Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Environmental implications of upland run-of-river hydro schemes

The UK Government is committed to providing 10% of the country's electricity supplies from renewable energy sources by the year 2010, and has set a target of 20% by 2020. The steps by which these goals could be achieved will clarify their planning implications and hence prospect of being realised. Hydroelectric power brought electricity to many world communities for the first time and some still depend heavily upon it. Most others, like those in the UK, long ago had to look elsewhere for supplies as demand outstripped the potential of this source. The World Bank is now exploring the prospects for adding significantly to the capacity of hydroelectric power in countries with unexploited resources. Renewed interest in hydroelectric power comes as a direct result of international concern about the effects on the environment of burning fossil fuels. However, not all hydroelectric projects have been blemish-free. The purpose of this paper is to review this aspect of the hydroelectric industry as it relates to u.
Activity-Based Throughput Management in a manufacturing company

This paper presents an Activity-Based Throughput Management (ABTM) framework that is based on the premise that attaining the goal of making money through activity analysis must be the main focus of manufacturing businesses. The proposed framework integrates the basic concepts of evolving management philosophies of Activity-Based Management and the Theory of Constraints into a cohesive model. The paper explains the concepts and conventions related to building a visual- (i.e. a process map) and spreadsheet-based ABTM model and thereby provides an operational decision-making framework for manufacturing managers in the modern manufacturing environment. The usefulness of the framework and its underlying model are then demonstrated by developing a number of product and process improvement scenarios, e.g. focused quality improvement, cycle time management, technological investment justification, and optimal product mix.
Droplet Size Distribution and Water Application with Low-Pressure Sprinklers

ABSTRACT SPRINKLERS with circular and noncircular, low-pressure, nozzles were tested in order to determine droplet diameters and water application uniformity. Volume weighted mean droplet diameter was greater for noncircular nozzles at a given distance from the sprinkler, but the maximum droplet diameter was greater for circular nozzles near the perimeter of the wetted pattern. This was possible because wetted diameter was greater for circular nozzles. Although droplet size is inversely related to jet velocity for circular and noncircular nozzles, the relations are not identical and the mechanism of droplet formation from noncircular nozzles should be further investigated. The soil damage hazard from large droplets is further compounded in the case of circular nozzles at low pressures due to high application rates near the perimeter. Added equipment cost, associated with retrofitting existing medium or high pressure sprinkler systems, should be offset by energy savings. Equipment cost is greater because sprinkler spacing generally decreases when low-pressure sprinklers are used.
Freight Generation Models

This paper conducts a comparative analysis of two alternative approaches to freight generation modeling: ordinary least square (OLS) and cross classification. OLS models were estimated to identify a functional relationship between the number of freight deliveries per day and a set of company attributes used as independent variables. Cross-classification techniques aim at identifying a classification structure that provides a good representation of the freight generation process. To that effect, multiple classification analysis was used to identify groups of independent variables explaining freight generation, which provided the basis for constructing cross-classification tables. In both cases freight generation is explained as a function of company attributes. The model estimation process used data obtained from commercial establishments located in Manhattan and Brooklyn, New York. More than 190 different variables were tested as predictors for the number of deliveries received or carried per day. Six linear regression models found to be statistically significant and conceptually valid are discussed. Establishment attributes such as industry segment, commodity type, facility type, total sales, and number of employees were found to be statistically significant. The OLS models indicated that industry segment and commodity type are strong predictors of freight generation. It was also noticed that many of these variables played a significant role when interacting with economic variables such as total sales or employment. Twelve different groups of independent variables predicting freight generation were found to be significant as part of the cross-classification models. Results indicate that as in the case of regression models, commodity type, industry segment, and employment are strong predictors for freight generation.
Selecting Appropriate Project Delivery System: Fuzzy Approach with Risk Analysis

The selection of an appropriate project delivery system that suits all project and owner needs is one of the key decisions to a successful project. Therefore, this decision should be made based on thorough analysis. In this paper, a fuzzy multiattribute decision-making (FMADM) model is developed. The model accounts for uncertainties and imprecision in the decision space as well as fuzziness in the nature of the decision attributes. The model utilizes fuzzy decision-making approach in order to evaluate the membership function corresponding to the utility of each project delivery alternative. Project delivery system alternatives are ranked using fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) method based on their utility membership functions and by evaluating the distance of each project delivery alternative from fuzzy ideal solutions. In the TOPSIS method, alternatives are ranked based on their closeness coefficient (CC). In addition, the risk attitude of the decision maker is considered in the model by using derived utility membership functions corresponding to the risk attitude of the decision maker. The model is applied to a petrochemical project as a case study. In the case study, the model outcome that ranked Turnkey system as the best system conforms to the lessons learned by the decision maker from several past projects. Moreover, sensitivity analysis is done in the case study. The results show the significant value of the FMADM model for selecting appropriate project delivery system for projects.
A Schedule-Performance Approach for Level-of-Effort Tasks

Abstract: Earned Value Management (EVM) includes several types of effort used to define work or tasks. Often in engineering and management, Level of Effort (LOE) is primarily used. The current problem is that LOE's schedule-performance measure contributes to program performance inaccuracies. In this article, a new model is presented based on an action database of two program cases. The results provide a new quantitative model that is more precise for LOE tasks. Using the new model, managers can benefit with a more accurate schedule-performance measure for planning, executing, and reporting. These benefits provide management decision makers with earlier indications of program shortfalls.
Retailer Inventory Sharing in Two-Tier Supply Chains: An Experimental Investigation

When multiple retailers hold inventory to satisfy random demand, retailer inventory-sharing strategies can potentially reduce the supply-demand mismatch and increase overall supply chain performance. In this paper, we experimentally investigate alternative inventory-sharing strategies in a two-tier supply chain with an upstream manufacturer and two downstream retailers. In one setting, retailers act as if they are centralized and use a single quantity to fulfill joint demand. In the other, retailers are decentralized and face separate demands, but they can transfer inventory after demands are realized. In this latter decentralized scenario, we also consider whether the manufacturer or retailers have decision authority over the inventory transfer price. One key result is that when the retailers are decentralized and the manufacturer sets the transfer price, both retailers and the manufacturer earn higher profits than in the centralized retailer strategy, which runs counter to theory. We also find that when retailers are decentralized and set their own transfer price, the most equitable distribution of profits is achieved. In an effort to account for these results, we find that a model of fairness captures decisions well. Overall, by investigating how different inventory-sharing strategies affect the distribution of profits in a two-tier supply chain, our results provide guidance to firms considering how, if at all, they should enter such arrangements. This paper was accepted by Jay Swaminathan, operations management.
Active emotions and personal growth initiative fuel employees’ daily job crafting: A multilevel study

In this study, we expand on the existing work on job crafting by focusing on (1) within-person fluctuation in affective experiences in relation to job crafting and person-job fit and (2) between-person fluctuations in personal growth initiative (PGI) as an important boundary condition of these relationships. Using multilevel data from 116 employees (341 observations), our results showed that fluctuations in positive active emotions (PAE) and negative active emotions (NAE) related positively to daily job crafting; this relationship was moderated by overall PGI levels. Next, we found a positive association between daily job crafting and daily person-job fit. Finally, we found indirect effects from NAE and PGI to daily fluctuations in person-job fit via daily fluctuations in job crafting; NAE and PGI energized employees to engage in daily job crafting, which contributed to their daily person-job alignment. We discuss implications for theory and practice. JEL CLASSIFICATION: M0
EVALUATING GPFARM CROP GROWTH, SOIL WATER, AND SOIL NITROGEN COMPONENTS FOR COLORADO DRYLAND LOCATIONS

Alternative agricultural management systems in the semi-arid Great Plains are receiving increasing attention. GPFARM is a farm/ranch decision support system (DSS) designed to assist in strategic management planning for land units from the field to the whole-farm level. This study evaluated the regional applicability and efficacy of GPFARM based on simulation model performance for dry mass grain yield, total soil profile water content, crop residue, and total soil profile residual NO3-N across a range of dryland no-till experimental sites in eastern Colorado. Field data were collected from 1987 through 1999 from an on-going, long-term experiment at three locations in eastern Colorado along a gradient of low (Sterling), medium (Stratton), and high (Walsh) potential evapotranspiration. Simulated crop alternatives were winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), corn (Zea mays L.), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.), and fallow. Relative error (RE) of simulated mean, root mean square error (RMSE), and index of agreement (d) model evaluation statistics were calculated to compare modeled results to measured data. A one-way, fixed-effect ANOVA was also performed to determine differences among experimental locations. GPFARM simulated versus observed REs ranged from -3% to 35% for crop yield, 6% to 8% for total soil profile water content, -4% to 32% for crop residue, and -7% to -25% for total soil profile residual NO3-N. For trend analysis (magnitudes and location differences), GPFARM simulations generally agreed with observed trends and showed that the model was able to simulate location differences for the majority of model output responses. GPFARM appears to be adequate for use in strategic planning of alternative cropping systems across eastern Colorado dryland locations; however, further improvements in the crop growth and environmental components of the simulation model (including improved parameterization) would improve its applicability for short-term tactical planning scenarios.
Rigid-Body-Spring Network with Visco-Plastic Damage Model for Simulating Rate Dependent Fracture of RC Structures

The mechanical properties of concrete materials vary with the loading rate underdynamic conditions, which can inﬂuence the dynamic fracture behavior of structures. The ratedependency is reported as due to the microscopic mechanisms, such as a material inertia eﬀectand the Stefan eﬀect. In this study, the rigid-body-spring network (RBSN) is employed forthe fracture analysis, and the visco-plastic damage model is implemented to represent the rateeﬀect in this macroscopic simulation framework. The parameters in the Perzyna type visco-plastic formulation are adjusted through the direct tensile test with various loading rates asa preliminary calibration. As the loading rate increases, the strength increase is presented interms of the dynamic increase factor (DIF), and compared with the experimental and empiricalresults. Next, the ﬂexural beam test is conducted for plain and reinforced concrete beams underslow and impact rates of loading. At the failure stage, diﬀerent crack patterns are observeddepending on the loading rate. The impact loading induces the failure to be more localizedon the compressive zone of the beam, which is due to rather the rate dependent materialfeatures. In structural aspects, the reinforcement exerts stronger eﬀects on reducing crack widthand improving ductility at the slow loading rate. The ductility is also evaluated through thecomparison of load-deformation curves until the ﬁnal rupture of the beams. This study canprovide understandings of the structural rate dependent behavior and the reinforcing eﬀectunder dynamic loadings.
Considerations of the Padé approximant technique in the synthesis of recursive digital filters

The Pade approximant technique provides a quick design of recursive digital filters. An added advantage of the technique lies in that spectrum shaping requirements as well as linear phase constraints can be handled easily, even for higher order filters. This is important in supplying initial guesses of the filter parameters to iterative routines that would then seek a locally optimal design solution. These advantages are among those discussed in a partly tutorial presentation of the technique that relates to filter needs found in data transmission systems. In addition, the question of stability is treated and a new criterion is presented. The criterion provides sufficient conditions in establishing stability for a filter designed by using the Pade approximant technique.
ECONOMIC PRINCIPLES OF CONTRACTOR COMPENSATION

The Construction Industry Institute (CII) has formed the Contractor Compensation Research Team, charged with identification of innovative compensation methods that can dramatically improve engineering and construction contractors’ performance relative to facility owners’ objectives. Research methodology has included a review of relevant literature in construction engineering and economics, a survey of owners and contractors to identify innovative compensation mechanisms in use, and structured interviews of project teams to explore contract terms and their impact on performance. The literature review was undertaken early to provide a framework for the research and to illuminate underlying economic principles that could point to innovative contracting solutions. Based on that review, this paper presents economic theory pertaining to engineering and construction contracting, using for illustration the experiences of actual project teams. Principles for design of contractor compensation, as suggested by economic theory, are illustrated with engineering and construction contracts observed by the research team.
Multiband properties of a fractal tree antenna generated by electrochemical deposition

Experimental results on a fractal tree-like antenna are reported. The fractal structure is generated by electrochemical deposition. The antenna presents a multiband behaviour with a denser band distribution than the previously reported Sierpinski fractal antenna. The matched frequencies are related to the length distribution over the fractal shape.
New Correlation to Estimate Global Solar Radiation on Horizontal Surfaces Using Sunshine Hour and Temperature Data for Indian Sites

Solar radiation data, a prerequisite for the designing and sizing of solar energy systems, are not available in many Indian locations. However, the sunshine hour or temperature data are available for most sites from which solar radiation can be computed. New correlation models have been developed; incorporating the latitude and altitude of a site to estimate the monthly average global solar radiation on horizontal surfaces using the sunshine hour and temperature data. The models are used for computing values of six Indian stations with different geographical locations, based on 10-15 years of data. The estimated values are found to be in close agreement with their measured values. The estimated data are also compared with the results using other models to test the accuracy of new models. It has been shown that the estimated values of global radiation using temperature data are also sufficiently accurate and can be utilized for sites for which even sunshine hour data are not measured. This will lead to better inputs for designing and evaluating the performance of solar energy systems including passive solar buildings.
Multi-Objective Wind Farm Layout Optimization Considering Energy Generation and Noise Propagation With NSGA-II

Recently, the environmental impact of wind farms has been receiving increasing attention. As land is more extensively exploited for onshore wind farms, they are more likely to be in proximity with human dwellings, increasing the likelihood of a negative health impact. Noise generation and propagation remain an important concern for wind farm's stakeholders, as compliance with mandatory noise limits is an integral part of the permitting process. In contrast to previous work that included noise only as a design constraint, this work presents continuous-location models for layout optimization that take noise and energy as objective functions, in order to fully characterize the design and performance spaces of the wind farm layout optimization (WFLOP) problem. Based on Jensen's wake model and ISO-9613-2 noise calculations, single- and multi-objective genetic algorithms (GAs) are used to solve the optimization problem. Results from this bi-objective optimization model illustrate the trade-off between energy generation and noise production by identifying several key parts of Pareto frontiers. In particular, it was observed that different regions of a Pareto front correspond to markedly different turbine layouts. The implications of noise regulation policy—in terms of the actual noise limit—on the design of wind farms are discussed, particularly in relation to the entire spectrum of design options.
Thermoelectric films prepared by pulsed laser deposition

Thermoelectric thin films have been prepared by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) from a Nd:YAG laser. Materials include bismuth (Bi), bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3), and lead telluride (PbTe). The influence of various deposition parameters (substrate temperature, substrate nature, .) On the achievement of high quality stoichiometric films is discussed. Results of transport property measurements (electrical resistivity, thermoelectric power, Hall coefficient) are attempted to be correlated to the film microstructure. Some particular features relevant to each materials (problems of non-congruent transfer of stoichiometry, particular thickness profiles, .) are highlighted.
Nonlinear dynamics characterization of electrostatically actuated sub-micro beam resonators

Electro-statically actuated sub-micro beam resonators, which can be used as sensors in biology or filters in wireless communications, have gotten significant attention due to their simple geometries, excellent electrical and mechanical characteristics and extensively potential applications. In this paper, we present comprehensive analysis of the nonlinearity in frequency response of sub-micro cantilevers, clamped-clamped and beam resonators which are actuated by electro-static force. The spring hardening effects and softening effects are observed in the experiment. It is found that the nonlinearity is relatively independent of the AC voltage, but is markedly enhanced by increasing of DC voltage. However, the response nonlinearity of the doubly clamped beam shows different feature from that of the cantilever. The reason is also explored in this paper. A nonlinear model is introduced to explain the nonlinearity of the frequency response. This investigation provides us an understanding of the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of sub-micro beam resonators. It is helpful for us to study the sensitivity when the beam is used in a detecting system or used to be a sensor.
An empirical study on measurement of performance through TQM in Pakistani aviation manufacturing industry

Purpose – Pakistani aviation industry is at the initial stage of its evolution and is undergoing transformation to a high-tech developed industry. However, the processes and practices in this industry are quite primitive and lack performance-measuring techniques for decision makers. The available literature in the total quality management (TQM) suggests a set of standardized factors for evaluating the performance of any organization. The purpose of this paper is to conduct a research with a view to judge the applicability of these TQM factors for measuring the performance of any aviation manufacturing organization in Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach – This research is focussed on performance evaluation of aviation manufacturing industry of Pakistan through TQM. Eight well-established dimensions of TQM frequently used by renowned researchers were used for an evaluation of the Pakistani Aviation Manufacturing Industry (PAMI), namely top management support, quality information availability, quality info.
The Impact of Scenario-based Settings on Cognitive Reading-to-write Processes

In Scenario-based assessment (SBA), a real-life scenario is created for students to do reading and writing tasks in a computer-mediated environment. It has been recognized that task authenticity will help strengthen assessment validity and task settings and characteristics will influence cognitive efforts. This study attempts to explore the underlying reading-to-write processes in an SBA setting by contrast with those in a non-SBA setting, and thereby investigate the impact of task settings on cognitive processes. Four participants were invited to complete three forms of integrated reading-writing tasks in different settings and then recall their thinking processes stimulated by screen capture recordings and their writing outcomes. The data were analyzed through parsing, encoding, and classifying. The results showed that there were differences between the processes elicited from the SBA setting and the non-SBA setting in the saliency and frequencies of some process categories, and in the ways the source texts were used. Comparatively, the processes summarized in the SBA setting were more congruent with those summarized in theoretical frameworks of integrated reading-writing processes and findings from previous studies in other contexts. The SBA setting not only encouraged a more comprehensive understanding of the multiple texts provided but also found the participants more active in making connections between new and prior ideas rather than scanning for supporting piecemeal information and patch-making. The findings affirmed the effectiveness of the authentic scenario created by computer technology, which provides insights into the constructs and validity of the assessment.