances might be a liberal estimation.
Tragfähigkeit von beulgefährdeten Querschnittselementen unter Berücksichtigung von Imperfektionen

In neuester Literatur werden Zweifel geäußert, ob die in DIN 18800 und Eurocode 3 verwendete Winter‐Kurve ausreichend den Einfluß von Imperfektionen auf das Tragverhalten normalspannungsbeanspruchter, beulgefährdeter Querschnittselemente berücksichtigt. Basierend auf früheren Forschungsarbeiten und eigenen Untersuchungen werden Einflüsse der Lagerung, des Seitenverhältnisses und von Eigenspannungen auf die Traglast diskutiert. Es ergibt sich ein Widerspruch zwischen numerisch ermittelten Traglasten und den empirischen Erfahrungswerten. Dieser kann nur dadurch aufgelöst werden, daß anstatt von schlimmstmöglichen, nur anregende Imperfektionen in Ansatz gebracht werden. Eine Zuschärfung der in den Normen verwendeten Beulkurven wird als nicht notwendig erachtet.
Psychological Capital and Work Engagement among Employees in the Nigerian Public Sector: The Mediating Role of Emotional Intelligence

ABSTRACT This study aimed to examine the effect of psychological capital (PsyCap) on work engagement and explore the mediating role of emotional intelligence (EI) on the relationship among public sector employees. Data was collected from a sample of 557 public sector employees in Nigeria, to test the hypothesized model and structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed. The findings of the study indicated that PsyCap has a significant positive influence on work engagement. Importantly, EI fully mediates the relationship between PsyCap and work engagement. The study provides theoretical explanations for the relationship and practical implications were discussed.
PARTNERING GOES AWRY ON CONNECTICUT BRIDGE JOB

Numerous disputes over site conditions, contract drawings, and removal of contaminated material has led to a 2-year delay on the Tomlinson Bridge in New Haven, Connecticut, which was originally slated for completion in January 1998. Work is still proceeding on the $87.7-million replacement project and is about 40% complete, but its partnering approach has fallen victim to a claims battle between the contractor and the state.
Transition from open to robotically assisted approach on radical prostatectomies in Iceland. A nationwide, population-based study

Abstract Objectives In January 2015, radical prostatectomies (RPs) in Iceland changed almost entirely from being performed as open (ORP) to robotically assisted (RARP). This study assesses early surgical and short-term oncological outcome after ORP and RARP and evaluates the safety of transition between the two surgical techniques. Methods The study population involved 160/163 (98%) of all radical prostatectomies performed in Iceland between January 2013 and April 2016. Data on patients was collected retrospectively from medical records. Early surgical and short-term oncological outcomes were compared between the two surgical techniques. Results The ORP and RARP cohorts were comparable with respect to all clinical and pathological variables, except for median prostate volume, which was 45 mL in the ORP cohort and 37 mL in the RARP cohort (p = 0.03). Intraoperative blood loss was higher, hospital stay longer, catheterization time longer, and risk of complications within 30 days of surgery higher after ORP than RARP (p < 0.01). The operative time, positive surgical margin rate and recurrence free survival, within two years, was comparable between the two surgical techniques. Conclusions The transition from ORP to RARP in Iceland was safe and resulted in improved early surgical outcome. However, no conclusion can be drawn from this study regarding oncological outcome, due to short follow up and a small sample size.
Safety Evaluation of Stop Sign In-Fill Program

This paper describes a project undertaken to evaluate the safety impacts associated with the Stop Sign In-Fill (SSIF) program. The SSIF program was launched by the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (Canada) in 1998 and consists of installing stop signs alternately at every second intersection in residential neighborhoods in the Greater Vancouver Regional District. The main objective of the program is to reduce the frequency and severity of collisions and thereby reduce insurance claims costs in addition to providing a traffic-calming effect on residential neighborhoods. The evaluation included a time series analysis to investigate the effectiveness of the SSIF program on road safety performance at 380 intersections. The evaluation used comparison groups and three techniques to determine the safety impacts of the SSIF program. The first two techniques are based on the odds ratio methodology, while the third is based on the likelihood method. The results of the three techniques were consistent and showed that injury collisions were reduced 61% to 72%, while total collisions were reduced 45% to 55%. It was concluded that the installation of stop signs at uncontrolled intersections in residential neighborhoods was an effective measure for reducing both the frequency and severity of collisions in urban areas.
Occupational health and safety practices among vehicle repair artisans in an urban area in Ghana

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the extent of work-related injuries and illnesses, access to first aid, use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), fire safety measures and hand hygiene practices among vehicle repair artisans. Materials and Methods: Study respondents were 100 vehicle repair artisans comprising of 28 Auto mechanics, 20 electricians, 26 welders, 18 sprayers, and 8 automobile interior designers selected by simple random sampling. Semi-structured questionnaires, extensive field observations and key informant interviews were used to collect primary data in 2013/2014 and analyzed with Minitab version 16 in 2014. Results: Close to two-thirds (64%) of the artisans have sustained work-related injuries mostly resulting from cuts and burns. Respondents’ marital status (P = 0.014) and the type of work (P = 0.037) were found to be significantly associated with the incidence of physical injury, in contrast to their level of education (P = 0.874) and work experience (P = 0.203). Seventy-eight percent of the artisans lack training in fire safety and besides, basic firefighting equipment are non-existent in the workshops visited. Self-medication after injury (55%; N = 64) and ignorance in first aid administration (92%) are common among the artisans. Further, due to the physical exertions required by their work, most artisans (N = 57) experience musculoskeletal disorders. Use of PPE (27%) and proper hand hygiene practices (28%; N = 98) are generally ignored by the artisans posing possible health risks. Conclusions: Vehicle repair workers need to be educated on the dangers associated with their work and the best practices to be adopted to curb or forestall these risks.
Effect of nitrogen fertilization on growth, yield and ethanol production of sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L. Moench)

Field trials were carried out to test the effect of nitrogen fertilization on the growth, stalks and juice yield, sugar content and ethanol production of sweet sorghum. The experiments were carried out on winter 2013 in the Domonstration Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Khartoum, Shambat and Experimental Farm of the Soba Research Station for Reclamation of Saline and Sodic soils. The treatments comprised the addition of nitrogen fertilizer (urea) at three levels (0, 43 and 86 Kg N ha-1) and two sweet sorghum genotypes (Baladi and RSSS.11), arranged in randomized complete block design replicated 4 times. Results indicated that there were significant (P ≥ 0.05) differences between genotypes in stem diameter at Soba location, stalk height and leaves area at Shambat location, number of green leaves per plant, stalk juice and ethanol yield in both locations. With the genotype RSSS.11 generally superior over genotype Baladi. Nitrogen fertilization increased significantly (P ≥ 0.05) number of green leaves per plant and leaves area at Shambat location and plant height and juice and ethanol yield in both locations. With the Soba location recorded the highest values over Shambat location and 86 kg N ha-1 recorded the highest ethanol yield (255.6l h-1).
A Computer Analysis of Wind Turbine Blade Dynamic Loads

The flapping motion of a single wind turbine rotor blade has been analyzed and equations describing the flapping motion have been developed. The analysis was constrained to allow only flapping motions for a cantilevered blade, and the equations of motion are linearized. A computer code, called FLAP (Force and Loads Analysis Program), to solve the equations of motion and compute the blade loads, has been completed and compared to measured loads for a 3-bladed downwind turbine with stiff blades. The results of the program are presented in tabulated form for equidistant points along the blade and equal azimuth angles around the rotor disk. The blade deflection, slope and velocity, flapwise shear and moment, edgewise shear and moment, blade tension, and blade torsion are given. The deterministic excitations considered in the analysis include wind shear, tower shadow, gravity, and a prescribed yaw motion.