Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PRODYN: on site evaluation

The paper deals with the on-site evaluation of the PRODYN method. The idea of PRODYN was inspired by studies on the off-line computation of a short sample time optimal control of an intersection using backward dynamic programming. From that initial point, research has been conducted since 1978 it has consisted of: finding a suboptimal optimization method to compute the controls on-line; finding the best method for coordination of intersections controllers; developing a queue estimator; and improving the traffic model used. The simulation tests realized during this research showed the interest of the method, and on site experiments were conducted in 1987 on an isolated intersection and in 1988 on a 7 intersections network. The authors present the tested algorithm and describe the implementation of a PRODYN prototype on the system of the Zone Experimentale et Laboratoire de Trafic de Toulouse (ZELT). The authors also present the evaluation of the control strategy on the isolated intersection and the network.
Impact of materials exposure on assembly workstation performance

This paper examines how the choice of materials exposure impacts workstation performance, in terms of non-value-adding work, space requirements and ergonomics. In a typical Swedish automotive setting, components are exposed in wooden pallets with frames beside the assembly line and supplied by forklift truck. In a case study, three workstations on an assembly line were studied and redesigned following the principles of lean production, using smaller plastic containers for the materials exposure. After the redesign, the space required for materials was reduced by 67%, non-value-adding work decreased by 20%, and walking distance was reduced by 52%. Furthermore, the ergonomics for the assembly operator improved greatly, with a 92% reduction of potentially harmful picking activities, thereby almost eliminating potentially harmful body movements. The theoretical contribution of this paper is firstly the development of an analysis model describing the impact of material exposure on workstation performance and secondly development of the existing categorisation of work operations to include different materials handling activities. The most important managerial implication is an increased understanding of the relationship between space, ergonomics, non-value-adding work and materials exposure. These findings have direct implications on workstation design in industry.
Emerging Multimorbidity Patterns and Its Linkages With Selected Health Outcomes Among Working-Agegroup Population: Findings From Odisha, India

The study utilized data on 2912 individuals in the age-group 15-64 years collected under the burden of diseases study among patients attending public health care settings of Odisha, India. The findings suggested that 2.4% of the individuals in the working age-group were affected with multimorbidity. We utilized a latent class analysis (LCA) to identify commonly occurring disease clusters. Based on the LCA model fits, i.e., lowest AIC and BIC values, two latent disease classes were identified. These classes were named low co-morbidity and Hypertension-Diabetes-Arthritis; based on the item responseprobabilities. Binary logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity, educationlevel, marital status, socio-economic status, residence, and health insurance, highlighted thatage, belonging to a non-aboriginal ethnicity and urban area increased the risk of being in the‘Hypertension-Diabetes-Arthritis’group compared to ‘low-comorbidity’ group. Furthermore, 50% of the individual in the ‘Hypertension-Diabetes-Arthritis’ group reportedpoor quality of life, whereas 30% reported poor self-rated health (SRH) compared to only11% reporting poor SRH in the ‘low-comorbidity’ group. Additionally, the mean healthscore reported by the individuals in the ‘Hypertension-Diabetes-Arthritis’ group was 39.9(scale 0-100) compared to 46.9 by their counterparts.
An Empirical Research on the Impacts of organisational decisions’ locus, tasks structure rules, knowledge, and IT function’s value on ERP system success

This research examined the impacts of organisational decisions’ locus, tasks structure, rules and procedures, organisational actors’ information technology (IT) skills/knowledge and IT department’s or function’s value perceptions on enterprise resource planning (ERP) system success. While such antecedent factors matter in the discourse, research on their impacts on ERP success is rare. To increase understanding in the area, we proposed a research model and developed pertinent hypotheses that included the above-mentioned factors. Using a cross-sectional field survey, we collected data from 165 firms in three European countries. Data analysis was performed using the partial least squares (PLS) technique. Statistical support was found for 11 out of the 17 hypotheses formulated. Organisational design constructs, i.e. tasks structure, rules and procedures, in-house IT personnel skills/knowledge have impacts on ERP success, whereas the perceptions of IT function’s value and business employees’ IT skills/knowledge did not. Contributions and practical implications of the research are discussed.
Measuring Information Frictions: Evidence from Capital Markets∗

We study the importance of information frictions in asset markets. We develop a methodology to identify the extent of information frictions based on a broad class of models of trade in asset markets, which predict that these frictions affect the relationship between listed prices and selling probabilities. We apply our methodology to physical capital markets data, using a unique dataset on a panel of nonresidential structures listed for trade. We show that the patterns of prices and duration are consistent with the presence of asymmetric information. On the one hand, capital units that are more expensive because of their observable characteristics tend to have lower duration, as predicted by models of trading under a full information model. On the other hand, capital units that are expensive beyond their observable characteristics tend to have a longer duration, as predicted by models of trading under asymmetric information. Combining model and data, we estimate that asymmetric information can explain 21% of the +30% dispersion in price differences of units with similar observed characteristics. We quantify the effects of information frictions on allocations, prices, and liquidity, and show that the estimated degree of information frictions can to lead to 15% lower output due to low trading probabilities of high-quality capital.
Effect of Music on Performance in Human-Computer Interface

The effect of music at two levels (60–65 dB and 80–85 dB), vs. no music (silent), on the performance of 40 subjects engaged in a data processing task was studied. It was found that, while the music did not disturb the overall accuracy of the task output, it increased the subjects' speed in data processing and overall productivity. The subjects showed a favorable attitude toward music being introduced at workstations.
Investigation of a MEMS piezoelectric energy harvester system with a frequency-widened-bandwidth mechanism introduced by mechanical stoppers

This paper presents the design, microfabrication, modeling and characterization of a piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) system with a wide operating bandwidth introduced by mechanical stoppers. The wideband frequency responses of the PEH system with stoppers on one side and two sides are investigated thoroughly. The experimental results show that the operating bandwidth is broadened to 18 Hz (30–48 Hz) and the corresponding optimal power ranges from 34 to 100 nW at the base acceleration of 0.6g and under top- and bottom-stopper distances of 0.75 mm and 1.1 mm, respectively. By adjusting the mechanical stopper distance, the output power and frequency bandwidth can be optimized accordingly.
Handling stability improvement through robust active front steering and active differential control

The design of the integrated active front steering and active differential control for handling improvement of road vehicles is undertaken. The controller design algorithm is based on the solution of a set of linear matrix inequalities that guarantee robustness against a number of vehicle parameters such as speed, cornering and braking stiffnesses. Vehicle plane dynamics are first expressed in the generic linear parameter-varying form, where the above-stated parameters are treated as interval uncertainties. Then, static-state feedback controllers ensuring robust performance against changing road conditions are designed. In a first series of simulations, the performance of the integrated controller is evaluated for a fishhook manoeuvre for different values of road adhesion coefficient. Then, the controller is tested for an emergency braking manoeuvre executed on a split-μ road. In all cases, it is shown that static-state feedback controllers designed by the proposed method can achieve remarkable road handling performance compared with uncontrolled vehicles.
PILOT RATING TECHNIQUES FOR THE ESTIMATION AND EVALUATION OF HANDLING QUALITIES

Abstract : Although rating scales of varied forms have been widely used to estimate and evaluate handling qualities over the past decade, a number of deficiencies in both method and data base have been apparent. The investigation was aimed at overcoming many of these deficiencies by attempting to resolve the difficulties experienced with rating scales themselves, and by extending and adding to already existing relationships between ratings and pilot/vehicle system parameters. Rating scales have come under increasing criticism for problems such as wording ambiguity, the dual mission character of some scales, the nonuniformity in the distribution of descriptors across the scale, and the misuse of scales which has occurred when ratings have been averaged. Psychometric methods provide an approach to these problems, and were used to scale several phrases descriptive of vehicle handling qualities. Thus, quantitative characteristics were derived for contemporary scales through the use of the Method of Successive Intervals. An experiment was conducted which added to available data relating Cooper ratings and pilot/vehicle parameters, and which also tested some potential alternate scale candidates. The correlation results indicate that ratings are probably based on performance and the degree of difficulty experienced in maintaining the performance. The difficulty is most easily represented by the pilot equalization required and the vehicle stick characteristics.
Advanced inelastic static (pushover) analysis for earthquake applications

Whereas the potential of static inelastic analysis methods is recognised in earthquake design and assessment, especially in contrast with elastic analysis under scaled forces, they have inherent shortcomings. In this paper, critical issues in the application of inelastic static (pushover) analysis are discussed and their effect on the obtained results appraised. Areas of possible developments that would render the method more applicable to the prediction of dynamic response are explored. New developments towards a fully adaptive pushover method accounting for spread of inelasticity, geometric nonlinearity, full multi-modal, spectral amplification and period elongation, within a framework of fibre modelling of materials, are discussed and preliminary results are given. These developments lead to static analysis results that are closer than ever to inelastic time-history analysis. It is concluded that there is great scope for improvements of this simple and powerful technique that would increase confidence in its employment as the primary tool for seismic analysis in practice.
Scientific Communities in the Developing World

A solution to get the problem off, have you found it? Really? What kind of solution do you resolve the problem? From what sources? Well, there are so many questions that we utter every day. No matter how you will get the solution, it will mean better. You can take the reference from some books. And the scientific communities in the developing world is one book that we really recommend you to read, to get more solutions in solving this problem.
Osmopriming, antioxidative action, and thermal stress in sunflower seeds with different vigor levels

The osmopriming technique can reduce the period between sowing and the emergence of seedlings in the field, as well as favor seed performance under stress conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of osmopriming on the physiological performance and antioxidative enzymatic activity of sunflower seeds with different vigor levels and exposed to thermal stress. Three sunflower seed lots of the cultivar Hélio 250 were used. Initially, the seeds were evaluated by germination and vigor tests to characterize the lots. Subsequently, they were primed in a polyethylene glycol 6000 solution at -2.0 MPa and 15 °C for 8 h. Then, the primed and unprimed seeds were tested for physiological quality (germination, first germination count, percentage and emergence speed index of seedlings, and seedling dry matter) and determination of the activity of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and peroxidase (POX) under three temperatures: 15 °C (sub-optimal), 25 °C (optimal), and 35 °C (supra-optimal). The physiological tests allowed classifying lots 1, 2, and 3 into three different vigor levels, i.e., high, medium, and low, respectively. Osmopriming favored the performance of sunflower seeds in terms of germination and vigor at all the analyzed temperatures. This effect was more pronounced in lots of lower physiological quality at sub-optimal and supra-optimal temperatures. Sub-and supra-optimal temperatures led to a reduction in the physiological performance of seeds, mainly in less vigorous lots. In general, osmopriming favored an increase in the activity of the enzymes SOD, CAT, POX, and APX, mainly in low vigor seeds exposed to sub and supra-optimal temperatures. Osmopriming of sunflower seeds in PEG 6000 at -2.0 MPa for 8 hours is efficient to improve the performance of less vigorous lots under stress due to the sub- and supra-optimal temperatures, favoring an increase in the activity of enzymes of the antioxidative system.
Model-matching control applied to longitudinal and lateral automated driving

Although there has been substantial research on longitudinal and lateral controllers for an automated driving system, stability issues with respect to the effect of uncertainties due to parameter variations (e.g. in the vehicle mass and the cornering stiffness) and disturbances or perturbations to the vehicle system (e.g. in the road gradient and the wind) still need to be addressed. Thus, an automated driving system needs to be made robust to those influences. For this purpose, the model-matching control applied to longitudinal and lateral automated driving is investigated by vehicle dynamics simulation. The design of the model-matching controller is obtained by using the characteristics of a two-degree-of-freedom controller. It can make various characteristics of automated driving vehicles equivalent to a specific transfer function, which is suggested as the reference model. The vehicle dynamics models including the model-matching controller are constructed for computer simulation. Then, simple examples of open-loop simulation and closed-loop simulation are solved to check the robustness of the model-matching controller. As a practical example, an automated driving system is adopted. It is proved that the model-matching control is effective and adequate for uncertainties due to parameter variation and disturbances or perturbations to the vehicle system, which are shown in the responses of the changes in the vehicle mass, the road gradient and the cornering stiffness.
Novel photonic crystal waveguide in microwave printed‐circuit technology

In this Letter a novel type of waveguide based on a photonic crystal and implemented in microwave printed‐circuit technology is proposed. The novel waveguide is obtained by introducing a line defect in a 2D photonic crystal placed inside a parallel‐plate waveguide. The resulting structure supports guided modes that propagate along the line defect. Simulation and measurement results confirming the existence of a low‐loss waveguiding band are presented. The novel type of planar waveguide has a quasi‐TEM fundamental mode and is compatible with the widely employed microstrip technology, but because of its unique configuration it does not suffer from some problems common to planar technologies like radiation losses or surface‐wave mode excitation. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 34: 462–466, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10496
Industrial Assessment Center Program Impact Evaluation

This report presents the results of an evaluation of the U.S. Department of Energy's Industrial Assessment Center (IAC) Program. The purpose of this program is to conduct energy, waste, and productivity assessments for small to medium-sized industrial firms. Assessments are conducted by 30 university-based industrial assessment centers. The purpose of this project was to evaluate energy and cost savings attributable to the assessments, the trained alumni, and the Websites sponsored by this program. How IAC assessments, alumni, and Web-based information may influence industrial energy efficiency decision making was also studied. It is concluded that appreciable energy and cost savings may be attributed to the IAC Program and that the IAC Program has resulted in more active and improved energy-efficiency decision making by industrial firms.
Evolutionary Techniques for Reverse Auctions

Winner determination is one of the main challenges in combinatorial auctions. However, not much work has been done to solve this problem in the case of reverse auctions using evolutionary techniques. This has motivated us to propose an improvement of a genetic algorithm based method, we have previously proposed, to address two important issues in the context of combinatorial reverse auctions: determining the winner(s) in a reasonable processing time, and reducing the procurement cost. In order to evaluate the performance of our proposed method in practice, we conduct several experiments on combinatorial reverse auctions instances. The results we report in this paper clearly demonstrate the efficiency of our new method in terms of processing time and procurement cost.
The Use of Untreated Waste Cooking Oil and Diesel Fuel Blends as IC Engine Fuels

In the present experimental investigation, untreated waste cooking oil (UWCO) was used as an alternative fuel for a diesel engine. The high viscosity of the UWCO was reduced by blending with ordinary diesel. The blends of varying proportions of UWCO and diesel were prepared, analyzed and compared with diesel fuel. Measurements of chemical and physical properties have indicated a good potential of using UWCO as an alternative diesel engine fuel. The results showed that blends containing 5 to 40% of UWCO in diesel yielded the properties closely matching that of diesel. The performance of the engine using blends of UWCO was evaluated in a four cylinder diesel engine and compared with the performance obtained with diesel. Significant improvement in the engine performance was observed. The results showed that the addition of 30% UWCO with diesel produced higher brake power with a reduction in exhaust emission such as CO2 and NOx. The specific fuel consumption and the exhaust temperature were increased due to decrease in viscosity of the UWCO. Acceptable thermal efficiencies of the engine were obtained with blends containing up to 30% volume of UWCO. From the properties and engine test result, it has been established that 10-30% of UWCO can be substituted for diesel without any engine modification.
Modified CCF Based Shunt Active Power Filter Operation With Dead-Band Elimination for Effective Harmonic and Unbalance Compensation in 3-Phase 3-Wire System

The effect of reduction in the terminal voltage of a grid-tied inverter together with minimization in total harmonic distortion (THD) of terminal voltage and current, in the presence of dead-band in the switching remains always challenging for the researchers. With high switching frequency, this issue increases by many folds. The grid-tied inverter used for harmonic compensation acts as a shunt active power filter (SAPF). The implementation of the dead-band elimination technique is based on output current polarity detection, suffers from multiple zero-crossing due to the generation of high frequency switching harmonics during SAPF operation. This paper deals with a dead band elimination methodology together with harmonic compensation using SAPF under non-linear and unbalanced loading conditions. Here, SAPF uses a dual fundamental component extraction (DFCE) scheme with modified complex coefficient filter (MCCF) to extract fundamental components for reference current generation to implement an indirect current control PWM scheme. MCCF extracts fundamental components even in the presence of dc offset and unbalancing at the input. For incorporating dead-band elimination in control, exact polarity detection is done separately through SAPF output current estimation using sensed load current, and modified CCF computed reference source current. Since the estimated SAPF output current contains no high-frequency switching harmonics, the dead-band elimination technique can be correctly implemented. To synchronize the zero-crossing of the estimated and actual SAPF current, an adaptive delay control is used. The proposed MCCF based control logic’s performance together with the dead-band elimination technique is validated for SAPF operating under non-linear, unbalance, and dynamic load conditions. The proposed dead-band elimination scheme based SAPF model is developed and simulated using MATLAB/ SIMULINK. The simulation results show a significant reduction in source current harmonics due to the elimination of odd harmonic injection into the system by incorporating dead-band elimination in SAPF operation. The real-time simulation of the proposed method is also validated using OPAL-RT OP4510 real-time platform.
Developmental Toxicology Evaluation of 60-Hz Horizontal Magnetic Fields in Rats

Abstract Epidemiological and laboratory studies have indicated various biological effects resulting from exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields. The possibility of early embryonic loss and fetal malformations arising from such exposures required investigation. A replicate study, using large numbers of animals, was conducted to determine if 60-Hz magnetic fields would produce developmental toxicity in rats. Systems used previously for electric field exposures were retrofitted to provide magnetic field exposures to small laboratory animals. Large coils, separated from the rat cages, were energized by computer-controlled function generators providing a relatively pure, 1000-μT, 60-Hz, horizontal magnetic field for the high exposure group. Leakage fields to a second system provided a second exposure group with average exposures of 0.61 μT. Ambient fields within a third (control) system were 0.09 μT. Field intensities utilized in this study represent a range of exposures encountered by humans; how.